To Renew or Not to Renew? Rethinking My Blogging Journey
Introduction:
Every year, I face the decision—renew my blog or let it go? But this time, it’s about more than just a subscription. As I sift through years of writing, archiving some posts and reviving others, I realize how much has changed—my writing, my perspective, and even how I share my thoughts. This post (2020) is a reflection on that journey, the lessons I’ve learned, and the balance I’m still trying to find between speaking freely and evolving as a writer. Let’s dive in.
Another blogging year is coming to an end, and I find myself at a crossroads—renew my WordPress plan or take a different route?
To be honest, the last year on WordPress has been frustrating. Between constant glitches, edits not saving, and an editing system I’m still not sold on, it’s been a struggle. I pay for a working site, yet half the time, it feels like I’m troubleshooting more than I’m writing.
But beyond the technical issues, I’ve also changed as a writer. I started this blog as a space to document my life, process my thoughts through writing, and explore poetry. I never set out to be a “big-time” writer—I just love storytelling. Over time, I upgraded to a Business Plan, thinking it would give me the best flexibility. But now I wonder… is it even the right fit?
I’m writing less, but I want to write better. I want to refine my editing skills, explore new creative avenues, and make my blog work for me—not the other way around. So, as I clean house, archive old posts, and rethink my approach, I’m asking myself:
What plan actually suits a writer like me? What’s worth investing in?
So, I’m turning to you—fellow bloggers, content creators, and writers. What do you use? Have you found a plan that truly fits your needs? Do you think a Business Plan is overkill for a personal blog? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
October is my renewal deadline, so I’m weighing my options. Drop your insights in the comments—I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Skelly
UPDATE 2025:
Reflecting on My Blogging Journey: Then vs. Now
As I sift through old posts—trashing, archiving, and resharing—I keep asking myself: Which writings are worth keeping? Some I simply update enough to preserve, while others I breathe new life into, giving them a fresh perspective. I never truly know which posts will resonate, but if they stir something deep inside me, that’s enough. The memories flood back, transporting me to the exact moment I wrote those words. I remember why I wrote them. Sometimes the emotions are painful, other times they’re wonderful—but all of it is beautiful. Writing has been a gift in my journey of healing and self-expression, and for that, I’m grateful.
At first, I didn’t think this particular post was worth resharing. The only reason it even stood out to me was that I’m currently renewing my WordPress subscription. But that renewal process led me down an unexpected rabbit hole—deep-diving into nearly every post I’ve ever written. And that got me thinking: Why would anyone else care about this?
Well, here’s why.
Since joining WordPress in 2017, I’ve been through multiple platform changes, updates, and growing pains—both as a writer and as a person. Back then, I had no clue what I was doing, but I jumped in anyway. My first site was a free plan, and for someone who had never built a website before, it was easy to navigate. Shout out to YouTube—my saving grace! There’s nothing you can’t learn with a good tutorial.
But as my writing evolved, I realized I needed more. More control, more security, and yes—more support. Upgrading to a paid plan wasn’t just about a fancier website; it was about protecting my work. My writing was being spammed, hijacked, and even stolen. You’d think with my small following, I wouldn’t be a target—but trust me, anyone can be. Having that extra layer of security gave me peace of mind.
The Evolution of My Blog & My Writing
Over the years, my blog—like everything else in my life—has grown and shifted. My writing style, my personal journey, even my perspective on what’s worth sharing has changed. Today, I have the Business Plan, and while I love the perks (especially the instant chat support!), I can’t ignore how expensive these plans have become. When I first started, the cost wasn’t as steep, but now? It’s an investment.
One of the biggest things I’ve appreciated over the years is the built-in editor. In my early writing days, I relied on it like a life raft. Writing was a huge part of my therapy, and let’s just say… my raw, unedited posts were a mess. My fingers move faster than my brain, and editing myself? Nearly impossible. Our minds tend to fill in the mistakes, making them harder to catch. I still use the editor today. But my longer, more polished pieces, I’ve started running my work through a third-party editing tool. For shorter, conversational posts, I trust myself to get it right (well, mostly).
But one thing that hasn’t changed? My words stay my own, true to who I am always.
Censorship vs. Growth: Finding the Balance
As I’ve reviewed my past posts, I’ve noticed something—I’ve censored myself more over time. Maybe it’s the world we live in. Maybe it’s just me evolving. I’ve never been one to hold back completely, but I’ve learned that not every thought needs to be shared. Still, there’s a strength in speaking your truth. I admire the boldness of writers who say exactly what’s on their minds without hesitation. That courage is something I want to hold onto while also being thoughtful about my words.
So now, I aim for balance.
Not everything I do, think, or feel needs to be broadcast to the world. But when I do speak, I want to be sure that my words are intentional. You never know who needs to hear that exact message at the right moment. Even if it feels insignificant to me, it be exactly what someone else needed.
Your Turn: Let’s Talk Blogging
That was a lot—I know! If you made it this far, thank you. Now I want to hear from you.
💬 How has your blogging journey evolved?
💬 How long have you been writing?
💬 Have you changed the way you share your thoughts over time?
If you enjoyed this post, let me know! I’d love for you to like, share, or drop a comment. Thanks for being here, and I can’t wait to hear about your journey!
—SK
- Until We Meet Again
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