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The Nature Of Your Blog

This post was most recently updated on July 31st, 2016

The Nature Of Your BlogWhat’s the nature of your blog?

OK, now don’t think I lost it here, but I promise this analogy will help you see that your blog isn’t something dangling in space, but rather part of you, and a part of nature.

Humans are part of nature.

Everything we do and express becomes part of nature and so do our blogs. 

I love observing nature.

It fascinates me how it mirrors life in so many ways.

So here is an analogy that hit me about the nature of your blog.

Beneath The Surface

I was looking at the grand old oak tree that lives in front of my home and it occurred to me that it is just like the nature of
my blog.

Now this grand old oak tree has a very distinctive look and feel.

It is very tall, with a perfect straight trunk and long elegant branches. It makes me feel uplifted and protected when I look
at it.

But that’s just its appearance.

The fact is, as much of the tree as appears to me, the same amount is simultaneously hidden.

As tall as it is, as thick as its trunk, as outreaching its branches are, is the same size, thickness and breadth that it possesses under the ground.

If a tree is 30 feet above the ground, it is also 30 feet below the ground. What I see above the ground gives me clues as to what lies beneath, but since I can’t see it, I’m not really sure what its “hidden nature” is.

The roots of the tree are really what determine its beauty, stature and appearance as I observe it.

I see the trunk, branches and leaves.

But not the roots.

So, too, with your blog.

I can read it’s content, but what lies beneath?

What exactly, is the full nature of your blog… including the part that nobody sees.

Exploring Your Roots

Another way of asking the question is, what are the roots of your blog?

While your blog may well reflect where your mind is at, its roots reflect your mindset.

Your sense of purpose, your belief system, and your attitudes about yourself and others is what roots you.

It’s important to be in touch with your core beliefs and attitudes, and how your blog is rooted in them.

Now sometimes there may be some root rot going on.

You might need to tend to the root causes and then make the necessary steps to improve the health of your blog.

So, my dear friends, sometimes your mindset needs to be addressed as you grow your “inner Self.”

Facing Your Self

Some times you need to take time out from your “work” and focus more on your “self.” This process is so good for the soul, and will renew the health of the “root system” underlying your work.

I have written several articles about taking this time to develop your inner self, the root of your blog. You might like to read an older one called “Taking Time” as well as the more recent update to that concept.

Introspection often induces change.

I recently shared a personal experience of my encounter with my own “Inner Silent Voice” which did, indeed, lead me to make some changes with my blog.

Which ever way your path leads, you will find that of utmost importance, is the need to take care of YOU.

Remember, the entire nature of your blog is YOU… and not just in the sense of “You-Inc”  which is the sense that your blog reflects your brand, but also in the sense that your blog IS you, at its deepest roots.

Think Of Your Blog Like The Mighty Oak

the nature of your blogThe Trunk

Let’s get to the trunk of the tree.

That is your blog.

This is where you set everything up and give good content… the best you can to others.

It is your own private real estate on the internet, and the place that your readers will come to learn from you and engage with
you.

You design your blog with a variety of “categories.”

Each of these refers to an aspect of your blog that you want to share with people.

One step at a time, post by post, category by category, you pull your readers into the full scope of what you have to offer
them.

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What you offer can be knowledge, inspiration, insight, entertainment or empowerment.

Your blog gives you the opportunity to reach so many people with the value tht you have to give them.

It is like the trunk of the mighty oak tree.

It’s the vessel through which all the life sustaining fluids flow, giving life to the branches and the leaves… sustaining the entire organism.

If you envision your blog in that way, you will realize that you, dear blogger, can stand strong and tall just like that trunk of the mighty oak tree.

In that capacity, you can support many in their quests for personal growth, empowerment, education and understanding.

The BranchesThe Branches

Now here is what really got to me.

While we share our incredible views and information on our blog, the deeper nature of it is expressed mostly in its branches.

Gosh, I was trying to count the branches on my tree and lost count.

As I was focusing carefully on each individual branch, I came to realize that while many were strong and healthy, others were dead and rotting.

Should I count the dead ones, too?

I thought of each branch as a blog post.

Oh, so strong and healthy with good content, extending outward in all directions for all to see.

Each leaf represents a visitor to your blog.

I was reminded how each blog guest is introduced to your “brand” first, then to the substance of your content.

The dead branches, meanwhile, reminded me of the many promising things we have done in the past that just didn’t pan out.

Maybe we have written about the latest and greatest network marketing company we joined, but lost interest somehow.

Don’t remove that old post.

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Leave it there so others can follow you along, even down a dead end.

We all have encountered some things that didn’t work for us, and we need to know that others have, too.

Even the great and might oak has many dead branches.

But they play an important role.

I’ve noticed that for one thing, the wood peckers love the dead branches.

They have a glorious beauty while eating away at whatever little critters live off the decaying bark.

Each dead branch reached out to them, and offered the spoils of a once hard fought battle to survive. Now, though dead, it helped sustain them.

To me, it represents the nature of our blog and the nature of the blogger… how sometimes things don’t work out, but it sure is good for others to know and learn from that hard fought experience.

The Nature Of Your BlogThe Nature of Your Blog

Sweet springtime shows off the essential nature of your blog.

That old oak tree drops acorns.

So many that little chipmunks are around eating them… feeding on them.

The other acorns that the chipmunks didn’t get to sprout almost spontaneously into more little oak trees.

My gosh.

Imagine those blog posts you have written being like these acorns.

Some of them get passed around and go viral, taking on a whole new life.

People have read them and are using them to improve themselves.

Sometimes, you see a casual guest to your blog go from a sprout to a grand tree, displaying their glorious branches reaching into the lives of their own readers and followers.

We are feeding our readers great information as well as inspiration that comes from the roots of our deepest selves.

That is the nature of your blog.

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Does this analogy hit home with you?

Can you see where I went with this?

The true nature of your blog lies in it’s power to nurture your readers.

How can we add even more to the value we give, with each passing day… just like the grand old oak tree that keeps on growing higher toward the sky, and deeper into the soil?

I would love to know your thoughts about this and how you have perceived this little metaphor of mine.

