Can you guess what today is?
I’m sure you can figure out by the title of my post.
My blog is one year old today.
I never would have thought my blog would have lasted this long. Blogging was never even on my radar. If you would have asked me last August if I wanted to start a blog, I would have said no. It didn’t interest me.
But, then, I met the lovely Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers. I met her at another online fitness forum and we both had journals there. She was a big blog fan and we all encouraged her to start her blog. And look where it is now. Her fun blog led me to other blogs.
I fell in love.
I started my blog about a month after hers. My first blog post was short, sweet and to the point. I had no idea what I was in for and no idea what the blog would do for me.
My first blog picture. Kind of crazy that I just posted a picture of me two days ago holding a corn dog.
I started out this blog at a time in my life when I had some major issues regarding food and exercise. I was riddled with food rules, disordered eating, and guilt. Guilt if I ate an extra apple, guilt if my cardio wasn’t intense enough, guilt if I didn’t life heavy anything. I was very weighed down and it caused me to live a life that I didn’t recognize as my own anymore.
This blog helped me pull out of that.
I saw other healthy, happy and beautiful women that treated themselves with respect. They took care of their bodies, looked great, and were in no way depriving themselves.
This blog saved my life.
It wasn’t until early spring 2010 that I started to feel better about letting go of my issues with food and exercise. But, once I did, I found a new Lisa. I loved being with this new Lisa. I now love myself and my life. I eat healthy and I don’t exercise myself to the ground. I’m not afraid of social situations due to food situations I can’t control. I live life now.
This blog gave me the courage to start school and follow my dreams of becoming a Nurse. This blog made me realize that I am worth something.
My readers helped me find confidence and feel good about myself. Every single comment has led to helping me building a stronger me.
I never came to realize that this blog might impact others. That thought never crossed my mind. Then, one day, I got a long email from a reader saying that me voicing my struggle and working through it has given them the courage to do the same thing. I was so touched. It’s wonderful that something you love doing is impacting someone else across the country in such a positive way. She filled me with such passion and love for life. That email encouraged me to keep living my life the way it needs to be lived.
I’ve gotten more and more of those touching emails as my blog grows and each one lights a fire in me to keep being the best person I can be.
It took me a while to find where I belonged in the blog world. I tried being a Food Blogger and talking about what I ate, taking pictures of food, and talking about my exercise. That only fueled my obsession with food and exercise. The pressure to show good foods on my blog caused me to gain weight and binge. I often thought about quitting my blog during this time. It didn’t feel right. It wasn’t fun and it made my issues worse.
It wasn’t until I allowed myself to be ME on my blog that I really and truly began enjoying it. I love that my readers accepted me for who I was and love my blog for it. My blog is now ME. It’s random. It’s about life and everything that comes with it. Love, friendship, healthy living, sex, finances, dancing…you name it, I’ve gone there. I hope you will stay with me as I continue to grow and touch on topics that are important to me in my life.
It’s been an exciting year. A lot has changed in my life. I didn’t get to go on any amazing vacations. I didn’t win the lottery. I didn’t lose a bunch of weight. But, I became healthier. I became stronger. I let go of fears and let nothing hold me back.
I found myself.
I am so thankful for that. And I’m thankful for you. You’ve played such a huge role and I want to THANK YOU. MUAH! HUGS!
It’s been an amazing year.
{ 76 comments… read them below or add one }
HAPPY BLOGGERVERSARY!!!!!!
I love love love your blog! Keep being you amazing, honest, and true self. Can’t wait to see what the next year has to hold
XOX,
Laur
Yayyy happy 1 year!!
I am so happy you started a blog because it is one of my favourites. You are such a inspiration to me and so many others. You are so supportive of everybody, and even if you don’t know it, have helped me tremendously! Thanks for always being so sweet and commenting on my new little blog.
I love where you have taken your blog. And I can tell you thoroughly enjoy blogging now.
I really, really hope that you don’t ever feel like quitting your blog again, because I really, really enjoy reading it! I love how you’ve shifted your focus from food and only food to all of the other aspects of life… your post on the Oklahoma City bombing, for example, was one of the most interesting, touching and amazing posts I’ve ever read on any blog. Here’s to a great second year for you!
Congrats! I’ve loved reading your blog over the past few months, and your story has definitely helped me, as well. Seeing other people overcome similar issues is very encouraging. Thanks for sharing!
Happy Bloggerversary! I’m new to your blog and have really enjoyed your posts! I am also new to blogging (I have been reading blogs for months) and hope that I can manage to make it to my one year bloggerversary. Congrats again!
HAPPY BLOG ANNIVERSARY!!!
I’m so so so glad I found your blog and I enjoy reading each and every post–not because of what you eat or cook, or even your workouts, but because of YOU! I hope in a year’s time I can say the same for my blog! I enjoy writing and sharing my experiences so much and also love learning from other people about balancing health, fitness, LIFE, love and faith:)
Have a REMARKABLE day!
Happy Blog Birthday! I’m glad you’ve had so many great things happen through it and can’t wait to keep reading!
