Lessons Learned after 500 Blog Posts!
I mentioned this in a post last week, but you guys–I’ve somehow managed to write 500 blog posts!! FIVE HUNDRED. How crazy is that?! When I started blogging back in late 2015 I never would have imagined in a million, trillion years that I would make it this long. Really, I had no clue what I was doing and I didn’t know what to expect. When I got started it was very much a “let’s see what happens” kind of thing. And now to still be here, 500 post later is just CRAZY! So today I thought it would be fun to reflect a little on this journey and share a few of the lessons I’ve learned over these past 500 posts!
I’ve said it from the very beginning, but the blog is truly my happy place. To be totally honest, I sometimes have a bit of a love/hate relationship with social media. It’s a big part of what I do, but there are many times that I feel frustrated or worn out from “keeping up”. But this little blog is so different. I feel safe here. Happy here. Inspired here. I feel like this space is truly a gift from God and every day I am so GRATEFUL that I have this blog in my life and all of you that come here every single day to read my posts.
As I think about the journey I’ve been on over these last 500 posts, I can’t help but think about how I’ve poured so much of my heart and soul into this space. I published my very first blog post in December 2015 and since then I haven’t gone a week without posting. (Well, other than when little AP was born!) But aside from that small break, I have consistently shown up here every.single.week. There was even a stretch there where I was blogging five days a week! I’ve put a lot of time and dedication into it and in return this blog has given back in more ways than one. Not only do I cherish the community I have here with all of you, but it’s also given me purpose outside of being a stay at home mom. And even though I’m always mom first, I’m so happy to have this in my life!
5 LIFE LESSONS I LEARNED FROM 500 BLOG POSTS
- Success is a marathon not a sprint. Blogging has taught me that nothing great happens over night. All success in life takes a lot of time, commitment, and heart. Blogging has definitely taught me patience!
- Done is better than perfect. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve had to remind myself of that lesson throughout these past 500 posts. So many times I had to push publish on a post that wasn’t quite perfect in my opinion (maybe the photos could have been better or I second guessed my idea) but I did it anyway because perfection stifles progress.
- Comfort Zones Are Lame. This blog and the experiences it has brought my way have pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I never thought possible. There are soooo many times I’ve had to put my big girl panties on and get over whatever anxiety or fear was holding me back. And you know what? I always grew from it and never regretted pushing myself out of those comfort zones.
- Do What You Love. So many times in life we get caught up in what we “should” be doing and we keep ourselves from pursuing what we love for fear of what people will think or our own limiting thoughts. But blogging has taught me to really push past that fear and chase after what I love. Life goes too fast to do anything else.
- Create Your Own Path. I started this blog to share our fixer upper journey, but over time it has slowly evolved to become more than just a blog about home decor and DIY. At first I was really nervous to stray from what I thought was expected of me as a “home blogger”. But now I chat about everything from skincare to clothes to even a few recipes here and there. I LOVE mixing it up and sharing new things I enjoy. And I think giving myself the freedom to adapt and create my own path is what keeps me excited about blogging.
I honestly can’t even put into words what your support has meant to me over these last 500 posts. Today I’m celebrating all of you–THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. Thank you for supporting what I do, especially through my rebrand last year. Thank you for leaving comments and chatting with me. Thank you for dropping by every day to see with I’m up to. Thank you for EVERYTHING. Love you looooooooong time. Here’s to 500 more! xoxo
The Comments
Tracey
Thank you so much Sara for sharing your heart ❤️ I have enjoyed your blog and this post was so welcomed today! I have wanted to start a blog for quite awhile now, and am going to take the plunge!
Susan
Sarah, I just love this post! Congratulations to you! Your words ring so true with me, as I just started a new blog in December (after a blogging sabbatical). I have to remember that it is a marathon, and I shouldn’t wait to hit ‘publish’ until everything is perfect – it never will be! 🙂
I’m so happy that your blog is a happy place and you have your family as a priority. I feel the same way. My blog is a way to share my creative side and yet put family first when push comes to shove. Thank you for your honest heart and cheerful spirit! Keep on blogging – you have a beautiful place to visit here. xoxo
Roxanna Winchester
Congratulations on 500 blog posts, I have been following you probably 2 years now and always look forward to your post. I love your style and borrowed a couple of ideas. Keep up the good work and may you have many more posts.
Dot Daigle Gallant
Congratulations on your 500th blog!!
I so look forward to reading your blog three times a week!
