It’s now been one year since my blog, Life on the Slow Lane, was created. I finally bit the bullet on 5th October, with my first (proper!) post going live on 11th October.
As you can see from that first shabby entry, back then I lacked a specific objective. I just wanted to get going after contemplating blogging for many months prior.
Over time I have (I hope) managed to focus the aims and purpose of my blog.
I now concentrate primarily on disability issues, specifically those relating to muscular dystrophy. Here I share my thoughts and experiences, having lived my entire life with Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy.
Blogging opportunities
Over the past twelve months, I have been extremely fortunate to write for other notable publications including Muscular Dystrophy Trailblazers, Disability Horizons and Limitless Travel.
Life on the Slow Lane has enabled me to interact with many other disability bloggers. The amazing Simply Emma generously invited me to guest-blog for her, which I did in May and July. Then more recently I collaborated with the lovely Gemma over at Wheelescapades.
My blogging highlight of the year
A particular highlight for me was the overwhelming response I received for the piece I wrote about my life with UCMD. The fact that it is an especially personal and exposing piece makes the positive feedback all the more touching. To date, this, my most popular blog-post has been viewed over 11,700 times.
Final thoughts
Admittedly, it’s been challenging and time-consuming. I have so many thoughts and ideas, yet not enough time to execute them all.
I often feel like I’m playing catch-up, mistakenly comparing myself to other much more established disability bloggers.
I’m not a big fan of computers and otherwise avoid them if at all possible. Initially, I had no clue how to even set up a blog, let alone edit and customise one.
I realise many of my peers are adept with design software, graphics and managing websites. But I’m just not. Computers are in no way of any interest to me. I’m old school! So this, along with social media, is something I have had to familiarise myself with.
Blogging goals for the next year
• Continue to upload regular posts
• Reach a wider audience and increase my readership
• Raise awareness of Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy
• Meet other like-minded disability bloggers
Thanks to you
I’d like to thank each and every person out there who has read any of my articles. I truly appreciate your feedback and support!
As long as Life on the Slow Lane attracts an audience, however small, I will continue to write.
Love love love reading your blogs, as a MD sufferer myself it’s been wonderful to read how others live and really just how out of touch with what’s happening to others I really am, you have definitely inspired me when it comes to blogging, I hope I can be half the bigger you are
Aw bless you Kerry, thank you so much! That means so much.
I’m so glad you enjoy reading my blogs.
It’s always good to hear from fellow MD’ers. We’re all individuals at the end of the day and have our own perspective on the condition and how it affects us.
It’s just nice to know there are others out there who can really relate and empathise. x