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HELLO AGAIN

How blogging helped me get my confidence back.

Saturday 5 July 2014

pale skin make up, how to make friends, making friends, blogging community, confidencce

I post pictures of myself on the internet without make up, I've just started a YouTube channel and I attend blogger events every month, yet when people meet me, they're surprised at how shy I actually am. I find it hard to meet new people, to put myself out there 'in real life' and to make friends.

Life has it's ups and downs, and previous events in my life for various reasons have shaped me into the person I am today. I never used to be shy, I never used to find it hard to talk to people. Sometimes I used to be the loudest person in the room. Yet when life deals you a series of blows, you adapt and protect yourself. I guess for me, that meant hermit mode, and a mile long mental barrier i'd built around myself.

I started this blog 6 months ago as a hobby, and as a way to explore my love of makeup whilst learning 'how to girl'. If you had told me that in the first 6 months, my content on 2 platforms would be viewed over 125,000 times - I would never have believed you and I still can't quite believe that has actually happened.

However, it's not the stats, or page views that have helped me, nor is it the follower count. What has really helped me begin the process of getting my confidence back is actually the blogging community. More specifically my fellow bloggers and the warmth and welcome I've received from them.

There have been a few stand out moments to me in the past few months that have meant the world to me, from people going out of their way to make me feel welcome when they could sense I was a bit lost or nervous at events... to the support, encouragement and backing from bloggers online, who believe in me.

This week I attended the Bourjois Summer Party in London, and for the first time in a while, I felt more confident at  a blogger event. It may have been that I'd already text a few bloggers letting them know I was on my way or attending, or even the fact that I'd already worked out there were at least 5 people in the building I had met at least once before; but something about the event on Wednesday made me feel a little different, stand up a little taller and smile a little more.

 I started to feel more content with myself, and happier - less self conscious (but well, let's face it still as awkward as ever) and the reason for that essentially boils down to the fact that I felt welcome. I felt like I fit in and I felt like I belonged there and that is all down to the blogging community.

I look forward to the times when I don't freak out before I travel somewhere, or need to text people in advance, I don't need to panic if I look okay, or pretend to look busy on my phone and also the times when I can walk into a room and strike up a conversation with someone I don't know. I've come this far in 6 months, and I sure as hell can't wait to see where i'll be at in another.

TL;DR:  Thank you for being awesome, welcoming and caring. Bloggers really do make the greatest friends.

18 comments:

  1. <3 you deserve everything my love!!

    xxx | daisydaisyxxo

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  2. You go girl! :) I've also been blogging for some months now and I just love having a little bit of internet space on my own, my little corner where I can put all my time and effort in.

    And: this is totally irrelevant to this post, but I love your blog design!

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  3. Love this post! I honestly thought I was the only blogger out there that felt extremely awkward and shy when I went to events. I've started putting myself out there a bit more recently and making myself say yes to things that make me feel anxious in hopes that I'll push myself out of my comfort zone! So glad you've got your confidence back! It's a process and the blogging community are such a warm and welcoming bunch!!

    XO, G from grace'd

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  4. Great post, I know only to well what it feels like to have your confidence stripped bare due to life circumstances. Building it back up is incredibly hard and you have to be brave and persevere. You will get their as I hope will I xxx

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  5. You would never strike me as someone who's shy, because you have so much going for you! But I understand being scared to approach people at blogger events, it sounds terrifying to me! Thanks for sharing your story x

    http://creamteaandrosejam.blogspot.co.uk/

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  6. A great post, it is good that you have found confidence by doing this, I know how it feels to feel anxious and nervous around people. I have always had a problem with this. I hope you continue to feel better by blogging and meeting new people.

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  7. A lovely post! The blogging community is amazing for support. Better than some of my friends in real life. Really glad you are feeling more confident :)

    Sian | Siân Marie Beauty
    xo

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  8. Glad the blogging community has helped you become confident. I went to my first blogging event in June and I was nervous and quiet. I spoke to a few people but as for randomly starting conversation with people I really struggle with that too.

    Yazmin xx
    www.yazzyscorner.co.uk

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  9. Glad you are getting your confidence back, you are a beautiful girl and I love watching your videos and reading your blog.
    I am also shy in real life and I feel like no one wants to watch my videos or read my blogs as I have only had 5 views on YouTube but I have noticed the difference is you appear to be so happy and confident and super friendly and we all love that.
    Keep up the good work hun

    Much love
    X

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  10. Lovely post, so glad to hear how blogging is changing things for you :-)

    http://madnessbymeg.blogspot.ie/

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  11. Such a lovely post. You deserve all of the success that comes your way and you deserve to get all of your confidence back. Keep smiling and doing what makes you happy! Your posts make people happy x

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  12. Really love this post. You've done really well and it can only get better!

    Xo

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  13. Congratulations on everything you've earned so far! I started blogging over a year ago but finally decided to quit my previous blog & start a new one, embracing my true thoughts & ideas and I'm so much happier!

    whatlaurendidtoday.blogspot.co.uk xx

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  14. Really love this post, I know exactly how you feel :) xxxx

    nichollebartlett.blogspot.ie

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  16. It's lovely to hear how much something like blogging can help you gain confidence like that. I know I'm extremely shy, especially around new people, and the thought of striking up a conversation with someone I don't know scares the hell out of me, but it's nice to know that the blogging community are kind & welcoming sorts of people :) xx

    almostemilyjane.blogspot.com

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