Mom Spark – A Blog for Moms » Blog Archive

Why I Created Mom Spark

Hello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic.

amy-retro

Since this issue is floating around the blogging scene right now, I thought this post would be appropriate to share with you. I wrote this a few months ago when I was suffering from MAJOR burnout and obviously needed to refocus my blog and myself. Feel free to share your thoughts.

***

One night over dinner, a friend asked me, “So, why did you create Mom Spark?” My first response was, “Well, I thought it would be fun.” The conversation then quickly moved on to other normal topics in our lives and I had forgotten the whole “question” until later that evening. Why did I create Mom Spark?

Mom Spark was originally set up as a community blog, where anyone (hopefully a mom) could jump on and post whatever they wanted. Of course, in the beginning, this was mostly done by good, or soon to be, local friends of mine who liked to offer tips, recipes, and pics of their kiddos. It was fun, but was that the only reason why it was there? Not hardly.

I needed Mom Spark. Why? Because I was an overwhelmed SAHM of a difficult newborn, a strong-willed eight year-old, and a wife of a husband who worked a lot. Need I say more? I NEEDED the companionship, advice, and support from other moms, even if I had never met them in “real life.” It became my therapy; my way of connecting with the world amidst the chaos in my head, home, and heart. Please let me note that I LOVE my children/husband and WANT to stay home with them and NEVER regret doing so AT ALL, but when I started Mom Spark, I especially needed that extra boost of confidence, assurance, and HOPE.

When I first took a look at the mom blogging world scene, I was very impressed. There were so many lives being shared, spirits being lifted, and good being done that I had to be a part of it. I wanted to learn the ways of the “mom blogger” and begin my journey, but did I loose my mojo along the way? In some ways, yes, I think I did.

I soon believed that in order to become a good mom blogger, I needed to host several reviews, giveaways, and paid posts. I worked hard to attain these goals, and was successful, but why did I feel they were necessary? There is nothing wrong, at all, with reviews, giveways, etc., and I trust a mom’s opinion over anyone else, but why was I trying to fit a specific mold? I started looking at Mom Spark as a business more than my therapy, and I needed my therapy back. I didn’t want to be like everyone else, or at least the ones I thought I wanted to be like. It just wasn’t ME. Did this mean I would never hold a giveaway or review again? Not at all! Would I hold as many? Probably not.

I felt like I had failed my followers and readers because they deserved so much more from me as a blogger. My heart had been closed due to worldly distractions and my obvious family obligations, and if it weren’t for my outstanding contributors, this blog would have been hanging from a thread.

I appreciate each and every one of my contributors, and you, the reader, for continuing to support Mom Spark and me. I am on a new journey to not only “spark” new conversation and ideas around here, but to be true to myself and YOU. YOU are what keeps me going. YOU are my social outlet. YOU are my friends.

Thank you for listening, as always.

-Amy

23 comments so far

Add Yours

I’m a new reader (I actually followed you here from twitter!), and I really appreciate your honesty in this post. It definitely makes me want to come back and hang around a little more.

[Reply]

stacey @ tree, root, and twig
Mar 2nd, 2009
Good for you! I actually stop reading blogs when they start doing to many reviews, I would rather read great content any day.

[Reply]

Beth
Mar 2nd, 2009
I appreciate your honest. It’s nothing like when your blog turns in the direction that you want it to go. You have my support.

[Reply]

Angela
Mar 2nd, 2009
Thank you, ladies. I appreciate your support.

[Reply]

Amy {Mom Spark/Mom Made That!}
Mar 2nd, 2009
It’s hard to keep the focus when we look at what others are doing or “getting” around us online isn’t it? But it’s so good to remember what truly brings our heart joy and what our true motivation in something is.
I look forward to sharing in your therapy with you.

[Reply]

Dionna
Mar 2nd, 2009
I know it’s hard to find a balance between adding followers and staying true to yourself. In the end, I think you will find more readers if you are writing about things you are really passionate about. Like, the reasons you started Mom Spark in the first place.

