The Struggle to Keep This Blog Alive

For over twelve years now, I’ve been laboring to keep this blog alive. It hasn’t always been easy—there have been days when I’ve wondered if anyone is even out there, reading what I write. But despite that, I’ve been truly blessed with a small, loyal group of readers—five or six, to be exact—who have stuck with me through thick and thin. These are the ones who have endured my eccentricities, my shifts in direction, and my constant experimentation with new ways of telling stories. It’s because of them that I keep going, knowing that, no matter how small the audience, someone is out there appreciating what I do.

You see, this blog hasn’t just been a place to write; it’s been a living, breathing entity that I’ve poured my heart and soul into. In these years, I’ve explored so many different directions—whether it’s through stories, musings, or deep dives into various topics—and each post feels like a little piece of me, a small offering to the world. But through all of it, I’ve struggled with finding a proper niche, that sweet spot where my voice feels not only authentic but also valuable to a broader audience. It’s like I’m constantly searching for the best way to present my stories, for the right combination of words that will resonate with someone, somewhere.

I won’t lie; there are times when the whole process feels overwhelming. Writing better, being more efficient, learning new techniques to craft my words—it’s all part of the continuous learning curve that never seems to end. But in some ways, that’s the joy of it too. Even when I feel like I’ve mastered something, there’s always more to discover, more ways to improve. And that keeps me going.

Yet, the world of blogging isn’t what it used to be. Over the years, I’ve watched as algorithms and SEO tactics have taken over the game. It’s not enough to write from the heart anymore. Instead, you need to optimize everything, make sure you’ve got the right keywords, the right formatting, and the right timing to get noticed. It’s become a strange dance, and sometimes I find myself wondering if my work is more about pleasing algorithms than connecting with readers on a deeper level.

And then there’s the financial side. I spend a significant amount of money each year keeping this blog running. Hosting, domain renewal, maintenance—these things add up, but I’ve always believed in the value of what I’m doing here. I see this blog as an investment, not just in myself but in my readers too. I’m committed to making it better, more engaging, and more impactful with every post. But let’s be real: it’s not cheap, and it’s not easy. If I could somehow syndicate this blog without spending a fortune, I would, but the costs of reaching a wider audience always seem to hover just out of reach.

Still, I do it because I believe in this community, in the connection we’ve built over the years. And I want to take a moment to sincerely thank every single one of you who has stuck with me. Whether you’ve been here for months or for years, your loyalty has meant the world to me. Without you, this blog would just be a collection of words floating in the void. But with you, it’s a place where I can share my thoughts, ideas, and stories with a supportive and thoughtful audience.

As we look ahead, I want to promise you this: better things are coming. I’m working on new ways to present my stories, new techniques to improve the quality of my writing, and new ideas to make this space even more engaging. I’m not done yet. We’ve got a long road ahead, and I’m incredibly excited to see where it takes us. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of this journey.

I couldn’t do it without you.