I can’t believe it has been one year since my blog started! SO much has happened since then. It is crazy. I am celebrating so much today. More than reaching my goal of consistently blogging every week last year, but the confidence, growth and personal strength I have gained along the way. I am so grateful for this space that I have to create. Believe it or not, something as simple as blogging gives me so much joy, keeps my mind going and my heart alive. From the emails to the outfits, the photos down to the content, I enjoy it all. Not to mention the absolutely incredible people I have met along the way.
When I started back in January of last year, in my opinion, I didn’t have the necessary tools to blog, but decided that I was going to get started anyway. For example, for the first 6-7 months my photographer and I used an iphone 5 to take my pictures. I worked on mastering the art of editing and did everything I could to make my photos look as professional as possible. We finally got a “real” camera and began to take things to the next level. I am really glad that I didn’t wait until everything was perfect before I began. I want to encourage you to pursue your dreams and goals even before you have all of your ducks in a row. Beautiful things happen when we step out in faith. Inspite of my lack, this past year I have had the ultimate privelage of working with nearly 20 different brands/boutiques/shops. Those numbers are only proof to me that God can use anyone and make something out of nothing.
I remember initially feeling very inadequate and insecure coming into such a saturated, creative sphere. Week by week, post after post I did everything I could to pushed through my insecurites and tried to find ways to indivdually create and brand myself. I am still on this journey of discovery and branding and doing the best I can to not compare my self to others. I am slowly learning (and the truth is beginning to set in), that you and I have something to offer this world that no one else does. That truth is so powerful when realized and acted upon.
There are 3 things I learned from my first year of blogging that I am honestly still learning and areas that I continue to grow in: 1) Set high goals and strive for excellence in your work. God can and will exeed your expectations as well as equip you for any task. 2) Stay in your lane and don’t compare yourself to others. You were made uniquely and with a purpose that no one else has! Focus on the path laid in front of you and don’t let comparsion rob you of your joy. 3) Be kind to yourself. Celebrate your accomplishments big and small and try not to sweat the small things. Life is to short too major in minor issues!
Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to follow along and support me over the past year. I have had a blast and I am confident that this next year is going to be an amazing one!! Happy New Year!!! Reach for the sky with me!
Ruthie xo
All images by: Sarah Schweyer Photography
Jumpsuit: Taylor Jay Collection
Bag: Free Style Clothing Exchange
Necklace: Target
Bracelet: Charlotte Russe
Comments ( 37 )
Anna
What a great post! I am also approaching my first blogging anniversary and I can so totally relate to everything you’ve said. Love the new look!!!
Xo, Anna
http://www.pepperandlife.com
Gunjan
Ruthie, this was absolutely beautiful. Congratulations on the success over the past year. You absolutely deserve every bit and more. I’m glad we became connected this past year and I hope we can meet some day! All the best for 2016!
Ps. The rebranding and new site design look great. I am so glad you chose to go with Pipdig 🙂
Molly Clifton
These photos are so gorgeous! Love that jumpsuit on you! Congratulations on completing your first year of blogging. I started last year too and have learned many of the same things! Best of luck to you on your fashion journey!
Keep smiling!
Molly | http://www.stylemissmolly.com
Stefanie
Ruthie you look smokin! Congrats on your 1 year anniversary! You’re amazing! Xoxo
Annie
GIRL – your makeup is incredible in these photos! You are just beaming and glowing! So happy for you!
xo Annie
http://collectivepassions.com
Sarah
So proud of you! You really deserve this and inspire people all over! Including me 😀 Love you so much!! XX
Samantha
This looks AMAZING! I love the new and fresh look for the blog!
Elda
Love this! I like how you said “Be kind to yourself” it’s so true sometimes doubt sets in us and cause fear and other emotions to stop us from our next level, BUT God makes it so possible! I am enjoying your positive blog keep up the awesome work.
ruthieridley
Elda, thank you so much for reading and enocuraging me!! xo
simplygailg
This post made me happy. You’re so inspirational. Your words truly hit home. Thank you! You look amazing by the way. That white jumpsuit suits you so well. ?
ruthieridley
oh my goodness, I am blushing. Thank you so much for your kind words!! xo
Caroline
You are so gorgeous and inspiring! Congrats on your first year! So excited to follow your journey.
ruthieridley
Thank you so much!!! You are the best! xo
thestylelynnkind
Omgeeee!!! Where do I start? First off you are killing it in this fab jumpsuit dear!! Secondly, I love the new look of your page! And last but not least I seriously love your vibe and outlook on life! So glad to have met you Ruthie!! Sending you lots of love!!
ruthieridley
You are so kind to me always!! SO thankful for you dear!! xo
Eli
New website looks awesome! Love it!
ruthieridley
Thank you Eli!!
Jada
Everything about this is stunning!!! Your such an inspiration girl!!
ruthieridley
Jada, thank you so much! You are so very kind to me!! xo
Jen Frick
You are an inspiration, Ruthie!! Congratulations on your first year and your blogging journey thus far! I know God has such a great plan for you and I’m so excited to see what He does next! It has been a blessing getting to know you and meeting you through #stylecollective! Keep killing it and keep being you! xoxo
Jen | http://www.lettersandpearls.com
ruthieridley
Jen, I am so thankful for you!! You continue to be a bright light in my day!! I know this year is going to be amazing for all of us!! xo
Krista Williams
So awesome to see the progress you’ve made in just one year! I especially loved this, “I remember initially feeling very inadequate and insecure coming into such a saturated, creative sphere. Week by week, post after post I did everything I could to pushed through my insecurites and tried to find ways to indivdually create and brand myself.” I can totally relate!
Keep it up and can’t wait to see what you do in 2016!
Happy New Year!
xo
Krista
http://www.hundredblog.com
Ruthie Ridley
Krista thank you so much for taking the time to read and encourage me!! It’s so good to know that I’m not alone!! Xo
Kait Elizabeth
You are so inspiring Ruthie! I can’t believe you’ve come so far in a year, congratulations love. Also, you are absolutely stunning- this jumpsuit was made for you. Hugs, Kait
http://makeminemaroon.com/
Ruthie Ridley
Kati these words mean more than you know!! Thank you for all the love and for always cheering me on. Xo
tiarasandsequins
Ruthie thank you for sharing these lovely words. I’m a fairly new blogger and your post has encouraged me to keep forging on.
Ruthie Ridley
Thank you so much for reading!! I’m so glad you felt encouraged. Xo
Kathryn
Ahh…Ruther you are so beautiful and unique! I love your blog, your style and your beautiful personality! Keep it up girl; ’cause I am looking forward to another year!
Ruthie Ridley
Thank you so much!! I’m so thankful for your constant support!! It means so much to me.
Brandie Freely
You’ve been amazing from the very beginning, Ruthie! Such a beautiful inspiration you are! #keepgoing XO!!
ruthieridley
You’re so sweet to me!!! Thank you so much!! I’m so glad our paths crossed!!
ruthieridley
Thank you so much love!! I so appreciate all your kind words and support!!
ruthieridley
Thank you so much Rachel!! xo
angelpatricks
Hi Ruthie, came across your blog through a blogger am now following. Your words are beautiful and encouraging. Thank you, will stop by often!
ruthieridley
Thank you so much Angel! Can’t wait to check out your blog! Much love! xo
Shell
I am so blessed to have found and connected with you! You are such an inspiration to me and my favorite thing about you is that you are my sister in Christ! Keep it up!!!! You have many admirers!
xo, Shell
http://acourageousbeauty.com/
ruthieridley
Sisters in Christ forever. I am so thankful for you sweet Shell. You are a gem. xo