blogging community

7 reasons you should start your own blog

I always wanted to write a book about my life. I have storage boxes full of notebooks, diaries, poems I thought I could use to contribute to becoming a fully-fledged writer. 

When the bottom of my world literally fell out from underneath me. Redundancy, a breakdown, a pandemic. Uncertainty central. I decided it was time for a change. Why not start your own blog, I thought? What’s the worst that could happen?

I felt compelled to share my story and what better way to do this than embracing the world of social media and online connections. After all, that’s where it’s at, right? 

start your own blog

You have something to add. Your life experiences are unique and someone out there will benefit from what you have to say. 

Quick note: Mummy Conquering Anxiety is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for you.

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    I have a list of incredible reasons to start your own blog TODAY… 

    Your own platform

    Starting your own blog can get your message out there.

    I’m seeing a lot of wonderful people with amazing things to say and messages which should be out in the world for others to see. But sometimes this is limited to one social media site and I would love to see more content from this person. 

    Having a blog, which is connected to other social media sites, allows you to gain more followers and get your message out to more people. You control the content and create everything on the site.

    If you’re thinking of setting up a blog and need web hosting, Bluehost is amazing. They provided me with the best customer service I’ve ever received when I recently lost my website! I HAVE to recommend them to other people.

    It’s your chance to create something of your own

    How exciting? I did a lot of research before starting my own blog. I decided I needed a chic-looking theme and I wanted to spend money upfront to ensure the branding was good. 

    After all, this place is like your office, your space, home from home. You’ve created it and why not make it look appealing? 

    If you need a theme, please check out Bluchic. I’ve had a few technical questions since setting up my blog and their customer service is fantastic. I am considering setting up a second blog and they will be my first choice for a theme.

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    Your voice matters to others 

    Before starting my own blog, I was unsure about whether I should do this or not. Self-doubt crept in.  

    I spent 15 years doubting myself. My confidence wasn’t in a great place and like all bloggers starting out, I was seriously asking myself whether anyone would listen to what I had to say. 

    I gained a high number of followers on my social media platforms without really putting much content out there. On Instagram, there were 7 posts saying good morning and connecting with people. Despite this, amazing things were already happening when I started interacting with other people. 

    You have something to add. Your life experiences are unique and someone out there will benefit from what you have to say. Imagine the feeling of helping someone, without really knowing it. Just trusting that you are making a difference.

    What are you waiting for?

    Gain confidence

    Starting the blog has helped me gain confidence in my writing ability. The lovely comments and compliments I receive mean the world to me and confirm I’m on the right path. Just like the one below.

    Making connections

    I interact with such wonderful, smart, supportive bloggers on a daily basis and I genuinely love commenting on their work and making connections.

    The blogging community really is the best. An amazing group of people all supporting each other and I feel lucky to be part of it.

    Use is as a diary

    Writing is therapeutic and it certainly helped me during a tough time.

    Your blog posts can be any format: a diary entry, a rant, or an informative post. You get to choose the type of content you share.

    It creates opportunities

    Whatever your end goal is, starting a blog WILL create opportunities.

    Some opportunities have come to me, through social media messages and emails. Others I’ve had to work hard for.

    The main thing is, good things are happening now I have my voice out there in the world. And I am finally doing something I love.

    What you need to begin your blogging journey…

    A computer

    Sounds silly doesn’t it, but it’s true. I’ve heard some people try and run a blog without a laptop. But honestly, there are only certain tasks I can do on my laptop. That said, I do use my phone for some admin tasks like social media interaction and noting down ideas, occasionally writing in google documents.

    Research

    I spent a lot of time researching how I would set up my blog.

    Pinterest was a massive source of information for me. Other bloggers give the best advice because they have walked in your shoes and can speak from experience.

    Time

    Luckily, due to my situation, I had time to set up the blog. I desperately needed to occupy my mind with something to stimulate my brain but also help my mental health.

    Don’t worry if you don’t have huge amounts of time. Sometimes I only manage 30 minutes a day for blogging tasks. But I look at it like that’s a few things off my to-do list and you can only tackle small chunks, which then lead to bigger goals.

    Small steps really do amount to something amazing.

    Patience

    It is correct that it takes roughly three months to rank on Google or start seeing any results in terms of traffic to your website.

    I was starting to feel deflated. I went for a weekend away. I had writer’s block and was just not feeling the blogging vibes for about a week. Then I checked my DA score and surprisingly it was at 9, EXACTLY three months after I released my first blog post.

    A little bit of blogging motivation

    We all love a good quote, don’t we? It’s time to include some here to give you some motivation, whatever your next step in life is.

    start your own blog
    start your own blog
    start your own blog
    start your own blog

    Final thoughts

    I hope you enjoyed reading this post and it has given you some motivation. Or food for thought?

    Let me know in the comments below.

    mummy conquering anxiety
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start your own blog

    Mummy & mental health blogger with an overhauled perspective on life

    An overhauled perspective on all things in life. What better way to celebrate this, than writing this tag post!

