I’ve been blogging for a few years and have loved this little journey! So I figured I should write a post about it. Blogging has taught me about myself and how we can be more than just our roles. We can be more than what others expect.

This post was originally published in August 2019 it has been updated and revamped.

You can listen to this post:

Who_What_Wear_Midi_Dress

This dress is from Target Who What Wear from seasons ago. I’m wearing an XXL. I linked similar items below. This polka dot top is a more recent find also from Who What Wear. I’m wearing an XXL.

The landscape has changed, but there are still countless blogs that serve as a platform for people to voice their ideas, thoughts, and feelings. Whether your passion is business, personal finance, cooking, politics, photography, or marketing, blogging gives you the opportunity to connect and network with likeminded individuals who share the same passions.

Source: Huffpost

What is it about Blogging?

Although my close friends and family were on board, most people didn’t get the concept. The response from others usually consisted of a puzzled look and then an “oh”.

My experience has been that once you are woman over 35, there’s an expectation that you disappear… My opinion is that we are all (men too) too interesting to be defined by one facet of our life.

The Feeling Factor

The Intersection Between Style & Psychology

I have some thoughts on why that was the typical response. My experience has been that once you are woman over 35, there’s an expectation that you disappear. You get lost in the role of wife, mother, or the one associated with your career. Sure, these roles are all important. However, they can slowly eclipse your individuality as a woman. My opinion is that we are all (men too) too interesting to be defined by one facet of our life. The more we can express ourselves, I believe, the more balanced we feel.

Who_What_Wear_Polka_Dot_Dress

The Beginning of Blogging for Me

Okay, so back to the blog. My blog started out as just a place to archive my colorful work outfits. More specifically, a place that wasn’t associated with any of my roles and allowed me to be creative. Something that I could look back at in the future and reflect on who I was at the time. Here are some of my early posts:

One of my first blog posts…don’t even ask. Excuse the socks on the floor.
Stripes have been a longtime favorite! Along with random items on the floor.

Likewise, I had zero expectations. Good thing that I expected nothing as these two years exceeded any expectations I would have had. Here are some of my “take aways” after blogging:

Becoming more comfortable

Interestingly, by going out of my comfort zone to blog, I’ve become more comfortable with myself. I talk more about the benefits of blogging here. Additionally, I think taking pictures made me more aware of what works for me and what doesn’t. Like I mentioned in my post regarding how I started shopping for my shape here. I don’t go buying clothes in hopes that I will “fit in” to them after losing weight. For example, I just get the size that works for me and take it from there. Let me tell you, life is so much easier when I get dressed in the morning as a result! Blogging also introduced me to a new community.

Who_What_Wear_Polka_Dot_Dress

Dime En Español

He conocido a muchas mujeres positivas que también bloguean. Lo que más me ha encantado es que estas mujeres son de todas las edades y tipos de cuerpo. ¡Mujeres que están siendo ellas mismas!

A Community of Positive & Diverse Women

Also, I have met so many positive women through blogging. What I have loved most is that these women are of all ages and body types. Women who are showing up as they are and being seen! A love for fashion doesn’t have an age or size. Additionally, brands are taking notice of this. So good!

Working with Brands I Love

Speaking of brands, I have gotten the opportunity to work with a couple that I love! This includes going to a couple of events. You can’t beat that. I think it is important to remember that this is just a bonus. Don’t blog to just get brand deals. Blog to share your voice.

So to wrap up, blogging has taught me that, whatever it is, just get started. Your age or size really doesn’t matter. I promise you… your future self will be so happy you did.

… Because getting dressed (and living life) should feel good!

-Vivian

This post was originally published in August 2019 it has been updated and revamped.

Rather listen to this post instead of reading it? Check out Episode 03: “What Blogging Taught Me” of the Don’t Mix In  podcast. Join me as I dive into the topics on this post. Don’t Mix In can be found on Apple Podcasts and pretty much anywhere you find your podcasts! If you are into what you hear, be sure to subscribe and leave me a review.

You can always find me on Instagram @livbyviv

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44 Comments

  1. Good on you girlfriend! Life is too short to worry about what others want you to wear. Finding your mojo at any age is so positive, and your style is part of that.

    2. Yassss….I enjoy fashion too! You are wearing that dress. Runway fabulous, the style & print compliment you well. Very well written 💕💜💕

      InHisCare
      Yonnie

  2. Wow, you took the words out of my mouth! I just started blogging and am feeling all of this discomfort and introspection, like whyyy am I doing this? But I figured, what do I have to lose from starting now? I sure wish I had started years ago when I first wanted to start. I hope I am still at it two years from now. Congratulations on the milestone by the way 🙂


  4. Just read one of your blogs/posts . . . To get more comfortable with yourself and how very true this is.

    1. Thanks for reading my post! Yes, getting more comfortable with myself has been one of the unexpected positive outcomes of blogging.

  6. I could totally relate, I do get reply like that from others since they don’t really get what blogging is and it makes me concious even more that I totally hide my blog from my family and friends lol. I’m just starting out blogging and finding to be comfortable and grasp what is blogging like and I’m just happy that I’ve read your blog and it motivates me to blog more. I also love your style and that dress totally suits you <3

    1. First, thanks so much for reading my post and your positive words! Yeah, most people really don’t get blogging. It took me some time to let more people know I was doing it. That goes away in time and you will enjoy it more and more. Shine on and happy blogging! ✨

    2. I think as we get older, quite a few of us are finding ourselves in this situation & certainly can relate when we are here.

  7. You look absolutely gorgeous in that dress! This is very inspiring; I’ve been trying to learn to reduce clothing waste, and I really do think shopping with your body today in mind is the key.

    1. Hey there, Thanks for the encouraging words! Yes, I think being more mindful of your shape helps when shopping. Thanks so much 😉✨!

  9. Vivian, great, fun read! I just started a blog and I’m getting my feet wet. I enjoyed your post. Thank you.

  10. Inspirational! I want to share myself with the world without worrying about everyone else’s opinions. I love how you shine from within and showcase your light with fashion! <3

  12. I’ve been blogging for two years and I can tell you this: I’m still not comfortable with the “blogger” nomenclature. I take blogging one step at a time (which could translate as laxity), but with each attempt at making a post, I realise my uttermost joy is seeing folks resonate with your thoughts, knowing that you’re not some alien on this planet. That, and seeing the transformation my words cause in lives, inspire me.

    1. I completely agree with blogging at your own pace! That’s what I do. Otherwise it can become stressful and a chore. I too enjoy how folks have connected with this post! I wholeheartedly believe that in the end, people just want to feel seen and heard. Words matter, right? Anyway, thanks for stopping by my blog!



  16. This is great, Vivian! I’m so glad I stumbled across your blog and I cannot wait to read more. It’s exciting to read posts like this, seeing as I’ve just begun this blog.

    1. First, thanks a bunch for stopping by! Second, enjoy your blogging journey. My advice is to be open to trying new things that you can blog about. You never know, you may end up surprising yourself!


  18. Hi Vivian. I found your blog via WordPress Reader Discover feature. I have very little in common with you that I know of but I love the way you write and your photos are stunning. I am much older than you and have virtually no curves to speak of so that took me a long time to get comfortable with too. Thanks for your wonderful attitude!

    1. Hello Sharon! Oh thanks so much for reading my post and your kind words. I love that you are now comfortable with yourself too! There’s nothing like that feeling. Cheers!






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