Seven Years Old

Wednesday, September 27, 2017


Today marks seven years since I published my first post on World Of Joy. I'm celebrating with some French Fancies, because every celebration requires these pink, yellow, and chocolate squares before it can really be called a celebration! The little creamy bit on top is the best bit isn't it?

I've been thinking about all the ways in which my blog has enhanced and influenced my life.

I love having the opportunity to write, it's not something I'd do a lot of otherwise but it's something I really enjoy. It's become a record of my life, one which wouldn't exist if writing in my diary was to be relied upon. I don't know why I can't keep on top of a daily diary, I really don't.

Blogging introduced me to social media, I didn't bother much with it before, but Twitter was a good way to find like minded bloggers. I've since stepped away from Twitter a little and now spend far too much time on Instagram instead. Connecting with people via social media is a very modern form of company, and reading someone's blog is like getting to know them better. I've grown very fond of my little circle of online friends. And those that I've met in real life have always been as lovely as their blogs suggested.

Without my blog I wouldn't read in the way that I do. I read about so many interesting sounding books that my book buying habit became a little out of control, and I needed to ramp up my reading habit to keep up! Almost all of the books I buy are the result of a book review on a blog or Instagram post.

Without my blog I don't think I'd photograph everything in the way that I do. I love having so many photographs to look back on. And while I do sometimes photograph things specifically for my blog, they're memories none-the-less.

Without my blog I never would've visited The Harry Potter Studios. My real life friends didn't seem keen to go, and it's only now that I've been, and told everyone how much fun it is, that they are interested in going along.

Without my blog I wouldn't go along to things alone. I used to blog for an online department store, and then I covered maternity leave for a full time blogger, both of these things offered me the opportunity to go to cat walk shows and blogger events. They were great to experience in themselves, but it also taught me that I could rock up somewhere on my own and the room wouldn't fall silent, with everyone turning to stare as I entered. It allowed me to go places and try things that I don't think I would've done before. When I tell my real life friends I've been somewhere they always ask 'who did you go with', they are often surprised when I say I went alone, 'you're brave' they say.

Some examples are a patchwork quilting class, a needle felting class, a beach clean up, and a 4 night trip into the Sahara. I've always been very comfortable being in my own company but the opportunities blogging gave me taught me I can 'go it alone' without fear of  any one of the number of awful things I imagined happening actually happening.

Without my blog I wouldn't have got into charity shopping. I can say without a doubt that my charity shop habit is a direct result of seeing the things other people found. Charity shop hauls are one of my favourite types of blog post. It opened up a whole new way of shopping and, I've said it before, but I'll say it again, some of my absolute favourite clothing items are pre-loved. I love the ritual of rummaging through the rails, following the same route through town to visit 'all the good ones', and then when you find something you really like, it's such a great feeling - more rewarding than in regular shops.

Without my blog I don't think I would've started and continued a capsule wardrobe. If I hadn't blogged about it, it would be easy to let it slide, but blogging makes me accountable. I like the challenge and sharing the results spurs me on.

At times my blog has been a source of therapy. I've had something on my mind, so I've written about it and the response and support has always been amazing (thank you).

Without my blog I never would've learnt about the existance of the film The Holiday. I don't know how it passed me by but now I watch it every Christmas, sometimes several times. It's become a tradition that I really look forward to each year.

And finally, without my blog I wouldn't have discovered the culinary delight that is Corkers Duck and Hoisin Sauce crisps (exclusive to Waitrose, where I seldom shop). Corkers very kindly sent me a selection of their crisps and these are a taste sensation! If I'm ever near a Waitrose I'll always pop in and buy a bag.

I could go on but you get the picture - blogging has changed and enhanced my life in ways I could never have anticipated. So that just leaves me to say thank you for returning, reading, and commenting, not to mention blogging yourselves and for being friendly and welcoming online friends.

What has blogging done for you?

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19 comments

  1. Wow, seven years!That must mean it's the same for me come January. Such a long time! I've enjoyed reading along over the years, I don't think I missed out many posts over the years. I think conversely, blogging has taught me that I don't need to push myself to go places, meet people, take part in things which I don't feel like. It's absolutely fine to shrug it off and avoid the stress. It's brilliant to read what people write with a passion, it reminds me every day that it's important to be yourself, not try to be something everyone else tells you that you ought to be.
    Here's to many more years! xx

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    1. It's fascinating to hear how blogs have influenced people lives in different ways.
      It's been so lovely to get to know you, first on your blog and then in real life :)
      Indeed! Many more years xx

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  2. What a lovely post. Happy 7th birthday!

