* Warning; This post contains affiliate links. For more information see Disclaimer.
What went well this month?
Blogging:
My blog has been growing steadily this month going from an average of 53 views a day in March to 143 in April. This increase was also reflected in the visitors with 802 visiting in March and 1960 in April. This traffic may not be much to write home about to bigger, long term bloggers but to me this is everything. This is proof that something is working.
I’ve also continued to grow my social media presence with Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and I’m managing to get decent engagement from all three sites.
My blog schedule has differed this month than last. I’ve declared war on posting too often as I found a lot of my posts were getting lost in the mix. Instead, I post twice a week guaranteed, and maybe once more should the mood strike me (much like it did last week).
Finally, I started a mailer list and will be releasing a newsletter on the first Monday of each month.
Yoga
Yoga has been an incredible outlet for me during this difficult time, but I haven’t gotten the opportunity to practice as often, nor have I had the energy. I did, however, manage to get myself up off the ground and balancing on my hands in ‘Crow‘ pose.
I did hit a roadblock earlier this year with my yoga; None of my workout pants fit me. What should be skin tight were hanging in places they really shouldn’t be hanging. Ever the optimist (yeah right) this meant that I had the pleasure of hunting for new yoga gear, and managed to do this effortlessly through Amazon! I’ve found a multitude of beautiful leggings online that fit my personality type and add a bit of ‘jazz‘ to my workout, one which you don’t really get with Primark.
I personally own the Kraken leggings pictured (get picture) and can say with ease that they are literally the comfiest thing I own. To quote Flanders;
#WillowWednesdays:
My cat has recently been making a steady appearance every Wednesday across my socials. She brings you affirmations, realizations and overall positivity in a little fluffy package.
These little segments with Willow are something I plan to keep up for as long as she has something nice to say, and some words of wisdom to share! I do plan on opening the floor to other cats if they want to join in though! Willow won’t mind!
I’ve been asked to assure you that these are all her own words and opinions! Her mother did not put her up to this! Honest!
Updates?
Removing the ‘What didn’t go so well’ section.
It’s not that nothing went wrong this month, it’s just that a lot of the negative is largely due to family illness, some of which I don’t really want to go into in much detail. If you follow me on my twitter you’ll be aware of the fight that is currently going on between cancer and my family, from both maternal and paternal sides. It’s difficult to talk about but I imagine in the next few days, possibly weeks, I will have an unscheduled post going up in regards to loss.
I feel that removing this section of my monthly reviews leaves me able to focus more on the positives rather than the negatives of the previous month. Life has ups and downs, that much is apparent, and things aren’t always going to go well. Even though I think it’s important to address these parts of our life, I don’t think it’s particularly necessary to dwell.
Favourites?
Podcasts;
I’m in love with Russel Brand‘s podcasts at the moment. He is such an insightful and intelligent man. The guests he welcomes to the show are no different!
If you are looking for uplifting and insightful podcasts to listen to while driving, walking or doing housework, then look no further!
‘Under the Skin‘ can be found on Google podcasts, Russel’s website or Luminary. I’m sure there are other places but these are just the ones I know of.
Z-Nation;
At the moment I am making my way through Z Nation. A show about a post-apocalyptic world full of, you guessed it; Zombies!
For those of you who aren’t aware I am a zombie enthusiast. A manager at my workplace told me to check this out months ago and I just couldn’t get into it. But I came across it again on Netflix, read the description, watched a clip on youtube and I was immediately impressed.
This show does everything that The Walking Dead doesn’t. It’s not afraid to make fun of its self or the situation that the survivors find themselves in, but also manages to keep a dark and eerie atmosphere.
Zombie Strippers? Z-Weed? Zombies, that glow in the dark? Who could resist!?
Book(s) of the month:
Stranger on the bridge;
*Please see my Good Reads review below;
“I’ve been on a kick of reading mental health / mental illness related books lately, so when I came across ‘The Stranger on The Bridge’ in my local library, it was almost a no-brainer that I check it out.
I instantly felt for Jonny and what he went through in his darkest days. Although I am not personally affected by schizophrenia, I do have various people in my life who live with this condition on a daily basis. The stigma attached to schizophrenia is far beyond that attached to other mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, and that is very evident throughout the book.
The more I read through the more I felt inspired by Jonny’s journey. By the time I had finished the book, I felt so proud that Jonny was able to overcome his diagnoses and use it to help others on their journey through mental illness.
Recommended if you are connected in any way to mental health or mental illness. Specifically, if you are recently diagnosed and perhaps finding it difficult to come to terms with.”
Next month:
This coming month will be difficult to pinpoint. I’m not sure what it holds for my family and I, therefore making any sort of plans seems pointless.
I will try to maintain regular contact as much as I can with my followers, and I will continue to practice yoga. My time on the mat will be going down from 5-6 days a week to maybe 2-3 if possible. These sessions are also likely to be shorter just due to a lack of time, peace and serenity.
No matter what happens I will keep you all posted via my Facebook and Twitter.
** If you like what I do please consider donating to my KO-FI fund. I’d like to be able to reach more of an audience so I can potentially grow this blog to be much more than it currently is. I also hope to bring freebies and eventually toolkits to you all as a way of saying thank you for your support.
Another great post, seems like things have gone well with your blog and are progressing with is great, I hope it stays like that this month. Remember to take care of yourself 💗 great post !
I love the idea of #WillowWednesdays to spread some positivity on social media! I might also have a listen to Russell Brand’s podcasts – I had no idea that he did them!
Any growth is amazing!! That is so awesome!!!!
Aww I love kitties – they are the best of friends and I have 2 brother cats. I have heard so many good things about yoga, I will definitely have to take a couple classes.
Oh my gawd Nyxie I had to stop and do a happy flap seeing your Crow picture! That is an amazing and outstanding achievement and I really do know how complex and difficult that pose is!
I am stunned and so very proud of how you’ve grown your engagement and views over the last month, you work so very hard and it is satisfying to see it being returned to you in dividends <3
I checked out those leggings and I wish they had pockets waaaaaah it is so nearly warm enough for me to swap my jeans for leggings and I need a pocket to carry my phone in when I'm out :-/
I wish you all the strength you need for the upcoming months, you are loved, you are worthy, you are valued. <3
Great post ! I’m so happy that your traffic has increased mine has to and like you mentioned it may not be much to some but to me it’s everything so keep pushing you have great content ! I’m sorry to hear about your family, praying for peace for you and them! ..I like the idea of the what went wrong section and I think I like it because it shows people that not everyday is a walk in a park we totally have bad days too however as long as you don’t make it the focal part of your page I think your be fine be sure to celebrate all your wins no matter how big or small xo Adrienne
Yay! Congrats Nyxie! I celebrate with you. Way to go girl!
Seems like it’s been a great month for you !! Keep growing & keep glowing boo!! ✨
https://jessierenea.com/women-are-sometimes-so-mean-to-each-other-do-better/
Love seeing the growth! Keep up the hard work
I’m glad you’re seeing an increase in traffic. I hope my blog continues to grow as well and I’m so sorry to hear about your family.
xx, Shar