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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86 Responses to The Nature Of Your Blog

  1. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    July 6, 2015 at 7:49 pm #

    Hi Andy,

    Glad you liked the analogy. Sometimes people like to resonate with them so I keep things coming in different ways.

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened ToMy Profile

  2. Andy Lockhart
    Twitter:
    July 5, 2015 at 10:39 am #

    Donna

    This is awesome, the analogy is excellent, if you are a sapling or a mature oak, it all holds true.

    Great article as always.

    Thanks

    Andy
    Andy Lockhart recently posted..How do you manage your Instagram Followers?My Profile

  3. Irish Carter
    Twitter:
    June 30, 2015 at 10:36 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Great analogy. I love using analogies….they are fun aren’t they? I noticed a while ago that once the website was for the readers and they were 80% of its success, Dedicated 2 Life took off and began to build it’s own community. I value that most. What I really love is that I have built amazing relationships with these individuals. Love it. Thanks for sharing .

    Irish
    Irish Carter recently posted..Why Some Men Cant Respect a WomanMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 3, 2015 at 11:59 am #

      Hi Irish,

      I love to use analogies also..some people “get it” thought them so I like to mix things up. Indeed, our websites/blogs are for readers. And the more value we give the bigger the readership gets.

      This is how Dedicated 2 Life built its own community!

      -Dona
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Make YouTube CardsMy Profile

  4. Andrew M. Warner
    Twitter:
    June 19, 2015 at 10:01 am #

    Hey Donna,

    Great analogy here with this blog posts. Gosh, it seems that’s the direction many blogs are going … with great analogies like these. Anyhow, your point hit home.

    The branches … the leaves. Those are all important in maintaining a healthy, steady growth of the tree for years to come. And that’s obviously what anyone wants for their blog.

    Wow, good stuff.

    – Andrew
    Andrew M. Warner recently posted..6 Practical List Building Ideas That Generates Amazing ResultsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 21, 2015 at 4:49 pm #

      Hi Andrew,

      Sometimes I like to use analogies on a post so that my reader can get another perspective of how important our blogs are.

      As part of us, they are living and growing. Giving good content can help another person and you’ll never know it. But that’s what it is all about.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..5 Wise BloggersMy Profile

  5. Atish Ranjan
    Twitter:
    June 18, 2015 at 5:10 pm #

    Great Analogy Donna! Loved the way you have compared the blog to a tree. Blog posts are surely the branches and visitors are the leaves.

    At the end of the year, I go through my all posts and choose a list to show it to my visitors that what performed well. And while creating such post, I get so many articles that I need to either polish or rewrite. Initially, I was doing it on yearly basis to keep my blog fit and healthy but since 2015 started, I repurpose 2-3 of my old articles a month so that gradually my older posts are getting better now, and so my blog is becoming healthier than before.

    Nice post Donna.
    Atish Ranjan recently posted..A Complete Web Typography GuideMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 21, 2015 at 4:46 pm #

      Hi Atish,

      Good to know you liked the analogy of a tree. What a great idea you have at the end of the year. Seeing which blog performed the best.

      I haven’t repurposed one of my blogs yet, but plan to do so.

      Thanks for coming by,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..5 Wise BloggersMy Profile

  6. Glenn Shepherd
    Twitter:
    June 18, 2015 at 7:08 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I love this! I’m big on analogies and this is a perfect one for blogging.

    The point it highlights is an important one and is one that I feel far too many bloggers overlook. I’ve actually just finished writing a reply to Don Purdum on my own blog about how some bloggers just whack up a site, stick some banners on there, fill it with copied & pasted content and think that’s sufficient.

    Your blog needs to reflect YOU and what YOU are all about. It has to be clear to your visitors just what they are going to get from you. In order to do that effectively, you need to put your roots down firmly, have good, strong content and extend your reach far and wide, providing lots of valuable nourishment and giving people plenty that they can take away with them.

    Applying what you teach in this post can be the difference between a successful blog and a dead blog.

    Thanks for sharing this, Donna. Loved it! 🙂

    »Glenn«
    Glenn Shepherd recently posted..EMA Podcast 004: “5 Top Tips for a Successful Blog”My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 21, 2015 at 4:44 pm #

      Hi Glenn,

      Glad you liked my analogy. Yes our blogs are part of us. It sure does reflect who we are and what we are about. We have to share our uniqueness.

      I like your analogy about roots…so true!

      Yes, it can make a difference between a successful blog and a dead one.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..5 Wise BloggersMy Profile

  7. Ron
    Twitter:
    June 15, 2015 at 5:10 pm #

    Hi Donna, That’s a very interesting perspective! I had never thought of my blog as something living, but I certainly liked what I read! Yes there is so much hidden by each and everyone of us, underneath. We need to find a way of getting it out there and make ourselves even more interesting… Thanks for sharing… Kind regards Ron
    Ron recently posted..Water is Water?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 21, 2015 at 4:42 pm #

      Hi Ron,

      I think of it as something living because it is a reflection of who we are and what we share. Especially when sharing to others and they pick something up that is useful to them, apply it and grow.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..5 Wise BloggersMy Profile

  8. Jenni Ryan
    Twitter:
    June 14, 2015 at 11:27 pm #

    I love your analogy Donna. I think another way to describe this is authenticity. If we are completely authentic then we will attract the peopel who resonate with us and building relationships with people who resonate with us is far easier.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 15, 2015 at 11:02 am #

      Hi Jenni,

      Thank you for your take on this. Indeed authenticity is a good way to describe this. We are authentic people and if we write what we want we will attract people who resonate with us, thereby building relationships.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  9. Lillian De Jesus
    Twitter:
    June 14, 2015 at 8:57 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This does hit home with me! I have many blog posts I started as inspirational and I wondered maybe I should remove them. Now I realize that my blog can show the different aspects of me. I will be starting a new category dedicated to childhood cancer awareness. It’s a really big part of who I am. I’ve been doing a log of posts on other sites related to cancer and I thought why not place these personal experiences on my own blog. Essentially I want to be able to provide awareness and donate what I can through my business.

