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The Hardest Choice I Ever Made & Those First Few Weeks of Blogging~FTSF #38 + October Daily #4

Filed Under: Kids Posts

Before we go any further, I had teased at the beginning of the week that I would be in a published book by the end of the week and that is just what happened.  Our book (a total of 30 bloggers) has been published and available to purchase on Amazon.  Please click below to buy and read our book that we are so very proud to bring to you now!

Mother of All Meltdowns

[amazon_link id=”B00FKZLGM6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Mother of All Meltdowns[/amazon_link]

Now, welcome back to Finish The Sentence Friday Blog Hop (FTSF).  We give you a sentence and you finish it (however long or short you’d like).  Please feel free to link up and follow any or all of our hostesses, which are below.

And now for this week’s sentence to finish:  “The hardest choice I ever made was…”
And the next sentence to finish:  “Once, in public, I saw somebody…”

Also today is Day #4 of the October Daily~Share your experience during your first few weeks/months in blogging.

Secret Obsession

 

 

The hardest choice I ever had to make was…

To not go back to teaching after I lost my position due to the economy and cuts.

One of my favorite poems of all times is “The Road Less Traveled,” by Robert Frost and many times I think this is just want I did.

Two Paths Diverged...
Two Paths Diverged…

See, I could have chosen after having Lily to become a substitute teacher. See there were truly no real full-time positions available and subbing would just have only paid for daycare for two kids.

So, I chose the path less taken and began to write again after so many years. And as most know from last week, I started this little blog a year ago having celebrated my one year blogiversary on last Friday

I always loved to write, but I was truly scared to put myself out there and share. I am an extrovert by nature, but sharing my deepest feelings, thoughts, as well as our daily life for all to read and witness on the internet was quite overwhelming to me.

But see the other part of me, was truly excited to try my hand at this. I had no idea all that awaited me though. Seriously, I was clueless to all that blogging can encompass, as well as all the doors it could open.

Those first few weeks and months, I really just wrote my heart out and shared so much of myself and my family, too. I look back at those early blog posts and see it was a way for me to connect with others who were out there possibly going through the same as myself and hoping to find a same place to call my own.

When you are a stay at home mom, you are really just there to serve your kids needs, as well as be a maid, a butler, cleaning service and so much more. I longed for so much more though. As much as I loved sharing about myself and my family, I wanted to have a purpose other then cleaning up after my family all day long.

Enter my blog, I found out very quickly that you could not only share yourself, but make a career out of it. But how could I do this. I will tell you I didn’t figure this one out immediately. I was just asked about the best ways to make money with blogging and promise there is a guest post coming on this from me coming soon. But the first few weeks were anything, but how to make money.

However, I did learn early on to treat blogging like it was a job if I wanted to make this a place not only to share, but make some income off of it, as well.

In those early days though, it was the relationships I made and the comments I would get that truly made me love blogging (plain and simple). I looked forward to (hell I still do) getting comments from those that were regulars and that I followed, too.

Comments were my life line. I admit that is probably why I still am a huge commenter on my own blog to respond to those who do comment, as well as read as many blogs and comment on as many as I can daily.

This is something that I did from the beginning and still do. Granted the numbers have grown from a year ago on both ends, but still am a huge blog reader/commenter.

So for me leaving behind all that I knew in the teaching world and venturing outside my comfort zone to become a full-time blogger/writer was probably the hardest thing I ever did and those first few weeks were truly a bit of a blur to me. I have re-read posts to try to share more here, but it really is just such water under the bridge.

In the end, I did choose the path less traveled and it truly has made all the difference for me.

The Road Less Traveled..Made All the Difference!!
The Road Less Traveled..Made All the Difference!!

Now, please share with me what was the hardest thing you ever did and you can also share in the comments your memories if you are a blogger from those first few weeks of blogging for you, too!

Finish the Sentence Friday


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About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Kristi Campbell says

    Ugh Janine. Leaving my job was so hard too. But you know what? I truly believe that we are doing what we're supposed to be doing. Even when it doesn't feel like it all the time. I had to smile about you saying that the comments you got were what kept you going as a blogger because hello. If there's an award for The World's BEST COMMENTER EVER, it goes to you. Hands down.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thank you for putting a smile on my face tonight saying that and believe me I try my best, but I know sometimes I am missing someone and always worrying that I am. And I really do agree that we are doing exactly what we were meant to do!! 🙂

  4. Billybuc says

    Congratulations on the book, Janine. That is very exciting news and I'm happy for you.

