Well, I’m still here ๐ . I’ve now been writing on this blog for 9 years and it continues to be my longest running hobby. So on the anniversary of penning my first words for this blog, I like to reflect on the past year and if I’ve learned anything new about writing. So let’s get into what I experienced and learned in the last 12 months.
A (Small) Crisis Of Confidence
Let’s start with a heavier topic ๐ . I had a small crisis of confidence this year. During this entire blogging journey, I’ve been intentional about not setting big goals for myself. My goals were to write a post that I enjoy every Tuesday. Easy.
And my expectations for what would happen after that weren’t based on pageviews or social media follows or anything like that. My only external metric that I used to track my success was getting at least ONE comment on my post so I would know that someone read (and hopefully enjoyed) it.
I thought this was a reasonable goal because I’ve been incredibly lucky and have actually never had a post not receive a comment since I took this blog public….until a few months ago ๐ . My random, ‘very reasonable’ goal bit me in the ass a bit.
In retirement, I have been branching out with what kinds of things I post about. It’s gone from talking about my financial life to my entire life, which has involved discussing fancy flights, travel experiences and even socks. I understand that everyone might not be here for that kind of randomness.
So when I didn’t receive a comment on two of my posts in a row (that happened to be fancy flight reviews), I wanted to examine my reaction. I was bothered, but why? I discovered that the reason it bothered me was (1) because I set that arbitrary “one comment” goal and hadn’t met it two weeks in a row and (2) because I felt like people might not be reading my blog.
I can still see pageviews and all of those metrics, but I get so many spam comments that at times I wonder how many of those views are just bots ๐ . I love actually hearing from y’all and knowing if what I’m writing has helped you in some way. But that’s not a fair expectation for me to set ๐ . Instead of expecting a comment, I should just be grateful for any I do receive at all. Leaving comments is rare in blogging and becoming more rare as the world shifts to other forms of media and entertainment.
Further, I wrote this blog for 3.5 years without sharing it with the world so obviously I received no comments during that time. So why would this bother me now? It was just something I had come to expect and look forward to.
However, in the 5.5 years this blog has been public, the ways that people can provide feedback on posts have changed drastically. It’s not just comments, but also Instagram reactions to me sharing the post link or a kind DM. After reflecting, I realized that I needed to adjust my expectations and go back to not needing any external validation to write this blog. I didn’t for a long time and I still write mostly for myself so I think that’s possible. I just need to get out of my head ๐ .
So I’ve gotten rid of my “at least one comment” expectation. I started writing this blog for myself and will continue to do so. I got caught up in the awesomeness of this community and getting y’alls feedback, but that’s not why I’m here and I’m going to remember that.
Blogging As Community Building
Another indicator that shows that there are people and not just bots reading my words, is all the awesome in-person meet ups I’ve been having with y’all! As always, I really appreciate everyone who’s reached out via email, comment or DM to ask if I wanted to grab coffee after seeing I’ll be in their neck of the woods.
I’ve now met people in a handful of US states as well as Canada๐จ๐ฆ, Mรฉxico๐ฒ๐ฝ, Singapore๐ธ๐ฌ, Australia๐ฆ๐บ and New Zealand๐ณ๐ฟ! I’m excited to expand to Europe later this year ๐ . Meeting y’all has been a highlight of my travels and seeing a new city through your (local) eyes is wildly cool. It’s also wild that this little blog brought us together ๐ .
People often ask me how I feel connected to people when I’m moving around the world all the time, but meeting y’all in person and even talking to you online is a big part of it.
Struggling With A Travel/Writing Rhythmย
I usually have one big trip a year with my Mom where I’m going at a way faster pace than usual. I’m still working to get her on my “Slow Travel” timeline ๐ .
In 2023 that big trip was our 6 week adventure to Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. Since we were running around playing ‘vacation’ and trying to see all that several countries had to offer in the amount of time I usually spend in one city, I had a hard time finding or making quiet moments to write.
And in 2024 I can already see that the same thing might happen for our big Iceland/Europe trip, but I have a plan! I’m putting set writing time on my calendar during that stretch so even if I only do a little of it or don’t feel particularly inspired, I can think about my ideas on a daily basis and hopefully not feel like those fun filled days are slipping by so quickly I don’t have time to write.
Conclusion
So that’s where my mind is after 9 years of writing on this blog! Finding time to write while traveling the world has become more challenging, but I get so much joy out of writing on here that I’m going to fit it into my ‘busy’ schedule ๐ . So see you next time and thank you for being here!
What’s your favorite hobby lately?
Keep up the great work Purple, some topics are inherently more interesting to me than other topics, and Iโm sure thatโs the case with everyone. I still like reading it so keep it up๐ช
Will do! And totally fair – I just need to keep reminding myself of that ๐ .