Have a great day!
Happy bloggy birthday!
It’s amazing to see how much you have grown in a year huh? Just think of what’s to come
I am so proud of you and your growth through this blog. I don’t know if all of you realize the support you give eachother with your words and your stories. I would imagine that many live are saved through this process.
Lisa – I sure am glad you are a happy person again. You were always a serious but happy child and you just got lost along the way. You are a beautiful woman, I love you , I love reading your blog. We all have a story to tell and I love how you tell yours.
Happy one year to you and your blog! So happy to be able to read it.
Absolutely loved this post – congratulations!!! Hope you get to celebrate a bit today!!
Happy blog birthday! Yours is one of my all time faves and you’re partly responsible for me changing my exercise and eating habits and trying to gain weight. Thank you!
Congrats on the one year anniversary. So glad you started your blog AND stuck with it! It’s been great getting to know you and seeing you grow so much in the course of a year. You truly do seem so much happier now.
Happy Blog Birthday! I love your blog, so I’m glad you didn’t quit, and I’m glad you figured out the direction you want it to go in!
Happy One Year Blog Anniversary! I really like reading your blog. You are a great writer and have a lot of insight on various topics. You inspire me to write more personal things about myself on my own blog.
Congrats!!!! You and Julie are two of my favorite bloggers out there. Not only because we go further back, but because of how you both are able to be 100% who you are. I love you Lisa!!!! Happy blog birthday!
HAPPY BLOG ANNIVERSARY!!! Lisa, you and your blog are such an inspiration, to me and so many other readers.
Congrats Lisa!! I love your blog! Can’t wait to read what the next year has in store for you!
Happy blogiversary!!! Its amazing what a little blog can do for you–I am learning so much about myself too!
Congrats on your one year anniversary! How exciting! I’m so happy for you that blogging has brought so many wonderful changes for you!
Happy Blog anniversary!! YAY!!
I’m so happy to have been a part of this journey with you and I’ve seen so many changes in you and that is reflected here.
I was inspired by the way your blog evolved, and especially your “I don’t want to be a food blogger” post.
When I restarted my blog, I knew that I wouldn’t enjoy it unless it was reflecting who I am and what I wanted to share. I totally was motivated by you to find my own “Blog Voice”
Here’s to many more years of I’m an Okie! GO LISA!
What a great day for you!
Whoot-whoot! Congrats girl!!!
Your blog is my favorite, this post is so touching because your beauty and wisdom shines through every post you have. Happy Blog Bday!
Happy Blogaversary! It really helps us remember that a year goes by no matter what we’re thinking, eating, or writing. I’m so glad you’ve gotten so much out of your blog. I feel the same way when I touch or am touched by someone’s else life – someone I would never ever have otherwise been in contact.
Be happy, be well!
Happy Blog-iversary! So exciting.
Congrats you lovely lady you! I’m loving your blog
Congrats Lisa. Being a new reader of your blog, I didn’t get to read and see all the changes you’ve talked about in the past year. But from I have seen so far, you are doing a great job being yourself and letting it shine thru your blog.
To many more inspirations and randomness ahead!
~ Lea
Happy Blog Birthday!! So glad you are in a happier place! Love you!
Happy 1 year!!! I absolutly love your blog and how honest and true you are on here!
Happy Blog Bday! It was nice meeting you last night!
Congratulations on the Blog Anniversary!!
Just for the record, I love your blog. I love that you really do have a HEALTHY BALANCE, I love that your honest and not afraid to post the tough stuff. Your blog definitely inspired me to change the way I approached my own and impacts the way I consider health.
Thank you for blogging! Congrats on your anniversary!
Happy Blog Birthday!!!!!!
Happy blog birthday!! I am so happy I discovered your blog a few months ago. I love how real and healthy you are! I like that you were able to shy away from the typical food blogging too!
I just love reading your blog! Congrats on a great year for your blog and an even better year for you!
Congrats on making it to one year!! I love your blog and I hope you keep it up for a long time. Food blogs are great and all but if it’s not something that reflects who you are, then why force it? I love getting emails from readers who have been affected by my writing. It makes it all worth it.
Have a great day!
Happy Blogoversary! Blog Birthday? You are awesome! I really love your blog…I kind of feel like we’ve had similar experiences surrounding food and exercise and life…it’s nice to be able to read about someone with whom you identify!
Keep up the good work, lady!
congrats on your first blog anniversary! i truly enjoy reading your blog and look forward to it, it’s a blog that’s uniquely different from the other blogs! thank you !
Happy Blog Birthday! Just wanted to let you know that you are one of my favorite blogs because you talk about normal life. I get tired of reading blogs about traveling all over, going to events, blah, blah, blah. I like your blog because I can relate to working my butt off all day, coming home to housework and studying, and living healthy in between. That is real. So keep being you!
Happy Bloggiversary!!
This post was so inspirational! I had no idea how much blogging would change my life, its pretty incredible eh?
I’m so glad you started blogging, we never would have met otherwise! I love what your blog has become and it’s so great that it has given you so much. Happy Blog B-day!
