We all start blogging for different reasons, some of us want to leave our full time jobs, others need a outlet for their creative expression and some want to make a little side money for their families. While we have complete control in starting our blog….what happens AFTER you start a blog is largely in the hands of your readers, your tribe, the people you affect with your blog.
I could’ve NEVER predicted what was to come when I started a coupon blog 5 years ago. I’ve had some incredibly awesome experiences as a result of making the decision to start a blog!
Today, I wanted to share 13 totally insane things that happened to me after I started a blog.
1. It all started when my local newspaper wrote an article about me
2. Then I got on a reality show
3. I travelled to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, Denver for ‘work’
4. I got published in People Magazine, Rachael Ray Magazine & Us Weekly
5. I gave a presentation to over 500 people and they were asking for my autograph
6. I was paid five figures to host a wine party for a brand
7. I quit my job as a marketing consultant
8. I was on the cover of Dispatch Magazine (with my hubby!)
9. I was named “Top 10 Most Intriguing Mainers” by Portland Magazine
10. I got to be home when my children got out of school
11. I made a full time income
12. I met a lot of great new blogging friends
13. I sold the blog for enough money that I didn’t have to work for a year
I’m just a girl…a mom…a wife…this list of things that happened to me…can happen to you. It’s proof that you never know where life is going to take. That opportunities are everywhere if you just open yourself up to them. If you had told me in 2010 that I would be able to quit my job, be on a reality TV and be published in national magazines, I would’ve told you that you were out of your goddamn mind, but the truth is…it happened. All within 5 years, my life completely changed because I started a blog. I hope the biggest takeaway you get from all of this is that you’ll never know until you try.
If you’ve been thinking about starting a blog, but talked yourself out of it. Stop it. Just do it…start that blog you’ve been thinking of….and then in a few months or years, come back and share with me all the amazing experiences that have come out of it.
OMG, this is so inspirational! Kudo’s to you and all of your wonderful experiences. I would love to someday be able to share news like this. This post gives me hope. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Daria! I’m a firm believer that if you want something bad enough, it will come your way! I’m sending positive blogging vibes your way
Wow! That’s amazing!
Thank you!
I can only hope that I get half as fortunate with my blog as you did with yours! I would love to be able to see my kids off to school and welcome them home in the evening…when we eventually have them.
Wow what great achievements! Thanks for sharing, I feel so inspired!
Awesome!
Holey moley- I stumbled upon your blog and I am so glad I did. I felt so inspired reading this- pretty crazy where life can take you when you least expect it. I have been reading more and more stories of bloggers successes- I have to say, when I started last summer, I started because we got a great camera and I wanted to share my pictures. I didn’t realize that I would become so dedicated and enjoy it so much! I would love to make money from it someday, I’m not going to hold out for it or anything haha, but what I have I know is a start! 😉 Congrats on all of your successes, amazing. P.S. I love that show
Well Holey Moley..Glad you stumbled onto my blog!
Photos are soo important in blogging, so you were smart to start a blog to share those!
Wow! Your success story is super inspiring. I’ve had a lot of great experiences since starting a blog, though they haven’t been quite as fruitful financially. So cool to hear about your successes (:
Hi Jordyn! So happy to hear that you’ve had some positive experiences while blogging..it makes it worthwhile doesn’t?
That’s so awesome! I’ve made a good amount of money blogging but it never dawned on me that it could be so life changing and inspirational. Big wishes for great success in the future!
WOW, what an amazing run you’ve had thus far!! So awesome you were on Extreme Couponing, I love that show.
Wow! Blogging has brought so many awesome opportunities for you! I wish you all the best and that you have an even more exciting year ahead!
All’s I can say is WOW! Congrats! I needed to read this today. I am a year into my blog, and some days feel way harder than others. I really love it, but am not making money yet, which is my goal. Some days I feel like I am putting in so much more time than I am getting back. Those are the days I remind myself to take some time off so that I don’t burn out.