    Thanks for sharing this!
    Lillian
    Lillian De Jesus recently posted..3 Overlooked Areas That May Be Killing Your Visual MarketingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 15, 2015 at 11:00 am #

      Hi Lillian,

      As there are so many aspects to our lives, we can put it up on our blogs. Creating a new page on childhood cancer awareness and moving your articles there would be a great way to integrate your passion.

      Post it once in a while, but “for more information check xxxx Link your page…

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  10. Lesly Federici
    Twitter:
    June 14, 2015 at 5:43 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    What a lovely post. A lot of reflection here of how important a blog is … I get so much energy from nature. Sometimes it’s the one thing that breathes new ideas and inspiration into me just by sitting outside or going for a walk. I think someone’s blog can nearly do the same – if the owner treats it like gold. It is your home on the web… so doing the best you can to write, share, inspire, motivate, educate, train from the heart , then how could anyone go wrong … loved this 🙂
    Lesly Federici recently posted..Affiliate Marketing SucksMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 15, 2015 at 10:58 am #

      Hi Lesly,

      Glad you liked this one! I too get great energy from things in nature, so much so, that is what inspired me to write this post. I was taking time between tasks and sat outside near this big old tree.

      I know YOU can understand, but it kind of spoke to me.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  11. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    June 14, 2015 at 2:37 pm #

    Hello Donna, Love Love Love Your Tree Analogy! The roots are the start, the foundation, Oh Yeh Without this all else fails. Right?

    Thanks for sharing and do have a Blessed Sunday My Friend..
    Chery :))
    Chery Schmidt recently posted..Choosing To Build A Successful Online BusinessMy Profile

  12. Dr. Elise Cohen Ho
    Twitter:
    June 14, 2015 at 11:26 am #

    I love a good analogy and this one surely does not disappoint. Unlike the above commenter, I love nature. I love how it is always changing but it is so organic in growth. You can see when nature is loved and you can see when it has a been neglected… this is exactly like blogs.

    We must make sure that the soil in which we plant is healthy so that strength can grow.
    Dr. Elise Cohen Ho recently posted..Product Review: Veestro Home Delivered Vegan FoodMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 14, 2015 at 2:05 pm #

      Hi Elise,

      Once in a while I do like to write an analogy to mix things up a bit. Now that I’m living closer to nature, I’m seeing it more deeply.

      As a city gal that eventually moved to the forest by the beach, I’m learning loads of lessons and being a blogger, I can’t help but seeing nature as a part of what I do.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  13. Nanda Rahmanius
    Twitter:
    June 14, 2015 at 7:06 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Interesting analogy indeed! 🙂

    I totally understand this analogy because I sometimes also thinking the same thing (but I never thought to use oak tree as my analogy though) 😛

    A blog with strong trunk will make your blog tough collapsed. Branches and leaves that reflect visitors will also be able to survive if your blog is strong.

    I’m glad you provide pictures to support this article. Honestly, I’m not too familiar with oak tree, I rarely see it. In fact, if you don’t provide the pictures, maybe I’ll look for the image of an oak tree in a search engine. 😆

    Thanks for sharing this post with us, Donna.
    The first thing I would do after leaving this comment is to share them with others. It’s a great post one!

    Hope you are having an awesome weekend!

    ~Nanda
    Nanda Rahmanius recently posted..Findxa Review: The Home of The Best Curated ArticlesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 14, 2015 at 2:03 pm #

      Hi Nanda,

      Thanks for understanding this analogy. Yes I put the pictures in because not every lives in a place where there is an oak tree.

      Isn’t it funny that when you are a blogger, you see it in everything…even in nature?

      Glad you enjoyed this post.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  14. Mitch Mitchell
    Twitter:
    June 14, 2015 at 12:51 am #

    Goodness, that was deep; reminds me of some of my odder posts. lol

    Although I love your tree analogy, in general I hate nature. Okay, that’s a bit harsh; I don’t trust nature. I hate bugs, hate wild animals, even the bunnies. Sure, some of them look cute, but most of them have something waiting to infect you or bite you or harm you in some way. Even many plants have the ability to kill you. Don’t even get me started about trees! lol

    Whew; had to get that off my chest first so I can proceed. lol The tree analogy is a great one in a few others ways. For instance, some posts bear great fruit like some trees do. Internal linking is in essence what leaves are for trees, helping to bring nourishment to the old parts of a blog while enhancing the new. You can also use parts of your blog to earn money just like you can use parts of a tree to make money or build protection or even build a weapon… now why did I go there?

    I think that I shall never see… no, I’ll leave that one for another time. 😉
    Mitch Mitchell recently posted..The Early Marketing Of My Book Leadership Is/Isn’t EasyMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 14, 2015 at 2:00 pm #

      Hi Mitch,

      Thanks for the belly laugh. I used to not be comfortable in nature myself. A city gal in high heels with only outfits and never had a pair of sneakers in her life. But I forced myself into nature a bit at a time. No don’t get me wrong…I won’t go on nature trails with granola, but a nice paved road in the woods is as far as I go. lol.

      I love your tree analogy Mitch. Yes some posts bear fruit. Internal linking can represent the leaves on the trees. Wow..I like the making money part to use parts of the tree to build protection and even a weapon. I like how you rolled with this one lol.

      I’m still laughing…thanks so much!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  15. Jacs Henderson
    Twitter:
    June 13, 2015 at 6:52 pm #

    What a beautiful post, about the old Oak Tree. That I will remember!!

    That was so interesting about the dead branches Donna, and you gave me a whole new perspective on that.

    Since I started my blog, I have been totally growing and changing my blog posts to reflect what I am discovering at the time… I have previously changed the status of some of my older ones which are related to things I am not involved with now, or products that have been replaced by more up to date ones.

    This seemed natural to me… if I had a tree with dead branches I would want to cut them off to keep the tree looking beautiful and not burdened with ‘dead-wood’

    Maybe it is because my blog reflects my nature that I have done this… although you can certainly still see my journey through my posts from my beginning to the present day!!

    I really feel my blog is my online home and have got quite comfortable there… I think you are right when you say the roots reflect the mindset and also the attitudes and beliefs of the author, I think this is so, and the most interesting tidbits (posts) do come from inspirational writers with deep roots, filling posts with nutrients and valuable assets.

