She Strengthens

Finding Joy in the Kitchen

As I embarked on a journey of self-discovery at the start of the year, I found myself drawn to the world of food blogging. My initial goals were simple: reconnect with loved ones through shared recipes, hone my culinary skills, and rediscover my passion for writing. But, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that the allure of ad revenue wasn’t lurking in the shadows.

The Reality of Monetizing a Blog

As I delved deeper into the world of blogging, I began to explore the realm of ads, self-hosting, and monetization. Let’s just say I learned enough to realize that my humble blog wasn’t quite ready for prime time. The harsh reality was that, to make any real money, I’d need to invest in moving to a new hosting platform, which felt like a daunting task.

The Plateau Effect

Fast forward six months, and my page views were finally approaching the threshold for more permissive ad networks. However, the restrictions imposed by my hosting site meant I still couldn’t quite reach the promised land. My views eventually plateaued, leaving me with a tough question: what do I truly love about food blogging?

Uncovering My True Passion

As I reflected on my journey, I realized that it wasn’t about the potential for monetization, but about the joy I derived from cooking, snapping photos, and sharing stories. I love the connections I make with readers who are excited to try new recipes or share their own experiences. But, I had to acknowledge that my approach was different from the successful food bloggers who put in countless hours of formatting, testing, and photographing.

Embracing My Unique Voice

I’ve come to accept that my blog will never be a lucrative career, and that’s okay. I’m a writer at heart, not a photographer, and my focus on reducing food waste sets me apart. I’ve found solace in doing things my way, without the pressure of turning it into a full-time job.

A Hobby Worth Pursuing

Perhaps the most surprising realization is that I don’t need to monetize my blog to find value in it. I’m grateful for the flexibility to pursue this hobby alongside my day job, which I genuinely enjoy. In the end, it’s not about failing to make money; it’s about succeeding in doing something I love, on my own terms. Who knows what new challenges 2017 will bring? Maybe I’ll discover a new passion to thrill me.