I started blogging to share my experiences raising my son in Spanish, something I am determined to do. Quickly, however, I realized that I wanted to share a lot more. I found myself writing about other issues I felt strongly about, such as access to paid maternity leave, good quality food, the presidential elections, Latino and women issues.
Blogging has definitely had an impact on my life, all for the better. Blogging has allowed me to be more vocal and not be afraid of asking for what I want (ok… blogging and maybe reading lean in!) I’ve learned to make connections, to not be afraid to talk about myself. I’m learning to pitch and to talk to other bloggers and brands. I am learning to sell myself and to not be afraid of rejection!
When I started blogging, I didn’t know what the heck I was doing…(At times, I am still am kind of lost…) I don’t even think I knew what WordPress was. I opened a blog on Tumblr, because it seemed easy enough. I am still on Tumblr, but one of my projects this summer is to design a new blog… I hope I can make that happen in 2013!
Truthfully, I thought that going to a blogging conferences was for more established bloggers, those who have thousands of unique visitors, and who have been doing this a lot longer than me! But after listening to great ladies (Ana Flores, Stacey Ferguson, Jeannette Kaplun, Yoly Mason, Maura Hernandez) speak about the importance of attending blogging conferences, I was inspired! (Special shout-out to Jeannette Kaplun and Ana Flores whose words really inspired me to enter to win an opportunity to attend BlogaliciousFive!)
The most amazing part of blogging is the connections that I have made with people regarding the trials and tribulations of this journey called parenting. Parenthood unites many people online. I started blogging because I was a mom determined that my son learn Spanish, but quickly I started writing and sharing other fears and experiences as a mom (most notably about my kid’s ridiculous sleep habits— or lack thereof) and as a working mom. Sometimes, I am asking for help, sometimes I am venting, sometimes I am offering tips. Whatever it is, I love making connections with people, sharing and supporting other parents in this amazing journey called being a parent.
Blogging has allowed me to have a voice and advocate for issues I care about. In addition, the connections I have made through my blog have enriched my life in countless ways. Through my blogging I started writing, and thanks to blogging and to an amazing editor who gave me an opportunity, Lorraine Ladish, I started writing for Mamiverse. More recently, I also joined the SpanglishBaby and NBC Latino teams! I have met amazing people throught blogging and social media, and many bloggers have been incredibly helpful in helping me figure out the basics, such as “What is SEO?” or “What are analytics?” I feel I have just scratched the surface though, because there is still so much more to learn! I want to update my blog, in terms of design, I definitely think it is time. I’m excited about the possibility of going to Blogalicious Five!! Thank you Latina Bloggers Connect for the opportunity!!
