The Year I Learned to Have An Opinion

Posted on 25. Jul, 2010 by in Housekeeping

It’s no secret that travel has changed me. It’s made me smarter, braver and more confident. Equally, when I look back on the past year, I can see that travel blogging has changed me fundamentally as well.

As I said last week , I really can’t believe I’ve been doing this for an entire year. When I started this blog I just wanted an outlet to write about my trips and maybe encourage a few other people to travel as well. I honestly had no idea what I was getting into and how blogging might actually change my own life.

The surprises have been amazing. For so long I thought that I hated to work. I’ve never had a job I enjoyed, and I figured I was just inherently lazy. How depressing. Then I started this blog and I discovered the crazy kind of motivation that comes from actually being passionate about what you do. There’s work that I love so much that I will work for free! Work that I will stay home on a Friday night to do, joyfully. Apparently there was a secret workaholic in me, just waiting to come out!

Where the Magic Happens

I wanted to be a writer, I’ve ended up becoming an editor, a saleswoman, a social media addict. Somewhere along the way I became a businesswoman. Business cards and everything. This blog has grown to heights I really never expected, and every month it continues to surprise me.

Knowing you guys care about what I have to say has made me bolder. It’s made me more confident. I like to think it’s made me a better writer (you can go back and check the early archives for yourself).  I have opinions, things to say. In September I’m speaking on my first panel where I’m sure I’ll have all sorts of keen insights to share (maybe).

From someone who is usually too shy to answer the phone, I’ve become a social networker. I organize tweet-ups (and don’t even laugh at the world tweet-up anymore). I haul myself up to New York to karaoke and socialize with people I’ve never met before. I’ve got connections all over the world.

Friends!

Blogging has even changed the way I travel. I’m probably more daring, more inquisitive. The fact that I will be writing about my big trip in September gives the journey a structure and makes it seem far more meaningful than it would otherwise. I can’t wait to share my adventures with everyone.

The opportunities that have come from blogging, the ideas I’ve gotten and the people I’ve met have been the greatest rewards (although seeing myself published in a Lonely Planet guidebook was pretty sweet too). This blog has taken me places, both literally and figuratively that I never thought possible.

So I’m emboldened now. I walk a little taller, I talk passionately at parties (whether people care or not).  The truth is starting this blog is the only thing that’s gotten me through the past year of waiting, and I’m so excited to see where we go next!

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49 Responses to “The Year I Learned to Have An Opinion”

  1. Nate

    25. Jul, 2010

    Nice! I’ve found that blogging has had much of the same effect on me. It really translates offline and into the “real world.” I’m really glad that you started this blog, and that I’ve been able to follow it for so long! Here’s to more years… and maybe thirty-something travel?

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      25. Jul, 2010

      Thanks Nate, I’m glad you have you following along! I already bought Thirty-SomethingTravel.com, so who knows!

      Reply to this comment

  2. Michael Tyson

    25. Jul, 2010

    Steph, having gone through this transition myself and seen my partner do the same I’m so stoked for you! We were both up until 3:30am last night working because we didn’t want to stop! Your post reminded me of this quote that I love: “Don’t worry about what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive , and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman

    Also, you might enjoy this TED talk by Ken Robinson – a dude who’s written a book called “The Element – How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything” (I haven’t read it, just giving you some context for what the talks about): http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

    I like your comment about how the blog has changed the way you travel – we feel the same way about photography! We find we notice more, especially details because we’re always looking around thinking “what will make a good photo?”

    So many things I can relate to in this post!

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      25. Jul, 2010

      Thank you so much Michael, I will definitely check that Ted talk. I’m so much happier with my life now that i’ve found my passion.

      Reply to this comment

  3. CruiseMuse

    25. Jul, 2010

    I’m loving how you are thinking… great post, and wishing you much success into thirty-something and beyond!

    Reply to this comment

  4. Gray

    25. Jul, 2010

    Nice! I totally agree, doing work you love makes all the difference in the world.

