When you read a title as substantial as 'how blogging changed my life', you'd assume this post would be filled with all the big sponsorship deals I've had, and all the places I've been given the opportunity to visit, and how my blog has become a huge business I can concentrate on full-time. As amazing as all that sounds, and it really does, at this stage, blogging has changed my life in ways money or materialistic items couldn't buy. It's been changed with confidence, friendships, self-awareness, and a whole lot of growing. My blog was never meant to be a 'thing', it was meant to be a temporary fix. A hobby to pass the time, and allow me to focus on something, while the rest of my life was in chaos. Years on, it's given me passion and motivation in all aspects of my life, not just online. As heartbreaking as it would be, if I had to give up my blog next week for whatever reason, or I never made a single penny from my work, I know that I have gained personal skills that has changed the way I think and feel about myself, my work ethic, and the people around me for the rest of my life.

Nine times out of ten, being a blogger, you'll be working on your own. You have to be in control of the content you put out, the photographs you take, promotion, replying to emails, looking for sponsorships... you get the idea. You could say running a small business on your own. I might even, actually will label myself a Girl Boss, and it feels soooooooo good! All through my school life, and even at university, I was never the best at taking on a huge workload, but now, I'm able to manage different projects (blog and non-blog work), at the same time, and get it done. I'm learning to handle stress better, so I can really enjoy what I do, but also learning it's ok to take breaks and time off.

I've been blogging for three years, and I think I can honestly say I have only felt like my blog has been taken seriously in the last 10 months, straight after my relaunch. I'm sure every blogger can relate and say you've got to have buckets full of patience, actually, endless amounts of patience. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was my blog. It took me years, and sending emails every day to get my first sponsored post, but I did it, and it was such a proud moment. Does it take a lot of hard work? Yes. Will you want to throw your laptop out the window? Yes... on multiple occasions, but I know every little thing I do is going to help me build up my blog into something amazing. Oh and another thing, I've learnt to never compare the time it takes me to reach my goal of followers, get a sponsorship deal, or my comment count to any other blogger. Not now. Not ever.

I have definitely grown a very thick skin, and learning that not everyone is going to love what you do. You nurture your blog like it's your own child, you'll put all your hard work in a post, and you end up only getting half the views you usually do and zero comments. It hurts! You question everything you possibly can about the content; was it boring? Should I stop writing about this topic? Should I take it down? You feel like a s**t blogger, and you just want to give up. I usually sulk for a little bit, but I get back up and carry on. Sometimes you're going to publish a post and it won't do as good, but that's ok. I have a huge increase on certain posts months after I've posted them. Posts don't have an expiry date and the right people will find your posts when they need it.

I've always loved photography, but I didn't really find my passion for it until I started blogging. If you look at the photos I took when I first started compared to now, well, all I can say is I'm very proud of me. I still use the exact same camera and editing tools, the only difference is, I actually took the time to learn how to use them. My attention to detail has skyrocketed. I have also learnt the difference between paying attention to detail and being a perfectionist. When I'm taking photos now, I'm thinking how will brands I feature see these images, and are they eye-catching enough for someone to click and read my post. If you haven't noticed, I have become totally in love with flat laying. I'm even applying for jobs in this field. Jobs I have zero qualifications in, but my God, I have a whole load of passion. Fingers crossed!

Talking of jobs, blogging has opened up a new world of work. Jobs and careers I didn't even know existed let alone would apply for. The funny thing is, I was always nervous to apply for jobs in fashion because I never felt like I was skilled enough, despite having a degree and a fair bit of experience. When it comes to jobs relating to blogging, like I mentioned above, with zero qualifications, I feel like I am so right for the job. Working on your own, you have to teach yourself everything, and put all that knowledge into practice every single day. I am not saying I know more than people who have actual qualifications, I'm saying I am confident enough to take that leap, face my fears, and try something new.

Through blogging, I have made some friends who I know I'll have for a lifetime. I've met Rosario, who I first met after I chased her down a train platform and onto a carriage. As strange as that sounds, we had both just came back from the same gig, and not from stalking her. I've also met Jenny who sadly doesn't blog anymore, but she is the biggest cutie, and is always supporting my work. Jemma, Rachel, and Anjalee, who I haven't met YET, but they (and loads of my readers), have created such a big support system for me, and I could not be more grateful.

My aim for Little White Socks is to create a motivational and inspiring place sharing tips and advice to help my readers in their daily lives, or give them that little push to start something new, whether that's with baking or trying a new outfit. Well, I feel like I have achieved my goal because I have been shortlisted for a blogging guru award at the BloggersBlogAwards! This is so crazy, and even after 2 weeks, I still can't believe it. I had no idea someone would have put my name forward. I still don't even know who it was, but if it was you, thank you, and please come forward so I can send you a lifetime of love and hugs. Even just getting shortlisted has changed my work ethic. It's made me want to work even harder and put out the best content possible. Now time for the self-promo. If you would like to vote for me you, can do so by visiting Tea Party Beauty and casting your vote. It only takes a few minutes, so check out all the other blogs shortlisted because they're all amazing.

So, the moral of this long story is, it doesn't matter what opportunities you get in life, go for them. Life was never meant to be an A to B journey. Time is going to move at exactly the same speed no matter what you do. I never had 'start a blog' as a life goal, and yes, blogging did put a lot of my other plans on hold, but it was worth every single second. It's never too late to start something new. No matter how small and insignificant your passion may seem, make some time to do it, you never know what life-changing experiences can occur. Starting something from nothing, and now being able to have something I own and can grow every day is my biggest achievement yet.

Let me know in the comments below the biggest change blogging has made to your life.