How I Get Paid to Blog

I bet that title gotcha curious.

I have been reading blogs with titles like this for awhile now. And I've been trying to do all the things they say to do: find my niche, have a large presence on social media, network with other bloggers, have Pinterest-worthy images, add affiliate links, write good content.

Whew. Sounds exhausting, right? It is. And I can't keep up anymore.

I thought back to why I started the blog to begin with...and it wasn't for financial gain. The Lord placed a vision on my heart. And every time I have tried to quit, He throws it back in my lap. Along the way, the vision has changed a little. And what I thought would be my focus has shifted some. But I've followed the path down which He has led.

So I do get paid to blog. Just not in the way the world would expect.

I get paid in compassion when I hear that others go through the same hard things I do. I get paid in encouragement when people tell me that something I wrote was exactly what they needed to hear that day. I get paid in laughter when my crazy, chaotic, imperfect life resonates with others. I get paid in satisfaction when people send me photos of their organized pantries and closets (you make mama proud). I get paid in joy when the Lord uses me to speak His truths. I get paid in friendships when others share their hearts with me because I shared mine with them.

All of these payments are my treasures that I am storing up in heaven.

Now, let me be clear, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being compensated for blogging. Lots of people do. And maybe one day I will too, but if not, that's ok too. However, somewhere along the way, my priorities veered from passion to profit. And that's not where I want to be personally.

So, you will still find me sharing my heart, recipes, organizing tips, and photos of my crazies right here on The Simple Mama. It just might look a little different now. And here I am reminding myself to keep it simple (including the blog).

XOXO,
Michelle


"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:20-21