​I kid you not, it took me a year before I was bold enough to hit publish on my travel blog. A little ridiculous in my opinion. However, it doesn’t have to be like that for you. Here are six things you need to know to help kick start that drive to hit publish and hit it quick.
​

1. Your work is good enough. 
I spent most of the time before my launch in a pit of “Other people are well-traveled and their content is helpful + precise.” What I didn’t know was, the training doesn’t start until you hit publish. So whether your work sucks or it doesn’t, you’re not in the blog game until you believe your content is good enough and actually out there.

2. Skills will come with practice.
Your ability to write, stage photos, edit, and be disciplined doesn’t come along with your domain name. It’s work. It’s waking up every morning to brainstorm new ways to make your blog better. It’s scheduling time to work on your photography during the golden hour in your hometown. It’s hounding your roommate with editing questions because she got an A in journalism. You will be under qualified in the beginning and that’s okay.

 3. Your first posts won’t be your favorite.
I’m not proud of my first posts, but I am proud I wrote them. Creating content specifically for people to read is scary as hell. You have to start somewhere though. Sure, you won’t know how to do pretty spacing, appealing headlines, or a slideshow, but get the material down. Research good headline words. Read about what to include, what to leave out. Take more photos than you need. Think of how many new bloggers stopped here because they didn’t believe in what they could create.

4. Your theme won’t be your friend.
I thought I loved my theme and then a week went by. I changed it and changed it again. Stick with something simple, so when you pinpoint exactly how you want your blog to look, it won’t be a big shift. Material matters more than theme in the beginning. Keep in mind, your theme needs to compliment your niche. 

5. There’s not another you.
You’re right, there’s a thousand great bloggers out there. And a thousand doctors. And a thousand teachers. And a thousand entrepreneurs. There’s room for you too. Everyone is needed. Everyone has something valuable to say. Each experience gives you power and publishing this blog gives you a platform.

This last point is brought to you by my sweet roomie Elizabeth. Who also runs a photography blog called Candidly E.

6. Don't fear feedback.
One of the scariest parts of publishing a blog post is wondering what people will think about it. A lot of people have an “I don’t give a crap attitude” when in all reality, we know that person is still fearful when it comes to feedback. It’s important to remind yourself that your work is important and regardless of what people think, you should be proud of it. So before you hit “publish,” ask yourself this question: Will I only be proud of this content if I receive praise for it? If the answer is yes, reevaluate and start again. 
​

*This post was brewing in me for awhile. Did you find it helpful?
*What's something valuable you would say to new bloggers?
​

Ever find yourself hours away from a trip, standing in front of your closet, saying "What the hell do I pack?" I do that on every occasion. I have a camping trip in two weeks and I thought it'd be smart to get started on planning outfits. 

1. Classic Graphic Tee
I haven't been wearing this shirt enough lately and it's one of my favorites. I paired it with a blue flannel, boyfriend jeans, and gray knitted socks.

Favorite piece: I bought this graphic tee on Amazon for $7.34 with free shipping. It wasn't cheap material and hasn't shrank in the wash!

2. Ready to Hike
I call it that because what girl likes to hike in jeans? I paired these fun leggings with a plain white v-neck, old baseball cap, and white nikes. 
​
Favorite piece: Textured leggings. My mom found these at TJ Maxx for $12! Great way to spice up your hiking outfit.

​3. Let's Drink Hot Chocolate
If I had to deem one of these outfits an Instagram outfit, this would be it. I paired this off-the-shoulder sweater with a light gray bralette, red flannel, black athletic pants, and a cream beanie.

Favorite piece: Cream beanie. It took me ages to get this thing to look "acceptable" on me. You know when you first try the beanie thing and you look in the mirror and you're like "Dude ew, who is that?"

4. Sunrise Coffee
This is the kinda outfit I picture myself throwing on in a hurry to catch a sunrise. Green v-neck, black flannel, and boyfriend jeans. 

Favorite piece: This tin mug. My roomie's mom gave me two of these and they couldn't be more precious. Suzie Bauman, you are the antique queen. 

That's a wrap. I plan on putting together a post of what I actually ending up wearing on the trip too!

*Did I miss a statement piece you wear often on your camping trips?
*Did you like the focus of this post?
*Looking to buy some quality hiking boots. Any suggestions?