    Being unapologetically you is all about sharing the things that make you happy and help you become a better person. Never be afraid to be you. 

    Izzy Matias started the Be Unapologetically You blogging tag. It’s a celebration of what you love without being shy or ashamed about it! 

    Almost six months since starting the blog, I am a bit more comfortable with revealing other details about my life and it feels great to open up about the aspects of life I love.

    Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for you.

    How does the tag work?

    Be Unapologetically You Tag Rules: 

    1. Use the Be Unapologetically You banner in your post. It can be your featured image or not. It’s totally up to you. 

    2. Include the link to this blogging tag (https://www.izzymatias.com/be-unapologetically-you) in your post. 

    3. Answer the 7 questions in this tag. 

    4. Nominate between 5-10 bloggers, link to their blogs, and tag them on social media to notify them. 

    5. Most of all, have fun!

    Reminder: you don’t need to include the “Be Unapologetically You Tag” in your blog post title if you don’t want to. 

    overhauled perspective

    Be Unapologetically You Questions: 

    1. Introduce yourself and your blog while sharing one trivia about you that not that many people know. 
    2. What topics do you love geeking out about that you would say are topics that give you bliss? 
    3. Do you blog about them? Why or why not? If not, would you like to blog about them one time? 
    4. Would you say that you are living life by being unapologetically you? Why or why not? If not, what would your life look like if you were unafraid to share more about the things that make you happy? 
    5. Permission to geek out & be unapologetically you: share with us one thing you fangirl or fanboy over and how you became a fan of it. It can be anything. Your love for soy candles, your favorite food, a boy band or an underrated film.
    6. What do you love the most about being a fan? 
    7. Share a fun or unforgettable fan experience. 

    Before we get into the questions, I wanted to say this tag is perfect for me at this moment in time. Following a mental breakdown and redundancy from my job of almost 10 years, I have an overhauled perspective on life. I feel like a new person, with a fresh outlook. And I intend to make the most of this transformation and finally create the life I want to live.

    Let’s dive into the questions

    Introduce yourself and your blog while sharing one trivia about you that not that many people know. 

    I’m a mummy to a feisty toddler and a wife, living in the North of England, UK, and making it a priority to enjoy life.

    Following my recent breakdown, I believe talking about our mental health struggles is key to recovery. My blog focuses on parenting and mental health, but I also explore other lifestyle topics.

    Something people may not know about me, is I eat raw potatoes and I mentioned it in one of my other tag posts. I don’t know where it came from, but I still love them to this day. Although I can’t eat too many, because I don’t think the starch is very good for you.

    What topics do you love geeking out about that you would say are topics that give you bliss? 

    In keeping with the trend of being unapologetically you, I have to talk about my love of gaming. I always thought it was just my hubby who was the geek. However, I am starting to realise it’s also me who loves geeky games. I think it comes from playing these with my dad and brother when we were younger. We have a Sega console and I love playing the old games and feeling a sense of nostalgia.

    These days, I also love playing games on my phone as a way to destress. With a job search underway, a tempremental toddler and generally busy life, I need moments to decompress and a task I can easily dip in and out of.

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      Do you blog about them? Why or why not? If not, would you like to blog about them one time? 

      When I first started the blog, I didn’t initially talk about these subjects. Almost six months since starting the blog, I am a bit more comfortable with revealing other details about my life and it feels great to open up about the aspects of life I love.

      As the title of this post suggests, I have an overhauled perspective on life. It is inevitable when you go through life changing events.

      Stay tuned to the blog for more on my mental health journey and my life adventures, whilst I go through this transition period. My second blog will be launching in the next few weeks and a third one in the next few months. I also plan on doing some freelance writing. The hope is I will gradually feel comfortable sharing more about my life.

      Would you say that you are living life by being unapologetically you? Why or why not? If not, what would your life look like if you were unafraid to share more about the things that make you happy? 

      I am getting better at being more open. Simply because I realise this makes you more authentic and in turn, happier. Discussing my honest thoughts on the blog was the pivotal factor that aided my recovery from a mental health breakdown. I am so over hiding my true self. Whilst I will probably always keep some things private, there is a lot to be said about opening up.

      I do have more work to do in this area though. I hid my anxiety from everyone for 15 years. Therefore I am at the beginning of my opening up journey and it is all new to me.

      overhauled perspective

      Permission to geek out & be unapologetically you: share with us one thing you fangirl or fanboy over and how you became a fan of it. It can be anything. Your love for soy candles, your favorite food, a boy band or an underrated film

      I am a sucker for a candle or wax melt. Gone are the days I used to spend £50.00 in the Yankee candle shop on my lunchtime at work. These days I am all about deals, supermarket candles, and melts seem to be cheaper.

      But yes, I have a great love of candles. If you’re looking for some cheap, but lovely smelling candles, I suggest checking out the range at Wilko. I use their tea lights and jar candles, because they smell amazing, but they are also affordable.