A cup of coffee, some quiet time, and beautiful makeovers to admire… most I read more than once, too! Life is good! Keep them coming!
Deedra
We are thankful for you being real! We all are real people and share in the same day to day challenges, and it’s nice to share that with you! Love your decorating style, skin tips, and just all of your posts frankly. Congrats on 500 and here’s wishing for 500 more.😄
Betty
> DeedraCongrats! I am a new follower of about a month and have been enjoying your ideas and inspiration. It’s great to see all your DIY ideas and everything you’ve done with your beautiful home.
Suzi
Congratulations Sarah! I enjoy reading your blog posts so much! I feel as if I know you, and that is the difference! You are not trying to be someone you’re not; it’s who you are! I hope you have an awesome day full of joy! ❤️
Latitia
Congratulations Sarah!!! Your blog inspired me to recently start my own blog journey. I’m still in the ‘infancy’ stages and so often struggle with getting past the idea that it has to be perfect before I hit ‘publish’. But I truly love how you share your heart and your passion — it is so inspirational! Keep the blogs coming and I’ll make sure and keep my coffee cup filled!!
Sarah
> Latitiaoh that’s so exciting Latitia!! Best of luck to you. And have fun with it!
Becky A Johnson
Congrats Sarah! I came upon you last year,I’ve missed alot but I do go back when I see or figure how to do it!!! lol I love what you do what you show and how you share with me…. Oh ok others too…..Your so kind ,honest and down to earth!! Love that about you and also that God has a hand in all of it! We love you to Sarah! xoxo💗🌷💗🌷💗
Sarah
> Becky A JohnsonYou are such a sweetheart Becky, thank you so much!!
Vicki
Sarah, I only follow a handful of blogs, and usually figure out pretty quickly after a few posts whether i’m interested in continuing to follow someone, but yours had me from the beginning. I think I discovered you on Pinterest (well before Ava was born) when I was searching for ideas for old doors and saw a post of your living room. Your style is very different from mine but it is so pretty and calming and I love your overall style, both decorating and just how you share! Keep up the great work and congratulations on 500 posts! You are truly an inspiration!
Sarah
> VickiOh wow Vicki, that means so much to me!! Thank you for the support, I can’t even tell you how much that means to me! Sending you big hugs. xoxo
Charlene
Thanks for sharing your journey Sarah! I am constantly entertained and inspired, truly! Congrats on this milestone.
Sarah
> CharleneThank you Charlene!!
Angela Servello
Congratulations my sweet friend. This is quite an accomplishment. Realizing your dream, going for it and accomplishing it successfully is not only self gratifying but look at all the people whose lives you have enriched. Thank you for being brave and going for it. We should be thanking you. Keep up the great work. By the way, your words of wisdom in this post were right on, you are truly becoming a wise mature woman. Lots of love, Angela 👏💕
Sarah
> Angela Servellothank YOU for all the support Angela!! It truly means so much to me. You are such a sweetheart! xo
Jill
Well done! I am looking forward to the next 500, 1000, 1500, 2000…!
Thank you for sharing.
Sarah
> Jillthank you so much Jill!
Cassie
I love reading your posts and your swing your social media posts! You give me inspiration to blog more ( I’m horrible, I Blog maybe once a month 🤦🏼♀️)! I hope someday I can write a celebratory post for 500 posts! You go girl!
Sarah
> Cassiethank you so much Cassie!
Alysha
Love your blog and all of the inspiration you bring us!
I’m almost ready to announce my “done is better than perfect” blog. This post really helped my excitement for my new journey
Sarah
> AlyshaOh how exciting, go for it Alysha!!
Mary Beth
I’m glad you have strayed to sharing other things. Right after I started following you (after seeing you in a magazine article) I watched your video instructing us how you do your eye makeup. I purchased the Dior primer, Better Than Sex Mascara and Tarte Eyeshadow pallet. I’m almost 60 years old and You’ve taught me how to apply my eye makeup!!! THANK YOU!
Sarah
> Mary BethAhhhh I love that so much Mary Beth!! So glad you loved the makeup products I shared–I plan to do another makeup post soon!
Kyla
Wow! 500 posts! Congrats! It’s evident how much hard work you have put in and I’m so glad your blog is so successful. You inspire many—including me! It’s been about a year of blogging for me, which is pretty crazy, too. It has been such a sharp learning curve but it’s been a fun thing to do for me that I enjoy. I’m going to keep at it, and see where it takes me! It will be interesting when I go back to work teaching though in the fall. I’m not sure how I’ll manage work, a blog, and 4 kids. Time will tell I guess!