    The hardest choice I ever had to make was….changing my life seven years ago so I wouldn't die. 🙂 Come to think of it, maybe that was the easiest choice I ever had to make. LOL Have a great Friday.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thank you so much Bill and I really can't say that enough. It really has been your support that has given me the guts and courage to pursue all this. Whenever I read your words daily, I always come out believing even more so that I am right where I should be and to keep on going!! So thank you my friend for that and so much more. And I am so glad you made that decision 7 years ago, because we have gotten to indeed be friends. Happy Friday right back at you!! 🙂

  5. Sarah says

    Lovely post ~ I too wrote about a moment of paths diverging, and being so glad about the one I chose. I too love getting comments and knowing that people are reading and connecting with what we are writing. And I'm impressed you're making money from it! I still need to figure that one out… looking forward to the post!
    My recent post Multiple Universes and Shimmery Rivers

    • Janine Huldie says

      Sarah, I just read and commented on your post and loved the decision you made. I totally think again that you really did make the perfect and right choice for you and just so happy you did. And you are totally right that I get such a high and feel amazing when I know people do read and relate to my words, thoughts and ideas. As for the money part, I still pinch myself to see if it is real at times, but I am constantly tweaking to see what does indeed work and sticks 🙂

  6. tamaralikecamera says

    When I started blogging, as you know, it was me, myself and I! Now it's different, for sure. I'm a huge comment giver/receiver. I always talk about how much we work and how we give, give, give, and that there will inevitably be a time in which we take more than we can give. And that's not ideal, but it's realistic. You work hard, you do well – well one day you will be rewarded. Maybe it already happened today (on amazon). Maybe more is coming. I don't know! I love this gig, though. That's what I do know.
    My recent post This Is Big, People! Big!

    • Janine Huldie says

      Even more we have in common and couldn’t agree more that I couldn’t see myself doing it any other way now, too!! Plus, I got to meet you this way, so for that reason alone I am thankful I did chops this path 🙂

  7. kentuckygal50 says

    Making a choice like that can be a scary undertaking, but usually when we step out with courage … we are rewarded.

    The hardest thing I ever did was going home 5 days after the emergency c-section delivery of my daughter and having to leave her in the NICU.

    The very first Back Porchervations post was on July 22, 2007 and described different meanings of the word wicked, from slang usage to the word evil. Then I went on to describe one of my co-workers at the time. (I am no longer at that job.)
    My recent post #31 Days – Vegetables and High School Memories

    • Janine Huldie says

      I can't even imagine, even though with my second pregnancy, I was high risk and being told I could go into labor as early as 24 weeks. That was scary, but somehow my baby girl held on and didn't make her final arrival until full term at 39 weeks! And I had to be induced to top it off. But seriously my heart goes out to you on this and just thank you for sharing with me 🙂

  8. stephsprenger says

    I just love that quote, and I also love imagining if I'd taken the other path. You made such great points about how comments are a lifeline to bloggers, especially those of us who are trying to find some sort of meaning aside from motherhood. Glad you have found happiness with your choice!
    My recent post On Choices and Freedom

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thanks Stephanie and I know I have always loved this poem. Really has stuck with me all these years after hearing for the very first time in 10th grade English. I am not much of a poet myself, but I do know poetry perfection from one of the greats when I hear it and this one truly has always been that and so much more to me!! 🙂

  10. Jean says

    I agree that putting ourselves out there is hard. Especially when we're unsure if we're just talking to ourselves. Congratulations, Janine. I had no idea you've only done this for a year.
    My recent post Mama, we insist

    • Janine Huldie says

      Jean, it is so hard sometimes and trust me I have scrapped a few thing sI have written worrying who I may offend. And I still can't believe, I am doing this for a year now. I truly love it, but was so afraid in the beginning, because of how much I would be putting myself out there. But it does just feel so right!! 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thank you so much Rich and seriously I totally understand with your work schedule. You truly don't need to explain and hope you know how much I value our friendship. That said I am just happy when you are able to stop by for a moment or two. Thanks as always my friend!! 🙂

  14. Karen says

    you know I was laid off too babe, it's a scary experience, but you made the right decision. At the time we always worry, but we are doing what we can with the information on hand. What great blessings you have gotten from that one decision. Can't imagine you not being here.
    My recent post Tough Decison FTSF

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thanks Karen and I can't imagine not being here either. And I know you totally understand the feeling of being laid off and just so glad that you were able to get another teaching position. I will be honest and tell you that even if I could get one, I am not sure I ever want to go back now. Mainly because of all the government pushes with testing. I was a math teacher and not sure, I want to deal with all the stress with the Common Core Curriculum. I think at this point, I truly am though where I am supposed to be!! 🙂