    Reply to this comment

  5. Cailin

    25. Jul, 2010

    hahaha I love the look on your face in that photo and the comment “where the magic happens” just makes it so much better!
    Congrats on all of your success so far Steph and god wishes for many more success’s! :)

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      26. Jul, 2010

      Thanks Cailin! I think that looks is from trying to use the self timer on my camera repeatedly…

      Reply to this comment

  6. Marian Schembari

    25. Jul, 2010

    Yes! Go you!! We all have our strengths, and “working a room” isn’t one of mine. I’ve never been able to go up to strangers and just strike up a conversation. But lately I’ve been meeting so many Twitter friends – people I’ve never met before, but our common social media obsession has us chatting for hours in bars or cafes.

    There’s also the fact that I finally feel like I’m useful, like I know what I’m talking about and am worth listening to. That sounds emo, I know, but I don’t know how else to put it. When it comes to blogging and social media and freelancing and books, I know my shit. So it’s beyond great to meet new people and talk about all the shit we know together! It’s made me more comfortable in groups.

    I think it’s awesome that I’m not the only one who’s noticed this about myself.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      26. Jul, 2010

      I think that a large part of our twenties is about figuring out what we are good at and how to pursue those things. It is definitely exciting stuff!

      Reply to this comment

  7. Amanda

    25. Jul, 2010

    I can totally relate! My blog is nowhere near as popular as yours yet, but just deciding to really devote some time to it has totally changed everything. I, also, would gladly spend a Friday night in to work on a post I’m really excited about.

    Good luck with everything in the future!

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      26. Jul, 2010

      the more time you put into it the more you get out of it it seems.

      Reply to this comment

  8. @Travelwriticus

    25. Jul, 2010

    I experienced pretty the same when I started to blog about castles and museums. We all are proud to be able to give some advice, aren’t we? In the days before managing our blogs we were only able to give some advice to our family, friends, neighbours and co-workers. Now we can share our thoughts with the whole world. And gain a lot of insights by all the discussion evoking after a new post.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      26. Jul, 2010

      Yup, the internet makes everyone an expert in their own special way!

      Reply to this comment

  9. brian

    25. Jul, 2010

    “I talk passionately at parties (whether people care or not)”

    To me the most important thing you said. People hold back their opinion because they think their opinion doesn’t matter or that no one will pay attention. The fact that you are passionate means that you have an edge over everyone around you. Many folks are not passionate about anything because they haven’t found it yet or refuse to try new things to see if they can get passionate about something.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      26. Jul, 2010

      Yup, I’ve definitely developed a lot more opinions. Or I’m less shy about sharing them anyways.

      Reply to this comment

  10. Drew Meyers

    25. Jul, 2010

    I seriously don’t know how people can go through life hating their jobs – so really happy that you found your passion! Many of the people I know despise getting up in the morning – just seems like such a drag to go through life that way. I loved my job at Zillow, but extremely happy I decided to move on at the end of January and travel full time. I’m happier now than I’ve ever been.

    As to the impact of blogging, I totally agree. I started blogging in 2006 and am totally glad I did. It’s changed my life in more ways than one, but increased confidence and realization that I had extremely strong opinions about a range of topics are certainly two of them. Blogging definitely impacts real life in multiple ways, even is most people think blogging is just its own secluded online world :)

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      26. Jul, 2010

      congrats on leaving your job! I too can’t really see the point of sticking around in a job you hate.

      Reply to this comment

  11. Melissa

    26. Jul, 2010

    Congrats on coming into your own, Steph. Life gets better from here. There’s nothing quite like realizing growing up isn’t scary.

    Reply to this comment

  12. Annie Bettis

    26. Jul, 2010

    Happy Anniversary!! I have to say that reading this post has me inspired all over again. I didn’t know the travel blog world was out there until I found your blog and I have to say it’s the ultimate reason I started my own. I hope in one year I can write at least a similar post about what I have learned (even if the traffic doesn’t increase). So glad to hear that you have found your own and best of luck in the next weeks until the big trip, a whole new adventure is about to start!!

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      26. Jul, 2010

      That makes me so happy to hear! I’m sure you will find it just as rewarding as I have. Thanks for the well wishes.

      Reply to this comment

  13. Unbravegirl

    26. Jul, 2010

    I can relate to so much of what you’re saying here… blogging has really helped me give a purpose to my travels and the odd jobs I’ve been picking up along the way. I can tell you there have been a whole bunch of times these past months of working on a farm and now on a boat that I’ve thought, “Why am I doing this? Shouldn’t I just go home and hang out on my parent’s couch? Wouldn’t that be so much easier?” And then I remember the blog… and how writing about my parent’s couch wouldn’t make such a good blog entry!
    Keep up the awesome work!

