Lately I have noticed a trend among my fellow bloggers that I find less than Joyful. When you attend blog conferences a piece of advice that is often shared is “establish yourself as an expert”. This is really great advice. By showing your expertise in certain areas it gives your readers confidence that you know what you are talking about. However, when we show our expertise in every post I think it takes us beyond the place of being an expert and takes us to the place of being unrelatable. No one is an expert at everything and no one gets it right all the time.
I have been a fan of Nacia from Granolaville since she was a Mom in Boyland. She is an expert on having a more natural life in everything from childbirth, breastfeeding, to diet and juicing. But one of my favorite post from her was the one about her not being ready to give up her perm. I could so relate to that!!!
My friend, Ms. Pillowz, who blogs at Big Diva Hq is an expert in promoting confidence in women of all sizes. Her recent post on the growing pains and difficulties involved in letting go of the person you were to become all that you are capable of definitely resonates with me. Stretching our comfort zones, pushing past our fears and allowing ourselves to accept success are all hard things. Her ability to be vulnerable and not perfect is what makes us all feel so comfortable and encouraged to keep moving forward when we read her blog.
MJ over at A Girl Named Michael is an expert on blended families, step parenting, and books. Her posts and Facebook shares include so many misadventures and quirks that she seems 100% down to earth.
Amusing Foodie is the go to spot for all things yummy. I loved her recent FB post about going out for pizza with her son was one of my favorites. She does not cook yummy, home cooked meals for her family 365 days a year. Sometimes she goes out for pizza just like the rest of us.
I like to read about it yes because no one is perfect, it's a reminder that we all struggle.
I agree there are some popular blogs out there that started out small and personable but have grown so much that every post looks like it came right out of a catalog and life is so perfect and beautiful… impossible!
Thanks for introducing me to these other blogs and their expertise!
Definitely! Like you said it makes them relateable and real.
You have acquire a special gift to share with others. A gift of joy ! Everyone may not fully accept or appreciate. Some many never understand your drive and motivation. But those who do will come to know the meaning of having true joy.
Thank you for inspiration to inspire others to be happy!
You know what, this is so true. Experts are human too, and no one is a true expert in any field, if the definition of expert is someone who knows absolutely EVERYTHING about something. It's humanly impossible because only God knows that.
Thank you for pointing this out – this is just in time for me 🙂 Trying to make some changes to make myself happier and trying to let go of being a perfectionist.
I am also choosing to ignore so many of those experts at these conferences and just do my thing.
While I love visiting a blog who has the best tips and tricks. I also love to know that they are human! I can really appreciate when they are a true expert in their field. I appreciate and actually want that. But the last thing you want is for a reader to begin to feel inferior because all you show is your perfect side. Everyone has faults. So I think it is ok to show them now and then to remind readers that you are human too. I find it makes the blogger much more relateable for me.
Thank you so much for including my blog!
You are most certainly down to earth, honest, and an expert at finding joy and happiness. Your blog is about your journey, which includes ups and downs. It talks about finding joy in big ways through simple things like flowers, making connections with new people, and treating yourself. We can all relate to that and that's why we love you and all of the things that you share with us. 🙂
Really good post. There are a lot of blogs out there that are over the top on offering expert advice and you do feel that you can not relate to them. I love finding one that you know the person is an expert in their field but you feel like you are just down with them on the sofa talking.
Thank you so for sharing some new blogs that I will have to check out. I hope you are doing well.
There is a lot of value in trying.
Hi Jennifer. I agree there is great value in trying, in doing things to the best of our ability. I think there is also great value in talking about when we tried our best and it did not work out. It shows that we are human and that makes others feel it's OK for them to try things too because so and so tried it and it did not work out but they are still awesome. Even experts don't hit the mark every time and that is valuable information too.
Thank you for the shout out doll!
You are welcome Nacia 🙂
AHHH Thank you. I dont know if I am an expert on blended families but I am glad someone thinks I am. I will claim to be an expert on books. lol. I think you are amazing and appreciate the shout out. Again thanks and here is to hoping you have a joyful day!
Michael, I'd definitely consider any advice you had to offer about having pseudo step kids 🙂