May 07

Why I Share My Story

by in Travel

 

 

I have to admit, keeping a blog like this can be frustrating at times. Despite how much of it may be personal and may be my way of keeping a record of my life, sometimes I want to feel like people care. When you spend hours editing photos, writing and rewriting your thoughts, hit that post button and smile, all you want is to see a like, a share or even a comment. When it seems like no one cares, it can be a let down.

“Do people not like me?” “Am I not good enough?” “Do I need to be funnier?” “What does that person do that I’m not doing?” Those are things I honestly ask myself when I’m wondering why I don’t see more likes or shares. Not only on here but also on Facebook, Instagram and other places. Then I read travel bloggers giving advice on how they amass thousands of readers and fans and I realize that it takes a lot more than just telling a good story and sharing great pictures to be considered a “successful travel blogger.” It seems to take a lot of work, lol.

I like letting my writing do the work, but that isn’t always good enough. You really have to sell yourself. I don’t mean sell yourself as in selling out, but sell yourself as in hitting the online pavement and networking like crazy. I don’t have the luxury of time to do that, so I suppose I’ll just keep doing what I have been- building an audience one person at a time.

I do commend those friends who the talent and have built great audiences. I definitely admire them and love how humble they stay.

 

 

I received an email today that reminded me that no matter how frustrating I may feel sometimes, that I started this travel blog for a reason. It’s an email like I get every so often and the message to me is to keep doing what I am doing, because no matter how few seem to “like” it, at least there are people who I am inspiring. With that said, allow me to say thank you to all of you who stop by and read. I love seeing all the countries that visited my site in the week. From the USA to UAE, Saudi Arabia to Switzerland, this site is allowing me to reach people in places I haven’t been yet. Thank you!

Here are three recent emails I’ve received from readers that make me happy to have this page:

Hey Fidel,

My name is James, I really enjoy your blog posts and rich photography. I was contemplating joining the navy for a long time and when I was researching jobs I stumbled upon your web site. Anyhow, not to sound like a fanboy or a kisass but- you seemingly have the things I want out of life- travel, simplicity, and a cool career. I just signed my contract for an MC in the navy and feel super blessed. I was wondering if you had any advice or insight into navy life, the job, and any other wisdom.

I will be sure to pass your site along to any like minded people. You are an inspiration for your travel excursions and service to our country.

Keep up the travels,

James-

 

Hi,

I just came across your blog, please allow me to commend you on the beautiful pictures and of course the valuable and entertaining stories of your travels.  Anyway I came across the blog as I was looking for information on Japanese travel, I live in England, and for 3weeks in the summer I will be travelling in Japan.  I am going to a 2week summer school in Hiroshima and then have an extra 5 days to tour, I really would love some ideas for those extra five days, excuse! if I am assuming that you are well seasoned for Japan travel advise but I am sure you might be able to offer me some good value ideas on how I can see a bit of Japan.  I am usually the ‘cultural, monuments’ tourist and I will also be travelling on a tight budget, I plan to travel in and out from Osaka, in Hiroshima I will be staying with a Japanese family and then I need to make my own plans after the summer school.  The days are from the 29/07-15/08, I am not so fussed about Tokyo but would really love some ideas on Kyoto (lovely! lovely pics, btw), Osaka and any other interesting places within the vicinity of Osaka.

I hope I  made some kind of sense and would really love to hear your ideas, and I would appreciate your kind assistance.  Thank you again for sharing your stories and life experiences.

Kind regards,

Sellina

 

Hi Fidel,

I came across your blog and really enjoyed reading through you entries. I recently decided to join the navy and met with a recruiter who told me about the opportunities to be had in the navy. I have about two days to decide whether i want to sign up or not and i feel very conflicted about it, i really hope to get some insider information from you.

I happen to be a very bored professional accountant (stuck in a cubicle) who has a BS and masters degree, i love to travel and have been to 13 countries so far and one of the main reason i was interested in the navy was the travel opportunity. I understand i will have to take a pay cut if i was to join the navy and being 32 yrs old i feel i may be too old to fit in. Is joining the navy out of the need to switch careers and travel worth it especially at my age? Any tips or insight would be greatly appreciated, i hope to hear back from you. Thanks.