    Some marvellous thoughts here!

    Food for thought as I metamorphosise my blog.

    ~Jacs
    Jacs Henderson recently posted..Are You Missing This Surprisingly Useful Branding Option On Your Facebook Page?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 14, 2015 at 1:54 pm #

      Hi Jacs,

      Oh those dead branches! We can look at them both ways. We can take some down that are no longer appropriate on our journey with our blog, or if it was something that was great at one time, we can do a post where it has outlived it’s days. The other option is to trim them off.

      However it works for your readers is the most important of all decisions.

      Oh yes, our blogs are our home. And those roots do reflect the author. As the author grows, so does the roots.

      Thanks so much for your input,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  16. Willena Flewelling
    Twitter:
    June 12, 2015 at 10:09 pm #

    Donna, I agree with everyone — it’s a wonderful analogy!

    We don’t have mighty oaks, or elms, maple or chestnuts here. It’s one of the things I miss from my hometown in southern Ontario. Here, we have only about 4 inches of topsoil, so the tree roots are limited in how far they can go. If a poplar is isolated, it can get quite tall, and maybe a foot in diametre, but then it’s roots are pushing up through the grass as they grow.

    My new blog is but a sapling yet. Thankfully it is not limited by where I live in the world, so I can explore and develop those roots to my heart’s content.

    Thanks for a great post!
    Willena Flewelling recently posted..Prolific AuthorsMy Profile

  17. Joan Harrington
    Twitter:
    June 12, 2015 at 8:21 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    First of all I have to say I really enjoyed this post and especially this and I quote “The true nature of your blog lies in it’s power to nurture your readers.”…….LOVED THAT!

    Isn’t that why we get started blogging in the first place to nurture our readers with the valuable info we share on our blog, in hopes that our readers can easily implement what we share? I know for me it is 🙂

    Just reading this made me think that yes our blogs are so much like nature and you have definately shared the analogy very well!

    Thank you for all of the value that you put out that helps so many people, especially us bloggers 🙂 I know that everytime I read a blog post from you that I am going to come away with tremendous value!

    Big hugs!
    Joan Harrington recently posted..How To Get More Social Shares Without Being AnnoyingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 13, 2015 at 2:25 pm #

      Hi Joan,

      Many thanks for your kind words. Whenever I write a post, I like to keep things simple so that someone can be inspired, or act upon it.

      Glad you found this analogy valuable. Yes, what you quoted here is quite true. We have to write for our readers.

      And yes, our blogs are like nature. It is something alive and growing. When we realize that, it is a strong reflection of us growing and sharing to others.

      Big hubs back to you,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  18. Joy Healey
    Twitter:
    June 12, 2015 at 4:43 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I promise I wrote my latest post before I read yours here!! I am certainly suffering a little from root-rot at the moment. There’s just too much going on in my life right now – so I’m taking a bit of time out and blogging more generally than specific Internet Marketing posts.

    I was particularly interested in your “take” on those old posts about projects that didn’t come to fruition. I’ve tended to vary in what I’ve done with them – often I just go back and amend the post.

    So, for instance I’ve had several false starts on hosting and auto-responder companies. One minute I’m extolling something as the best thing since sliced bread – but then after a few months I’ve had to admit I found just too many faults to continue. I try and turn these into “lessons I have learned” type posts. Sadly there are many of them!!

    A while ago I looked back at my first post on this blog. It was SO dire I couldn’t leave it there, but it did show me I’d made improvements over the years.

    Very interesting and thought-provoking post, thanks.

    Have a good weekend, Joy
    Joy Healey recently posted..Quotes About DogsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 13, 2015 at 2:22 pm #

      Hi Joy,

      I just read your latest post and can understand how you are suffering from root rot. It happens to all of us if it is any consolation.

      Sometimes we have to blog about something else besides our chosen niche. Our blog is our foundation, our business. We can write a share of where we are at and what we are going through.

      Those old posts do have use. One of the most popular posts I’ve written is why I left a certain company. OMG…there was so much controversy whilst I didn’t ever put the company down at all, just said it wasn’t a fit after a while.

      We can use these as lessons for our students and ourselves. Why worry about the past? We made mistakes and we can be honest about them. So if we thought at the time x was better than sliced bread and wrote about it fine. We can write about how we went on that journey and found it to be rotten bread. lol.

      I hope this finds you in good spirits,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  19. Erika Mohssen-Beyk
    Twitter:
    June 12, 2015 at 1:54 pm #

    Hi Donna ,
    I like the analogy as well ,sounds like Donna 🙂
    The dead branches remind me on a quote:
    “There is nothing lost or wasted in this life”
    all is for a reason good.
    I too look sometimes at my older posts
    and strive to improve.
    But all is me 🙂
    Thank you
    Erika
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    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 13, 2015 at 1:58 pm #

      Hi Erika,

      Thank you for adding that beautiful quote in relation to those dead branches. It is so true because there is always a reason.

      I keep them up in order for others to see the growth of my blog. It gives them incentive to strive and not give up.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  20. Dylann Andre June 12, 2015 at 1:46 pm #

    It’s really great information. It’s very inspiring to read this kind of blog. Thanks and God Bless.

  21. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    June 12, 2015 at 12:05 pm #

    Hi Christine,

    I like to keep things as simple as possible for others to grab an idea or something to take action on when I write.

    Blogging is very important in a marketing plan. Wow…just when you thought it was simple…down to 67 pages plus an infographic? That’s fantastic.

    I’m glad this analogy hit home for you.

