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???”
Way to go Katie! I am surprised and happy that you made this choice. You are definately and excellent blogger and I hope you go far with your blog. Who nows maybe one day you’ll publish your own book! (in which case I will definately buy it)
Me too! Sign me up for three copies ;).
Your blog never fails to put a smile on my face. I always feel like I am in the kitchen with you, whipping up something fabulous. I don’t know how you do it!
Considering this post has over 250 comments, I can see im not the only one who would be heart broken if CCK came to end!! I can’t tell you (plus you probably already know) how much your blog has impacted the whole blogging community. Almost every blog i follow, has referenced or tried one of your recipes. Plus, you have definately shown me (and the rest of the blogging community) how you can be vegan and just plain healthy, but still eat some really good food!! Im sure it is scary, but with your creativity Im sure youll figure out something that lets you do what you love. Plus, you are way too good at this to do anything else!!
Aww Ashley, thank you so much!
Hey Katie,
When i read the beginning of your post, my stomach definitely dropped when i thought you would stop blogging! I’m so glad you’ve decided to continue. There is really no blogger out there like you…so creative and upbeat! No matter what you do later in life, always try to keep baking and blogging! 🙂
Awwwwww! 🙂
I’ve only just recently found your blog but I’m really glad you’re continuing! It’s really helping me make the switch to vegan after I found out about my milk allergy. Great stuff that I’ve tried so far and can’t WAIT for the hot chocolate fudge cinnamon buns!!
I’m so glad you found me!!! And lol I think I need to make a few more batches of the cinnamon rolls before posting… you know, I need to taste test some more, just to be 100% sure 😉 ;).
Hi Katie! Let me just start by saying how much I’ve enjoyed your blog for the past few years or so. I’ve honestly never known anyone quite as passionate or enthusiastic about what they’re doing as you are. Which ever direction CCK is going from now on, or which ever direction you decide to take with you life, as a reader, I’m totally fine with anything. I feel lucky simply to know there’s someone out there who takes so much pride and courage in what she believes in. May you continue to find fulfillment in the future 🙂
Thank you!!!! Haha yeah, I guess I am quite passionate about chocolate. But it’s so good… how could ya not be? 😉
I know someone who doesn’t like chocolate! Sad, right?
CCK healthy desserts are the best! Finally I’ve found recipes where it doesn’t feel like I’m eating healthy, and that is exactly how I like my healthy desserts to be! Excited for the chocolate lava post!!!!
Me too! And the cinnamon rolls! Also, did you ever post the recipe for the pb blondies? I’ve been waiting for that one!
I haven’t yet… but it’s coming up in the very-near future!!
CONGRATS!!!!!!!! i’m so so so excited for yoU!!!!! if you have any Austin or Houston recommendations ever, i’d love to hear them!
I’ve never been to Houston… but if you go to Austin, you MUST check out the original Whole Foods :).
And on a non-food note, Zilker Botanical Gardens is absolutely beautiful!!
i was so worried that you were going to tell us all there wasn’t going to be anymore CCK
thank goodness that’s not the case!!
just fyi, one of my friends is trying to eat healthy and i can’t get her to eat any more of my sweets, but i made her your raw cookie dough balls and she devoured them! thanks for the awesome recipe!!
That just put a huge smile on my face!
Hi Katie, I have posted a few times on your blog commenting on how you are a constant inspiration… I was hesitant to do so today in case you are getting sick of me posting the same things 🙂 Anyway, I couldn’t resist commenting to say that you are genuinely a source of real motivation, your decision really brought home that everyone should persevere and make a leap of faith for what they love, rather than chase dreams that won’t actually make us happy. You have renewed my desire to be a better person, even if I only improve myself by 1% a day, every day. Thank you Katie for blogging and being so helpful to so many people without even realising 🙂
Oh my goodness, Andrew, I am DEFINITELY never, ever sick of hearing comments like yours! Your comment (and others like it) is especially appreciated on this post, because words like yours help me to feel reassured that I’m making the right decision. I can’t ever thank you enough for your kindness in taking the time to lift my spirits!