Downtown Dani 1 Year Blogiversary

WOW!! Here we are, first year of my blog in the books. I still remember all the emotions I had when I went to launch my first blog post and announce it publicly. I had so many butterflies in my stomach as I hit the “post” button. Nervous for everyone’s reaction and response, but so excited to finally get started on this dream that I had for years!

Looking back, I am so humbled and grateful for the outpour of love I received and the wonderful opportunities this platform has brought me. I honestly had no idea what to expect. You don’t know what you don’t know, right? But I can tell you that every up and down and struggle and opportunity that I have had has taught me so much and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Truth be told, I don’t know what I would do with myself now if I didn’t have my blog! Never did I think I would get so used to practically having a closet in my car and changing in the backseat…but here we are. 🙂

From the local businesses I’ve been able to connect with to the friends that I have met – this first year has been nothing short of amazing. Although, what I have enjoyed the most is being able to share my finds with you all! I have loved hearing from you when you’ve tried a recipe I’ve shared or purchased something you were unsure of, but now you love it! *cough, cough – that high waist bikini! ;)* You have no idea how good it makes me feel when you reach out and tell me how I have inspired you or that you enjoy my stories…whatever it may be. Seriously – it makes my week, I could cry! THIS is why I want to continue to do what I do.

Looking back, there is one main takeaway I have from this year that I want to share with you all. It doesn’t apply just to me, or the blogging world, so I hope you find value in it as well:

FOCUS ON YOU. We all have our journey and path to forge. No two people’s paths are the same. Some may be more windy than others. Some may have more detours to get to the mountain tops. Some may have valleys along the way. Some may hit milestones at different times. That doesn’t mean that you’re late or slow. Everything happens in our own perfect timing. I’m not going to lie – it’s hard not to compare. Especially when you feel like you should be at the same spot as other people in your life (or that you see on the Internet). But you’re not on their path…you are on your own an you are exactly where you’re meant to be. Trust me, my patience gets tested and sometimes it’s really hard not to be envious – but I know everything happens for a reason and God’s timing is perfect. Plus, it makes reaching those goals or milestones so much more meaningful.

“New York is three hours ahead of California, but that doesn’t make California slow. Someone graduated at the age of 22 but waited 5 years before securing a good job. Someone became a CEO at 25, and died at 50. While another became a CEO at 50 and lived to 90 years. Someone is still single, while someone else got married. Obama retired at 55, Trump started at 70. Everyone in this world works based on their time zone. People around you might seem ahead of you, and some might seem to be behind you. But everyone is running their own race, in their own time. Do not envy them and do not mock them. They are in their time zone, and you are in yours. Life is about waiting for the right moment to act. So, relax. You’re not late. You’re not early. You are very much on time.”

“Everyone is running their own RACE, in their own time. If it’s not happening now…it’s not the right time. Don’t be discouraged if things are not working out right now. God is working on it behind the scenes. It may not come when you want, but trust that it will be right on time!” – Abhi

Looking ahead to year 2: My main goal for my second year is to revamp my website! I want it to be more user friendly to navigate. I also plan to start being more active with blog posts again! You can expect 3-4 per month and I also plan to start a newsletter, so lots of good stuff coming your way! But please – I’m always open to feedback and suggestions…so if you have some…send them my way!

Thank you, thank you, thank you all for a fantastic first year! You have made it more than I could have dreamed and I am so thankful for all you have made Downtown Dani to be. I have a few special thank yous to call out as well:

A huge, huge, massive thank you to my hubby, Aaron. Holy cow. I couldn’t do it all (or even half of it) without him. He has been so patient with me and giving of his time. He is the man behind at least half of my photos, and he is such a good photographer…getting all the angles and the right backgrounds (as long as he is fed lol). He knows that outings or vacations will also most likely include a small photoshoot. He has stepped up and taken on additional tasks at home so I could spend more time with my blog. He has been so supportive with everything. Sending me articles he sees on social media marketing, giving me tips, helping me pick out pictures to post or topics to share. I am so incredibly grateful for him and just how loving and supportive he is.

I also couldn’t have done this without my family and friends. Amazing supporters since before day 1. Giving me the encouragement I needed to get started and ever since. Sharing, liking, and commenting on my posts…taking photos of me wherever we may be. Asking me how it’s going and checking in. Congratulating me as I hit different milestones. It is all so appreciated and I’m so grateful for all of you.