Ten Years Later, Still Radiating Heart Rays (Birthday/Blogiversary)

Happy 10th blogiversary! It's hard to believe that I started this blog ten years ago. 

Ten years of sharing my story and shinning my light! Ten years of being authentically connected with you! Ten years of having you on my mind! Crazy, right!? 

Plus, Happy Birthday to me! 

Happy 10th Blogiversary

When I began this blog in 2014, I was just dipping my toe into the writing waters. I considered myself a poet, weaving words into rhyme, not being aware it was God who was connecting the dots and giving my life its rhythm.

In some ways, it feels like the years have sped by, but at the same time, a lot of life has been lived in those years! What remains consistent is the faithfulness of our God. He has moved in incredible ways than I can ever imagine. 

As published on June 26, 2014.
I launched out to the public - Heart Rays.

How do I start to express how much has changed since I first hit the publish button on Blogger? To get a sense of this journey, you might enjoy looking back at my previous Blogiversary posts:

• 2015: The 1st blogging year
• 2016: The 2nd blogging year
• 2017: The 3rd blogging year

I’d love to give you a brief history of the evolution of the blog but I wouldn’t want to keep you much longer. If I poured my heart into this as I’d wished to, you'd see how I've transformed—from single to married, jobless to self-employed, broken to whole, and everything in between, all while sharing my journey. If you're truly interested, I encourage you to explore the archives. There's a lot to discover!

I Asked 4 People, “Who Do You Say That I Am?”

Let’s look at it this way; I am following the footsteps of Jesus in the stunning context where he asked his disciples this question, “What are the people saying about me, the Son of Man? Who do they believe I am?” They answered, “Some are convinced you are John the Baptizer, others say you are Elijah reincarnated, or Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”

“But you—who do you say that I am?” Jesus asked.

Narrowing Down My Niche

Sometimes you start to doubt your own unique identity. Sometimes you get confused with the reality of what you’re trying to do and how you’re going about it. Sometimes you just need more depth in understanding what you are already doing. I wanted to see me through the lens of my closest friends… and they showed up for me in a different way than I expected them to. 

I am humbled to think that this is what S, P, M and B think of me. 

Question 1:

When you think of "AMAKAMEDIA," what vibes or feelings do you get?

S: One who is very passionate and pours her emotions into her content.

P: Vibes of authenticity and openness.

M: Amaka as a person.  Personal blog, where she shares her journey, news or some stuffs like that.

B: AMAKAMEDIA 

Question 2:

What words or phrases pop into your head when you hear "AMAKAMEDIA"?

Writing In Your Diary Helps You Keep Track Of Your Life

It's a new day! What a great day to be alive! Thanks for joining me on this journey of keeping track of my life. I will be 30 on the 26th day of the coolest month of the year. And I have been sharing my lessons from being a 20-something right at the start of June.

This is the fifteenth lesson. I hope it inspires you in some way. Happy reading!

God Has A Track Record In My Life

At 15, I got a diary as a birthday gift. Ever since, I have not stopped keeping a diary.

Each year, I got myself a private diary to pour out my emotions, say what I would have said to a best friend, and just write.

At 24, I launched this blog as a birthday gift to myself. I didn't exactly know what I was doing but I knew it was the best thing to do at the time. I wanted to share my feelings and thoughts with the world.

How to Start a New Lifestyle Blog and Stay Committed for Years

Hi, my name is Amaka. I've been blogging since 2014 and loving every moment of it. Blogging helped me find my voice, get a job and earn money on the side.

When I was learning how to create a blog back in 2014, it took me some time to find all the right information online and I had to look for it on different websites. That's why I've created this blog post to teach beginners how to make a blog fast and easy.

It's not as complicated as many people think.

Starting A Blog in this Season

Many people have walked up to me asking about how they can start their blogs too. I thought it would do a lot of good to put it out here on the blog.

First of all, I must let you know that blogging is hard work. It requires patience, consistency and passion. A lot of that. Without passion, I probably would have stopped blogging the following year.

If your primary goal for wanting to start a blog is to make money, then I'm sorry to let you know that this article would not be useful for you. However, if you are striving for living a significant and purposeful life, then you are in for a ride!

People Don't Read Blogs Anymore

I know people don’t read because what I write is so often not the trending societal issues or more often than not, about me. It can get really boring, yeah? You don't have to tell me. I know.

#BringBackOurBlogReaders

I have a special kind of love for those who read my blog. In fact, I have a special name for them — SWEETHEARTS. They are one of the best groups of creative humans with a heart so sweet that they enjoy the atmosphere of Heart Rays.

I miss quite a number of them 😢

Why I Don't Blog Everyday

"You are not a serious blogger if you don't blog everyday". "You can't be successful as a blogger if you don't blog everyday."

