Well, well, well, look who’s back… 😅
For the umpteenth time, I’ve decided that investing in this small piece of digital real estate is worth the effort, even with AI threatening the livelihoods of content creators like myself.
But I promise, this time it’s different!
How so?
No More Random Posting
I’m a marketer by trade, so I know how much planning is needed to maintain a blog.
I’ve been a professional blog writer for more than 10 years. I can do the process of writing, publishing, and distributing content in my sleep.
I also understand the benefits of maintaining a blog for brand awareness, education, and website traffic.
So based on all my knowledge… there’s no excuse for me not to do this for myself and my personal brand!
Which leads me to the next reason…
Creating With Purpose
I recently celebrated my 40th birthday, and it got me thinking.
As I reflected on reaching this milestone, I realized that I wasn’t living up to my full potential.
The crazy part is that I believe:
- I am funny, creative, and talented
- I have so many cool content ideas that I can execute on
- I know how to write (remember my Yelp reviews?)
- My abilities and contributions can make a difference in an online community of my choosing.
My online community of choice? Ice hockey.
Some of you may know that hockey is my sport and that I obsessively follow the Carolina Hurricanes. I’m an active participant in the X community and maintain my interest in the sport year-round, even throughout the off-season.
As someone who’s chronically online, I’m constantly seeing the hockey-related content being published and which creators get engagement. To me, it’s confirmation that if they are successful, then I can be, too.
I’ve never been more motivated now to stop caring about what others would think of my hockey content in all forms. I’m ready to share with the world what’s going on in my brain. The people who get it will support me soon enough.
Bottom line: I have my goals of being a hockey content creator and a roadmap to reach them!
There Were Signs From The Universe
I don’t want to jinx myself, but I’m in a season of life where I have time. Not a lot of it, but enough to put towards a project. And when that project involves my personal brand, of course it’s worth it!
The reason I have a little more time is that my son is at an age where he can manage free time on his own and doesn’t need constant supervision.
I’m also lucky to have family moving closer to me, which leads to additional care options.
My TikTok algorithm and the Peloton classes I’ve been taking lately have been telling me that:
- The world is better with me in it
- I deserve happiness
- It’s ok to figure it out as I go along
- Everything is going to be okay in the end
I’ve also been reading a lot of books this past summer with similar themes and messaging, which leads me to believe now is the time to put in the work and start becoming the hockey influencer that I know I can be.
Committing To The Side Hustle
I’ve always been wary of side hustles, as a part of me believes that not every hobby needs to be monetized. There’s always a risk that once money gets involved, the pressure to profitability can take the fun out of something you love.
A few factors are making me re-think this.
I haven’t been so lucky in my career recently, as I was laid off twice in two years. While I’m not expecting hockey content creation to be my main source of income any time soon, the signs are out there, telling me that now is the time to lay the groundwork.
Also, I read that being delusional and having believing in yourself can be enough motivation to help you meet your goals.
So that’s why I’m back to blogging in 2025. The foundation building starts now.
I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me, and I hope you come along with me for the ride!