what blogging has taught me

Hello!

I've been blogging here on Bad Taste Toast for the last 4,5 years and I'm still enjoying it - actually even more than in the beginning.
At first it was hard to gain attention, find a style, get a routine, build a readership etc.
Now I have all of the above and I'm really happy and proud.
Even though I'm rather a quitter if things don't work out from the start, this blog is one of the few things I didn't chuck. As overly dramatic as it may sound, it has taught me to keep trying and that success doesn't come easy.
That's why today I'll take about what I love most about blogging and what it has taught me.

1. language skills
4,5 years ago I decided to blog in English for practicing reasons. Best decision ever! I studied English at university where I rather learned the formal version. In my spare time however the blogosphere with its variety of different people from all over the world really improved my colloquial English skills.
In relation to this I also improved my writing skills because when you write a blog post you of course want to express yourself properly and not sound like an idiot.

2. photography skills
In 2010 I started taking outfit pictures with a crappy cheapo point and shoot camera (e.g. here) and after a while found out that this wasn't enough. I wanted photos of better quality and in the course of the years that followed I read up about basic photography rules, got a DSLR and tried to develop my skills.
Today I'm still an amateur but it's getting better.

3. web design skills
I once did an internship at a graphic design office at the age of 19 but  still when I started blogging I had no idea about web design whatsoever! For beginners Blogger.com provides easy ways to design a layout but very soon I wanted more. So I dived into the confusing world of HTML gibberish, templates and Youtube turorials. It sucked and it often still confuses me but it was totally worth learning it because I can decide what I want my blog to look like.

4. fashion and make up skills
Blogging has definitely taught me a lot about these two. Some years ago I didn't have the slightest idea about what skort, OOTD, LBD or jeggings are.
The blog also challenged me to bring a variety into my everyday dressing habits, to create new looks with old pieces, to remix items, to only wear what maks me feel good and to not go with trends but with your own personal development. Today I pay more attention to make up and styling without acting like a shallow fashion victim and I like it.

5. networking skills
It's only a part of the networking aspect but through this blog I've made some great friends from all over the world. It's amazing how blogging brings people together! Without Bad taste Toast I wouldn't have met Mona from Canada or Madeline from Hungary. I wouldn't have teamed up for a giveaway with Anni who lives in the USA now and I wouldn't have had the chance to visit the first European Blogger Conference with lots of different interesting poeple.

6. internet skills
I have discovered so many interesting, helpful and inspiring websites, apps and tools and it doesn't stop because there are new discoveries every single day. I've come across lovely online shops, found great social media sites, swapping platforms, daily reads etc.
I learned about privacy settings, search engines, hashtags, media law and lots and lots of other things that are very helpful outside of the blogging world too.

7. explorer skills
Sounds over-the-top but I've become more of an explorer. I keep looking for new photo locations or places to blog about, leave familiar paths and developed a bigger interest in my environment. Not only in Düsseldorf but also when I'm in other cities. For example in Budapest where entering a doorway on a main street can lead you to the most beautiful magical hidden bazaar.

That's what blogging has done for me. There are millions of other little things I could name, but they basically all belong to these seven points I listed above.
What has blogging done to you?
Can you find yourself in what I wrote? Or did it teach you other things?
What are your experiences?

Happy Thursday!