  16. Chance of Wine says

    Congrats on the book!!! And good for you for deciding to stay at home with your girls. It's not an easy decision, but if you can do it, I think it's a great one as your kids really do benefit. I also need the blogging world to help give me another place where I feel that I belong. I look forward to your guest post on how to make money blogging! xoxoxo
    My recent post 8 things I hate about air travel

  20. Eddy says

    Well Janine you wrote this post just for me didn't you ??Ha ha brilliant and again I have to tell all about just how inspiring you are. This by the way is totally sincere!!!I meanwhile need to find some way to share my pages which were on Facebook. I am torn between many options so if you have any ideas my dear friend don't hesitate to let me know.(on here maybe??) Again thank you so much and here's to many more from you my very special friend. Lots of love from my little corner of Wales.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Eddy, I always share for you on twitter, which in turn also gets shared to my Facebook (I have them connected). So, you can count on at least one share from me. And if others share on Facebook for you, then I think you will totally still have a presence on Facebook, but definitely sorry you had to deactivate your account and hope you can get it sorted out. Until then like I said happy to share for you!! And totally wishing you a great weekend ahead now 🙂

  21. @wakefielddoc says

    I, for one, am grateful that you made the choice that you did, to write a blog (and therefore be in a group where I met you) as you and "…mommyholic" have been one of the most valued FOTDs (Friends of the Doctrine) and a source of encourage in my efforts at this writing thing.

    thanks
    My recent post Finish(or not) The(or any other) Sentence(actually more of a clause) Friday(or whenever) the Wakefield Doctrine (“…fricken Hobson made me do it!”)

  23. realhousewife says

    I can truly relate to your feelings Janine. I left a job where I had lots of seniority and I felt respected, to be a SAHM. I quickly started feeling like I'd suddenly assumed just doing all the shit that no one else wants to do!! For no pay or bennies too:) lol. I love my girls though and I knew they needed me more than the lab though.

    Blogging gave me a way to connect to other people (moms like you!) and make a little passive income too. I feel my time is well spent and it's a win/win. I can pickmitmuo and work on it betwixt cleaning terlits and dirty laundry:)

    • Janine Huldie says

      Total win-win Kelly and seriously never realized just how much I would love what I am doing, but I do. So, I just feel so thankful and blessed by that. And seriously so glad we got to know and become friends through this, too 🙂 🙂

  25. Stephanie says

    Congrats on your book, Janine!! This is SO awesome! I finally have an outline about the book I've been dreaming to write, and I'm so surprised that it's going to be something completely different than what I had thought about when I first got the idea of "writing a book" stuck in my head.

    I agree that your decision was a hard one. To be honest, Richard and I had the same decision to make back when he got out of the Army and tried finding a job. It was either getting a job that barely paid daycare or stay at home to raise our girl (now girls). And to be honest, when I look at all the daycare centers out there, I'm glad we made the decision. We always wanted to raise our kids according to our system of values. Handing them over to other people for 10 hours or so a day won't allow much of that any more.

    Hope you have a great weekend!
    My recent post Loving Autumn

    • Janine Huldie says

      Stephanie, it truly sounds like you understand completely and you too made the right and perfect decision for you and your family. I have to admit it wasn't easy when I was making this decision, but now like you, I am so glad I did. And same here, we wanted to be able to raise our kids the way we wanted to and think right now we are very much doing that. Thank you as always and wishing you a great weekend, too!! 🙂

  26. Chris @HyeThymeCafe says

    Congrats on the book, and on making that tough decision for yourself and your family about not going back to work. It really is terrible to think about how many families need a second income to survive, yet more often than not, it seems that second income is sucked up by child-care costs to account for the second parent also being out of the house. Sometimes seems like we need to develop a new 70's style commune way of living (not quite so hippy), or even farther back to when multiple generations of a family lived together and had that built-in support – although seriously, I can't really imagine doing that myself lol. Maybe I'm lucky I don't have kids after all. 😉
    My recent post Finish the Sentence Friday: "The hardest choice I ever made was …"

  27. Lanaya says

    I am BEYOND proud of you for being published! You are such an inspiration.
    I'm sorry I've been so busy and haven't been over to comment on your blog this week. Life is crazy with this move.
    I love you!

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    Raising-Reagan.com

    • Janine Huldie says

      Seriously, I love you and don't need to explain at all to me. Just happy to see you here and wishing you only the best with the move. Sending good thoughts and vibes you way. And thank you for being such a great friend always!! 🙂

  28. Camilleta says

    That is awesome, congrats to you and the other authors!!