      What do you love the most about being a fan? 

      The candle business is huge in the UK, but having them dotted around the house brings a sense of calm. It wasn’t until my breakdown I relaised how important these touches are. A relaxing bath and a candle literally helped to get me out of bed and start the day. Granted, it didn’t solve all my problems. A combination of factors did and this includes medication. However, self-care is a vital part of recovery.

      I just love my passion for them because I know it aids my need to keep up self-care. And I always welcome a sense of calm in the house.

      Sign up for my freebie library. Each week there will be a new freebie added to help organise your life and take away some stress!

      overhauled perspective

      Share a fun or unforgettable fan experience

      When I previously had my lunchtime candle spending sprees. And spent all the extra money I was earning in the name of stress, I regularly purchased some cute Yankee candle Votive holders (these were also cheap to buy compared with the jar candles). One night, me and my now hubby were chilling and it broke due to increased heat. A bit of the jar cracked and popped across the room and we are lucky it didn’t hit anyone. I am always careful to this day, ensuring the wick isn’t resting on one side of the jar.

      It was my favorites candle holder as well, hehe!!

      I nominate…

      Real Life of LuLu

      Lisa Marie

      Ladybossnomad

      Pinecanvasblog

      DatingBitch

      Final thoughts

      I hope you enjoyed reading this post.

      Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.

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overhauled perspective

      Blogs you must check out this month – welcome to my February advertisers

      AD – PLEASE NOTE – this is a paid advertisement

      Welcome to my February advertisers!

      When I started my blogging journey, it was guest posting and advertising on other peoples’ blogs that helped increase my domain authority (DA). And more importantly, build a network of supportive bloggers.

      February advertisers

      I feel privileged to introduce you to my February advertisers

      It’s now time for me to share other people’s wonderful blogs. Please go and show my February advertisers some love, by commenting, sharing their posts, and interacting with one another. I regularly post on Twitter about the blogging community and how it is great to be part of such a supportive group of people.

      There is something for everyone in this bunch. A mix of lifestyle, photography, and blogs about the honest realities of mummy life.

      Let’s dive in

      blog

      Ellie’s Little World

      February advertisers

      Why I loved checking out Ellie’s blog

      Ellie is one of the bloggers in the community I have regular contact with and I have advertised on her blog previously. As such, I am excited to have her as an advertiser this month.

      On her blog, you will find various lifestyle topics and I particularly love her beauty reviews, and when she shares one of her new candle collections with us. Go and check out the blog. And her amazing candle collection.

      A little bit about Ellie

      Ellie is a lifestyle blogger (among other things) from Somerset. Her blog started many years ago as a beauty blog, but in the past few years, it has expanded to include all sorts of topics, including food, travel, home, and pets. On the blog, you can expect to find plenty of product reviews, lifestyle tips and tricks, and seasonal gift guides.

      Blog posts you should definitely check out

      http://ellieslittleworld.com/2021/09/16/drive-with-confidence-with-a-nextbase-dash-cam-ad/
      http://ellieslittleworld.com/2021/07/21/50-seasonal-blog-post-ideas/

      Ways to connect with Ellie

      Twitter Ellie’s Little World (@Elliesworldx) / Twitter

      Instagram Ellie (@ellieslittleworldxox) • Instagram photos and videos

      Sophie – Starting today blog

      February advertisers

      Why I loved checking out Sophie’s blog

      Please all go take a look at this blog! It is aesthetically pleasing and the images on the website are amazing. To write this post, I had a look around the site and I am impressed with what I found. Sophie covers lifestyle and photography on the blog, and you will find some amazing images scattered throughout her blog posts.

      A little bit about Sophie

      Sophie is a freelance photographer who looks at life philosophically. She has always been creative, but hid from her creativity for so long, afraid it was a negative aspect of her character. Now she embraces it. Her blog, Starting Today, is a place where she shares her thoughts, vision, and passions. She combines photography, poetry, and writing to share her lifestyle and thoughts. Uniquely ambitious, with a zest for life, she loves to encourage others to be themselves, always. 

      Blog posts you should definitely check out

      Submerged in ambition, but moulded by clay. – STARTING TODAY

      5 ways to Find Bloggers to promote your products – STARTING TODAY

      Ways to connect with Sophie

      You find Sophie on Twitter. She is also on Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook.

      Jess – Prosecco Mum

      February advertisers

      Why I loved checking out Jess’ blog

      I love this blog! When you land on the homepage, you feel at home and in a safe parenting space. The pictures remind me of my parenting journey, and I love how honest Jess is about the ups and downs of mummy life, whilst being a working mum. You will also find a range of lifestyle topics and reviews of the local area.

      A little bit about Jess

      Not your ordinary mummy blogger. Established 2014, still no clue about parenting. Totally owned by her kids. 

      Taking motherhood one sip of fizz at a time. 

