2 Year Blogiversary!

I looked at the date today and couldn’t believe my eyes. Two years ago I hit “publish” on my first blog post on Small Town Runaway! It really does not feel like it’s been two years!

Part of me feels like its been way longer than that. I mean, I am constantly working on it and/or thinking about it. But another part feels like this is all still very new! I did just revamp it in April. 

So today I want to share two things that I’ve learned from blogging. 

Doing Something You Love is HARD Work

Yes everyone says that when you love something it doesn’t FEEL like work, and I truly believe this, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t hard. Everyone has to work hard if they want to succeed and be the best. But they do it because they want to, because they love what they do. 

One of my favorite quotes is: “If it was easy, everyone would do it”. This can apply in every aspect of life. But it has proven true time and time again in blogging. Y’all, the amount of time I spend creating content, editing, marketing, networking, etc is ridiculous! People online make it look so easy, but if you just got a glimpse of the behind the scenes, you’d run for your life!

But I enjoy it. I TRULY enjoy it! I know I get so much more out of it than what I put in. The friendships and experiences I’ve made are PRICELESS! 

Who I Am and Who I Could Be

Two years ago I was lost. I wasn’t where I wanted to be and I didn’t know what I was doing. So I decided to do something crazy and just start a blog! I didn’t know if it would be successful and I had no idea what running a blog entitled. But nonetheless I did it. 

Creating this creative space for myself has been one of the best choices I’ve ever made! 

Yes it’s hard work (see above), but that has only shown me what I am capable of! These past five months I’ve had to juggle a full time job (30+ hours), six college courses, and running this blog on my own. Not to include being in a relationship, attending events, spending time with friends and family and everyday things like maintaining a home and sleep. Yeah, even just typing that out has me out of breath! But I’ve learned that complaining about it doesn’t make things easier nor does it get them done. Instead I’ve learned that I am capable of doing anything I want as long as I set my mind to it. Bring on the hard work, I got this! 

This blog has also helped me come out of my shell. Not completely, but I’m getting there. (Y’all taking pictures for the blog with your family or neighbors around is intimidating!) Telling people to go look at your blog, or even worse, having people read back what you wrote is mortifying! But I do this because I want to express myself, and I publish this because I want people to read this. I’m learning to be confident in what I say, how I look, and who I am. I started this blog when cyber bullying was first coming to light, and I knew that I had to have some thick skin if I were to put myself out there. But thankfully I haven’t had to deal with that yet. My community is so wonderful and I couldn’t have been more blessed! 

Outfit Details: Jacket | Dress (Similar, Similar, Similar ) | Booties (46% OFF)

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I still have a lot more to grow, and I know that it won’t happen overnight. But I also know that I am writing this post today, two years after I first pressed “publish” a different girl that I was then. I am stronger, smarter, and more confident! I can’t wait to see who I will be next year, 5 years, and even 10 years from now.

XO, Mayra

Have you been hanging out for the past 2 years? I really appreciate it if you have! And if you’re new, WELCOME! I sure am glad you stopped by!