• I post what I want, when I want. 
• It allows me to be more creative in my writing.
• I can discuss topics that’s are important to me, without focusing on a specific niche. 
• It allows me to move at my own pace when fully learning the essentials for running a blog. 
• Not having to focus on SEO or analytics. 
• Post to social media because I want, not allowing it to take over my entire day. 
• Avoids the intense stress and pressure of obtaining a certain audience. 
• Gives me the opportunity to create more meaningful evergreen content that can be used, when ready, to create a consistent social media presence. 

The post Blogging as a Hobby: Letting my creative juices shine appeared first on Nadia Nelson.

“Authenticity is everything! You have to wake up every day and look in the mirror, and you want to be proud of the person who’s looking back at you. And you can only do that if you are being honest with yourself and and being a person of high character. You have an opportunity every single day to write that story of your life.” – Aaron Rodgers

“2019 is going to be my year!” How many times have we all said that to each other?! Establishing resolutions each year, that go out of the window by the of February. I know I am guilty of this. That was 2018. I had it all planned out. I was going to travel every month, going some place new. My blog was going to be were I needed it to be. Life…nice!

Life… Or something like it!

Of course, you know that did not pan out the way I anticipated. Life showed its ass and threw a monkey wrench in the everything. Work took over. I was physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually burnout. Depression kicked in. My days consisted of going through the motions, only doing what was required. Neglecting other areas of my life. 

I was tired! Blog posts ceased and became a struggle to keep up with. Desire to write wained. Serious blogcation was in full affect. Towards the end of 2018, things changed. I made the conscious decision to relax, take it easy. Learning that it was okay to do so. And the world continued spinning.

2019 is the year of me. I know, isn’t every year the year of me?! This is all about of me. Not in some narcissistic vibe, but putting myself-first-for-my-sanity kinda vibe. Thinking of my future self in all that I do. I know my post is a little late, but its a step in the right direction. My direction!

Goals & Dreams

The following are my goals and dreams for 2019. Some are a culmination of what I set out to achieve in 2018 and what I want to bring to fruition in 2019. These are intentional and specific.

1. Practice self-love and care daily
2. Live authentically no matter what life throws my way
3. Complete my Master’s Degree in Business Administration
4. Pass the CEP exam and Become a certified compliance professional
5. Become more financially independent
6. Develop a working  Compliance management system
7. Travel more internationally
8. Improve my photography skills
9. Develop consistent and engaging blog content 
10. Create a working social media posting schedule and stick to it
11. Master a social media platform to increase blog traffic
12. Grow my subscriber list organically by 10% 

We should be intentional and specific when creating goals. It gives us purpose, drive and direction. I am currently working through the timeline I am giving myself to complete each one. And will hold myself accountable when I procrastinate or fail to meet my deadline. While being realistic about myself and life.

With Love…Nadia

Have you thought of and created any resolutions, goals, or dreams? Are they lofty or intentional?

The post Top 12 Goals & Dreams of 2019 appeared first on Nadia Nelson.

September marked a full year that Nawdeeya Travels has been trumping along. I’ll be honest – this has been the most rewarding, stressful, happy, discouraging, joyful, and unique experience. From starting out with no clue, to still after a year having an idea (well…somewhat!), I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Before stepping into this, I had no intention of using this blog for anything else besides an online journal of my travel adventures. Just for family and friends. Not really caring about who looks at it.

I will say that I didn’t go into this blind. I did some research and came across numerous warnings from well established bloggers – the message was clear… it was not going to be easy. It was going to take time, consistency, and resources. Practice and dedication was going have to be something of the norm. A lot of trial and error. Dont worry, this is not another “how to start a blog” post.

I’ll be honest, it took me an entire year to decide the angle I wanted this blog to take. My website changed so many times, aimed to serve many different purposes. I am certain that it may change again. It can only get better from here. Now that, that is out of the way… here are my 2018 goals.

Travel More

2017 was to be my best year yet. Hitting the ground running with awesome destinations and trips to showcase. Slowly working to toward my ultimate goal of stepping foot on every continent. But life stepped in the way and had other plans. 2018 will be different… I think! In the words of my cousin, “just go!” Just do it. Book that trip without thinking. Everything else will fall into place. From day trips and weekend explorations to extended stays and international visits. I will start this journey to see and explore the beauty of this world. Some of my 2018 trips include Trinidad & Tobago, Napa Valley, and a host of US states. I am hoping to add more throughout the year.

Develop an active email list

One of the main tips bloggers discuss is the need to develop a working subscriber list. Creating awesome content that on its own drives people to your blog. So that they decide to keep up with your thoughts, experiences, and adventures. My goal in 2018 is to increase my subscriber list organically by 30%. I have been fortunate to gain a small following by joining like minded bloggers in active Facebook groups. Advertising has weighing heavily on my mind lately. To help me increase my email list, I am going to invest in some Facebook and Instagram promotion.

Master SEO

SEO, SEO, SEO! Another topic bloggers discuss is the importance of blog rankings and increasing traffic. Establishing the correct keywords and creating easily digestible content. I am so thankful for plugins. I am currently using Yoast’s free SEO plugin. So far I am finding this plugin very useful and easy to use. Not only does it provide tips on establishing successful SEO rankings, it provides guides and examples. I recommend the Yoast SEO plugin for any blogger just beginning. I definitely need to improve on my understanding and selection of SEO keywords.

Increase social media presence and following

They say social media is the gateway to sharing and growing your blog following. I am currently using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest. I do not know about you but it has been a struggle keeping up with all five with no set plan. After a bit of reading, I am determined that I would focus on two – fully developing both. Facebook and Instagram have been my main focus in 2017. My goal is to develop steady content to increase my following with a healthy dash of advertising.

2018 Facebook Goal – 500 likes (29% of goal)

2018 Instagram Goal – 1000 followers (32% of goal)

It is always a good practice to establish attainable goals in all you do. Gives you something to strive towards. My blog has come a long way this past year. 2018 will bring great things.

What are your goals to achieve in 2018? Let me know in the comments.

The post Hello 2018! Nawdeeya Travels Goals and Year One Review appeared first on Nadia Nelson.