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???”
Hey Katie,
Well i am so glad that you have decided to continue writing your blog. I love trying all your chocolate related recipes.
You know what you should think about doing is putting together a cookbook of all your yummy creations, then you could sell it on your blog. I know i would love to have your recipes at my fingertips when i didn’t have access to the internet.
Good luck
Jamie
I’m working on a cookbook! 🙂
CCK! Your blog is MY FAVORITE!!! I don’t usually comment here, just on twitter. But I had to comment today, because I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!
Oh and also I made your healthy frappuccinos and they are sooooooo good! I’m so relieved you are not quitting blogging. CONGRATS!
So excited you liked the Frappuccinos! 🙂
I’ve never commented on your blog even though I LOVE all of your posts! (I do eat the cookie dough dip by the bowl =P). I was just so happy to hear you won’t be quitting what you love for the 9-5 slog so many of us give in to. Keep going and know that you have tons of readers who appreciate this blog even if they hardly ever comment!
~K
Thank you so much, Kait! It really does mean SO much to me that you read!!
I’m so proud of you (and I don’t know you) for having the courage to believe in yourself! Working freelance is scary as I did it in TV hosting for 7 years. Just be you and make sure that whenever you are given an opportunity to get paid to do something- do it 110%!
Best of luck and stay true to you!
Just wanted to say I am so happy with your decision!! Looking at your blog is one of the highlights of my day! 🙂 You are so creative and have the best looking and tasting recipes!!
It takes courage to follow your heart. I would have been happy for you if the blog wasn’t your choice, but I’m glad that it is!
Btw, Frost’s poem made an impression on me too the first time I read it back in high school. In fact, my alternate email address is yellow woods traveler!
Best of luck and happy blogging!
Congrats on your big decision. I would love to hear all about your journey so please keep us updated on how to become a full time blogger, and keep the delicious recipes coming!
Katie you are such an inspiration! I’m so glad you’re keeping this blog up, and I just wanted you to know your yummy posts and infectious energy always give me something to look forward to when I open my Google Reader 🙂 Cheers from Singapore!
Ooh wow, I’m so excited to get a comment from Singapore! 🙂
Hey Katie!
I’m so glad you’ve decided to keep up the blog. I have a list of about 5 blogs that I need to look at every day, otherwise I feel deprived, and yours is definitely one of the top! The recipes are always delicious, not to mention healthy (and they really appeal to my inner chocoholic) and you have a great, bubbly personality. I should say thank you for your decision, because CCK makes my day. Good luck with everything!
That made me smile so much!!!
Dear Katie
i just got turned on to your blog by a friend of mine named julie. of course i have no idea where you are spiritually but i feel lead to share something with you that just might make your decision a little less scarey. i have been blessed to have some amazing spiritual teachers that have shown me that everything we have in life comes from God in Heaven. HE is the ultimate provider Katie. since He takes care of the birds and worms He will take care of us. you bring so much joy to others Katie. keep on doing what you are doing and God WILL provide. After all, He created chocolate 🙂
Thank you so much, Alyssa! And oh goodness, yes God definitely knew what he was doing when he made chocolate!!!