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???”
Found your blog a couple months back… and have yet to try all of your recipes (studying abroad in foreign country… i cook less) but I have had a couple! (dessert for ones are a fav 🙂 ) but when I am home I think I am going to try just about EVERY recipe you have on here. I love ALL of them and can’t wait to try them!
Katie,
You are an inspiration for women everywhere! Doing what you love. I only recently discovered you. I feel like I am just now starting on my food journey for real. I have always loved sweets, cooking, and entertaining. However, I am turning 41 and realizing I must start paying more attention to what I am putting into my body! I love your recipes and your general outlook on life. I am working toward starting a company that gives self esteem seminars mostly to young girls and women. You truly are an inspiration to women!
Heather
Dear Katie,
I realize this post is from a while ago, but I am only just discovering your blog (and I must say I am IN LOVE!). Anyways, I wanted to let you know that this post means a lot to me, because I’m am currently in the huge decision making process of switching majors in University. What I want to take is potentially a huge risk, but I truly believe I will be happier if I do. Thank you for inspiring me!
-Dare
P.S. What did you take in school?
Hi, I just found you when I searched for a chocolate bar recipe, I’ve been going thru all your recipes and I must say, they look so easy to make and delicious too, I am a celiac therefore gluten free is a must and you have so many recipes that are just what I have been looking for easy and with chocolate, I just want to say that I’m so glad you didn’t give up this because you are very good at it, I want to thank you so much for the recipes. I’ve been having a hard time finding ones that are easy and taste good too, I live in the country and some ingredients are hard to find, so here’s a big cheer to you! keeping it simple and good too, it’s always best to follow your heart <3
Hi Katie! I would love to talk to you more about your decision and thoughts behind going into blogging full-time. I could use some tips/advice! I was looking for your email address but couldn’t find it on the site, unless I just over-looked it. Would you mind emailing me so I can ask you some questions if you’re up to it? My email is bfdahn at gmail dot com. Thank you!!
I just discovered your blog and I’m so impressed with all these amazing recipes. But I’m even more impressed with the decision you made to make this blog your job. With this decision you’ve earned all of my respect. And this blog is just the beginning of an awesome trip in your life – I’m pretty sure.
Your recipes are so inspiring – there is so much love and passion. I’m glad, I discovered your blog – it makes my life a little sweeter… 😉
Greetings from Germany!
This gave me goosebumps! I love your choice. Hope everything goes the way you want. Xo!
I’m really young, but I love the idea of being healthy yet eating delicious foods, like the ones presented on your blog. I love trying new healthy foods and I would love to have a website or a little place when I’m older but I have absolutely no experience and I don’t understand, how do you get all the right measurements, all the right ingredients and combinations?? Help!!!
Do a lot of experimenting! Edible experiments are always fun, and after a few years you’ll become a pro 🙂
Well, it is now March 18th, 2014. This post is nearly 3 years old. And it is still so very relevant today. Your parting sentence is so filled with sage for one so young. I just turned 59, and sugar, the time does fly faster with each passing year, so take it from this ole prune and do the best you can to TRULY savor each and every single day in and of itself. Now I need to thank you for those parting words. I have not yet followed my dreams. Not really. So you see, even 3 years later, your words still have impact.
I know that post is three years old, but I am so, so glad you have kept this blog. I found it in the past few weeks ad have to say no other blog even comes close! All your recipes are healthy and ACTUALLY taste good! Lots of people blogging healthy food claim it taste nice… but bleh. Anyway, you make it possible for me to eat in a way that makes me feel better without sacrificing. THANK YOU!!!