    I’ll be in touch

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  22. Christine Adindu
    Twitter:
    June 11, 2015 at 11:41 pm #

    Great information Donna. As always you brake it down very simply for better understanding. I always grab a thing or two from you post. Having the time to apply is always the challenge for a lot of people me included. I am glad I got here today. In the last two days I just started doing a magazine about why blogging is so important for all marketers and how they should approach the idea and what they should put in place to gain more engaging readers. This just started as a thought before I knew it I am deep into it. I started it thinking maybe a blog post like, but now I am down into 67 pages including infographic.I would not mind if you have a minute to give me your review on it. You are the master of blogs and blogging. You analogy hits home. Let me know if you can. I have just finished the images, I am editing and adding links phew! I thought it will be simple haha I wish. Have a great week.
    Christine Adindu recently posted..Mobile Marketing Is Becoming A Very Effective Way To Get The Word Out About Your Products Or Services.My Profile

  23. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    June 11, 2015 at 10:13 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Great analogies to get a person in the right frame of mind to understanding the inner core of their blog. So very creative using the parts of the nature and the tree in relation to business to help us understand. I remember how much difficulty I had understanding what my blog was actually supposed to do for me. I love that you explained it in such a way that beginners, as well as reasonably seasoned bloggers can understand.

    Great post and I’m sure others will gravitate to you as you’ve provided them with info that will help them clearly understand.

    Great job.
    Barbara
    Barbara Charles recently posted..Network Marketing Review – Why I Won’t Take Le-Vel ProductsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 12, 2015 at 11:35 am #

      Hi Barbara,

      This post came out as an analogy because I was actually sitting by it taking a break in between my tasks of the day. Something I urge many students to do to keep focused and to clear our minds.

      But, that blogger in me sees things so differently. As I relaxed, that big old oak tree reminded me of how a blog is all put together, growing and sharing and giving to others.

      Sometimes my mind works that way he he he!

      Thanks so much for visiting,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  24. Miriam Slozberg
    Twitter:
    June 11, 2015 at 3:56 pm #

    Donna this is brilliant, I have had my blog for 5 years and I have ended up reviewing it at times because at times I had written when I was in a poor state of mind, and ended up deleting some articles. It is always best to review your blog and see what you have written in the past because you never know, if you were not in the best frame of mind it could haunt you today.
    Miriam Slozberg recently posted..An Overview of Making Money from Blogging with Zac JohnsonMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 12, 2015 at 11:32 am #

      Hi Miriam,

      I have gone to my first post and what a disaster lol. It wasn’t negative but shows how confused I was when I first started writing.

      I do like to keep it there so whenever I get a student that tells me they can’t write, I tell them to see how I started. It does break the ice and makes them feel better about themselves.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  25. Merle Gibbins
    Twitter:
    June 11, 2015 at 12:52 pm #

    Brilliant Donna, love the way you have explained it via a tree. I have many dead branches as well on my tree and did start deleting but will now stop and leave the dead branches there. Thanks really enjoyed this post.
    Merle Gibbins recently posted..Spice Up Your Video MarketingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 11, 2015 at 2:33 pm #

      Hi Merle,

      Indeed, you don’t have to cut those branches off. If you are teaching a new person you can point out where you were in the beginning. It makes them feel more comfortable.

      When we are out here teaching others by whatever means, it is so important to show others that it took a while before we were a position of authority.

      Makes us all relaxed!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  26. Corina Ramos
    Twitter:
    June 11, 2015 at 12:10 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I really love this analogy. I had never thoguht of our blogs like this but after reading your post today, I get where you’re coming from.

    I loved your analogy of the dead branches representing things that didn’t work for us. I think it’s just as important to share those with our readers too…it gives us that human touch.

    I’m still working on taking time for myself. I know it’s much needed but I tend to power through illnesses and the blah feelings. I learned that working in Corporate America that no matter how bad you feel, you don’t show it.

    Thankfully no one will be able to see me on my bad days…no makeup, hair in a bun – I will always display a sunny disposition. 🙂

    Great post Donna! Hope you’re having a great week!

    Cori
    Corina Ramos recently posted..Play #DoubleDownCasino and Escape from the Daily GrindMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 11, 2015 at 2:31 pm #

      Hi Corina,

      Good to know you liked this analogy. It was inspired when I was taking time for myself lol.

      Taking time for yourself is just as important as putting out good content and marketing. It has to all fit together. The good things are no one can see us without our make up lol. I am sitting here with my hair all busted up and fingers flying through the keyboard.

      But…I’ve taken 3 great little breaks today so far in between tasks. I am used to working like a mad woman too. I had to force myself a while back to take breaks and used the Pomodoro Technique which is a timer telling me to stop.

      Habits are formed when we are mindful of them. So I suggest to take care of YOU girl!

      At the end of the day it does make us more productive.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  27. Robin Strohmaier
    Twitter:
    June 11, 2015 at 9:32 am #

    Hi Donna,

    What a great analogy! Yes, this does hit home with me. I never thought of comparing a tree to blogging. It is the perfect way to explain the stages that a blog goes through.

    I have a client that offers root aeration tubes for trees that bring essential water, oxygen, and nutrients to the root zone of a tree. As I read your post, this is one of the first things that came to my mind. Just like the aeration tubes help with the health of a tree, it is essential, as you said, to “tend to the root causes and then make the necessary steps to improve the health of your blog.”

    Reviewing old blog posts to polish or update is a great way to bring essential life to our old posts. I have been blogging since 2008, and it has been a challenge to make the time, but it is so important.

    Love this post, Donna. I will be sharing it! Have a wonderful week, my friend!

    ~ Robin
    Robin Strohmaier recently posted..21 Amazingly Free SEO ToolsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 11, 2015 at 11:10 am #

      Hi Robin,

      Actually I had never compared my blog to a tree either, but it hit me while I was taking a break and just sitting near the old oak tree and meditating. Boom…my blog is like that tree! I hurried in to write this post as an analogy.

      As you have a client that does work on roots, you can resonate with this concept. It is important to keep those roots in good shape. It represents us..we need to be in good shape with mind/body/spirit in order to run a successful blog and business.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  28. Kathryn Maclean
    Twitter:
    June 11, 2015 at 6:56 am #

    Terrific analogy Donna! I have been using websites and blogs for many years, I would remove posts that were no longer relevant to what I was currently doing.

    I see from your analogy to leave the dead ends of branches “Leave it there so others can follow you along, even down a dead end. We all have encountered some things that didn’t work for us, and we need to know that others have, too. Even the great and might oak has many dead branches. But they play an important role. ”

    I will be sharing this on my woman’s fb page. Thanks so much.
    Kathryn Maclean recently posted..Female Entrepreneur AssociationMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 11, 2015 at 11:02 am #

      Hi Kathryn,

      When our business takes a turn, it is very common to delete old posts. Those “dead branches” lol.