      Blog posts you should definitely check out

      ttps://proseccomum.com/letter-first-born-baby-sofia/

      Ways to connect with Jess

      You can connect with Jess on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

      Want to book an advertising spot?

      I am taking bookings and you can find more details here.

      advertisers

      Final thoughts

      I hope you enjoyed reading this post. My first amazing February advertisers 🙂

      I also hope you will enjoy checking out these bloggers.

      Let me know in the comments whether you’ve checked out their posts?

      signature

      Want to check out these blogs later? Pin this post!

      This Time Next Year Tag – Mummy Conquering Anxiety

      I need to say a huge THANK YOU to @kvburton657 and @LinzBroganBlogs.

      Check out their posts here and here.

      This Time Next Year Tag

      Because I cannot shy away from the blogging buzz, my second blog is almost ready and will hopefully be launched towards the end of December.

      THE RULES OF THE “THIS TIME NEXT YEAR” TAG

      Thank the person who tagged you

      Thank you ladies for including me in the This Time Next Year Tag. I am honoured to be tagged by the queen of Christmas! Also very happy to receive another tag. I did intend to release the post earlier, but I’ve had another rubbish week with something weighing me down at the moment. It’s almost over and I will be posting about it in January 2021. Writing about the negative experience is helping. But this post is all about the happy times the festive season brings. Therefore, let’s park the negative for now.

      I love these types of posts because they allow us to get to know bloggers a bit better. I hope after reading this one, you will feel like you know me better.

      Write your goals for next year

      By this time next year, I want to be running three blogs full-time. Most importantly, I want to keep interacting with the blogging community and my lovely readers. It is no exaggeration to say this blog pulled me out of the darkness. For this, I will be forever grateful. I love logging into Twitter in the morning and it makes my heart smile to receive such amazing support.

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        Write how you’re going to achieve these goals

        This Time Next Year Tag is another great place to set out my goals and ensure I remain accountable in hitting them.

        My blog is almost at the point it is self-sufficient, aside from writing and admin. There is a long list of amendments I want to make, but the crazy initial stages of setting up a blog are over.

        Because I cannot shy away from the blogging buzz, my second blog is almost ready and will hopefully be launched towards the end of December.

        I then have the domain and social media accounts for a third blog. Hopefully, this will be up and running in January 2021. I even have TikTok for this one, hehe!

        Therefore, I aim to continue working hard and keeping in mind my driving force:

        I NEVER want to return to a toxic office environment EVER again

        I NEED to protect my mental health moving forward

        I WANT to spend time with my little girl and make room for a second child in our lives.

        What amazing motivation to keep going!

        This Time Next Year Tag

        TAG AT LEAST 5 BLOGGER FRIENDS

        I am losing track of who has and hasn’t been nominated so far. So apologies if you already have!

        I want to nominate some of the people who have supported me so far (there are more than five and you all know who you are if you’re not nominated below)

        @TheYorksDreamer

        @mindbeautysimp1

        @RiyahSpeaks

        @deardatingb

        @LoveRosiee1

        IN 365 DAYS, WRITE A FOLLOW-UP POST ABOUT WHETHER YOU’VE BEEN SUCCESSFUL

        I have set a reminder to complete the task this time next year. Can’t wait.

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        AD – Introducing the queen of blogging advice – Izzy Matias

        Today I am introducing you to a fantastic blog, definitely worth a read. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy

        You will remember my advertiser’s post, where I said Izzy is one of the bloggers in the community I have regular contact with and she is so supportive.

        blogging advice

        I wanted to pick out two of the blog posts which resonated with me and explain why you should go and read them today!

        Be Unapologetically You Blogging Tag

        I love this post. Mainly because I have written for the tag myself. But I also love the fact it allows you to celebrate yourself. Something we all need a little of right now!

        Why not have a go at using the tag to create a post. I love blogging tags because they are fun and allow us to interact with each other.

        Affiliate Marketing For Beginners

        I’ve just learned something new when reading through this post. I am logging onto Skimlinks right now!

        This post is packed full of useful information for bloggers who want to monetise their blog through affiliate marketing.

        Check it out.

        If you missed the advertiser’s post, all the details you need to connect with Izzy can be found below.

        Why I loved checking out Izzy’s blog

        Izzy is one of the bloggers in the community I have regular contact with and she is so supportive.

        A little bit about the blog

        Izzy Matias is an author, blogger, and content creator at izzymatias.com. She helps content creators build their dream blogs by being unapologetically themselves and sharing the things that they love and make them happy. For her, that’s travel, K-pop, blogging, and her unique lifestyle: a fangirl approach to life.

        Blog posts you should definitely check out

        Affiliate Marketing For Beginners

        Content calendar consistency
        Our beloved summer review
        Be unapologetically you

        Ways to connect with Izzy

        You can find Izzy on the following platforms:

        Twitter

        Instagram

        Facebook

        TikTok

        Pinterest

        Final thoughts

        Have you already checked out this amazing blog?

