Two weeks ago, Lessons of a Dad turned one year old! Happy blogiversary to meeeeee! It’s been a fun, and occasionally frustrating, ride to be sure. I remember, back last June 2011, I was totally unsure if I should actually pursue this blogging pet project of mine. 12 months and over 40,000 page visits later, I’m glad I did.
In the course of 12 months, I’ve not only written articles (some passionately, others out of “oh my gosh I need to update with something!”); I’ve also survived the not-so-exciting parts of being a blogger, like putting my name (and my mug) on all sorts of blog directories, burned the candle on both ends researching how to let everyone know about this blog, signed up for social media galore (facebook fan page, twitter, klout, stumbleupon, alexa) and the list goes on.
I’ve met some wonderful people along the way, from the local blogging community, to kindred spirits who are passionate about the same things,and to those from across the globe who take the time to comment.
Rather unexpectedly, Lessons Of A Dad has also won an award in its first year, the Philippine Blog Awards 2011 Best Lifestyle Blog for Mindanao (I was also a finalist in the Parenting Category in the National Level). I was, and still am, blown away that people thought this blog is actually good. Thank you. Oh, and will lightning strike twice? Wasn’t expecting it the first time, so why not?
However, the highest of highs was when this blog made a difference somehow. For example, a family friend based in America showed my Sendong article to his social club and was able to get hundreds of dollars of donations as a result. Another instance saw a young, newly married couple coming to my church’s The Story Of Us couples’ retreat because of my blog entry about it. That couple was tremendously blessed.
Well, so far so good; and I am looking forward to an even more fruitful 2nd year as a blogger. Granted, this year I actually have a lot less time to blog, so I hope I make good in my promise to deliver a better Lessons Of A Dad for you. I’m also seriously considering starting another blog, and I’ll update you how that goes.
God bless you all.
