When I first started blogging, I’d write just about anything. Silly stuff, book reviews, whatever was going on with my kids and my marriage, recipes… all things “mom.”
But what I noticed was that it was those posts when I was really pouring my heart out that I truly felt this blogging community.
Those posts that I sometimes hesitated to hit that “publish” button because they were just so raw.
But then I did and breathed a huge sigh of relief that there were other people who felt the same way I did.
Or that even when there are people who disagree with me, there was still support.
Those were the posts that made me fall in love with blogging.
Whether I was the one who was writing them or if I was reading them.
That’s when I really got this whole blogging thing.
So, three years ago, I started Pour Your Heart Out- to make sure that I was taking time out each week to really write what was on my heart. And to have others link up those same sorts of posts- and to encourage others to read those posts as well.
I just wanted to take today to say thank you to all who have joined in over the past three years.
THANK YOU to those of you who read or comment or share my Pour Your Heart Out posts. It means so much that you would take the time to listen to me, to show your support.
THANK YOU to those of you who link up. Thank you for sharing your hearts, for opening up. I read every single post that links up every week and it’s my favorite reading of the week.
THANK YOU to those of you who read the other linkers. I love seeing your comments on the other posts, knowing the support extends to the other posts.
THANK YOU. Any time you click over here for Pour Your Heart Out or share anything about it, you are helping to keep it going.
THANK YOU so much for the past three years.
THANK YOU for making it so easy to continue with Pour Your Heart Out- and if you haven’t ever linked up, I encourage you to give it a try. xo
Click if you want to find out more about Pour Your Heart Out. Remember, it’s about what you want to pour out: it’s personal, so there isn’t an assigned topic. It’s also about being supportive of others who are sharing: so visit other linkers and be kind with your comments. Please add the button from the sidebar or add a text link to your post if you are joining in.
Happy 3 years! You know how much I love PYHO! I am so glad you do it and I always look forward to this link up!
ilene recently posted..Nine Things I {Almost} Know for Sure about Parenthood
Thanks so much for joining in, Ilene!
Happy 3 years!! When I first started blogging and discovered PYHO, it was one of those moments when I felt like blogging and this whole community all made sense. Thank YOU
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Inversion Aversion – Part 2
It makes me so happy to hear that- thank you, Christine!
I love coming here. I think this is a wonderful idea!
Teresa recently posted..Turkey Kisses, Hold the Slobber
Thanks, Teresa!
Happy Anniversary! Thank you for giving us this wonderful format to pour our hearts out!
Heather recently posted..Old School Blogging
Thanks, Heather!
Happy 3 years, Shell! PYHO is one of my absolute favorites, although I don’t link up often enough. (to be fixed, for sure)
Alison recently posted..Old School Blogging
I hope you do, Alison!
Happy 3 years, Shell! Yours was the first guest post and link that I ever did so it will always have a special place in my heart. It’s been through your link up that some of my most raw posts were written and well-received and were I found a blogging community I love. So thank you!
AnnMarie recently posted..Same Old Rant, Different Day
Oh, that makes me so happy. xo
That is just awesome!! I really need to do this link up… I see it all the time everywhere and think “I could really pour my heart out too!!” Will be sure to join in this wonderful link up community SOON!! Congrats Shell!
Chris Carter recently posted..You’re Doing Something Right
Do it! *peer pressure, peer pressure*
Happy 3rd Anniversary. Thank you for being there, whenever we need to pour our hearts out.
Jules recently posted..Depressed, lack of motivation, or just plain lazy
Thanks, Jules!
3 years, that’s awesome! And you definitely have hit the nail on the spot. The other stuff is good, but people do want stories. We need to know that we aren’t the only ones in what ever situation we are in.
Kendra recently posted..Juicing Survival Tips
It really does help so much to know we aren’t alone.
Thank you Shell, for giving us an outlet and a way to connect. I’m so grateful for the friendships and loyal followers.
Single Mom in the South recently posted..Sleeping Arrangements
And I’m thankful for friendships that extend offline. xo
That’s the exact reason why I’ve fallen in love with blogging too. It’s important to be honest and raw with people in order to reap the greatest rewards of blogging. You’ve helped to create a wonderful community through PYHO, and I’m grateful to you. Thank YOU!
Xiomara| Equis Place recently posted..3 Things Your Child Can Learn Through Painting
Aw, thanks!
3 years?! Good grief it doesn’t seem like it has been that long. Of course I skipped a lot of blogging in 2011 with all that was going on with mom. But this was my place to come when I needed to let it all go, the loss, the anger at my sisters for their behavior all of it. I still come here.. and I don’t think that will ever change..