 

 

Thank all of you! And if you’re a reader with any questions about life in the Navy, life in Japan or just travel in general, I am always happy to answer and assist you. hartsallovertheworld@gmail.com or facebook.com/ihartravel is how you can reach me. Happy travels!

 

 

Tags: , , , , ,

  • http://debbzie.blogspot.com/ DebbZie

    When people didn’t comment on your post, it doesn’t mean that you didn’t touch their heart. Lots of people prefer to be a silent reader. Honestly, I used to be one, lol :p
    Believe me Fidel, your blog is beautiful no matter how many comment you get :)

    • http://www.scenewithahart.com/ Fidel

      Thank you DebbZie! How long were you a silent reader? lol
      I’m on my way to Jakarta. Wish you were in your home country. Where are you now?

  • http://carminelitta.com/ Carminelitta

    This is a great post and I can totally relate with the way you feel sometimes regarding support from other people. It does require a lot of work to expand your audience and reach more people, but I sometimes think it’s about quality more than quantity. Also, you never know who you can touch and inspire so keep doing your thing!

    • http://www.scenewithahart.com/ Fidel

      Thank you Carminelitta! I did not know you had your own website, by the way. I’ll be bookmarking it.
      Definitely right about quality taking precedence over quantity.

  • Sellina (MisGee)

    ha! ha! I can see I got a mention on your wonderful blog, truly the honour is all ours. Like I said in my email, it is honourable that you are sharing your stories and pics with us, and long may it continue!! Take ‘hart’ in knowing your experiences touch a lot of lives and stretches a lot of imagination enough for many to want to travel, or even a career in the navy!!

    now following you on instagram, double dose of hart!

    • http://www.scenewithahart.com/ Fidel

      Thank you Sellina! Yes, your email got a mention.
      Thank you for the Instgram follow also. I love that app!

  • Jrbmangus

    Travel blogs are tough. Sometimes even ” keeping at it” will seem depressing. Always look at who you’re appealing too– young people, older travelers, backpackers, business people. Also, offer something all the successful travel bloggers don’t- I’m still thinking about this one too /:

    Also DebbZie hit the nail on the head about the silent readers. I always used to do that. lol. Stalk posts but never join the conversation.

    Cheers, James

    • http://www.scenewithahart.com/ Fidel

      Yea, I’ve been told that I need to come up with a niche, but I find it hard to just stay on one topic, lol. I was thinking of starting a new website that was strictly about Japan and Japanese travel. This one, as you can see, has me writing about every thing that is on my mind- travel related of course.
      Well, it is nice to hear from my “silent readers” and thanks for the inspiring email James.

  • cookie

    Fidel, my Son….Please keep in mind, most times your writings are so deep that one is left in a state of transendetal meditation and soul searching and not able to speak, let alone type….I know this is the case with me, at times….
    Keep doing what you are doing, the way you are doing it….keep touching Lives and Hearts….everything else will take its place at its time….

    Love,
    Mommy

    • http://www.scenewithahart.com/ Fidel

      Thank you mom, love you!

  • http://www.world-walk-about.com/ Andrea Sherrodd

    Well you’re getting fan mail, so that’s something! I completely feel the same way…I obsess over my blog’s numbers and sometimes feel so bummed when the blog has a bad day. It’s hard when you are passionate about something–you want everyone else to be passionate about it too! I think your blog is fabulous, and I read every post :)

    • http://www.scenewithahart.com/ Fidel

      Glad I am not the only one who feels that way. Maybe we should make up a group called, “The Lonely Bloggers Club,” lol. Then we can all keep each other happy, especially those of us that like to comment.
      I’m usually a lot more active on the blogs I read when I am not out to sea because my network is faster and I don’t have people waiting to use my computer.
      Thank you Andrea. Since we’ve discovered one another, I’ve been an avid fan of your blog as well.

