I don't really have a career, but I do blog, and I love it. It is a great way to keep up my writing and share my ideas and thoughts with the world. My blog continues to grow and I have a steady group of readers, averaging about 8,000 views per month. I never expect anything to be really BIG, so I was blown away when I published my recent article "No Leprechauns, No Valentine's Boxes, No Elves, and why that is Okay" and it went viral on social media. Within a few days I had had over 70,000 views on the article. It has been shared over and over again and because of it, my blog audience on a regular basis had doubled with 14,000-20,000 views each month (102,000 in the month of March!). It is incredibly exciting and I am so grateful.
I was receiving emails from all over the world and comments on the blog post about how my article had resonated with them and how much they loved it. It was such an honor. I wanted to share two of the emails I received:
"My daughter was invited to THIS party on Friday:
http://younkersmfeo.blogspot.
"I am probably breaking some blogging etiquette rule by emailing you
rather than using the comment function on your blog. However - I justwanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your recent post about women andmothering. I live in Doha and am friends with Lindsey Wintch throughchurch - I happened to see you commented on an instagram post of hers,and for some very strange reason, I clicked on your name, then sawyour blog, and went to it. I have no idea why I did that - well,maybe I do - I really needed to read what you had to say.I am a mother with an outside the home career. I've always felt likethat was the right thing for me, but have often been challenged byguilt about not being the stay-at-home mom. I have read tons of blogsand articles about motherhood and working mothers, etc. - particularlyit seems in recent months after the whole Sheryl Sandberg book cameout. I always felt worse after reading those.
Yours is the first I've read that ever made me feel good!. I lovedyour definition of feminism and I loved your story about realizing youare the mother your kids need. I love the idea that accepting thathelps you to be a more confident mother and that your kids see that.
Thank you - from the bottom of my heart!"
The comments on my blog were equally kind and supportive, and I felt like my heart might burst. I was so grateful for the inspiration and courage I had to write the post. I almost didn't publish it, worried that others might think it was silly or not agree. I certainly didn't expect such a wide response. I think what was most shocking is that I did not have one negative comment on the post or about the post...really amazing in the cyberworld where everyone wants to be a critic. It was one of the sweetest, most exciting experiences I have ever had to know something I had written made a difference to so many.
In addition to the fun internet excitement, Brooke Walker of Studio 5 in Utah got a hold of the article and wanted to interview me on TV. It was so awesome! I was incredibly nervous and rehearsed the night before, but it went really well. There were things I would have liked to change, but I am choosing to focus on the fact that I was able to get an important idea out into the world! March was a very exciting month for me!
Me with Brooke Walker. I was so grateful my mom came to keep me company (I can't find that picture!). I was more nervous than I thought I would be and she was there to reassure me. Here is a link to the video: http://studio5.ksl.com/index.php?nid=71&sid=29204791
We filmed the spot on Monday and it aired Tuesday. My new friends were so awesome to throw a "Viewing Party," for me. about 10 ladies were there to support me and cheer me on. I moved into such a great area where the women and families are so excited for each other. I feel blessed everyday.
1 comment:
How exciting....I am not surprised at all though!!!
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