I’ve had some big things happen to me lately that I wanted to share with you guys. There’s always that question of what do you put on the blog and how much is too much. But the truth is my life is on this blog, so I figured it was time for a little heart to heart with the people who support and check in with me day after day.
On health
A few weeks ago I had my first experience with a migraine. It was after a hard workout and I started losing my vision in the outside corner of my left eye. It was super unnerving, but I figured a one time thing is no big deal and let it go. Well after another hard workout last week it happened again. I made an eye appointment, where my eyes were given the all clear but I was recommended to my primary care doctor. At my meeting with him he said it sounds like a migraine but given the fact my mom died of a brain aneurysm (at my age) he wanted to have me get an MRA to check my blood vessels. Dying of an aneurysm was a fear I’ve always had, so while I was excited to get my brain checked, I was really, really nervous for what they would find. I’m happy to report I got my brain scanned yesterday and my test came back aneurysm free! This was such a stressful week and I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
On career
I’m now blogging full time! It’s super scary but super exciting as this is my absolute passion in life. It’s incredible to get to work 10-12 hours a day and not have it feel like work. Growing up I always knew I was passionate about marketing. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I didn’t have to work in a marketing agency to get to fulfill that passion. I love that I get to share my life and the brand stories of companies I truly love on this blog, and make a living doing so. It’s an incredible thing.
A byproduct of blogging full time is that I now have the flexibility to get to travel more for blogging assignments. I have some really exciting trips coming up in my near future including Kansas City, Sarasota, and Franklin County. Traveling the world is one of my biggest dreams and I’m so excited for the possibility of getting to pursue that dream through my blog.
I’m also pursuing writing more in other outlets aside from Her Heartland Soul. I’m still going to be writing seven posts a week on here but I just had a meeting about doing a monthly feature in a big Omaha magazine that I’m really excited about. My goal is to have my writing in more print pieces and other online publications.
On aging
I turn 25 this month! I’m trying not to freak out about getting older but am also really excited for all the future has in store. It is crazy to me that this month I’ll officially be older than my mom ever was. Now that I have a clean bill of health I feel like I’m in a really good place to kick ass and pursue all of my wildest dreams. I told Josh all I want for my 25th birthday is Taylor Swift tickets. Fingers crossed! haha
Questions of the Day: What’s something that’s been big and on your mind lately? What has been your best birthday to date? Where has been your favorite place to travel to?
So cool! I’m excited for you!! And I can say “I knew her when…”
Aww thanks Denise! You are the sweetest! I’m so excited!
Oh man, I’m so glad your tests went well. Migraines are the WORST. I used to get at least one a week and I just felt so helpless. Glasses, snacking, and taking breaks from staring at the computer have helped tame them. Congrats on your decision and exciting things to come! I look forward to following the journey 🙂
Thanks Heather! I’m so glad everything came back good! I was so nervous! It’s just onward and upward from here!
Congrats on the blogging news! I LOVE being able to work from home. I never thought I’d be able to and still can’t believe how lucky I am most days.
Yes! It truly is my dream job. Tons of work, but so much fun and what I love to do!
Congrats on the countless blessings! I wish you nothing but good luck in this new adventure career wise!
Thank you so much Ana! That really means a lot! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your heart <3 I just started my lifestyle blog and it is always hard to know what to share and what not to but your readers really care about you and appreciate knowing how YOU are doing. How awesome that you get to travel for your blog! That is so neat, and one of my dreams. I hope your migraines go away and you have a wonderful birthday!!
Congrats on starting your new blog Kathryn! How exciting! Get ready for one wild adventure! Thank you so much for all the well wishes. It really means a lot!
They say that people are scared about getting older until 30, after 30 they are excited to know what’s out there
http://www.siniciliya.com
Ohh I love that saying! I’m curious if it will be true for me.
First of all, I just want to say congrats to the blogging career! That is so awesome that you are able to do what you love every day plus have it provide a ton more opportunities than a job might. Second, I’m so glad that the migraines didn’t turn out to be anything else (although they suck, for sure). I get them once in awhile which are always preceded by the “aura” like yours so at least there’s a sign that one is about to hit! And 25 isn’t that bad.. Haha! I think you’ll have an awesome year!
Aww thanks so much Megan! I’m really excited to see what this year has in store!!
Congrats + hugs! Full-time blogging, wow. That is so fantastic and I look forward to seeing how your blog grows. And I’m so glad to hear you have a weight off your shoulders with your health. I get migraines, as well, and my advice is to track them to see if you notice any patterns. Time of the month (ahem, nudge nude) is the main culprit for me. The perks of being a woman. Take care!