    I think it's great that you followed your heart, it takes a lot courage to do that.

    I don't know how you do it though, I seriously need some pointers on time management with my blog! I never have enough time to keep up with posting, reading comments, and commenting back. One category always suffers. 🙁
    My recent post Wordless Wednesday

  29. The Dose of Reality says

    Congratulations on the book! It is so exciting. Just think, when you made that decision, did you ever thing you'd be a published author?!?!?! Isn't that just the best?! The book is fantastic!! Ashley and I were lucky enough to get an advanced copy and we loved it!

    I, for one, am very grateful that you took the chance on writing. I adore your blog!! (and you!!) –Lisa
    My recent post Pinterest Nightmare #157: The TV Hat

  30. marykatbpcsc45 says

    Hi, my favorite thing about this year following your blog is discovering FTSF. I have so enjoyed taking part and enjoyed all the funny posts on your blog and on your hosts' blogs. It has been a lot of fun.
    My recent post Fridays Come in Fives Around Here

  32. Tiffany says

    THis was an awesome and inspiring post! Kudos to you for choosing the road less traveled! And congratulations on your one year blogiversary. The hardest choice that I have ever made was actually accepting who I am and not who others want me to be, and deciding to pursue my passions now not later. Kind of similar to yours, only I have to do mine will I work full time. I thoroughly enjoyed this post, thanks for sharing!
    My recent post Scene: Picking A Partner

  33. dishofdailylife says

    I'm not sure if it was the hardest, but public speaking would certainly be up there! The first time I had to it it was in front of an audience of hundreds and I was a nervous wreck. I practiced and practiced and you know what, practice made it all come easier!! Since then, I have done it numerous times, more times than I can even count, and I am totally fine with it. But I always practice. 🙂
    My recent post Ask Away Friday with Allie From VITA Train for Life

    • Janine Huldie says

      Michelle, the first time I had to do public speaking, I was in my second year of college. I, too, practiced and practiced. I had a pretty good speech all outlined, too. Well, that day I was so very sick. I had been throwing up earlier in the day and didn't eat anything because of this. Well, when I got up there to do the speech, I made it about 30 seconds in and fainted dead away. Thankfully, one of the other male students caught me before I hit my head on the concrete classroom floor. When I came to, I was definitely embarrassed, but believe it or not my teacher wet through my note cards with me. She loved my speech and gave me an A minus and actually did better then many that gave their whole speeches. Thankfully, I have given many other speeches since with no issue and even taught daily for a few years. But still will never forget this. It sounds like yours was great though and I do so much agree with practicing 🙂

  34. cgacad says

    janine, what a great intuitive choice you made. the fact that you spend so much time with your readers and the blogging community, just makes me always want to root for your success. you definitely deserve to have not only a career out of this that makes money, but a successful one at that!

  36. Sandy Ramsey says

    I cannot say that I am happy that you lost your job but I can say that I think the path you took suits you. You have been such an inspiration to me at this start in my blogging adventure. I came in totally blind to what blogging actually is, and it is a full time job. While I still struggle with the ins and outs and time management (which I may never grasp!) you have become an example to follow.

    I made a choice to stay home with my youngest kids a decade ago and the itch to do something for myself became pretty strong. Finding a job outside the home was just not an option with a husband who travels, A LOT, and different schedules for school and all the extracurricular….I thought when they got older, it would be easier. It may be easier, but it is so much busier! I wouldn't trade it, though, and blogging seems to be scratching the itch. Somewhere down the road, I will figure out how to make a little money doing it but for now, it's all good!

    • Janine Huldie says

      Sandy, you pretty much took the words out of my mouth about working out of the home at this point. Not only would I not be making enough to barely be covering daycare, plus pre-school (now) for the two, but deep down I would miss my girls way too much (only have this time once and goes by way too quickly). And I never dreamed I could make a living blogging online. but that is exactly what I have been doing now and just feels great to be doing something I love, being home with my kids and making a few extra dollars, too. I promise if you need any help or advice, please ask and will try my best to help you when you are ready, too!!! 🙂

  37. Nikki says

    I just love that poem. You're a gifted writer. Sometimes it takes the closing of a door of opportunity for you to find something that you enjoy and that is totally not what you would have thought you could do. And you're right-blogging IS a lot of work, just like any other job. I'm glad you chose blogging, you're a great addition to the community!
    Nikki
    My recent post This One’s For Mom

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