This week I celebrate the 6th anniversary of launching my blog.
On July 3, 2012, I was SO nervous, you have no idea! It took me a while to press “publish,” and I was shaking when I did. And then, I didn’t even tell anyone about the blog for some time. It felt so…personal.
While I’d worked in communications my whole career, writing about myself — and things so intensely personal like body image and private struggles I’d never spoken about to anyone before — was a whole different animal.
But it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. I love every minute of working on this project, and through it have met the most incredible, inspiring people.
I just want to say thank you so much for following my journey and for your support. I truly appreciate it, more than you know!
Growth and change over six years
When I launched the blog in 2012, I wasn’t sure which lifestyle aspect to focus on, health or beauty. So I called it Healthy Beauty, and decided to do both and see what sorts out.
Over time, health and fitness became much more important to me. I felt a calling to help others, and over the course of three years I pursued my fitness certifications. In 2015, I rebranded from The Healthy Beauty Blog to Michelle Rogers Healthy Living, and redesigned my site.
It’s fun to look back. Here are the all-time top 5 posts, in order of most traffic received:
- Body Combat helped me kick 40 pounds to the curb (2012)
- Katie Couric reveals the surprising way she got her slammin’ new bod (2012)
- Portable audio equipment for a group exercise class that rocks! (2017)
- Review: WEN Six Thirteen Cleansing Treatment (2012)
- My weight loss story (2017)
Most pinned recipe on Pinterest: Gluten Free Dulce de Leche Cheesecake with Snickerdoodle Crust (2013), thanks to Udi’s Gluten Free, who featured it on their channels!
Most viewed on YouTube: How to create a home workout room on a budget (2015)
Most comments: Week includes a mountain, music, fitness, thrifting, crafting and preparing (2016)
Most social media connections: Twitter
There are many bloggers far more successful than I, with more comments and more views and more traffic than I can even dream. But you know what? I don’t give a rip! I know how far I’ve come, and not just in terms of blogging stats. I’ve grown personally and professionally in ways I could never have imagined. Most importantly, all of this led me to a new life’s mission to help others as a health and fitness professional. And I’m proud of that.
Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart! It’s been an honor connecting with you here and on social media. I look forward to hopefully many more years to come.
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Happy blogiversary! 6 Years is a long time, I think I’ve been blogging for almost 5 and one of those years I took an 8-month break when things got crazy in my life. I’m glad to be back though!
Thank you so much, Jenny! Life has to come first. I’ve had times like that, too. Glad we’ve been able to connect! 🙂
Happy blogiversary! I started quite a while ago but I am not very consistent with keeping up on it, I try though 🙂
Thanks, Stephanie! People don’t realize how much time it takes to do even one story. I’ve had years where I was much less frequent on the blog. Life has to come first! 🙂
Happy Blogaversary!!!! I’m with you on the connections. I’ve met some really awesome people through my blog. Looking forward to following you in the future as well.
Thank you so much, Wendy! I love your blog and am so happy we’ve been able to connect! 🙂
I don’t care if anyone reads my blog. I do it because it helps me stay motivated to run and keep track of my races. But I am so lucky to have made connections with some amazing women. I hope to make more and meet even more of them in person. maybe you!
Thanks, Darlene! I’m glad we’ve been able to connect. I love being able to meet up with other bloggers in person, like at conferences. Always so much fun.
Congrats on six years!! I’ve been blogging for five years, but the first two were not very active/interactive. It took me awhile to figure out the connecting-with-others thing, and the value in reading other blogs, consistently commenting on other blogs, and replying to the peeps who took the time to comment on mine. I love all the connections I have made, and look forward to many more years of doing it 😉
Thank you, Kim! Love your blog and am so glad we’ve been able to connect! 🙂
Happy Blogiversary! I will always appreciate blogging for bringing some phenomenal women into my life! I blog to help keep myself accountable, especially when I’m training for a race, but I also love connecting with other runners.
Thank you, Kim! Love your blog! 🙂
Huge congratulations on the 6 years of blogging! That is a lot of posts. I’ve loved all the connections I’ve made through blogging as well
Thanks so much, Deborah! Glad we’ve been able to connect! 🙂
congrats on your blogaversary! I think a lot of people started out like you – I know I was only looking for a place to share my weight loss journey but I’d started running earlier that year and it kind of morphed into a running/fitness/ complaining blog 🙂 Now I feel like it brings me some structure and some great support. So whatever reason you do it, definitely do it for you and for what lights your fire.
Thanks, Renee! I totally agree!!! 🙂
Congratulations! I can’ t believe how long I’ve been blogging. My style has evolved and gone through different phases, but I still like to look back on old posts.
Thanks, Coco! It’s an adventure for sure! 🙂
Happy Blogaversary!!!! You certainly are an inspiration to those of us who struggle. Your soft approach of encouragement is so valuable. Thank you for following your passion to help others that need just the kind of help you provide. Here’s to many more years of Blogging and lifting us up, “strengthening our body, spirit and soul!!!!” You are the best!
Thank you so much, Glenda!! That means the world to me…thank you so much for your support and encouragement! 🙂
Happy blogiversary! I’m proud of YOU!!! Keep posting!You never know who’s looking for a reason to believe that they can do it too!
Thank you so much, Delores!! I really appreciate the encouragement!!! xoxo
Congrats on 6 years of blogging! I just hit 8 years and while I’m not as consistent as I use to be, I am so grateful for the connections I’ve made because of the blog.
Thank you so much, Michelle! It’s been great to connect! 🙂
Happiest blogoversary to you! It’s always so fun to look back at how you’ve evolved over the years! Best wishes on your future blogging!
Thank you so much, Jenn! 🙂
Happy blogiversary! It’s always so much fun to look back at earlier posts and to see how your writing has evolved over the years. Here’s to your continued blogging success!
Thank you so much, Kathryn! 🙂
Congratulations on your six years! It sounds like you’ve had an amazing journey! Like you, I didn’t tell anyone about my blog at first, and was terrified to go live with my first post. How crazy is that?! Looking forward to continuing following you along on your journey!
Thank you so much! I’m glad we both took the plunge! 🙂