      • http://www.world-walk-about.com/ Andrea Sherrodd

        Glad to hear you like our blog too :) The only reason I’m so active on commenting is that I only teach until 2…but have to be at school until 4:30. Lot’s of free time to read blogs! Your blog on the Cambodian street kids almost made me cry at work today–you are a really talented writer, keep up the good work!

        • http://www.scenewithahart.com/ Fidel

          Thank you Andrea! What time do you usually start teaching? How do you like teaching in Korea?

          • http://www.world-walk-about.com/ Andrea Sherrodd

            I have to be to my school by 8:30, but we don’t start class until nine. Honestly…my job is the easiest thing ever. Korea’s not my favorite country I’ve ever been to, but it’s fine for now–just saving money for our big trip! :)

            • http://www.scenewithahart.com/ Fidel

              What have been your favorite Korean foods?

              • http://www.world-walk-about.com/ Andrea Sherrodd

                *shameless blog post plug* Glad you asked, I wrote a post all about our favorites Korean foods! :) But seriously, my favorite is rabokki. And duck. Any pretty much all dessert-type street foods!
                http://www.world-walk-about.com/northern-asia/these-are-a-few-of-our-favorite-things/

                • http://www.scenewithahart.com/ Fidel

                  Please, plug away. That’s what is great about what we do!

  • http://mslistologist.com Annette | Bucket List Journey

    I can’t tell you how many times I have asked myself those same questions and felt defeated by stats. And then, how one inspirational email can change my whole day.

    Just because it may take longer to get a huge following, doesn’t mean it won’t happen & sometimes is all about the journey anyway :)

    • http://www.scenewithahart.com/ Fidel

      Great advice, Annette. Just like the journey I am on offline also.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=645400507 Tiffany Nicole

    Love it Fidel, Love you. Stay beautiful :)

    • http://www.scenewithahart.com/ Fidel

      Thank you very much Tiffany! Stay beautiful and thirsty my friend :-)

  • KAPSpecial

    Confessions of a First Time Commenter on Follow Your Hart: I’ll read a post (or two, or three since I visit about once a week), sigh because I’m reading at a desk, start thinking about how I need to travel more, start daydreaming about my future travels, realize I’ve just lost 30mins, shut browser and then return to my employer’s business. But I do enjoy your blog and hope you will continue so I’ll try to set aside a little of my daydreaming time for commenting. It likely will be something like “I’m jealous” or “sneak me in.” But you asked for it, you got it, Toyota. ;)

    • http://www.scenewithahart.com/ Fidel

      Well thank you for your continued visits and support KAPSpecial. I appreciate it and this type of comment is what motivates me to write more.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=513845429 Lizzie Michelle Abney

    I think you have a great blog and I am glad you are friends with my husband or else I would never have known about it. Also, great photos! You are truly talented!

    Liz Abney

    • http://www.scenewithahart.com/ Fidel

      Thank you Lizzie! Your husband is a very good shipmate and friend to have.

  • https://twitter.com/#!/30HomeGames 30HomeGames

    Its tough. What you are saying is common the more I delve into it, its something I had to deal with as an artist too. The other thing you touched on besides the lack of approval is the even more destructive side – jealousy. I don’t get emails… why do you?! lol

    I listen to a lot of podcasts, one thing I’ve found is that this feeling happens in every profession. I’ve heard comedians I admire and I consider doing very well go through these same thoughts of “How come they’re doing so well?”, “Will am I going to make it?”.

    Its just about enjoying the ride and living in the moment. I only tell you this, because I’m also really just reminding myself :)

    • http://www.scenewithahart.com/ Fidel

      Before I begin my reply, great goal you have. Visiting all 30 NBA arenas is certainly fantastic. My favorite is Staples Center and since I left LA in 2007, I see that the downtown area around Staples has really grown. I hear the best fans are in Oakland though.

      I agree with what you said. Sometimes you have to stop looking at the popular blogs and wondering why, and just keep writing the way you want to write. Eventually, people will like you and tell others about you as they see how genuine and passionate you are.

      And besides, I often remind myself why I started the blog to begin with. It wasn’t to make tons of money or be known around a community. It was to share my photos and my travels with people.