Sarah
> KylaOh wow Kyla, you’ll have your hands full. But I’m sure you’ll rock it!!
Melissa Filson
Awww, congratulations Sarah!! I know I’ve said it before but you are such a bright spot in my day! I love being here with you and even though we don’t REALLY know each other, I feel like you’re a friend (my wannabe BFF 😄😂😄)! You have inspired me so much and I am so thankful for that. I haven’t been brave enough to start a blog but I’m getting my toes wet in the IG world to see if I even have what it takes to try. I don’t think I would have ever even done that if it hadn’t been for you! Thank you for your advice, words of encouragement, and for truly being an inspiration❣❣
Sarah
> Melissa FilsonAh Melissa, I need to hug you. Thank you so much for all the support and kindness. Truly, it means more than you’ll ever know! Sending you bigs hugs. xoxo
Rhonda Cesana
Congratulations on such an amazing milestone! What great life lessons are represented in your journey – some it took me decades to learn. Enjoy your achievement and all it stands for❤️
Sarah
> Rhonda Cesanathank you Rhonda!! I really appreciate that. xo
Donalee
Congrats!!! I love your excitement for antiques and vintage items and you are such and inspiration in my own home! God bless and to 500 more!
Sarah
> Donaleeah thank you Donalee!! I always love my vintage finds. xoxo
Leslie
Congratulations Sarah! I so enjoy following you, as it is such a bright spot in my day. I appreciate how you “keep it real” (and truly enjoy a good clearance sale at Target, as we all do!). My daughters are in college so the budget is tight. But you show how lovely styling in your home is achievable with even the smallest touches. Keep spreading your joy and humor girl!
Sarah
> Lesliethank you Leslie, that really means so much!! xoxo
Tara Heller
Thank you for this! Especially the last point. I hear a lot about how you need to pick a niche but I like writing about the things you like writing about so it makes me feel better that you have been successful doing that.
Sarah
> Tara HellerYes! I think it’s good to start that way, focused on a niche, but you can slowly expand out of that as you grow.
Candy
Congratulations Sarah on your 500th blog! What a milestone for you. I can’t imagine the hard work that you go through to do this for everyone here. I love your style and can’t wait to see everything that you do.
May God bless you and I hope that you continue doing this as I wait for your next blog in anticipation. You always come up with something that I love
Sarah
> Candythank you SO much Candy, I really appreciate that! xoxo
Jackie
Congratulations, 500 blog posts WOW!! I enjoy reading your posts and following you on Instagram.
Keep up the good work and here’s to 1000 blog posts!
Sarah
> Jackiethank you Jackie!
Deb
Sarah, I just recently started to follow you, and I have to say, I look forward to it at the end of my work day. I feel like I’m just checking in on a girlfriend and seeing how her day is going….😘😘
Sarah
> Debaw that means so much to me Deb, thank you!! xoxo
Christina Luther
Congratulations!! On your 500 posts!!! Just started following you on Instagram and receiving your blog… Love them both!! Would love to start my own blog someday!! 🌟😎
Sarah
> Christina Lutherthank you so much Christina!
SYLVIA h MEETZE
Congrats!!! I look forward to reading every time you post. Thanks for all the great ideas!
Sarah
> SYLVIA h MEETZEthank you so much Sylvia!
Debbie Hernandez
I LOVE your blog and look forward to it everyday. It has also inspired me to start an instagram page of my remodeling/decorating and that’s been fun too. I want to be a blogger but working full-time right I’m not ready for the time commitment. Soon I’ll be retired and see what God leads me to then.
Sarah
> Debbie Hernandezh that’s awesome Debbie, so glad you started an account of your own! best of luck to you. xoxo
Denise
Wow! If you’ve posted 500 times, that means that I have read 500 blog posts! Not sure which is more amazing LOL. I’ve been following you since day one and have loved reading every single post. You are the only blog that I’ve ever read “religiously” and have something to look forward to on M,W, F (still trying to get used to M,H, S) Your blog has helped me so much in discovering my own style….the love of vintage decor. I always knew I loved it, but never realized it could look so good in a home. Thank you for the risk you took and sharing your heart and home with us. I have used so many of your ideas in my own home. Your blog has made a difference in my life and home. You are the best and looking fwd to the next 500!
Sarah
> DeniseAhh Denise, I need to give you a big ol’ hug. Thank you so much for your local support! I can’t even tell you what that means to me. Truly, Iam so grateful! And FYI: I think I’m moving back to a MWF posting schedule!