        What do you think of the posts I have reviewed?

        I would love to hear from you in the comments below.

        BEFORE YOU GO

        Sign up to my monthly newsletter, to gain access to exclusive offers & updates

        Sign up for my freebie library. Each week there will be a new freebie added to help organise your life and take away some stress!

        Enter the giveaway to win an amazing self-care gift

        Must read blogs to settle you into March 2022

        AD – PLEASE NOTE – these advertisers were winners of my recent giveaway

        February 2022 giveaway

        I just want to say thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway and shared my posts. It was great to give something back to the blogging community.

        Look out for more giveaways from me in the future.

        settle you into March

        I feel privileged to introduce you to my March 2022 advertisers

        Please go and show my March 2022 advertisers some love, by commenting, sharing their posts, and interacting with one another. I regularly post on Twitter about the blogging community and how it is great to be part of such a supportive group of people.

        There is something for everyone in this bunch. Izzy is a pro at teaching other people about the blogging world. AFF – You can check out several useful courses from Izzy. I am working through the ‘How to Make a Money-Making Blog’ course at the moment and I honestly feel so motivated. Wish I had done this when I first started my blogging journey!

        Alexis runs a great blog, all about make-up, college, and other lifestyle topics. You can also check out the second blog she created.

        Sign up to my freebie library. Each week there will be a new freebie added to help organise your life and take away some stress!

        Let’s dive in…

        Izzy Matias

        settle you into March

        Why I loved checking out Izzy’s blog

        Izzy is one of the bloggers in the community I have regular contact with and she is so supportive.

        A little bit about the blog

        Izzy Matias is an author, blogger, and content creator at izzymatias.com. She helps content creators build their dream blogs by being unapologetically themselves and sharing the things that they love and make them happy. For her, that’s travel, K-pop, blogging, and her unique lifestyle: a fangirl approach to life.

        Blog posts you should definitely check out

        Affiliate Marketing For Beginners

        Content calendar consistency
        Our beloved summer review
        Be unapologetically you

        Ways to connect with Izzy

        You can find Izzy on the following platforms:

        Twitter

        Instagram

        Facebook

        TikTok

        Pinterest

        My next amazing advertiser

        Alexis – Cafe Beauty

        settle you into March

        Why I loved checking out this blog

        Alexis is one of the bloggers in the community I have regular contact with and I love her blog.

        A little bit about Cafe Beauty blog

        Cafe Beauty is a beauty and lifestyle-centric blog that helps you find the right products. Starting in 2020, Alexis started focusing on blogging tips and college-related posts. On the blog, you can find a variety of posts as she transitions to a new stage of life. 

        Blog posts you should definitely check out

        (Latest) What’s New in Makeup? Valentine’s Day Makeup Edition 

        Closet Organization Tips
        How To Gain Followers and Grow on Twitter
        Guest Post| 10 Best Sustainable Skincare Brands You Need To Know About

        Ways to connect with Alexis

        You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

        Sign up to my monthly newsletter, to gain access to exclusive offers, updates

        Want to book an advertising spot?

        I am taking bookings and you can find more details here.

        advertisers
settle you into March

        Final thoughts

        I hope you enjoyed reading this post. 

        I also hope you will enjoy checking out these bloggers.

        Let me know in the comments whether you’ve checked out their posts?

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settle you into March

        A Festive Feast Of Blog Posts From My December Advertisers

        AD – PLEASE NOTE – this is a paid advertisement

        Special advertising offer!

        A discounted festive feast for you!

        Regular package – £4.00 instead of £5.00

        Grande package – £8.00 instead of £10.00

        Offer valid until Fri 23/12 at 9 pm.

        Email mummyconqueringanxiety@gmail.com to secure your place!

        festive feast

        Want to book an advertising spot? I am taking bookings from 2023 – details here.

        festive feast

        Welcome to my December 2022 advertisers

        Happy festive month! However you celebrate this month, I hope you have a wonderful time. Full of joy.

        Please show my December 2022 advertisers some love, by commenting, sharing their posts, and interacting with one another. I regularly post on Twitter about the blogging community and how it is great to be part of such a supportive group.

        Look out for updates on these advertisers and their amazing work, throughout the month on Twitter. And feel free to have a festive feast of blog posts at your disposal for your relaxing moments over the holiday.

        Life Of Morag

        festive feast

        A little bit about the blog

        I started Lifeofmorag after a life-changing accident as a way to fill my time and give me focus. That was back in 2018. Now four years on I write about a range of topics from travel (I have visited 39 countries) to books to social issues. I also write a lot about chronic illness and mental health, both from my own experiences and coping strategies. 

        Blog posts you should check out for your cosy winter reads

        ‘PREY FOR THE DEVIL’: HORROR, PSYCHOLOGY, POWER IMBALANCES AND A FILM REVIEW

        NEW BEGINNINGS: A SOCIAL WORK MASTERS

        MANAGING TRAVEL ANXIETY: CHRONIC ILLNESS, COVID RULES AND BODY IMAGE

        Ways to connect with Morag

        Instagram

        Twitter

        festive feast

        Bookish Night In

        Bookish Night In is proud to announce their Christmas advent calendar box with FOUR fantastic gifts and FOUR signed amazing books! A festive feast for your enjoyment.