      But if we are teaching others, My take on it is to leave them there for the purpose for others to see that we did those things, they may have not worked out, or we might have made the decision not to go with that any more. Kind of shows our journey and makes our readers feel more comfortable, especially if they resonate with it.

      Lets face it, if we are on line for a few years, our blogs tell the story. I once joined a company, but found out it really wasn’t for me…it just didn’t fit my personality. So I wrote a blog post keeping my readers updated as to why I left the X company.

      To this day people are coming to that blog. I had to turn comments off because it hit the first page of Google for months! Go figure. There was not one word to bash the company, only why it wasn’t a fit for me.

      So you see, everything has it’s purpose in the scheme of things.

      Thanks so much for sharing this on your FB page.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  29. Mark
    Twitter:
    June 10, 2015 at 7:52 pm #

    What an awesome analogy and post Donna!

    I love where you explain “how” the dead branches provide
    life to others!

    That is so profound!LOL!

    And it just goes to show, like you so skillfully pointed out,
    there is so much going on, both above and below the surface, than readily meets
    the eye!

    May we all have blogs that are as mighty and productive as the oak tree!LOL!

    All those branches contributing to so many!I’d better get cracking and produce some content!LOL!

    Thanks!
    Mark recently posted..Critical Thinking: How Little Tiny Hinges Can Swing Open Extremely Big Doors!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 11, 2015 at 10:57 am #

      Hi Mark,

      Glad you liked the analogy. Yes there is so much going on above and below the surface of our blogs. We have to give that some thought.

      Who is that person? What are they thinking? It reflects in their blog posts.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  30. Chioma Anozie
    Twitter:
    June 10, 2015 at 5:35 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I loved the analogy. I must confess that I have never compared my blog to a tree before. And I have never thought of articles and blog posts as branches while the leaves are visitors. But immediately you explained, it all made sense to me.

    A blog really is like an Oak Tree. As a tree grows stronger and bigger, the more branches it will have and the more leaves it will have until its leaves become shade and shelter for others. The same with a blog. As it grows stronger and bigger, the more Blog posts it will have and the more visitors it will have until these visitors and blog posts become influential, which is the beginning of an online community that helps many other fields and specialties that might be completely different from the original blog’s.

    I also find the roots of the tree intriguing and imagine it to be the owner of the blog, who just as a root has to find water and nutrients, the blog owner has to research and develop solid content that will fuel the growth of the blog. But your belief that the roots is the mindset of the blogger is right too. Content can only be developed in the right mindset after all.

    Thanks for sharing this analog, Donna. It really appealed to my creative side 🙂

    Do have a wonderful day too.
    Chioma Anozie recently posted..Facebook Rejected him but what happened next will shock you.My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 11, 2015 at 10:44 am #

      Hi Chioma,

      Welcome to my blog. So good to know you resonated with this analogy. Yes, our blogs are like the grand old oak tree…each post we write becomes more widely spread, each branch, leaf, is a share with others.

      We provide them with the best information we can (shade) and before you know it, we have created our own community. All connected as one. I do find the concept fascinating because if it wasn’t for my blog, I couldn’t meet so many wonderful people world wide. It’s a blessing!

      Ahh..the roots. That’s us..our mindset which needs to be nurtured also. Yes, Content can only be developed in the right mindset.

      Thanks so much for visiting and sharing your views,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  31. Monisha Kapur
    Twitter:
    June 10, 2015 at 5:16 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I love this analogy and yes, I followed along right with you 🙂
    The roots are my core beliefs and I hope through my ideas I can express them and offer blog posts (branches) for others (the leaves) to learn and grow.

    I will definitely think of this analogy as I write every blog post- it’s a great way not to stray while writing and help to connect with readers.

    Thanks so much for this valuable information Donna!!
    Best
    Monisha
    Monisha Kapur recently posted..What to Wear to a Summer EventMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 11, 2015 at 10:33 am #

      Hi Monisha,

      So good to know this analogy has given you some direction for writing your blog posts. As I love your niche and use it all the time….there is so much more you can give to us.

      I know you are at a busy time right now, but once things settle, You are gonna rock it!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  32. Sherman Smith June 10, 2015 at 11:25 am #

    Hey Donna,

    This was a great analogy and I never thought about my blog in that way. And you know what? It makes a lot of sense!

    The foundation of our blogs can be traced back to its roots which are the core beliefs and values. Just from that I do have to say that I have changed them for the better and people can see this.

    I believe this is why so many bloggers are stagnant in their ranks. They don’t really showcase their true core values and beliefs that really is the reason why they attract a certain crowd of visitors to their blog.

    Like for example. If I’m always talking about FREE products and focusing less on value then I’m going to always get non buyers who are only focusing in “testing the waters but not following through”.

    So in this sense your beliefs and values are going to determine who will visit your blog.

    Thanks for sharing Donna! Have a good one!
    Sherman Smith recently posted..How To Make Blogging Less Time ConsumingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 10, 2015 at 1:40 pm #

      Hi Sherman,

      You are spot on! Our blogs are a reflection of our core values and belief systems. It rings through our words. The more we work on ourselves, the better we become and the better the message to others. For we are all a becoming when you think of it.

      I like the example you have given about always writing about FREE stuff. Who are you going to attract? People that only want free stuff. Now where the heck will that get you? lol

      Thanks for your response,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  33. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    June 10, 2015 at 10:38 am #

    Hi Donna,

    That’s a beautiful analogy you have here, and I’m sure it will be very helpful to your readers, especially those new to blogging, to see more clearly what they are doing with their blogs.

    For certain, I think that our mindset is reflected in our blog, and so is our whole personality. So what people see on the blog is the outside of us, but it’s rooted in us, in who and what we are and made of.

    Thank you for this very grabbing analogy and topic.

    ~Sylviane
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Why Does My Life Suck And How Can I Change ItMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 10, 2015 at 1:37 pm #

      Hi Sylviane,

      Many thanks for visiting. I know you are traveling the world these days. Yes, everything in our mindset is reflected in our blogs.