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      26. Jul, 2010

      I, for one am glad you’re out working and not on the couch! love your blog.

      Reply to this comment

  14. Lolly

    26. Jul, 2010

    I am new to your blog – found you through a ReTweet on Twitter from a mutual travel friend. I noticed your tweet the other day (Saturday) about your 1 year blogiversary, and I remembered because that same day, 7/24 is my blog anniversary. Just turned 6. Blogging is amazing. I look forward to more posts from you, and I like to hear that you already bought “ThirtysomethingTravel” :) Best wishes.

    Reply to this comment

  15. Claire

    26. Jul, 2010

    awesome! i agree with you, writing, if you are passionate about it, has a way of making purpose come to life. i am with amanda above-my blog is nowhere near as popular as yours. but that’s ok! this time last year is when i gave myself the following lecture: “ok claire, you are either going to do it or not, but just stop talking about it!!” once i started, i have found it makes me happy, it makes me feel productive, and i love hearing from readers. so excited for your big trip and looking forward to lots of good stories. i just started following along here on your stuff, and so far, def enjoying it!

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      26. Jul, 2010

      Glad to have you here! It’s definitely been persistence more than anything (which, knowing me, is a miracle in itself).

      Reply to this comment

  16. Adam

    26. Jul, 2010

    Damn! You always know what to say/write! It’s so nice to hear you say how traveling and travel blogging have changed you. Well said, as always!

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      27. Jul, 2010

      haha thank you Adam! can’t wait to follow in your footsteps and get a move on

      Reply to this comment

  17. Susan

    26. Jul, 2010

    You definitely have changed over the past year – in the most amazing way. You are definitely more confident and really happy. I’m so glad you are pursuing your passion (and I also liked the picture – “where the magic happens” – i noticed a few familiar cards there….). I can’t wait to hear more about your soon-to-be around the world adventure!

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      27. Jul, 2010

      Aww, thank you Susan! Couldn’t do it without you guys.

      And yes, you have a special place in my heart AND my office :)

      Reply to this comment

  18. Keith

    26. Jul, 2010

    I’m with you. I’ve only been blogging for around seven months, but the number of people I’ve met from across the world has been nothing short of incredible. I’m very similar to you in terms of (not) enjoying work – I would get really bummed out thinking I’d need to work another 30 years doing things I disliked. It made me sick to my stomach.

    But since I’ve re-engaged my creativity and put it on the track of travel, something I love dearly, I feel like there’s no limit to what I can accomplish. Cheers!

    Reply to this comment

  19. Stephanie

    26. Jul, 2010

    congrats! you live a wonderful life and I hope I can catch up! being in lonely planet is pretty sweet! that’s my preferred travel guide book too – and I recently challenged that decision but alas, Lonely Planet it is again! Look forward to hearing about what you’re up to next – esp your next journey.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      27. Jul, 2010

      I do love Lonely Planet as well. It was a kick to see my name in one!

      Reply to this comment

  20. Brittany Gtrot

    26. Jul, 2010

    Congratulations on finding success chasing your dreams!

    Keep the great travel information coming. When you love something, it shows.

    Best,
    Brittany
    @gtrot

    Reply to this comment

  21. Monica Rysavy

    26. Jul, 2010

    I just found your blog today and have added it to my Reader. I’ve really enjoyed reading about your experiences. Can’t wait to hear about your travels over the next year!

    Reply to this comment

  22. Ant Stone

    26. Jul, 2010

    Nicely put! This will inspire a lot of people who are stuck in apparently deadend jobs.

    Reply to this comment

  23. Candice

    26. Jul, 2010

    Love how much blogging has changed your life, and HAPPY anniversary!!

    Reply to this comment

  24. Andi

    01. Aug, 2010

    Blogging is the best–I’m so happy it’s changed your life in so many beautiful ways. :)

    Reply to this comment

  25. q8travelbud

    02. Aug, 2010

    This is very inspiring … I’ve been thru the same feeling of feeling lazy and always looking for a change … Traveling made me feel happier and wiser … unfortunately I am still in the process of liberating myself from the life everyone belives I should live (because of my work and life potential) and finding the life I’ve always wanted … hard stuff specially in where I come from…

    Thanks for the post

    Reply to this comment

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