        Featuring amazing authors and their fantastic books – 

        Loxley Savage with Seven sins of snow 

        VB Gilbert with Bairseach 

        Willow Hayes with Ours to keep  Mallory Fox with A history of violence.

        EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODES

        Use code STRONG to get £10 off the advent calendar box 

        Use code STRENGTH to get £5 off our deluxe boxes 

        festive feast

        A little discount for you

        Use code – SAM22 at checkout to get 10% off Ships worldwide. Klarna is available. 

        A little bit about the website

        Discover the book box you DESERVE! Bookish Night In is proud to announce our December pre-order box featuring The Prophecy Of The Water Sprite by K. Rose & Raiders Treasure by Leann Ryans! Also, our Christmas advent calendar-style box which features Loxley Savage with Seven Sins Of Snow & VB Gilbert with Bairseach. Willow Hayes with Ours To Keep & Mallory Fox with A History Of Violence.

        How does it work?

        • You can buy one of our available now boxes and get it right away, or, pre-order the next one.
        • You can choose between a budget box, with one signed book, or, a deluxe box with two signed books. You have the option to choose either a self-care package or an adult toy.
        • Our budget boxes contain at least three self-care products and our deluxe boxes come with three to five self-care products. Our adult box comes with an adult toy worth at least £40.

        Ways to connect

        Join the Facebook group for author & book reveals!

        Website

        Linktree

        Sign up for my monthly newsletter, to gain access to exclusive offers & updates

        Sign up for my freebie library. With new freebies added to help organise your life and take away some stress!

        The latest freebie…  Download the new checklist bundle – bright colours for making organising more fun…

        cosy winter reads

        Final Thoughts

        Please show these amazing bloggers some love. And look out for updates about them throughout the month.

        drastically improved

        Looking for some gift guides for your purchasing needs?

        You can check out all my gift guides here. A festive feast of wellness guides, books for managing anxiety and children’s toys.

        Why I decided to participate in the #JoinIn Twitter hashtag

        Firstly, I should make it clear I am writing this mainly because I want more people to be aware the #JoinIn Twitter hashtag exists. It’s important people know there is someone out there to support them. Even if it isn’t possible to do this face to face right now.

        I previously volunteered for a befriending service and did home visits with an elderly person. But the service also offered much-needed telephone conversations. As you can imagine, this could mean the world to a lonely older person. Therefore, I’m aware of how valuable this contact can be.

        To clarify, this isn’t about me being a hero or superior to anyone else. I truly believe we are all muddling through life. Any one of us could be lonely one day, or find ourselves in the depths of depression during the Christmas period. If everyone could understand this, or always try to lead with a kind heart, I don’t think the stigma surrounding mental health would be as bad as it is. 

        #JoinIn Twitter hashtag

        What happened on Christmas morning?

        All I can tell you is, I felt compelled to support others on Christmas Day. And the #JoinIn Twitter hashtag was my way of doing it.

        I will be honest and say when I first saw the campaign in the lead-up to Christmas, I was dubious about committing. The only reason for my reluctance was self-preservation. I’ve learned to look after myself first. I obviously also want to help others and it’s the reason I started my blog. But how can I help others without preserving my mental strength?

        Despite my reluctance, something happened on Christmas morning which made me feel I needed to participate. I looked at our little family and I felt grateful. Lucky to be seeing my parents and finally getting to teach my toddler about Santa. 

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          Giving back

          I genuinely loved interacting under the #JoinIn Twitter hashtag on Christmas Day. I still had quality time with my family, but I was also proud to give something back. The Twitter community helped me out of a dark place. To recover from a mental breakdown.

          In a similar way to my blogging journey, this then made me think of all the people who wouldn’t have this luxury. We couldn’t see some family members because of a positive covid test. Therefore I was all too aware some people might just be isolated this year to avoid spreading the virus. 

          These selfless, kind people needed someone to connect with. To clarify, this isn’t about me being a hero or superior to anyone else. I truly believe we are all muddling through life. Any one of us could be lonely one day, or find ourselves in the depths of depression during the Christmas period. If everyone could understand this, or always try to lead with a kind heart, I don’t think the stigma surrounding mental health would be as bad as it is. 

          I’ve found receiving and giving the following to others really does help to transform your life. 

          Compassion 

          Gratitude 

          Kindness 

          Support 

          Empathy 

          Love 

          Hugs 

          Understanding

          I wish everyone would show more of these qualities. The world would be a better place.