Very sensible to detach your validation from other people’s inputs and comments. We’re all human though – I have to remind myself of the exact same thing when there aren’t notifications and comments on my online stuff. The creation of the notification was an awful day for the online world.
Regarding those reviews: I’m not going to fly business class any time soon. And if/when I do, someday, I want to experience it for myself. Plus I have friends who don’t shut up about the joys of business class and I’m sick of hearing about them. Not reading those particular posts didn’t have anything to do with you or the quality of your writing, which is excellent.
Sounds like you’ve got a good plan for the upcoming year to keep your writing on track. Looking forward to reading about your 2024 adventures!
So true. That’s an interesting comparison between blog comments and social media notifications/comments. I think of them as separate, but I guess they’re not. You’ve made me think with that one ๐ . I don’t think I have the same hope for feedback on social media that I did with blog comments and am going to think about why that is.
Totally fair point on the biz class reviews. That’s also interesting you’d want to experience it for yourself – I’m the opposite ๐ . I read every review I can before doing something. Just an interesting contrast. Maybe I should experience things for myself as well ๐ .
Thank you for reading and for your kind words!
Your followers from Turkey are also quite enthusiastic. If your European tour brings you to this region, I would highly recommend exploring the country. ๐
Thank you! This Eurotrip sadly won’t take me to Turkey, but I’ve visited before and had a nice time.
I read every single post, every Tuesday morning, for about 2 years, but this is my first time commenting. Just want to let you know that Iโm here!
Haha thank you for letting me know ๐ . And that’s wild you’ve read every post for years. Thank you for being here!
Awww Purple! I love reading your posts. For a while, I only subscribed to your blog and millennial revolution, haha.. but yes, youโve always written posts for yourself and not anyone. I love the genuineness and candidness that comes out of that.
Hi Purple,
I enjoy reading your updates on Tuesdays…
Your reframed outlook on things sounds like a healthy approach!
I am eager to read about most subjects, but am not a gamer for example so not super invested in video games reviews.
Hi! Thank you ๐ . I think it’s a healthier way too. RE: game reviews – that totally makes sense.
Thank you Kent ๐ . And that’s a great way to look at it – I appreciate that.
Hello Purple!
Just a quick reminder that I read your blog every tueday, from Portugal.
This is my first comment but I’m always here ๐
Hi Sara! Thank you so much for letting me know ๐ .
So, Tuesdays are a highlight for me because I get to read your posts. Odd Iโm sure. But I enjoy them. So thank you. I donโt normally comment on the blog (though I have occasionally). Iโm more likely to comment on an instagram post. Canโt wait for the Europe post(s)!
Wow – that’s really high praise thank you!! Great to know about the blog comments vs instagram too. I haven’t been categorizing Insta comments in my brain as feedback from y’all like blog comments, but I totally should. And haha I’m excited for Europe posts as well ๐ .
Iโm one of your silent fans who love your blog even if I rarely comment ๐ Thank you for all you do and please keep up the awesome content!!!!!!
Thank you for letting me know and for reading! I’ll do my best ๐ .
Oh, dear Purple! Thank you for sharing from a place of such vulnerability and authenticity. I seldom comment, but often read, and want to remind you that YOU, ESPECIALLY YOU, are a HUGE part of where I am in my life today. So many of us are truly inspired and encouraged by your example and I will always be forever grateful that you have shared your journey with us all! Thank you again and again! ๐๐๐
Love it. There are a lot of lurkers that donโt interact but we are here ! Keep it up!
Haha fair enough ๐ . Will do!
Love it. There are a lot of lurkers that donโt interact but we are here ! Keep it up! Thanks for all
You do!
I’m not on social media (no instagram, no facebook, no twitter and i don’t tik nor tok..lol), but your platform is the only one that inspired me to come out of the shadows and leave a comment. My family would be shocked to learn that i’ve left comments on someone’s blog.
Purple, thank you for showing us brown girls that it is possible to achieve financial freedom. You are truly an inspiration! Please don’t stop sharing your journey…even if you have to reduce your entries to only once per month.
Oh wow – thank you ๐ !!! Also the phrase “I don’t tik nor tok” had me cackling!
Of course – I’m happy to provide an example. That’s one of the main reasons I started writing this blog. Thank you for your kind words! I’ll definitely keep writing and it’s good to know that a reduction in my posting schedule wouldn’t necessarily lead to a revolt haha. I’m still planning to stick to once a week for the foreseeable future though!
Iโve commented before, I was the one that told you I โbingeโ read through your blog on a weekend ๐in fact I still go back through and read through earlier posts, so please donโt stop. I use your blog for inspiration!
