Using Our Words Turns 5

Every year when June 27th, my blogiversary, rolls around, I feel like I should say something big and meaningful, but I never really know where to begin. This year, when I was reflecting on it as a birthday, I had a thought. Since growing this blog has been almost as much work as raising a kid, I figured I’d write it a birthday letter. So here goes…

Dear Using Our Words,

My gosh, you’re 5 years old now — 5! That’s, like, 30 in blog years. And today I want you to know that in our time together, you’ve been so much more than a URL to me.

Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect when you came into my life. (Other than exotic press trips, huge brand sponsorships, and a life-changing book deal, of course.)

So I was a bit shocked by how exhausting it can be to take care of you. Without a word, you can seem so outrageously needy — wanting me to give you my all, even when I have nothing left to offer. Don’t get me wrong, coming up with topics to write about is not a challenge. I mean, if you saw all the emails I send myself with half-baked posts, you’d feel somewhat neglected and unfulfilled. The truth is, actually putting those thoughts into words, and handing them over to you? Well, that can be next to impossible. Writing takes time. It takes heart. It takes vulnerability. It takes confidence. All at the same time.

But, like any good mom, I do my best to remind myself that at some point, I have to send you out into the world and hope I raised you right. As of today, I’ve set you free 663 times (but who’s counting?). Some have been huge hits, some have been disappointing misses. But we’ve stuck together through it all, and, I know in my heart that we’re both better off because we have each other.

You’ve been as generous as you’ve been demanding, teaching me so much through the years. Because of you I’m softer, yet stronger. I’m smarter, yet able to admit I have so much more to learn. I’m richer—not in the ways I’d imagined, but in real, deep, human connections. I’m able to see people in ways I didn’t before, and I’m more able to accept myself for who I am.

You’ve proven that honesty, humor, and hope bring people together. You’ve given me the ability to believe in myself and encourage others. You’ve turned the moments life could have felt mundane — or even disappointing — into playful inspiration. I mean, I won’t blame you entirely for my laugh lines, but they’re certainly deeper because you constantly help me put things in perspective. Even on the days I seem to have all but forgotten you, you’re on my mind and in my heart.

Yes, today I want thank you for all you’ve given me, Using Our Words. So, even though we share a birthday, I don’t expect anything more from you. (But, if you really want to get me something, that book deal would be nice…)

Love,
Me