          #JoinIn Twitter hashtag

          For anyone who needs it right now, feel free to sign up to my freebie library and download the self-care checklist

          self care checklist

          How it all started

          Sarah Millican is an amazing human being for starting the #JoinIn Twitter hashtag and also taking time out of her Christmas day to chat with everyone. I honestly think it’s so lovely. Through her shows, she also raised an amazing amount of money for Mind. A charity doing amazing work to support those with mental health problems.

          When confronting my own mental health issues in the past, I’ve always found therapy helped. Something about talking to a stranger means you lower your guard and can often be more honest. I truly think the same concept works online. I’ve sometimes felt more supported by strangers online than people close to me.

          My wish and the reason I am writing this

          I want to spread the word to everyone. this support exists on Twitter. I would like the chat to continue and I know there are some people who want to do this.

          The main thing we all need to be aware of is there is someone there to talk if you feel you need it. And that is priceless. It warmed my heart to see the exchange of kind messages!

          Final thoughts

          Please come and chat with me in the comments below and let me know what you think of the #JoinIn Twitter hashtag.

          I would love to hear from you.

          mummy conquering anxiety

          How guest posting improved my domain authority score in the first six months

          By offering a guest post slot on my blog for other people, I felt like I was giving something back. I honestly felt emotional and proud to host some of the amazing writing I will talk about in this post. 

          And best of all, I got feedback like this:

          Just wanted to extend my sincerest thanks to you for posting my content on your blog.  I feel like it’s been very well received, and I so appreciate your help with getting the conversation and message out there.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out in the future if there’s ever another project I can help with.  Thanks for the great work that you do.

          Guest posting is a way for us to strengthen our relationships in the blogging world. To support one another and share in our talents. For this reason, guest posts are still open on my blog and you can send your ideas using this form.

          But I also wanted to dedicate a blog post to talking about the benefits of guest posting

          Your writing can be seen by a wider audience, especially if you’re new to blogging 

          The reality is, not many people will see your writing when you start publishing. But don’t be disheartened! Google ranking takes time. Social media promotion can be tedious, but it also pays off. After three months I saw the results of my hard work. 

          Think of it like this. If you don’t tell anyone you’re writing is there, how will they know? Imagine the millions of Google searches each day and how hard it is to find one specific piece of writing. You have to trust the process. 

          You will make lasting connections with other bloggers

          Some of the relationships I’ve formed by communicating with other bloggers via email are valued to this day. It’s refreshing to make contact via another communication method, other than Twitter. It’s also lovely to chat with other creative minds about your writing and get feedback. 

          domain authority

          Improving your domain authority (DA) score

          For anyone who doesn’t know (I didn’t when I first started blogging) I am going to trust another source with explaining. I am not the most technical person, hehe!

          Definition: Domain Authority (DA) is a metric created by the SEO consulting and research company Moz which measures a website’s likelihood to rank on search engines. “Authority” is often used outside of Moz’s metric to describe a domain’s relative “strength,” determined in large part by their backlink portfolio.

          Domain Authority is used as a predictive measure for PageRank, Google’s proprietary algorithm that plays a major role in determining search engine results. Due to the shroud of secrecy around PageRank, Moz’s DA metric is widely considered to be one of the best third party tools for evaluating domain strength.

          SOURCE – https://www.bigcommerce.co.uk/ecommerce-answers/what-is-domain-authority/

          MY DA score started off low, but jumped to 15 after three months of immense hard work, day and night. And now it’s at 22. Backlinks from higher authority websites will improve your DA score. Who wouldn’t want to do that? Whilst also building lasting relationships.

          A summary of the guest posts I wrote for other people

          Why I Hid My Anxiety From Everyone For Years

          5 autumnal themed accessories I will be purchasing this year and why they add value to my home

          Why There Is No Time Limit For Recovery From Mental Illness

          Together In Mamahood interview: Sam, Mummy Conquering Anxiety

          The Reality of Severe Anxiety – Guest Post by Sam

          Head over and check them out. It’s great to have my writing on other people’s sites. Follow me on Twitter for updates on my guest posts.

          A summary of my recent writing on other platforms

          In recent months I’ve also expanded where I publish my writing. Some of what I want to say doesn’t fit with the topics on this blog and it’s refreshing to publish on another platform.

          https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mummyca/why-important-look-mental-health-especially-outside-factors

          Sign up for my monthly newsletter, to gain access to exclusive offers & updates

          Sign up for my freebie library. Each week there will be a new freebie added to help organise your life and take away some stress!

          domain authority

          Guest posts I’ve hosted on my blog

          Final thoughts

          I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post. I will be regularly updating it with new guest posts.

          Let me know if you’ve read the posts above, or whether you missed them the first time and you’re checking them out again.

          What are your thoughts on guest posting? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.

          signature
domain authority

          Amazing Blogs For Spooky Season & Those Cosy Winter Reads

          AD – PLEASE NOTE – this is a paid advertisement

          Want to book an advertising spot? I am taking bookings from 2023 – details here.

          cosy winter reads

          Welcome to my November 2022 advertisers

          Please show my November 2022 advertisers some love, by commenting, sharing their posts, and interacting with one another. I regularly post on Twitter about the blogging community and how it is great to be part of such a supportive group. Let’s dive into some cosy winter reads and products for your Christmas purchasing needs.