[Reply]

Gena
Mar 2nd, 2009
Gena-

You’re exactly right. I actually get less comments now than I used to, which isn’t what I base everything off of, but it still sends a message. Mom Spark was suppose to create conversation, not stop it!

Thank you.

[Reply]

Amy {Mom Spark/Mom Made That!}
Mar 2nd, 2009
I really appreciate your honesty. I am another one that picked you up from Twitter and eventually made it over here.

I, too, have a blog and I thought I would have to change in order to drum up “buzz.” But I don’t want buzz (do you hear a noise?), I want to be able to put my emotions, stories, discoveries and connections down. I hope others will enjoy the ride.

I have enjoyed the 1st thing I read from you. Carry on.

[Reply]

JudiElise
Mar 3rd, 2009
I loved your post — right on sista… Sue

Take FUN Quizzes for Women

[Reply]

susan DeAngelis
Mar 3rd, 2009
I love Mom Spark and being a part of this awesome group of women! I think you need to do what feels right and makes you feel happiest:)

[Reply]

Wendy
Mar 4th, 2009
This is my first visit to Mom Spark. I so connect with your every word. I too am at the end of my rope looking for a way to reach out and connect with other before the trial of motherhood make me crazy. 4 children is what I have and my last is a high demand attention needer.If I don’t have a blogging outlet just as you described I too think that I’ll just go nuts. Thanks for you words. HUGS.

[Reply]

Nightowl Mama
Mar 5th, 2009
I recently started a blog for just those reasons. A husband who works a lot? Check. SAHM? Check. Need for sense of community? Check. I also found you on twitter and am now a regular follower. I appreciate your candor and wit. Keep it up. You are a fun blog to read. I

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
July 20th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Thank you, Meg. This is something I try to explain to my non-blogging friends. When you cannot get out of the house, you can still be with like-minded friends. It’s awesome.

[Reply]

Meg
Jul 20th, 2009
I to am a Stay at home mom of two beautiful children and a hard working husband. I created my blog for the same reasons as many of you. I have moved to a new city a few months ago and have yet to find someone with small children let alone a stay at home mom. I am so grateful to be able to connect with moms like myself.

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
July 20th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I’m happy you found blogging as a way to connect. It must be hard to be in a new city and having to start all over again socially. You’re always welcome here if you feel alone.

[Reply]

Karrie
Jul 20th, 2009
Wow. Thanks for articulating so much of what I’ve felt about my own business and getting swept up in all the distractions. I absolutely love connecting with moms and affecting change in their lives– that’s MY therapy and rescue from being a burnt-out SAHM– and I have to remember that when I get caught up in endless networking meetings, SEO information products, affiliate programs, etc. Time to simplify!

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
August 2nd, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Yes, simplify! I really had to reevaluate what was important to me, and focus on that.

[Reply]

Carley
Jul 21st, 2009
Awe, a fellow mom, entrepreneur, writer…what we would do without our contributors? Love your website and I’m so glad I found it. Definitely stay true to yourself. A wise mom blogger once said to me, “Do it because you love it! Once you stop loving it and it feels like a job, time to quit.”

xoxo~Beth
ChicGalleria.com

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
August 2nd, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Thank you! I agree with that quote, it’s so true, and you honestly will not grow without loving it.

[Reply]

Chic Gal
Jul 22nd, 2009
I have been feeling the exact same way lately. I actually even posted something somewhat like this on my own blog a little over a week ago. I’m excited to read more and hopefully connect via social media.

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
August 2nd, 2009 at 9:53 pm
I’m glad you can relate. I think we all feel like this from time to time, and hopefully we tweak our lives to correct it. Hope to connect with you in the future!

[Reply]

MommaDJane
Aug 2nd, 2009
Hi Amy,

This is a great, informative post- thank you for sharing!

x Cheri

[Reply]

Cheri Tracy
Aug 4th, 2009
This is my very first time to visit Momspark.net, a very interesting site for all moms working at the comfort of their own home.

[Reply]

Patrice
Aug 5th, 2009