I had a completely different post planned for today, but when Facebook pops up in your feed with a memory from 5 years ago, I knew I wanted to share that instead. Not because I want to boast on how far I’ve come, but it’s important to look back on where we have come from. To take a moment and soak in the hard work and time we’ve invested to get to where we are today. You’ve heard the expression “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and I think the same is definitely true in blogging. I’ve shared my thoughts about comparison HERE, and nothing can wreck you more in the blogging industry than comparing yourself to someone else’s accomplishments. I think it’s so important that we take a moment, and stop to look back and see just how far we’ve come. Not only does it help give us a sense of accomplishment, but it propels us into moving forward with fresh motivation.
Facebook reminded me this morning, that 5 years ago on this very day, I shared our freshly painted porch. I had just begun to dabble in blogging, still unsure of what it was, or where it could even take me. For a blast from the past you can see the entire post HERE. But I thought it would be fun to do a little recap today! So here we go – 5 years ago this is where I was at.
We just gave our porch a much needed make-over, and pretty much had a clean slate to work with. I can’t remember if I took these photos with my cell phone, or just a point + shoot camera, but it definitely was no DSLR like I use today.
Here is a most recent pic of our fall porch from this year.
As you can see, my styling has come a long way too. I had no clue about harsh shadows, and angles, I had never even taken photos before. Yep, I’m self taught, but so thankful for it, because I have learned so much along the way, and still have a ways to go. I simply shared because I loved to decorate, and had an ache in my gut that made me want to share it with the world.
The blogging industry has changed so much since then, even in just the past 3 years. I’m blown away by the amazing talent that is being put out there, but I’m also saddened in a way because I feel like for the person just starting out, with that same ache in their gut that they just have to share with the world, they might be feeling a bit un-qualified.
I was never one to go back and remove old posts from the beginning. In fact every step of my blogging journey is still there for all to see, because for me, as much as I love what I’m doing now, the journey shows me where I have come from. And at some point it becomes a warm memory, like looking back on childhood photos, and seeing how much you have changed and grown over the years. Laughing at the awkward stages, and saying to yourself “What was I thinking?”. Yes I have those too, and definitely in my blog. So I don’t think I will ever go back and delete old posts, because honestly, at that time – that’s where I was. My skill set, my knowledge, or lack there of. I was still figuring myself out, and what this blog would be about. If I deleted my past, trust me there are definitely posts I cringe at the thought of now, but than I wouldn’t be able to see how far I’ve come.
So wherever you are on your journey, maybe it’s in blogging, maybe it’s not. Embrace your calling (that ache in your gut that pushes you forward), take a deep breath, and make sure you stop every once in awhile to look back and see just how far you’ve come!
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I have to share how God used this post… I have been trying to start a blog for about two years. I have had the blog up and running, but then my 19 year old daughter got sick. We have walked through a tough 2 1/2 years. It felt like our lives went sideways. So challenging myself to do something out of my comfort zone felt impossible because just day to day and at times moment to moment felt so overwhelming. As you put is perfectly “feeling very unqualified” (especially in my photography!) I have felt stuck and had a hard time pushing through my insecurities with everything else going on in life. I was JUST PRAYING earlier today for God to make it clear to me if I should push myself through my perfection tendencies and just start posting or turn off the blog. I feel like this post was a great encouragement from God to push through the “unqualified”. Thanks for sharing!
OHhh Dawn! That is so awesome!!! Thank you so much!! XO
I love your blog so much!!! I would love to go back and read all of your posts from the beginning. Is there an easy way to get back to the first post and go forward from there?
Thanks…Angie
Ohh You are too sweet Angie! I don’t know if you want to go back all the way to the beginning! LOL, but if you scroll down on the right in my side bar there is a toggle so scroll back by month, and you can got to the beginning easily that way 🙂 Thank you so much for being here!! ~Bre
I love your blog and all you do. Yes it is good for us to see our mistakes and learn from them,i think that is what is so great about the lives we live. Thanks Bree and i really like your porch.
Ohh thank you Marlene 🙂
Thank you for this post. I am currently putting some love into a house we bought last year. But my email and Instagram feed can be quite intimidating. Your words remind me that the journey should be enjoyed and appreciated.
hey girl love the post! Great pics!
What a great perspective on things! I hope a lot of people read it and absorb it. Our past is what shapes us into the people we’ve become and how does one measure the journey without the mile markers of the road behind us?
Yes Kim!!! So true!! I love your thoughts on this, and hope others really absorb it as well 🙂
Thanks for sharing this Bre 🙂 Inspiring as always!! November 1st I will be launching my first blog. You have hit the nail on the head on how I’m feeling. Those butterflies wondering how can I compare? This post aahas given me more confidence. Thanks again 🙂
So exciting Angela!! Congrats on starting your blog 🙂
Your porch looks great! My front porch currents looks like the before picture. Did you have to scrape all the peeling paint off and what kind of paint did you use or is it a stain? Thanks!
Hi Sally, We used a power washer when we did it, then allowed 24 hours for it to completely dry. Then we used Rustoleums Deck Over paint, and it’s held up nicely.
What a difference 5 years makes! Oh, by the way, I love how you decorated your post for fall, especially the baskets on the wall.
Thank you so much Sandy 🙂