This month I’m participating in 30 Days of Thanks (#30DaysofThanks) by writing a blog post about 30 things I’m thankful for. To join in, go to the link above. The best part is, you don’t need to have a blog or even be on social media to take part in the project; you just need to be thankful. I can’t wait to see how my life might change by spending the 30 days in November giving thanks for things in my life — every single day.
Can you believe I went 25 days without mentioning my blog?! 
Each day of these 30 Days of Thanks I’ve been trying to write a blog post about something that happened that day that I was grateful for. I’ve written about so many meaningful things that I’m glad I have in my life, and today it’s finally time to write about my blog.
I started blogging on Bella’s Bold Brilliant Blog way back in February of 2007. Wow, I’ve been blogging for 5 years. In some ways it feels like I’ve never been without a blog, but in other ways it’s still so fresh. When I first started the other blog, I concentrated on writing about things that were going on in my daily life, and a lot of posts were dedicated to dating mishaps. It was fun, and I wrote freely. My blog was a great creative outlet for me.
Then in November of 2007, I decided it would be a good idea to create this blog, Bella on the Beach, as I attempted the South Beach Diet. (Originally a couple of co-workers started the diet with me, and we were all going to blog together. I can’t remember what that original blog was called, but it doesn’t matter, because the group diet was short lived, as was the blog). At the time I thought I should separate my weight loss life from my real life, so two blogs fit the bill. But as time went on I was writing on the life blog less and less. Weight loss became a driving force in my life, and I found myself much more interested in writing about it than anything else. Writing about my struggles and triumphs helped me get to know myself – both my strengths and weaknesses. Even though I’m not yet at my goal weight 5 years later, I am so much more self-aware than when I typed my first dieting woe on this blog. Progress takes time.
December 2009 I made the decision to “close” BellasBoldBrilliantBlog and turn this blog into my all-in-one, and I’m so glad I did. BellaontheBeach is about my life – weight loss, sure, but also about everything else that I find important. It’s my little corner of the world. I foresee writing on this blog long after my goal weight is achieved. The beach and the ocean hold such a special place in my life, so as far as I’m concerned, Bella on the Beach will always be relevant.
I’ve made incredible friends through this blog, whose support has kept me going even in times when I have doubted myself. My blog has inspired me (and hopefully others), it has motivated me, and it has encouraged me to strive for more than I would have otherwise. My blog has kept me sane in times of turmoil. My blog has allowed me to celebrate my successes. If I go too long without finding the time to write on this blog, I’m lost. My blog is a huge part of my life.
I am grateful for the ability to put my thoughts into words and share them with people. It is not overstating to say that my life truly wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t have this blog. It means the world to me.
Bella on the Beach 