      The more work we do with our mindset, the better we can relate to others. Our unique voice shouts out through our words on every post.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  34. ikechi
    Twitter:
    June 9, 2015 at 1:56 pm #

    Hi Donna

    Brilliant just pure brilliance.

    I love this analogy and by using the concept of the Oak tree. You have revealed a much deeper meaning of having a blog.

    I love your take on the roots and you are right that the root a blog reflects the beliefs and sense of identity of its owner.

    I was actually facinated by the concept of the dead root. The ideals of SEO makes every blogger hate dead roots but thinking about it who says dead roots are bad. I know that some of my blog posts that were once dead suddenly received life and became grand. What awesome concept.

    Thanks for sharing. Kudos to you.

    Ikechi
    ikechi recently posted..Why You Are Confused About What To Do in LifeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 10, 2015 at 1:24 pm #

      Hi Ikechi,

      Glad you enjoyed the analogy. There is that deeper meaning of our blogs and that is us! The more we work on our inner self, the more we can grow and share with others.

      Our blogs do reflect it’s owner.

      Ah…the dead root. Never get rid of it. It can come to life one day or if it doesn’t it is a good way for us to measure our growth.

      So delighted you found this enjoyable.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  35. Ryan Biddulph
    Twitter:
    June 9, 2015 at 7:24 am #

    Hi Donna,

    The roots! Love the analogy. I focus heavily on the roots,to churn out my eBooks and to do the stuff that I do, to rock it out online. You too focus much on the roots; I know this from your community, your prospering and your success. It really is win-win all around. Do the inner work to promote the outer success, as you’ll move into inspired acts and all that good stuff to rock it out. Thanks much for the share!

    Ryan

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 10, 2015 at 1:21 pm #

      Hi Ryan,

      Indeed, the roots are most important of all! It does hold up that tree. And for us we have to continually work on our inner self.

      The more we grow inside, the better to reflect the work we do and can share with others. I’ve seen you go through this journey over a few years and look at you now! Writing books like wild!

      Cheers!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  36. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    June 9, 2015 at 5:46 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Awesome indeed 🙂

    I just was SO lost in your words – the analogy was so perfect and so was the way you related it all to blogging 🙂

    So true, it is so similar to a tree that keeps rising and spreading it’s branches all over. Every part of the tree is so useful, right from the roots – that form the very core, to the old leaves, which are something to treasure and value. You are right, even those come to use, just as our old blog posts, to help those who just started off, to be able to relate and know that it’s ok to have such beginnings…but tough times never last, and it’s all a passing phase.

    Yes, springtime makes place for the new, though it stems from the old….just as bloggers pass onto and start doing new things, which starts from their base of the old. It is overall a process, a journey, just like it’s of the tree – and each phase is so beautiful I feel.

    Thanks for sharing such a refreshing post with us, and being another nature lover, I can so-so well relate to it all. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..Why Do You Take Selfies And How To Avoid It Going WrongMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 10, 2015 at 1:17 pm #

      Hi Harleena,

      Your comment is so wonderful and I thank you for bringing such value to this post. As everything stems from the old…and to new places in our journey so does our blogs.

      When we keep our old blog posts up, it is a good thing for those who are interested in our blogs. Especially new people. They too can see we didn’t get this far immediately. Maybe there were no comments…or even one (happy dance). It is important for bloggers to pass on to other bloggers their journey.

      I can see that you are a nature lover by your response 🙂

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  37. Sue Price
    Twitter:
    June 9, 2015 at 1:08 am #

    Hi Donna,

    What an awesome analogy. Definetly our mindset is our roots. I know for me if I try to force writing a post when I am very tired or feeling flat it does not work for me. We need to constantly feed our mindset. For me I also need to meditate and I am so much more creative when I do. I laugh as I have quite a few dead branches but then I am sure we all do.

    Awesome analogy Donna. I love it.

    Sue
    Sue Price recently posted..The Importance of Reputation in BusinessMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 9, 2015 at 11:25 am #

      Hi Sue,

      When it comes to “mindset” you of all people do know how important it is. We have to feed it and also meditate …hey that’s how I came up with this blog post. By meditating under the tree lol.

      I think our dead branches are important to others, especially new people that connect with us. Goes to show we are not perfect. We made mistakes and learned from them and kept going on.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  38. BG Jenkins
    Twitter:
    June 8, 2015 at 10:27 pm #

    Hi Donna, Splendid analogy. I thought you were going to prune those dead rotting branches and you surprised me by leaving them there… I think your reason for doing so is well explained. Sometimes we just have to be loved, warts and all, so that others can see we’re all human and know us for who we really are, people with up and down days just like everyone else. But the overall experience is that you’re growing just like your tree and end up providing those needed nuts (I’m a Buckeye) a place to land. Great post.
    BG Jenkins recently posted..7 Day Commission FormulaMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 9, 2015 at 10:54 am #

      Hi BG,

      Thanks for your feedback on this analogy. Yes…I rather leave up those dead branches. It is a good lesson for all to see that I’m not perfect. And it does help others too. Especially those who are beginners. Or others that want things perfect.

      Yes…it is who I am and like it or not lol.

      Indeed, it is all about those acorns falling down to grow more. Those are the people who will start and take action to grow like a mighty oak.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  39. Susan cooper
    Twitter:
    June 8, 2015 at 10:03 pm #

    Hi Donna, I really liked this post and the picture you painted for us. I especially related to the part about leaving up the posts where maybe things didn’t work out so well so others can learn. It is helpful to see where others went wrong and not make those same errors. I agree those posts should stay. There is a benefit to them.
    Susan cooper recently posted..Perry Creek Winery Altitude 2401 Zinfandel: #WineMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 9, 2015 at 10:48 am #

      Hi Susan,

      The grand debate…should the post stay or go. Many bloggers have written about this. But I do agree that it is important to leave it up.

      People that are new can go to our first blog – and see the mistakes we have made. We can share how we grew too.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  40. Lawrence Bousquet
    Twitter:
    June 8, 2015 at 7:27 pm #

    Love the analogy it your description of each element as it plays to your blog. The dead branches part makes a lot of sense to me as well. If your putting yourself out as someone who is helping people, why not let them see the stuff that didn’t work which could help them avoid the same mistake, which should allow them to see the value and become a follower of yours.

