I've been struggling a bit recently with my online identity. Now that I'm a parent, I have less time to devote to blogging (especially as a WAHM with infant twins). I have always maintained that I blog for myself and my family, as a digital journal so to speak. If I'm being honest with myself though, I know I also blog for my readers. I find that my efforts are more purposeful and focused when I know it is for mass consumption. My mantra has always been that if it ever felt like work I would stop, and thankfully it has remained a joyous creative outlet. As my three year blog anniversary approaches (in may), I find myself at a crossroads…I feel I either need to quit or take things to another level. After much deliberation, I'm happy to report I have chosen the latter. Making it a reality will take some time, but the decision is made.

Making that choice comes with a price though, and not just the dollar bill kind. It means that my life is lived with a lens almost always by my side, blog ideas constantly taking up headspace, time spent in front of the computer, and social media outlets continually updated. All of these things are not necessarily negative…everything in moderation, as they say. But as many of you know all too well, it's a slippery slope-unplugging and savoring the analog pleasures in life is easier said than done. It is so much more evident when you have children, in my opinion. Even at such a young age (six months), they have noticed when I'm staring at my iPhone or laptop, and I've caught myself doing it at times when I should be fully present as a mother. Bring on the mommy guilt! 

After the guilt subsides, the search for justification begins. Why do I blog? It's a question many of us ask ourselves or struggle with at some point. I've now joined the ranks of those who are driven to examine the hours they dedicate to this passion. Many come to the conclusion that monetizing justifies the effort and time. I'm not there yet, but it has been weighing on me. So far I have proudly flown the "ad free" flag, mostly because I don't like clutter, but also because I haven't been in a position to make that choice. I'm so curious of why some choose to accept sponsors, and am wondering if it would make me feel better about the time I spend here, outside of my family life. What made you decide to grow your blog, and did you choose to monetize it? I would love your thoughts, and thank you, as always, for joining me here. 

 photography by courtney apple…styling by moi