Really inspirational post, thanks for sharing! It’s hard to imagine my blog becoming anywhere near as successful, but who knows what the future holds :).
Sounds like you are living the dream!
It’s amazing the different things that can happen when you join the world of blogging. You’re a true inspiration!
Wow!!! Your story is inspiring. I’ve been attempting to really get my feet off the ground and have struggled, I love reading others stories!
Whoa girl! I feel like so much has happened in the 6 years I’ve been blogging too, but nothing like this! What a crazy wild ride you’ve had. Can’t wait to see what else is in store for you. - Katy
Wow you are living most of our dream. Congratulations
Wow, Chrystie - I’ve been following you on IG (kyliedhunt) for a few weeks now and I read the blog when I remember! 😛 You’ve been busy, huh? I’m just starting out on the blogging thing, the biggest challenge is content — which I assume is everyone’s challenge, so I’m preaching to the blogging choir. But, I love your persistency and patience and your success. May you have so much more!
Hi Kylie! Aren’t you my new BFF?
LOL. Thanks for the comment! Coming up with new content is a constant struggle for all bloggers so don’t feel like you are alone! Maybe I’ll write a post on how to find content! Stay tuned 
This is super inspiring. I’m sure this is what all us bloggers aspire to do one day, regardless of why we started blogging. I still classify myself as a newbie to the blogging world and quite frankly find it all super overwhelming, especially when paired with a full time job and school. I’m going to stick with it though and if I see even a fraction of the success you have I’ll feel like I’ve made it in the blogging world!
WOW that is so inspiring! Congrats on all your blogging success!
Thanks Ashley
Wow! This is amazing.
-Melissa
http://www.melissamchee.com
Thanks Melissa!
Oh I love this so much! You can totally feel how happy you are and how passionate you are about what you do in this post. Thank you for sharing and helping others!
Yes, I am passionate and that helps when you work for yourself
This is SO inspiring!! I started my blog one year ago and aspire to do great things with it!! Thank you for sharing!!! Xo
Good luck Ruthie!
Thank you so much for the motivation. I think it can truly be easy to see amazing things happening for others and think it can never happen for you. My goal this year is to be more mindful of my time and the projects I work on and grow my blog from that!
That sounds like a great plan to kick off the new year!
You sold your blog? How does that work?
Hi, Yes! I sold the blog on a site called Flippa.com
It’s kinda like Ebay for websites.
Oh my goodness, Chrystie. You are incredible! Just reading about your blogging journey and successes gave me goose bumps. Your story is inspiring to all bloggers who have hopes and dreams of making a living from blogging. Me included! Thank you so much for sharing.
Yay! I just wanted to share this story, so others can see what possibilities exist out there for bloggers!
I totally don’t know you but I’m crazy happy for you. All of this is an awesome accomplishment and you should definitely be proud!
Thank you Marie!
Wow this is so awesome!
You go girl and keep on rocking it.
xoxo, Jenny
Thanks Jenny!
Inspiring and scary at all the same time. I think I have to figure out more clearly what I really want so I can direct the kind of energy into that made you kick tail! Well done blogging sister.
Being focused certainly helps..but as in my case, you just never know what will come your way..just have to be open to it
Well this is awesome! Keep up the good work!!
Thank you Claire, I’ll try
Wow! Those are amazing! Good job!
Thanks Angie!
You are amazing! I remember watching you on Extreme Couponing. I forget but you are also a sister of someone… It was a long time ago but I found your couponing blog through her. Anyways, this is inspiring!
Hi Elizabeth! Haha. Thank you
My sister is Ashley Rosenbaum!
This is freaking amazing! You have accomplished sooo much! Congrats
In that case, I better keep up the writing. What crazy and awesome experiences you have had since starting your blog. Pretty darn cool if you ask me.
This list is ridiculous! It wasn’t what I expected as I started reading the post. I’m sure it’s been a blast to experience everything. Congrats!
This is so cool! Congrats on all of these awesome experiences and I hope you have many more to come