    Thanks for the insights.
    Lawrence Bousquet recently posted..What is Fear?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 9, 2015 at 10:43 am #

      Hi Lawrence,

      Great point of the “dead branches” We do have to pay attention to what didn’t work. And bring that point out to others so they won’t make the same mistake.

      This is being honest and ethical in business. Sharing our “mistakes” makes another person resonate with you. We are not perfect, but we keep on trying!

      Thanks for that!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  41. Monna Ellithorpe
    Twitter:
    June 8, 2015 at 7:00 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    It looks like we are all in favor of your “tree analogy.” What a great way to explain the different stages your blog goes through, just as the beautiful tree in your yard.

    I have some older posts that I did consider deleting but I decided to leave them as they have taught me and I have learned from them in one way or another and they in part brought me to where I am today.

    Thanks so much.
    Monna Ellithorpe recently posted..Friday Question Day No. 1My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 8, 2015 at 9:50 pm #

      Hi Monna,

      Looks like people are liking this tree analogy. It just came upon me as I was pondering that big old oak tree and my fingers started to fly across the keyboard. Then I took some pictures of it and here we are.

      I too have pondered to delete some of my old posts and decided to keep them there also. It shows not only me, but to others the growth and change we can all do.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  42. Don Purdum
    Twitter:
    June 8, 2015 at 6:10 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I so resonate with your message today! Our blogs are only as good and healthy as we are. If our roots are rotting it won’t take long for it to show in the branches on on the leaves.

    Meaning, the way we see ourselves, our role in the world and how we feel about the difference we are trying to make all comes shining through in our articles.

    If we are negative, no matter how much we try to spin the positive the negative will leak out. I like to call it body leakage… sounds gross doesn’t it? LOL…

    But, it’s the truth. People are attracted to us and through blogs because our blogs are us; they represent us and what’s important to us and more importantly what is important to our readers, prospects and customers.

    Our mindset about business, relationships and life is critical to our success or failure. After all, it’s who we really are even when we are trying to hide our rotted roots.

    Fantastic post Donna!

    I hope you have an amazing week!

    ~ Don Purdum
    Don Purdum recently posted..7 Reasons Businesses are Wildly Successful in Online MarketingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 8, 2015 at 9:48 pm #

      Hi Don,

      Indeed, our blogs are as only good as we are. We have to maintain a healthy mind/body/spirit otherwise we will get root rot lol.

      I like your take on negative trying to be positive and calling it body leakage. He He So true. We do have to have a positive mindset and that will be reflected in our writings.

      It is so critical to our success or failure. It is who we are and if we don’t take care we can never hide those rotted roots.

      Thanks so much,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  43. Marquita Herald
    Twitter:
    June 8, 2015 at 5:16 pm #

    Love the tree analogy Donna. I’ve been blogging for nearly 6 years (yikes!) and from the beginning I made it a ritual to once a year review my previous posts – some I polish, on occasion I’ve completely rewritten an article. I do the same thing with my books. As I continue to learn and improve my skills and become more knowledgeable and confident, it’s reflected in my writing and I want people to benefit from that whether they read an article I wrote yesterday or 4 years ago. I don’t view this ritual as a burden but rather as a way of acknowledging how much I’ve grown during the year.
    Marquita Herald recently posted..Remove the Clutter to Find Peace of MindMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 8, 2015 at 9:45 pm #

      Hi Marquita,

      What a great way to take action on that ritual. I haven’t looked back at my earlier stuff in a while. But the last time I did, I was surprised how much better my writing was, my message and content.

      Going forward and continuing to learn and improve your skills does make you more knowledgeable and confident.

      We as people need to grow and so does our blogs.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  44. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    June 8, 2015 at 5:07 pm #

    Oh my gosh Donna, I love this analogy. It’s perfect and as you were explaining about that big beautiful old tree in your yard I was visualizing it right there with you. Of course your pictures did help but I’ve also seen quotes and things online that show how far the roots go down and what it is that we aren’t seeing.

    I think this analogy fits perfectly with blogging. The way it starts, it grows, how it reaches each individual and of course how some of our posts can possibly go viral. It’s a process and it takes time just like that tree was once brand new and it took years to grow into that beautiful creation.

    You are right about having the right mindset too and of course taking time for ourselves. We need to nurture our blog and it will be successful if we’re doing well so we definitely need to be sure and take care of us.

    Loved this post, thank you so much and you be sure to have a wonderful week. I’m off to share your content, people need to read this one. 😉

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..How To Blog Your Way Out Of A JobMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 8, 2015 at 9:42 pm #

      Hi Adrienne,

      Isn’t it amazing how far those roots go down. To me it is the deeper part of us…the writer behind the blog. Who we are and all the work we do on ourselves constantly to improve.

      Yes, our blogs take time to grow, but as it does grow it gets stronger and stronger. Each branch is a post and maybe one goes viral…who knows? But it exists as part of us.

      I am so glad you found this interesting. It wasn’t a planned blog, but as I was sitting under that mighty tree it seemed to give me this message. I can get a little loopy sometimes lol.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

  45. lisa thomson
    Twitter:
    June 8, 2015 at 4:08 pm #

    I love this analogy, Donna! The blog posts are the branches and the leaves our visitors. What’s happening underneath though? Definitely, a lot goes on beneath the soil. Taking a break enriches the soil around the tree,renewing it. Tending to root rot is important too. Keeping spam out and hackers at bay…basic maintenance. It’s actually quite a lot of work to keep that soil rich for the trunk! Thanks for a great post and a different perspective on blogging purpose.
    lisa thomson recently posted..Best Divorce TV ShowsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 8, 2015 at 9:37 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      Good to know you liked this analogy. There sure is a lot going on beneath the soil. Besides our mindset there is work to do at the back end of our blogs. Yes, deleting those spammers lol. Also making sure before a comment is approved it is not some bot trying for back-links. Great perspective!

      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Can I Break Through Endless Failure?My Profile

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