Changes for the New Year

A new year seems to be synonymous with change, doesn’t it? It’s a chance to make an improvement, start something new, or ditch a bad habit (or all of the above). Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I never did until recently. Or maybe I half-heartedly made them in the past, but didn’t diligently stick to any of them. Last year was different, though. On January 1, 2018, I made the resolution to finally start eating better, and, for the first time in my life, I completely committed to that resolution. I detailed that journey in this blog post if you want to read more about it.

That resolution was life-changing, and I learned (and continue to learn) so much from that one decision. The biggest take-away for me? To not be so afraid of change. I am a self-described control freak, and change can be hard for someone like me. I knew for years and years that I needed to start eating healthier, but I never pulled the trigger because I was too paralyzed by my fear of change. And it goes beyond fear too–I was paralyzed by my own presuppositions and misperceptions. I was certain that changing my eating habits would be difficult, stressful, expensive, and boring (in terms of taste). To my complete shock, I was wrong on every front, which of course led me to the nagging feeling of regret–why did I not do this sooner?

I started this blog and corresponding Instagram page at the end of June 2018 after a few close people in my life encouraged me to do it. Do you have a friend or family member who is your designated go-to person when you want to find the best blender, best local restaurant, best mom tip, etc.? I am that person for many of my family and friends, and I love it. I love when my obsessive research and planning benefits other people, and not only me. It just makes me happy.

My initial intention was to create a blog and IG page where I could share all of these things–favorite products, gift suggestions, recipes, mom tips, clothing deals, etc. I had so many ideas, and couldn’t wait to get started. I learned quickly, though, that there is much more to blogging than meets the eye, and that I had a very steep learning curve to navigate.

In an effort to keep my IG feed “clean”, I only shared clothing inspiration on there, and shared all other types of content on this blog. Over time, though, I found myself wanting to post about things other than outfit inspiration on my IG page, but resisted because I worried that it was “too much of a change”. I wasn’t sure if that would be the “wrong” thing to do, or if I would lose followers over it.

I took some time off over the holidays to enjoy quality time with my kids during their winter break. It was the first time I took off more than a day from “30sandSunny” since starting it six months prior, and it allowed me an opportunity to step back and analyze this new venture. I realized that I was once again operating out of fear of change, and not focusing on what is truly best.

I am less known for my clothing style than I am for my knack to help someone who needs a suggestion or advice. Product recommendations, mom tips, recipes, gift ideas–those are the things I am asked about most often by the people in my life. So, I realized I was doing a disservice to myself and those following my account by completely leaving it out.

Finding clothes for a great price is a fun hobby of mine, and something I have enjoyed sharing with all of you. I love the idea of someone looking like a million bucks, but spending more like $40. As someone who follows many other “influencers” on IG, I felt there was a gap in the market for affordable clothing. It’s such a bummer to see a beautiful dress on there, click the link to buy it, and then discover it’s $450, isn’t it?

Cool Style and Bright Ideas–that is the tag line for 30sandSunny. I haven’t delivered enough on that latter portion, but you can count on it from here on out. I will certainly continue to share affordable outfit ideas, but will equally dedicate my time and attention to posting on other things that I hope will help and inspire you. I am grateful to each and every one of you who have followed along with me so far, and I hope you stick around for this next phase of the journey!

Kristy

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