Inspired by Oak + Oats post about writing a mission statement.

I began my blogging journey using Blogger, eventually making my way to WordPress. Early in its stages, this blog was almost like a journal: biblical lessons I was learning, photos of daily life, etc. I also began making friends in the blogosphere. I would then go through various seasons of hiatus and busyness, activity and stillness, identity changes and design face lifts. As a person I’ve grown and matured; I’ve experienced more and more of life, I’ve learned more about myself, and this blog is a reflection of that. But, the core heart, the reason I blog, and my goals have never changed.

While there have been seasons I’ve been sidetracked, I never want this blog to become shallow. I never want to only post things I assume other people want to read. I never want to become obsessed with the stats and numbers of maintaining a blog.  This space is growing, and it’s a sweet and rich experience. I’ve indirectly had a purpose statement for this blog, but have never actually thought through and written it out.

MY PURPOSE STATEMENT

Heartnatured exists to refresh others through real-life stories. A faith + lifestyle blog, Heartnatured is a mixture of married life, creativity, and healthy living. It offers conversation about books, friendship with Jesus, home making, photography, and running.

Not written, but present in my mind, is also: Sometimes like a pep talk, other times like an honest conversation, Heartnatured desires to be a safe place for support and delight, reminding everyone who reads that they are not alone. 

WHY HAVE A MISSION STATEMENT?

Having a mission statement will help keep you on track as you grow and change, and maybe the statement itself will change as you do. It can also be a framework for new post ideas or blog ventures: Does this idea or project align with what I want my blog to be? Does it encourage or discourage my goals?

When starting the process, ask questions like, Why do I blog? To whom am I writing? What am I passionate about? What do I enjoy writing about? How honest am I willing to be in my writing?

Stop writing posts that feel like a chore that consumes an entire day. No fun. These are helpful questions to get you going, to help you find what you enjoy the most about having a blog….. if you want to write your own mission statement. If you do, leave your link in a comment, I’d like to read!