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  3. The time goes so quick!

    I really want a french fancy now! x

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    1. Indeed it does.
      I always insisted on French Fancies at my childhood birthday parties, so now they signify a special occasion to me :)
      xx

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  4. Many congratulations on your blog's seventh birthday! I've only been blogging for one and a half years, but so many thing you mention are true for me too. I've always had a longing to write, but it was only through my blog that I found out how much I actually love writing. I especially love the online diary aspect of blogging, as it chronicles the things I'm doing with my life. I've had a paper diary between the ages of 16 and 18, then gave it up, something I really regret. It's also been a source of therapy for me, especially after my Dad passed away. And it's been a way for me to share my passion for vintage clothes. Last but not least, it gave me the opportunity to get to know people I'd otherwise never have met. I hope that one day I'll get to celebrate my blog's 7th birthday too but until then, I'm wishing you and your wonderful blog many happy returns! xxx

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    1. Thank you!
      I'm always amazed at how much you write, your blog truly is an online diary. I don't know where you find the time, but I'm glad you do.
      xx

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  5. This is a fabulously written post and I'm very glad to have got to know you! Blogging is indeed a wonderful thing and I agree with what you have written most ardently. I've definitely photographed more than I would've done, I can't keep a diary either so my blog serves like a diary! Likeminded individuals, so many positives in it! And yes, though I've always been a charity shopper, it has certainly made me embrace it even more than I already did! Totally agree with the satisfaction of a find! Congratulations on 7years!Xx

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    1. Likewise Kezzie. I know I visit your blog sporadically to catch up but I like to make sure I have time to sit a read everything properly. I love the diverse range of topics you cover. The crisps and cake ones spring to mind :)
      I've only ever had positive experiences online, I know there are some horrid people out there, but thankfully I've never had to deal with them. It's always been lovely.
      xx

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  6. Absolutely love this post! Congrats on your 7 year milestone - here's to many more to come x

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    1. Thank you, I hope I never have a reason to stop.

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  7. Happy Blogaversary to you! I've just checked and I started in October 2009, doesn't time fly?
    I loved reading about how the experience had enhanced your life. It's certainly true for me, too. I've met and made (hopefully) lifelong friendships with many of the bloggers I've met over the past 8 years.
    How interesting that reading blogs got you into charity shopping, what a great habit to develop.
    Wioth me I think the main thing is that blogging has given me the confidence to sell my vintage clothes ate fairs and music festivals as opposed to being an anonymous on-line business. I still can't get used to being recognised everywhere I go though! xxx

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    1. Time does indeed fly!
      I'd dabbled in charity shopping before but I'd never found anything (because I wasn't getting in there and having a good rummage!), now I really look forward to an afternoon spent trawling the charity shops, it's so pleasurable, something I really look forward too.
      Now I just need to hone my dressmaking skills to be able to alter the beautiful things I find that don't fit.
      I always assumed that selling at fairs and festivals came first and then you ventured online. I don't know why. But what a lovely and positive thing to come from blogging. You do have a very unique look, so it's not surprising you get recognised :)
      xx

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  8. Congratulations! 7 years is worthy of cakes :) For me blogging has given me to regular penpals, was how I started painting and is a place to keep my art, I have taken part in many swaps and also arranged several swaps (my house to yours and christmas decorations) challenging me to try crafts and make things I would never have attempted before, venturing into charity shops too... to name but a few!

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    1. Wow, inspiring you to paint is amazing. What a fabulous thing to come from blogging.
      I know many people don't understand why people blog and I've never really been able to put my finger on why, but it means different things to different people. You certainly get out as much as you put in, the benefits really are endless.

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  9. Wow, 7 years is really impressive. Congratulations! I love reading about your adventures, so I'm glad you're still going.

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  10. Happy 7 years!

    I'm with you, I definitely get most of my book recommendations from other blogs! x

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Thank you for taking the time to comment x

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All products that are featured on Hazel’s World of Joy have been purchased by me unless otherwise stated. Any PR samples, items that have been sent to me for review or similar will be declared as such at the end of the post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.