For Love or Money?

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I have loved expressing myself through pen and paper since I was a pre-teen with a diary. During that time, my journaling was about my parents not understanding me and my countdown to adulthood (aka the dawn of my independence). Like most young girls, I spent a lot of time wondering why I didn’t magically blossom during the summer between middle and high school and seriously contemplating the maturity (or the lack thereof) level of high school boys.

During my college years, my journaling was about traveling, meeting new people, and missing home. Yes, after struggling to maintain a proper balance between school work and having fun, I just wanted my mom to tell me when I should be back in the dorms and to smell her cooking. I also expressed my frequent frustrations about how college “men” were just older high school boys so that left me to focus on my studies because the college boys just weren’t going to cut it.

After college, my journaling came to be about my career path, achievements, and a 10-year plan. From time to time, I’d find myself remarking on the blatant similarities between grown men and high school boys.

I fell in love with a man 7 years my senior. After we said our vows, my journaling became about the growing pains of becoming one unit. Even now, from time to time I look at my husband and think to myself, “I married a much older high school boy, but he’s all mine.” One of my favorite things to do was write letters to my high school-self on how to enjoy every carefree second I had because adulthood is full of responsibilities.

When I became a mother my passion for journaling grew exponentially because my girls gave me so much material. I would literally journal nearly three times a day. I’d write letters to my girls on how excited I was to be their mother. I’d write about our daily adventures and how much they were growing. I had so much to say about the beauty of motherhood.

Fast forward a few years and my family is complete with a husband, a teenager, two pre-teens, and a dog named Zeus. I’ve realized that, whether I was aware or not, journaling is my therapy. It’s the time I spend reflecting on my life and my days as a mom and wife. The process of getting my hopes, thoughts, and experiences down on paper is an ingrained part of my life.

I replaced my pen with a keyboard. There’s a little less ‘art’ to it but it’s 2017 so what can you do? This is my fourth blog so I guess I’m officially a blogger (Yayyy applause)! Recently, I enjoy reading other blogs and sometimes I hit the keys and start expressing how they made me feel.  I commented on a makeup blog and the fellow blogger wrote me back expressing her gratitude for the heartfelt post (Awww). Then she asked if I would rewrite it and include the brand that she was reviewing and if possible, could I be more specific on what gift I would purchase for a friend. I was curious as to why she needed this info or if this was just blogging etiquette.

The author and I chatted for a bit more and then I discovered that reviewing products was her job. She did it to make money. She didn’t even like blogging, but as a single mom, it was a way to create a stay-at-home income. She did it for her son. I agreed to rewrite the post and mention the brand name, however, I couldn’t in good faith, say I would buy something that I truly wouldn’t.

For me, journaling/blogging is just me expressing myself in a small corner of the internet. If I made money, it would simply be a bonus. I know many people with jobs that they don’t like, but they have to make a living. What are your thoughts? Should blogging be for the money or for the love? Is there a fundamental difference between journaling and blogging? What would be your dream job?  Please share in the comments below. I really would love to know.

Until next time, shine amongst the stars!

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