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???”
Hi Katie! I’m sooooo glad you are not giving this blog up! I’m following it from Perth, Australia and your recipes are amaaaazing (fudge babies and chickpea blondies are my favourites!). Although, it is hard to find some ingredients in Perth (I had to drive to about 4 different health food stores over town to find coconut oil!)! Thanks and all the best for your future 🙂
Awww one of my best friends in high school was from Perth! 🙂
Hey Katie, just saw this. Congrats on your decision, and here’s hoping your future is wonderful!
Oh, thank goodness!! When I started reading this post, I thought you were going to say you won’t be blogging anymore! Your blog is my favorite, and I have a TON of blogs (vegan and otherwise) in my Google Reader. Every time I’m craving something for dessert or I have a dessert to bring to a family get together, I turn to your blog for ideas. You are incredibly talented at creating amazing recipes, your photography is beautiful, your posts are fun to read… I believe you have an incredible future ahead of you, and I love that you are going after your dreams!
Aww Susan, that made me smile SO much!
I am so happy you aren’t leaving the blogger world! I just recently started following your blog and I am so in love with it. I started following ” HealthyTippingPoint” which is where I found your blog! and I am so happy that I did. Your recipes are amazing, I must say. Oatmeal “pudding” is now a staple of mine. Thanks for sharing your recipes and your quirky sense of humor. I applaud you for standing up for yourself against nasty people who leave nasty comments. It shows that you are a strong person and you accept yourself for who you are. I can’t wait to keep sampling these recipes! Congrats on an amzing blog 🙂
I didn’t know HTP had a blogroll or anything, but I am so so happy you found me! And I’m so excited you’re trying the recipes. It always puts a huge smile on my face when someone tries one of my recipes!
I forgot to commen ton this the other day, but I just wanted to say I am so incredibly happy for you that you decided to follow your dreams. I know your leap of faith will pay off. I don’t know what I’d do without my daily dose of CCK 🙂
I, too, just recently found your blog, and I am already hooked! I love the fact that you are turning decadent recipes into healthy treats that are no less decadent than their unhealthy counterparts. I am AMAZED at your talents, which are shining bright and obvious for anyone who even looks at just ONE of your posts. Your stories, your beautiful photos, and best of all? The recipes themselves! I’ve only tried the cookie dough pops, snickerdoodle pancakes, and Frappuccino so far, but I am already hooked! I have so many more that I want to try, and this is quickly becoming my new favorite blog.
I’m a little late on this one but am just catching up on my weekly blog reading. CONGRATS on your decision–I think it is a great one and am so glad that you are going to be continuing to blog. I love your blog and all of your recipes that I have tried and I know that this was probably a tough decision but, usually the best decisions are! I’m sure it is going to pay off and be a great one!
Katie,
Love you and love that you follow your heart! Life is about taking risks, and I see big things happening for you girl! U are one of a kind, and I am so glad you are staying!! Don’t ever miss out on your dreams! Love u!
Wow, I can’t believe how many people have commented on this post. I was going to say that I am your BIGGEST fan and am so happy you’re going to continue blogging! But it seems there are a LOT of people who are in contention for the title of your biggest fan ;).
Write that cookbook already!!!
Katie, I am a first time commenter but have been addicted to your awesome blog for a LONG time! I know people have said it all already but just wanted to add some support on your bigggggg decision!!! Yay!!! WE DON’T LOSE YOU!!!!! 🙂 I’m a similar age to you and TRYING to make some life choices……don’t TALK to me about the dreaded “f” word! Just wanted to let you know that I can appreciate what a huge step this was for you and you have totally inspired me to start really making my OWN choices in life based on what I believce is right for me. This includes my leaning towards a vegetarian lifestyle, as this is something I’ve been “flirting” (quotes the lovely Alicia Silverstone!) with for a couple of years now and I really do feel so strongly about it from an ethical standpoint; and I’m ashamed to say that I’ve been letting my worry about others (mainly parents) opinions/reactions concern me (I know it will NOT go down well)…but your courage of your own conviction to follow the right life path for you has guven me a push to do the same. Maybe some awesome CCK creations will help show that I don’t pplan on a “rabbit food” diet! Wow essay alert! Sorry about that, I’ll stop rambling now, but from one chocoholic to another THANKYOU for your crazy amazing concoctions, congrats again and know that you have made so many readers smile with your decision! 😉
Oh my goodness, never apologize for a ramble-y comment! They are my favorite!!! Maybe because I ramble all the time too? So I feel better knowing at least I am not alone? Or maybe just because you are so so so sweet???
Haha I think part of me wanted to go vegetarian simply BECAUSE my parents would be against it! You know, the whole teen rebellion thing. Some people dye their hair… I became a vegetarian ;).
Anyway, thank YOU for such a sweet comment.
See? I can ramble too!