The Black Sheep of Blogging

Yaaaas new photography set up. Slightly ruined by my crudely drawn sheep. 

This post is probably going to be quite self indulgent so bear with me. 

Today I thought I would share something that is perhaps a little more personal to me so expect a chatty poorly edited ramble of thoughts. However,  I don't think this is necessarily something that only applies to me. In fact I think it's something that we probably feel at one point or another in the crazy competitive world of blogging...

Being The Black Sheep of Blogging. 

The blogging community is huge. It's growing by the day with new exciting bloggers all keen and raring to go with their fresh minds and enthusiasm. This is amazing and it's one of the things that I love about blogging. However, with all the increasing bloggers everyday it's easy to feel lost in the ether. 

I've had times (and I'm sure you will have as well) when I have had major self-doubt as to my own ability as a blogger. The thoughts arrive like "I've been blogging for two years and no one knows me", "no one likes me", "I'm not as good as them", "why has that person ignored my tweet, do they not want to speak to me?" ... these are all things that I have thought and felt insecure about at one time or another. 

I've had times where I have been convinced certain bloggers didn't like me. Completely unfounded may I add! It's ridiculous but the blogging world is so vast and hectic that it's hardly surprising that now and then you feel left out. 

I have Social Anxiety and that does usually result in me over exaggerating every tiny minute detail when it comes to social situations. My brain over thinks everything and I'm prone to over-reacting if I think I've upset someone or annoyed someone, due to my anxiety kicking in and basically telling me what an idiot I am. When I reflect I realise that actually no, the chances are with so many hundreds of bloggers my single small voice is just getting lost in the masses. 

The reason I wanted to write this rambling little post is because I think this is something that a lot of bloggers feel. Often we feel like we can't talk to "X, Y,Z" blogger because they are "too cool" or that "they won't want to speak to me" this is ridiculous. They are still humans regardless of the following they have, and I'm sure that the majority of bloggers will be more than happy to have a chat to anyone because they are almost certainly having or have had the same inner turmoil not wanting to talk to someone because they are intimidated. 

However its not all doom and gloom and before I end this little ramble,  I will make a special mention to a movement that has helped me no end with feeling part of the blogging community recently and banishing my self doubt. #TheGirlGang (formerly #Girlgang) created by the wonderful Jemma from Dorkface has completely changed how I feel about the blogging community. This (not so) little community of 1000+ people is one of the most supportive networks I have ever found. If your feeling like shit, you will always have someone telling you how great you are and offering support. It's just a really lovely community and I am so thankful to Jemma for having the idea and spreading the blogger love. 

I hope this post actually made sense as to be honest it is a bit of a ramble!

I think to summarise, I just wanted to say. If you're feeling isolated and left out of the blogging world, it's nothing to worry over. You are not alone. It's something we are all susceptible to feeling. 

So pick yourself up, brush yourself off and keep being awesome.