I absolutely LOVE your blog. It’s one of my favorites because you are just so real and down to earth about everything. I promise I’ll be sticking with you!
happy 1st birthday!!
i am really happy for you
Congrats and happy bloggiversary!!!
Happy Blog Birthday, Gorgeous!! You ARE an inspiration – and it’s so completely awesome that you’ve found yourself a long the way.
Enjoy the day!! xoxo
Happy Bloggerversary! Yay!!!! Your blog is one of my favorite blogs out there…you know this.
You’ve been an inspiration to me, that’s for sure, and you’ve been there through some milestones in my life: my first 5k, a 65-pound weight loss, family issues, etc, etc.
Your blog is comforting and I think that’s why so many people come back to it. It’s real. It’s honest. It’s beautiful.
Just like you!
HAPPY BLOGVERSARY! I’m glad you stuck it out through the hard times because I love your blog and you help inspire me to be more open with what I talk about.
<3
Lisa congrats on the past year! And I can’t wait to see what the next year holds for you. I like that you have some interesting and authentic posts — it isn’t just pictures of food. You blog about your life and thats what I love about it!
Have a great day!
Happy Bloggerversary! How exciting? I’m glad I found your blog, it always makes me smile.
Happy Bloggerversary! Im so glad you blog
Happy Blog Birthday! Keep it up
CONGRATS!
Love you & your blog
Lisa,
I dont know if I’ve told you this, but YOU are one my inspirations to start blogging! I loved your humor, your attitude, and of course the food! I feel blessed to have stumbled upon your blog and have a wonderful blog birthday!
Happy Blogiversary! We are just a few days apart..awww. I am so glad I found you, I absolutely love reading your blog and appreciate how REAL you are – it’s a tough trait to find! xoxo
Happy One Year!! Blogging has helped me out soooooooo much too, so I totally get it!
You’ve come so far and it’s been awesome to watch. Much love!! 
LOVE LOVE LOVE! Can you grace the blogging world with your presence for another year, please?
happy blog anniversary!!!!! you have come such a long way and i will certainly enjoy reading your blog as you keep doing it!!!
LOVE your blog! LOVE your story!!! and LOVE to be a reader of your blog!! Sweet ONE year!!
Happy 1st Blog Birthday!
I really love your blog and look forward to reading it everyday. I am glad you (and your blog) have had a great year!
Thank you for your candor
Happy 1 year anniversary and I’ll definitely be reading until year 2!
Tear! What a sweet little post – congrats on a year of blogging girl! Love how much it’s impacted you and of course you inspire the rest of us and make us think – heart your blog!!
Huge congrats. I’m glad that you finally found your niche in blogging…I’m still trying to do that…I post recipes and stuff and pictures of what I bake – but that’s about it – and I keep it light-hearted…I should write more reflective posts too I suppose…but that can be a dragger at times too. Honestly I think we spend too much time in our heads at times!
I like though that you found your way without giving in or giving it up…I need to do that I think …maybe I’m doing it all wrong…maybe I shouldn’t post random recipes…I don’t know…
love you, love your blog and I feel like I have ‘known’ you for SO long
I wouldnt change it for a second!! keep doing what you are doing!
I think finding yourself is THE most exciting thing that could possibly happen in a year. Hip hooray for one full year of you and your awesome blog, and here’s hoping for many more to come. Your blog (and you obviously!) are SUPER!
Happy blog anniversary!
hey girly!
HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY!
you’re awesome and love reading your blog daily!
def one of my faves out there!
Congrats on your anniversary! You mentioned an online fitness forum, out of curiosity what was the forum? I’m always looking for new exercise forums and like bodybuilding.com but they can be pretty intense there!
Happy Birthday to your blog!!!
Happy Blog Birthday!! I am SO glad I’ve found you/your blog. I absolutely love your posts, your insight, and your posts always make me think/feel good. Keep ‘em comin’!
HAPPY ONE YEAR!!
Happy Blog Anniversary!
I am so excited to find your blog, especially this post, because you just put words to what I’ve been trying to figure out. I am new to the blog world but not new to disordered eating. Finding the healthy living blogs and seeing women striving to be heathy for health, not for a size or weight, is a life changing concept. How I hope that a year from now I will say the same things I just read from you.
I can’t wait now to go back and read your blog starting at the beginning. Congrats on coming so far in a year. I am so thankful this has changed your life and given you freedom!
I randomly stumbled across this blog, and I just wanted to say that I enjoyed it. Also, fair food has got to be the weirdest combinations of ingredients/cooking styles I have ever heard of, as your picture of deep fried mac&cheese would attest to.
Aw, glad you found me! Are you another okie? That’s exciting. I’ll have to try and check out your blog when I get some time!
happy 1 year to your blog! i know i am behind, marshall went to his friends so i finally get to read blogs tonight
here’s to many more years!
Okay, I suck, because I am soooo far behind!! Happy Blogiversary!! I am so glad to know you and I’m so proud of you!!
Love you darling!
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