Southern Angel recently posted..She was 13 and bullied to death
We go back a long way, don’t we? xo
Awww…thanks for having us. Cheers Shell!
Kerry Ann @Vinobaby’s Voice recently posted..Someone tell me about the BIRDS and the BEES…
Thanks, Kerry! xo
Happy 3 years! I think that when it’s from the heart, it’s real – that is the beauty of PYHO. Thank you for creating and hosting such a great opportunity to share what’s in our hearts.
Kim@Co-Pilot Mom recently posted..The Tide
And thank you for joining in!
Even though I don’t always participate… I love these posts. This is what blogging is all about.
Jen recently posted..My Purse is Nothing Like a Diaper Bag
Thanks, Jen!
I love your humor. When I first started blogging, I thought I was funny. I was so wrong. Only Hubs thinks I’m funny.
Wow. I can’t believe it has been three years. That is amazing.
I love linking up with PYHO, and reading the posts. In fact, even when I don’t link up, I often pick out at least five posts off the grid to go read.
Writing from the heart, is really what blogging is all about.
Tracie recently posted..Fall In Love With Your Art
I love hearing that!
Congrats on 3 years! That’s a big deal…and it’s still a big link up…and people love it b/c they can just be real. Awesome job Shell!
Natalie recently posted..Just Two Years Ago…
Thanks, Natalie- it’s crazy that it’s been 3 years already!
WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!
some of my most precious words have been shared with you, pouring my heart out. I am always so grateful for this space and your spark of inspiration that gave it to us.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY PYHO and to you Shell…love ya girl!
xo
Kir recently posted..Old School Blogging (with other amazing bloggers!)
I love when you join in. Of course, you usually pour your heart out anyway.
I feel old, because I remember when you first started Pour Your Heart Out. I love it, but I’m not sure I’ve ever even linked up. Sad. But I always stop by to read your post, even if I don’t comment.
Venassa recently posted..I’m Wondering Wednesday
Thanks for sticking with me for so long! I hope you join in!
3 years! WTG. I may not always have the time to link and comment but I read all the time. I am so glad you are here!
ylmb recently posted..Sometimes… I’m not so smart
We go way back, don’t we?
Thanks for sticking around!
I love PYHO! I really need to get back to linking up!
molly recently posted..I’m Happy with My Blog
I hope you do, Molly!
thank YOU for hosting <3 I love it!!!
Thanks, Paula!
Yay!! Congrats to you! Looking forward to many more!!
Lisa recently posted..PYHO: To potty…or not to potty?
Thanks, Lisa!
Congrats on 3 years — and THANK YOU for hosting such an incredible space for our blogging community. Keep up the awesome.
CHEERS to you, Shell!!
Kelli @ Momma Needs a Beer recently posted..Some Are Fancy On The Inside…
Thanks, Kelli! xo
Oh wow, 3 years. I think I “met” you through reading a PYHO and link and this link up and your blog, quickly became one of my faves.
Congratulations!
Carolyn Y recently posted..Green Lentil Soup with Curried Brown Butter
Thanks, Carolyn!
Congratulations on those three years. I think this is an important part of the blogosphere, and I’m glad that you are steady on with it.
Jennifer recently posted..What’s in your purse?
Thanks, Jennifer. I like that it forces me to find something meaningful to me to write each week. I know there are those who do that all the time anyway, but I can sometimes try to push down what I’m really feeling and cover it with fluff. PYHO doesn’t let me do that. And I can’t skip b/c I host!
I feel so confused by how long you’ve doing Pour Your Heart Out. When i first discovered you, I somehow didn’t see it. When I did, I thought it was something new you had started and I was all, “well this is right up my alley!” Last year when you said it had been 2 years, I was all, “hu?” I never said I was all there.
just JENNIFER recently posted..This Is My Path
LOL I blame that I was on blogger before. WP makes it all so much more organized.
Happy three years! I’ve found some of my favorite ppl thru this link up before I even really understood what one was. Thank you for sharing and giving so many of us a space to pour our hearts out too!
Robbie recently posted..Last Book
That makes me happy! I love seeing the connections that people find through PYHO.
Happy Three years! Great link-up, and I enjoy reading your posts.
Leigh Powell Hines @Hinessightblog recently posted..Easy St. Patrick’s Day Treats
I’m way late on this but oh my goodness happy 3 years! I love PYHO. It’s one of the most beautiful and comforting places in the blog world. I don’t get to link up every week but I really can’t imagine blogging without knowing this is here!
Tricia recently posted..Weekly Gratitude: someone to play with