Jackie Anne Blog
Sarah,
I loved reading this post! I actually found your blog when you rebranded and I couldn’t have been happier to find it. You are so inspiring and I am continuously impressed with your authentencity, compassion, and commitment. Your rebrand actually inspired me to start a home and lifestyle blog. I hope to one day be able to support my family by blogging, as you do. Keep the posts coming!
Jackie
JackieAnneBlog.com
Sarah
> Jackie Anne Blogoh that’s awesome Jackie, so glad you found me!! Good lucky with your blog and have fun with it!
Brenda Johnson
Wow, that’s amazing! Congratulations Sarah, and here’s to 500 more!
Sarah
> Brenda Johnsonthank you so much sweet Brenda, grateful for your support! xo
Shelia P.
Congrats Sarah! 500 blog posts, Wow! I’m fairly new to reading blogs and yours is one of a few that I still read. You keep it down to earth and real and I truly love that about you and your posts. Don’t ever stray from who you are and you’ll be a great success! Have a great day! 😊
Sarah
> Shelia P.wow thank you so much Shelia!! I’m so grateful for all your support. xoxo
Shelley
Congratulations on your 500th post Sarah! I’ve mentioned before that we are friends in my head 🙂 and I love spending time with you on your post and Instagram. Thanks for keeping it real, sharing your ideas and your faith. Keep stopping by!
Sarah
> Shelleyhaha definitely virtual friends Shelley!! xo
Lori
Wow, 500!!! How awesome is that!?! 🙌🙌 So happy for you Sarah!!! I look forward to getting on and seeing your posts and blog!! Your so inspiring and we have the same style, decor and clothing, family, and even a lover of our Lord!! I’ve had starting a blog or Instagram journey on my heart for months and months toying with the thought of how to even go about pushing through my fears and struggles of omg, what if it fails and nobody wants to listen to what I have to say?!? Ugh, to just get out of my head and do it… the struggle is real! I’ve got about 50 “IG handles/names I want to change my “namebrand to but again, do I really follow my heart? 😬 anyway, you are such an inspiration to push forward! I just have to keep telling myself, “I think I can I think I can! 🙏❤🙏 again, congrats on the big 500!!! 🎉🎈🙌👍❤
Sarah
> LoriOh Lori, I know that struggle well. But just believe in yourself and go for it!! Don’t overthink it and just have fun! xo
Sally Brown
Bless you and your blog. Love visiting your home.
Sarah
> Sally Brownthank you so much sweet Sally!
Laura Thomason
Sarah…I just love this! I started my blog in 2014 and after just a few posts I basically just gave up. I felt I didn’t have anything important to say or anyone who was interested. But in 2017 I got back on it and in 2018 I posted consistently every other week. So far in 2019 I’ve been consistent either weekly or every other. Bloggers like you are an inspiration to me! Thanks for sharing, thanks for inspiring!!
Laura
Sarah
> Laura Thomasonoh that’s awesome Laura!! So glad you got back into it. Best of luck to you! xo
karolina
Congratulations Sarah!
Your beautiful and romantic ideas always put a smile on my face. Thanks. God bless you.
Sarah
> karolinaOh thank you so much Karolina!!
Beth Levenstein
Congratulations on the big 500! Love reading your blogs and seeing all the updates to your home. Best wishes.
Sarah
> Beth Levensteinthank you Beth!! xo
Abby
Congratulations on 500 blog posts! What an amazing achievement! Here is to indeed, 500+ more!
I love your blog and thank you for being so awesome!
Gayle
Congratulations Sarah! Wonderful achievement! Praise the Lord for His goodness to you 🙏it’s nice to hear that this space is a positive one for you 😊
Keep up the awesome posts and I love that you change it up!! I do look forward to your posts! I heart gives a little jump when I see the email ‘Sarah Joy Blog’!! And THANK YOU in return!! X
Mincero
Hey, your blog post is amazing, I love your content and website. Keep up the good work. Looking forward for more such amazing work from your side.
Dena
A huge and well deserved congratulations to you Sarah on this awesome milestone!!!
Dorothy
Just curious if you can tell us where you got your living room rug. Been looking for something similar! Thanks- you are the best!
Sarah
> DorothyHi Dorothy! You can find that rug here: https://rstyle.me/n/deqbmpb6hgf
Janae
I’m a new follower of yours as well as a new blogger. I’ve been working hard at getting my blog up and running! Your site has been such an aspiration for me! Congratulations on your success! Love you and your blog!