Omg, am I a blogger?

I know this is going to sound crazy, but I’ve been a blogger in my mind for a really long time. Often. I’ll have an idea or something will cross my mind and I will take a little note of it or jot it in a Microsoft word document really quickly under the premise of starting a blog one day. As the years flew by, I just figured blogging was overrated, the field was oversaturated or few people were taking time to read anything in the world of ten second tik Tok blasts (no shade, I LOVE the tok). I had a cute run on Tumblr, but nothing crazy. Recently, while completing my Life Coach certification (shameless plug LOL), blogging was mentioned as a way to connect with clients or give them more of an insight into who you are and what you are all about. This reminded me that blogging was something I wanted to accomplish one day. I even kinda included a blog page I later deleted when I originally created this website, 2 years ago. I struggle with knowing how much of myself I want to be attached to my brand, Forbrowngirlss, but the truth is, I am my brand. Every piece of me.

I’m nervous to be on the interwebs sharing my thoughts because something similar almost cost me one of my very best friends. When I was in college, being on the internet was new. It was like the thing to do. Facebook was still only for college students, myspace and Black Planet were household words and blogging was HOT! (I know I’m showing my age. Also, wow , I am realizing I really love parenthesis). I was basically using my blog for depressing poetry, promiscuous ass short stories (come on COLLEGE inspiration) and regular stuff you would put in journal. (red flag #1) I wrote something unsavory (a joke, nonetheless, about my close friend/roommate- we had known each other from high school. I didn’t mention any names and I did not shame anyone, but it was just seen as negative to the person it was written about. Believe it or not, this cost me two close friendships and we didn’t talk for years; I was heartbroken. You know like your crew? That you do everything with? Yeah, it was them. At the time, I stubbornly stood in the fact that I did not feel like I did anything wrong because being the Aries that I am- it’s well know that I am brash, blunt, loud, outspoken to a fault and a bit of an asshole. And I think I’m funny, so I’m back then I was willing to risk it all for a few chuckles. I hadn’t said anything I had not said to her face. But looking back at it, her feelings were and are valid. That scared me away from blogging girl! LOL. Seriously, a lot of college is a blur but I remember that situation very clearly. And yes, I am friends with both of them to this day- they are some of my closest friends. Thank God for forgiveness and growth.

I ran across a really funny video today (on Tik Tok ironically), of a young Black lady quitting her job (goals sis!!!). She was laughing so hard while doing so and she was leaving them with regrets and her social media handles. The name of her blog (shereallyhadababy.com) caught my attention and in addition to selling some really cute mugs, she has a funny and relatable blog. This was just the confirmation I need because I’m funny and relatable too! And yall- I TALK a lot. I love to talk, live to talk- all of that. I love pop culture, any kind of media and I generally have an opinion about everything. I create a lot of things, I’m an author, so blogging just makes sense. In my Tumblr days, I used to say I had a lot of words and no where to put them. But that’s not new true I have all kinds of projects, books and other things I could be using these writing skills on. Idk- writing is just my first love. (Am I rambling, convincing myself why I should be a blogger or trying to see how many parenthesis can fit in one post?) Always has been. I’m good at it. I’ve always been an avid reader and writer since inception (ask my momma)! I said I wanted to be an author in the 4th grade and I’ll be damned- I am. I said I wanted to be a blogger, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that I am a blogger. This just goes to show that something I talk about on my podcast (yet another shameless plug; sidenote- I am truly a force out here. Your girl is a whole empire. Welcome to my blog where I brag about myself with no shame) often is true- if you want to do something, literally do it. Don’t worry about if it’s good enough or if there are too many people doing it already. I am so happy to be a blogger, even if no one reads these. I really find joy in rereading what I’ve written anyway. Now if only I can find that xanga password because I can only imagine the treasures in those old blogs circa 2006. (SCARY). I love you, yes you. See you next time. I’m a BLOGGER! YAY ME! LMAO

Okay and these are not my words but I want to leave them here as a reminder-

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.