Hi again Kristine! I’m still shocked my blog is binge-able and very honored to hold that distinction ๐ . I’ll definitely keep writing! Thank you for your kind words.
Me too, I always read your posts and it helped me a lot. I started my own blog and I have you to look up to. But mine is in Spanish ๐ .
And I relate to what you are saying. Thanks for all.
That’s awesome!! And I’ll check out your blog. Thank you for being here.
I enjoy your writing and perspective. And I enjoy the high end travel reviews. Iโve upped most of my travels to business class flights when I can do so within reason. Ive found myself unexpectedly with much more income in retirement than I would have expected and my challenge is to utilize that income to the fullest. Which can be somewhat challenging given my generally frugal tendencies. So Iโm in awe of your retirement budget and skills in utilizing your resources. Anyway Iโm looking forward to following your travels.
Thank you Jeff! That’s awesome you’ve had more income in retirement than expected. And I’m all for a travel flight splurge ๐ . I’ll keep writing about those experiences – thank you again.
My friend, you have and continue to provide so much value during the life of this blog. Continue to honour you first in all that you do and do know that your audience truly appreciates what you have accomplished and what you share!
Thank you friend ๐ . I just needed a bit of a brain reset, but I think I’ve got my head back on straight now.
Sorry I havenโt commented before! However just letting you know I find your updates very inspirational. Please keep up the good work – I share will my kids to encourage them to take a similar route to you – life is for living โญ๏ธ
No need to be sorry at all ๐ ! I’m so happy the posts are helpful and that’s so cool you share them with your kids – Wow. Thank you for reading!
Thank you for teaching me all that you have through this blog. First time commenter, long time reader. And, an open invitation to have a maple latte with a fellow personal finance nerd when you are in Vermont!
Thank you for reading! And ooh what part of Vermont? (Feel free to email me if you’d prefer not to say on here: purple [at] apurplelife.com). I’m in VT fairly often visiting family.
Never commented before, but chiming in to mention that I love the weekly updates! Also happy to meet in person if you ever find yourself in Dallas ๐
Thank you so much! And will do – I’m often in the Dallas airport, but venturing outside of it hasn’t happened in a hot second unfortunately.
I deliberately don’t allow comments on my blog because it’s a carrot-and-a-stick for me. I used to work in social media so everything was metrics and I am still so easily influenced by them. So when I started writing my current blog I decided to eliminate that. I didn’t want to feel beholden to an audience which would start the cycle of blog-reward-blog some more. I wanted to just write about my life and the intersection of parenting, FI and disability.
My current hobby is playing Witcher 2 and going to PWHL games. But that is because winter in Ottawa is crap (and doubly so when you have mobility issues).
That’s a very interesting and smart approach! Those sound like fun hobbies. I’m sorry the winters there is crap and hope it clears up soon.
What a well timed post. You can rest assured that you have many readers and if you knew how many people really followed your recommendations you might be both terrified and thrilled. A perfect example is that I am sitting on the couch of my Airbnb in Merida Mexico. Well, of course I am learning to speak Spanish at La Calle. Another couple I met yesterday also took your recommendation and are here too! (You should be getting a commission). We often refer back to your blog when we remember you have discussed a particular topic we need to know about for our use.
Thanks for always sharing and I hope it continues making you as happy as it does your readers.
WHAT?!? That’s so wild about La Calle. Wow – that really blew my mind!!! I had to call my Mom immediately and tell her haha. I hope you’re enjoying Mรฉrida and La Calle! Thank you for reading. I’m happy to keep writing ๐ .
I enjoy your blog but rarely (never?) reply. On occasion I skip one that is not in my universe, but that’s OK, we are all different. Keep doing what you enjoy, let us out in the world do our things too. Glad your life and retirement are going so well. Keep going and all the best. Thanks.
Thank you for reading ๐ . All fair points!
I always love your posts and while our lives are different – the goal of our path is the same! I admire your achievements and enjoy following along with your adventures!
Thank you so much Ann!
I enjoy your blog posts-they help me to daydream about a life with more ease! I don’t generally have thoughtful comments to contribute but wanted you to know that I enjoy your writing.
Thanks so much for telling me that! I found reading FI blogs before I quit helpful for that same reason and I’m happy I can now do the same for other people ๐ .
Iโve been reading your posts for a couple years now. Keep it up!! Many are reading but donโt always comment. This is my first time commenting. Actually, I donโt think Iโve ever commented on anything. Donโt ever stop! So proud of you! You’re an inspiration!
Haha thank you Sarah! I’ll definitely keep it up ๐ .