Thanks so much Madeline! I really appreciate the advice and well wishes!
Wow!! Congrats on all the big and good news! I’m really happy to hear that you are healthy and are able to peruse your dreams! Keep going!!!
I kinda freaked out when I turned 22. I don’t know why, but it was a weird age for me, so 25 was a breeze. I am now 30, and that didn’t bother me either. I look at getting older now as being more experienced, having learned more, and having so much more to learn and do! Happy early birthday!
That’s so true Annette! The alternative to not getting any older is a very bad thing!
Wow! Thanks for the transparency. I’m so glad your test results came back clear! How relieving that must of been. My favorite place to travel is Disneyland! My husband and I went on our honeymoon there, so it has a special place in our hearts. Plus, it’s just the happiest place on earth! (;
I’ve never been to Disneyland! I’ve been to Disneyworld twice but have always wanted to see what Disneyland was like! How fun! Disney really is the happiest place on earth! Thanks for all the support Courtney! It means a lot!
So exciting!!! Let’s meet for coffee while you’re in the area if you’re talking about Franklin County, PA 🙂 Enjoy! Glad to hear your tests were all clear. xox
Oh I would LOVE to get back to PA soon. This is actually Franklin County, Iowa!
Bummer! Well next time you’re in the area please let me know! I’d love to see you again! (and pick your brain on blogging full-time… that’s a dream of mine!) Have a great weekend and I hope you get to come back to PA soon!
Absolutely! And likewise, if you ever find yourself in Omaha, I’ve got a spare bedroom and a super friendly cat! 😀
How scary! Glad to hear you are okay.
How exciting to be a full-time blogger.
Thanks Nicole! I’m super excited!!
Congrats!! That is so awesome that you can work from home now and that your brain scan came back normal! Go you!
Thanks Sara! So many exciting, positive things! And yes, I’m loving having a more flexible schedule! It’s nice to get to answer for myself. Fingers crossed I don’t screw it up!
So glad to hear everything is okay! I am so excited for you – blogging full time is a dream!
Thanks Jamie! It’s a dream I’ve had for a long time so it’s exciting to make it come true!
Congrats on all the good news! I am still working on blogging growth and in the meantime I am doing a lot of freelance writing and training/teaching fitness classes. Always looking for more opportunities to grow!
Thanks Erin! I think as long as we never lose our desire to learn and keep growing we’ll always be moving in a forward direction!
Love this! So glad that your health checked out, and that you’re pursuing your passions! I love T. Swift too, she’s amazing! Don’t be afraid of 25, I just celebrated my 30th and promise that things get better with age. Just like a fine wine, or Patrick Dempsey! 🙂
Happy 30th Kimberly!! I love that wine analogy! Thank you! 😀
Congrats on blogging full-time! How awesome for you!!
Thanks Ashley! It’s definitely an exciting unknown!
ALL GOOD THINGS! Yay!!
Yes!! So many blessings!!
So excited for you, Erin! 🙂 Hoping to make a Yelp event this week… will be in touch! xx
Yes that would be awesome!! We need to hang out!
ugh, migraines are the worst, I used to take medication for them.. but glad after trial and error I am off of it. YAY for BLOGGING FULL TIME! How awesome. I just turned 25 to in February and I was like WTF MID 20S?!!?!?!? LOL
I’m so glad your migraines are better Cait! They’re definitely super disconcerting. And yay for us mid 20s folks! Here’s to it being awesome!
I’m so happy your tests went well!! Also…congrats on blogging full time!! SO exciting 🙂
Thanks Tara! It’s super exciting but also super nerve-wracking. It’s a crazy feeling to fully control my success and/or failure!
So glad you are okay! I am sorry to hear about your mom though… What a huge step blogging full time!!! What an exciting time, you deserve it girl congrats this is huge!!
XO JNESS
jenessasheffield
Aww thank you so much Jenessa! Big exciting things for sure!
I am SO happy the results from the MRA came back good! I saw your snapchat about getting it done and it was on my mind a lot! And a huge congrats on going full time! That is so exciting 🙂
Thanks so much Brie! It was definitely a HUGE relief!!
So much good news!! I am so excited for you and can’t wait to see where your journey takes you!!
Thanks Heather! I’m super nervous, I feel like I no longer have a safety net, but I’m also super super excited!
Way to go on going full time. It is work getting the schedule dialed in though isn’t it. Way to make your dreams happen!