          Look out for updates on these advertisers and their amazing work, throughout the month on Twitter.

          Life Of Morag

          cosy winter reads

          A little bit about the blog

          I started Lifeofmorag after a life-changing accident as a way to fill my time and give me focus. That was back in 2018. Now four years on I write about a range of topics from travel (I have visited 39 countries) to books to social issues. I also write a lot about chronic illness and mental health, both from my own experiences and coping strategies. 

          Blog posts you should check out for your cosy winter reads

          ‘PREY FOR THE DEVIL’: HORROR, PSYCHOLOGY, POWER IMBALANCES AND A FILM REVIEW

          NEW BEGINNINGS: A SOCIAL WORK MASTERS

          MANAGING TRAVEL ANXIETY: CHRONIC ILLNESS, COVID RULES AND BODY IMAGE

          Ways to connect with Morag

          Instagram

          Twitter

          cosy winter reads

          Bookish Night In

          You can now purchase cosy winter reads, for yourself or your loved ones – check out more details below.

          cosy winter reads

          A little discount for you

          Use code – SAM22 at checkout to get 10% off

          Ships worldwide. Klarna is available. 

          A little bit about the website

          Discover the book box you DESERVE! Bookish Night In is proud to announce our December pre-order box featuring The Prophecy Of The Water Sprite by K. Rose & Raiders Treasure by Leann Ryans! Also, our Christmas advent calendar-style box which features Loxley Savage with Seven Sins Of Snow & VB Gilbert with Bairseach. Willow Hayes with Ours To Keep & Mallory Fox with A History Of Violence.

          How does it work?

          • You can buy one of our available now boxes and get it right away, or, pre-order the next one.
          • You can choose between a budget box, with one signed book, or, a deluxe box with two signed books. You have the option to choose either a self-care package or an adult toy.
          • Our budget boxes contain at least three self-care products and our deluxe boxes come with three to five self-care products. Our adult box comes with an adult toy worth at least £40.

          Ways to connect

          Join the Facebook group for author & book reveals!

          Website

          Linktree

          Sign up for my monthly newsletter, to gain access to exclusive offers & updates

          Sign up for my freebie library. With new freebies added to help organise your life and take away some stress!

          The latest freebie…  Download the new checklist bundle – bright colours for making organising more fun…

          cosy winter reads

          Final Thoughts

          Please show these amazing bloggers some love. And look out for updates about them throughout the month.

          cosy winter reads

          Looking for a gift guide for your Christmas shopping needs? Check out all the ones I’ve written below.

          14 AMAZING COSY WELLNESS GIFTS FOR WINTER & BEYOND

          THE REASONS I PURCHASE WITH ONE TRUSTED BRAND FOR GIFTS & SELF-CARE PURCHASES

          MY FAVOURITE SELF-CARE PRODUCTS FROM THE BODY SHOP

          ADVENT CALENDAR OF TREATS FROM THE BODY SHOP

          I HAVE MORE ADVENT CALENDARS TO SHARE FROM THE BODY SHOP

          THE NEW EDELWEISS RANGE FROM THE BODY SHOP 

          SOME AMAZING WELLNESS PRODUCTS – FOR YOUR GIFTING & CHRISTMAS NEEDS

          MY GUIDE TO THE BEST APPAREL OUT THERE CONTRIBUTING TO GREAT CAUSES

          WHY GIFT GUIDES ARE AN AMAZING RESOURCE WHEN ONLINE SHOPPING

          The Body Shop:

          THE REASONS I PURCHASE WITH ONE TRUSTED BRAND FOR GIFTS & SELF-CARE PURCHASES

          MY FAVOURITE SELF-CARE PRODUCTS FROM THE BODY SHOP

          ADVENT CALENDAR OF TREATS FROM THE BODY SHOP

          I HAVE MORE ADVENT CALENDARS TO SHARE FROM THE BODY SHOP

          THE NEW EDELWEISS RANGE FROM THE BODY SHOP 

          Here are some of the previous gift guides I created:

          10 UNIQUE MENKIND GIFTS FOR THE SPECIAL MAN IN YOUR LIFE

          4 AMAZING GIFT IDEAS FOR THE SPECIAL MAN IN YOUR LIFE

          THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX FOR YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT

          THE BEST DISCOUNTS & DEALS ON THE INTERNET FOR MOTHER’S DAY

          THE REASONS I PURCHASE WITH ONE TRUSTED BRAND FOR GIFTS & SELF-CARE PURCHASES

          THE ULTIMATE LIST OF SELF-CARE PACKAGE GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERY OCCASION

          5 LAST-MINUTE ONLINE CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR THE ONES YOU LOVE

          CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE MY TRUSTED NO7 ESSENTIALS