Greetings from Vancouver, Canada! Your blog has been one of my favs and I’ve been enjoying it since you started writing. You taught me a lot and you are such a positive influence! I missed retiring young (I am turning 65 in Feb.), but you have inspired me to wrestle with retiring at the end of March or at the end of June this year, instead of working for a few more years. This is huge progress! THANK YOU!
Joining the first-time commenters on this blog to say I read your blog regularly, too, even if I don’t leave any comments due to my lurker tendencies ๐ You’re a huge inspiration on my FIRE journey! A few months ago (inspired partly by your blog, too) I actually started a private blog to write more regularly, just for myself. I totally relate to the joy of writing for the sake of writing!
Haha fair enough ๐ . Thank you Anna! That’s awesome about writing for yourself – I hope looking back on your writing brings you a lot of joy like it has for me ๐ .
Hi Kathy! Vancouver is a lovely city – I enjoyed popping up there when I still lived in Seattle. Thank you so much for your kind words and Happy Early Birthday! And oh wow – congratulations on your impending retirement. That’s amazing ๐ !!!
I also don’t normally comment but always read! And I share your posts with friends & family : ) I love your writing and am grateful you’ve continued even in retirement. Thank you and please keep writing! (as long as you enjoy it, of course ๐ )
Oh wow – thank you Olivia! I’ll definitely keep at it ๐ .
Another first time commenter here, letting you know I’ve read most, if not all, of your posts simply because I love your writing style and personality. I think I found you initially from a referral on another FI blog (J. Money?) and even though we don’t have much in common, I just love the way you curate, organize and present information. If I were to write a blog, this is the approach I would take. Sorry, I’ve never commented before. I read blogs on my phone and hate typing with my thumbs. But I sent myself a link to remember to comment on my computer.
FYI: I’m in the Seattle area, so if you plan a meetup next time you are in town, give me a shout, I’d love to say hi in person. ๐
WOAH!! That’s a lot of reading ๐ . Thank you so much Nancy! And no worries at all for not commenting before. Fair enough on the thumb typing – I can’t do it either. My Mom does everything on her phone and I don’t understand it lol. I always have to grab my laptop.
And yay for Seattle! I’m not sure when I’ll be there next, but I seem to pass through every year or so. I’ll add you to my Seattle Meet Up list so I can reach out when the time comes!
Wow, 9 years is amazing! To be honest, youโre the only blog that I subscribe too haha. Such a different perspective on things and it resonates with me
Oh wow – thank you for reading Omar!
Keep at it! My blog slowed down quite a bit over the last few years as well. I’m just writing whatever I feel like these days. I’ve got some detractors, but if I’d quit a long time ago if I just write about finance. Have fun in Iceland and Europe.
Will do Joe ๐ . And fair enough – I’m with you on the “writing whatever I feel like” train. Thank you!
Hi!! ๐๐
Haha Hi!
Oh, dear Purple! Thank you for sharing from a place of such vulnerability and authenticity. I seldom comment, but often read, and want to remind you that YOU, ESPECIALLY YOU, are a HUGE part of where I am in my life today. So many of us are truly inspired and encouraged by your example and I will always be forever grateful that you have shared your journey with us all! Thank you again and again! ๐๐๐
Oh wow Damon – you are too kind ๐ . I’m so happy to hear that. Thank you!
Purple,
You may not care so much about the comments (which I think is a VERY healthy thing to not give a toss about) but I want you to know we are here and we are reading!
Your blog is the only financial blog I still read (and will continue to read) regularly. you are living your dreams and it is so inspirational for others. even those of us who just quietly read and cheer you on from the shadows.
Thank you for saying that ๐ . I do think my new approach is a healthier one, but it’s good to know y’all are there as well. And I’m honored to be the only financial blog you still read! High praise ๐ .
I pretty much read all your posts, even on topics I have no interest in (nails, gaming), although I might skim the latter, because I like your writing and sometimes I just think itโs good to keep up with things I have no interest in. I donโt often comment. You have greatly influenced me in some ways, for example learning a language. Iโve been learning Spanish on Duolingo for over a year now because of your posts and need to take it to the next level with a Spanish school or something online. Thank you for your wonderful, sassy blog and keep doing it!
Oh wow – thank you for telling me that! That’s so great you’re learning Spanish. And haha – I’ll keep the sass coming.
Love your blog, long-time reader. I rarely if ever comment. Please continue to post about what you’re doing, it’s nice to get a break just from numbers and see what you’re up to and how you’re enjoying yourself and your time. It helps give us all ideas and inspiration for the future too.
If you’re ever on the West coast would love to connect or maybe travel paths may overlap in the future.
Thank you for your kind words Max! I’ll keep writing ๐ . And what part of west coast? I’m heading that way soon. Safe travels!