Thanks so much Heather! Yes, I’m still very much trying to find a new groove! Fingers crossed I figure one out soon!
I’m so glad you’re okay – and so excited you are beginning this new professional journey! It is a pipe dream, for me, but writing and blogging full time would be amazing.
Aw thank you so much Alyssa! I don’t think anything’s a pipe dream except like wanting to become ninja or learning how to fly. haha You can do anything you put your mind to!
Whew I’m glad your test came out well!! So sorry to hear about your mom and that would definitely make sense it’s a fear of yours!
So exciting you’re blogging full time!! Congrats!! We should have a blog date. For real lol! I was waiting for a good weekend, but we can probably do something during the week now that I know you’re not at a JOB job. 🙂
Also stop freaking out about being 25. You’re making me feel old!!
Yes! We really need to set a date!! Haha When are you free? And you are not old in the slightest!!
Good for you – this is all so exciting! Well, I sure am glad you are all clear in terms of health 🙂 That can be scary!!
thelilacpress.com
Thanks Leigha! Super scary but a huge relief now!!
So glad your test came back clear. That must have been scary! I get those migraines once in a while. As soon as I notice the vision getting blurry I drink at least half a litre of water and take some painkillers. For me, the vision problem lasts about half an hour before the headache starts so usually by that time the painkillers have kicked in. If possible I then take a little nap. I hope you find a way to manage it that works for you too. 🙂 Great news on the blogging. I’m 25 too but I think it’s a good age. I feel in the past year I finally caught up and feel my age rather than thinking “how am I already XYZ years old”. 😀
I’m glad you found a way to manage your migraines Clara! They are not fun but it’s way more pleasant than worrying about having something super serious going on in my head!
I’m so glad to hear that you got the all clear from your doctor! I’m sure having that weigh over you was very stressful. And congrats on being able to blog full-time now! I’m so inspired by people like you who make their passions into their “work.”
Thanks Stacie! It was a big relief for sure! I’m such a worry-wart! And thank you! I’m so excited to be pursuing my passion full time!!
Great post! I am so sorry to hear about your migraine though! It’s such a terrible thing to suffer from. I hope you will get some help so you can get better. & congrats on turing 25 AND blogging full time! That’s amzing! 🙂
Thanks Heidi! The migraines were scary but really didn’t feel any worse than a regular headache. It was just the losing vision thing that super freaked me out!
Oh my gosh, what a crazy time for you! I’m so glad you’re feeling better and got good test results. Congrats on becoming a full-time blogger! At least that is an enjoyable and exciting development amidst all the craziness!! 🙂
Thanks Jess! It’s definitely been a crazy time but I feel so lucky everything is good news!
I’m so glad you’re okay! Also excited to see what this next chapter holds for you.
Thanks Shannyn! I’m really looking forward to the next chapter!
Erin, I’m so happy for you!! What a relief about your health and what an accomplishment on blogging full-time!!! I have major blogger envy 🙂 Seriously, you’re an inspiration. Good luck with everything and last but not least, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, you yungin’. I turn the big 33 this month!
Aww thank you so much Nicole! You are so sweet! And Happy early Birthday to you!!! I have a feeling 33 is going to be amazing for you!!
I’m delighted that your results came back negative. Migraines are really painful and sometimes scary – it’s best to lie in a dark room and try to sleep.
I’ll look forward to reading about your travels 🙂
Keep smiling 🙂
Claire
http://clairescomfycorner.com/
Thanks so much for all the well-wishes Claire! I’m so excited to share my travels!
Congrats Erin! Venturing out to blog full time is a huge step and I applaud your entrepreneurial spirit! Unfortunately I also get migraines every months and lose my peripheral vision, get nausea, huge headaches, the whole bit. I’ve been getting them since I was 12 years old. By now I’m used to it, but I’m sure it’s scary if it has never happened to you before. I’m glad to hear of your positive health results!
Ouch I’m so sorry you get migraines too! They are not fun. Thanks for all your well wishes! I’m glad everything was positive news!
I wish that I could blog full time because it brings me such joy…you are a lucky girl!!!!
I am so happy to hear the MRI cleared okay and I’m sorry to hear about your Mom. I had an MRI once because I thought I may have had an absence seizure and it was such a scary experience. Best wishes to you Erin.
Happy: For your clean bill of health.
Happy: For your freedom outside of the 9-5!
Happy: For your 25th! Girl…. it only gets better with age. 35 for me and I freaking LOVE it here. 🙂
Cheers!