I’m a new(ish) mom of a happy, healthy, exhausting 10-month-old bundle of snakes and snails and puppy dog tails. His name is Deklin. And he is my everything.

While I was pregnant with D, I was working a night shift for a newspaper conglomerate that had been rough even before I saw the little pink + on a stick. I knew in my gut that going back to work after my leave would likely be the complete end of my sanity after a newborn left it in shreds, so I decided to start looking into self-employment that would enable me to remain at home with my little. I tried Thumbtack, I tried Freelancer, I tried what I thought was the whole gamut of options for a wannabe stay-at-home-mom.

None of them panned out.

With defeat on my mind and a baby on the way, I turned to a dream I’d longed to do for years and never took the time to actually fulfill: I put all of my extra time and energy into my blog.

In my spare time both at work and at home, I was constantly brainstorming prompts for the blog, writing outlines for blog articles, and even forcing my beloved then-coworkers into being my sounding boards for any and every blog-related thought that crossed my mind (Kelly and Mark, I’m sorry for that, but I love y’all!).

The result is a site I’m obsessed with and want. When I decided to set my own deadlines and stick to them, blogging stopped seeming like an obligation, even less like a job, and became an escape. It was based on my passion for writing, and through it that passion has only flourished. I’ve launched into Round 3 of revisions for my first novel, plotted out the remainder of my second, created weekly writing prompts that are seemingly well received on Pinterest, and written more articles than I should have any right to.

I’m having fun.

No, my blog isn’t crazy-successful like some seem to be, but what I get out of it is more than money can buy: fulfillment. And what’s even better is that my little chunky monkey of a kiddo has a momma who is proud of herself. As a parent, being able to show your child that success comes in more forms than money is incredible. It’s a lesson I hope he one day understands, so that he, too, can do what makes him happy, even if it’s only in his spare time.

Transforming this site into something that brings me so much joy makes me only regret not putting this much effort into it sooner. So, go forth dreamers, go forth #Mompreneuers, go forth everyone, and follow that unique creativity within you.

You have so much yet to gain.

Think running a blog is your calling, too? Check out these walk-throughs on getting a blog started and see where it leads you:

How To Start A WordPress Blog On Bluehost from Making Sense of Cents

http://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2014/08/how-to-start-a-wordpress-blog-on-bluehost.html

THE FOOLPROOF WAY TO START A BLOG from Drink Coffee & Prosper

http://drinkcoffeeandprosper.com/foolproof-way-start-blog/

HOW TO START A MOM BLOG IN 2017 (FOR BEGINNERS) from Twins Mommy

https://twinsmommy.com/start-a-blog-for-beginner/

Did this article help inspire you? Let me know in the comments! And be sure to check out our other Tips & Tricks articles:

• Part One: 5 Ways to Approach a Writing Prompt
• Part Two: 3 Ways to Use Your Prompt Response
• Part Three: What to Expect from Sharing Your Work
• The Importance of Writing Crap
• Why You Need Featured Images for Your Blog Posts
• How Writing about Writing can Improve Your Writing
• Why You Should Write a Character Based on Yourself
• How to Use PATHOS to Maximize Your Reach
• 5 Reasons to Stop Comparing Your Work with Others
• Why You Should Make a Soundtrack for Your Novel

Please feel free to share any additional tips or your personal experiences with writing/blogging in the comments, and stay tuned for more prompts every Thursday!