Time to talk about the F word.
Yesterday’s f word was frivolous: Healthy Frappucinos.
But today, it’s time to get more serious; today’s f word is “future.” Specifically, my future and the future of my chocolate-covered blog.
The future of Chocolate Covered Katie…
This summer, I had to make a big decision regarding the blog I’ve written for over three years. I enjoy every second of the blogging process—from writing posts to creating recipes to setting up photoshoots to interacting with readers. But keeping up a blog takes a lot of time, and as the blog has grown, so too has the time requirement. Answering the hundreds of daily questions I receive from readers could be a full-time job in itself!
I knew there’d be no way to maintain a full-time job and still focus as much passion and energy as I’d like on CCK. If I didn’t want to give up the blog completely, I would at least be forced to give it less than my full attention.
This was not ok with me. When I do something, I do it 100% or not at all. But I couldn’t imagine giving up all my passions to make room for a job where I’d be miserable. Therefore, I decided to make this blog…
My full-time job.
It seems to easy, now, to write the above statement. Just. Like. That. But the truth is my decision wasn’t just like that. It took many hours of going back and forth, writing pros-and-cons lists, and eating a copious number of chocolate bars to counter all the nervousness. There were many “cons” on the list of reasons not to keep blogging, but I realized that most of them had something to do with security. And when it comes down to it, I’d rather take a risk if there’s a possibility to be ridiculously happy.
With Robert Frost’s “Road not Taken” poem in mind, I’ve decided to not go out and look for a “real” job. Instead, I will be a full-time blogger, at Chocolate-Covered Katie.
Nothing is going to change, except that I’ll now have even more time to dream up—and experiment with—healthy dessert creations like hot chocolate fudge cinnamon rolls or chocolate pumpkin cream pie. If I have a chance to do what I love for a living, I need to take that chance. I have to take a risk and at least try!
The fact that I even have the opportunity to make this choice is all thanks to you. If you’ve ever recommended my site to a friend, shared a link, liked the Chocolate Covered Katie Facebook Page, made one of my recipes, or even simply read one of my posts, I am so incredibly grateful.
Yes, I’m scared about the future now that I’ve made my decision. But I’m also excited because of the people with whom I’ll get to interact every day: you all! (Well, you all and chocolate. I must admit to being pretty thrilled my job lets me work so closely with chocolate.) I think part of my apprehension for the future is unavoidable no matter what route I take. That’s just the nature of getting out on one’s own and defining one’s life. It’s a scary time.
I am so indebted to your support and kindness that makes it even possible for me to explore this path. I hope, if any of you are ever faced with a scary decision requiring you to take a leap of faith, that you go for it! Don’t force your passions to take a back seat to the “shoulds” and “have to”s in life, because you only stand to look back someday with regret, thinking:
“What if I’d followed my dreams???”
Oh Katie, I’m so glad you are sticking around! I’ve just recently discovered your blog and I would hate to have you leave. I am passionate about creating healthy, delicious dishes and especially healthy baked goods, as well. Recently I have had a bit of a lull, but then I stumbled upon your blog. You have reinspired me to get back to what I love most! Thank you for that and everything else that you do!
I’m so so happy you found me!! 🙂
Congrats!! Follow your dreams… you’ll never know until you try:)
Wow, that’s so cool! I didn’t know blogging could be a job haha. I know some bloggers make money due to marketing and advertisements though. And I DO NOT want to sound critical at all because I’m honestly just curious, but it costs money to live and it definitely costs money to cook and eat! and I dunno how a blog can make money without “selling out” to marketers. I mean, I’m not a blogger so I don’t know.
ahhhh and I don’t mean to sound pessimistic either! I think it’s great that you’re that dedicated to something, and I know a LOT of people (myself included) are glad that your blog will still be around 🙂
Oh no worries! I am actually not a pro when it comes to advertising either. I originally didn’t have any ads at all, but then foodbuzz approached me. I now have their ads (with a no-meat clause I wrote in), but I feel like it’s unobtrusive: if you don’t want to click on the ads, you don’t have to– and I NEVER mention/promote the ads in the content of my blog. That’s something I WILL NOT do. I said no to companies like OpenSky for this reason. When I blog, I want it to be about things I WANT to say, not about things I want to SELL. (But I do know why other bloggers have gone this route. I wrote more on my feelings about all that here: https://lett-trim.today/2010/12/03/why-do-you-blog/%3C/a%3E%29%3C/p%3E
Good luck CCK! I know you’ll do well. I think every blogger I follow has raved about at least one of your recipes! And personally, I am in love with your brownie batter dip! 🙂
Hey CCK! I love your blog and am so happy you’re sticking around :). I’ve made your snickerdoodle pancakes, blondie batter dip, and your soy free whipped cream and all have turned out great. Next up is your healthy chocolate chip cookies :).
Molten chocolate lava cake? That’s healthy???? YUM!!!!
I dont know if you have seen the movie thumbalina…but this totally made me think of that movie…”your sure to do impossible things..when you follow your heart” haha 🙂 great post!
*Thumbalina* haha sorry!
Aw lol I love that movie! Haven’t watched it in so long.
I’m glad you’re not going away…..I’m a new reader, and your Deep Dish Cookie Pie changed my life! 🙂
Aww I’m so glad you found me… and the pie ;).
hey girl, just wanted to let you know I love your blogs and recipes! Thanks for all the delicious suggestions, please don’t stop writing! 🙂
This post put a hige smile on my face, Katie :). So glad you’re not going for the money, but where your passion truly lies!