And those words made me bit my lip.

Not Blogging Everyday Works For Me

A digital expert and news blogger, who happens to be my boss highlighted on the fact that big blogs rank well on search engines because they tend to post more frequently with fresh content. He said the more posts you publish per day, the higher your chance of achieving higher traffic rank.

I've heard that before. But hearing it again at this time got to me.

And The Winner Of #AmakamediaGiveaway Is . . .

A big thank you to everyone who participated in the blogoversary giveaway and helped make it a success.  Put your hands together for yourselves. You are awesome! :)

Winner Of The #AmakamediaGiveaway

Surprisingly, not many of my sweethearts showed interest as I had expected. At first, I was disturbed. Then again, it dawned on me that a lot of you visit (read, peruse, survey etc) my blog not only to get something out of here, but also to support and show your genuine love for the blogger. Thank you.

I refuse to think it's because you are 'prouding' or because you feel the money is too small for you. Lol.

What's Next

Hi. Hi. Long time, no blog. How is everyone doing? I hope you are enjoying the holiday.

What's Next

I'd like to rock my natural African kinky comb-breaking hair for Christmas. I gave it a good treat today! But I'm scared at how it is turning out. It seems my hair does not want me to shine this season.

Is Blogging A Reality Or An Illusion?

Hi! It's December already! I tend to reflect a lot at the beginning of a new month, new week or new season. Newness inspires me.

While I was reflecting, I thought about how far I have come with blogging. And it dawned on me that yours truly hasn't bagged any award yet. Lol. But why? 

The Rewards Of A Blogger

Being a blogger wasn't something I have always wanted to do. In fact, I stumbled on it.

Why Your "Why" Is Most Important

Today's post is quite personal and delicate. It's one I wrote with trepidation because it can make or mar my business. I hope it doesn't only inspire you to question your self, but also give you the light you need to find answers.

My Most Personal Ethics

As a lifestyle blogger, I often write about various aspects that cut across the way we express ourselves - from how we live life, to how we value our relationships, to how we style our clothes, and to how we run our businesses. It's a wide range of many things, I must say.

What 2 Years of Blogging Has Taught Me

June 26 isn't just my birthday but also my Blogiversary. By tomorrow, it will be officially stated that I've been blogging for 2 years. Cheers to the day I first told the world I have a blog!

At that moment, I remember feeling excited and nervous in equal measure. What will people think of my writing? Is it good enough? The feeling of exposing yourself on such a personal level to the whole world is strange to get used to at first.

3 Stupid Reasons Not To Blog Today

Yes, this is probably the first time I use “stupid” in a title. But I couldn’t come up with a nicer way to say it. Please accept my apologies if it bothers or annoys you. (I'm practically kicking myself in the butt).

3 Stupid Reasons Not To Blog

I'm throwing a challenge at myself and every blogger out there. I have heard these lies, and almost at the edge of believing them.

10 Employability Skills You Never Knew Bloggers Have

I have said it before, and I will say it again. Being a blogger is not an easy feat! There is a lot going on behind the screen. A lot.

10 Skills Bloggers Possess

Firstly, let me say that this article is not talking about those who simply "copy and paste" from other blogs and start calling themselves bloggers. It is rather talking about those who go through the hurdles of creating real and original content.

Letter To My Inner Self; Step Out Of The Dark & Come Into The Light

This letter can be addressed to all anonymous writers, bloggers, artists and creativists. However, I am addressing it to my inner self. 

Letter to Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

I wonder why you are doing it, what your motives are. I really don't get it. Why do you hide your true identity?

I don't trust you. No, I don't.

Dear Diary, It Almost Gave Me A Heart Attack

Sometimes you have got to vent out. It helps you stay connected with your emotions while expressing yourself. Do you vent? I do it in my diary. 

Close To A Heart Attack

It was on Wednesday.

The day I blogged about my ex.

I had a swell time while writing that article. My heart leapt for joy when I finished writing everything I wanted to write. And clicking the "publish" button made me tingle all over. The best part was when Disqus notified me that the post had gotten 2 comments.

ABC Of Bloggers Who Rock My Blogosphere

A big shout out to everyone who has participated in the #GratitudeChallenge. God is sure smiling down at you right now. :)

I'm still filling my thanksgiving account. I'm grateful for being on the blogosphere. It is a blessing to have met you. Yes, you!

The (My) Blogosphere Is a Blessing

I've been blogging for more than a year now, and I can say blogging is a great way to meet people. Real life, like minded, interesting people.

Oh! Just Visit My Blog Already

Gone are the days when I used to be shy about having a blog. Now I can almost scream about my blog even on an airplane. Some of my friends (and strangers) no longer find it funny. I'm even sorry for my self right now . . .

Passion versus Obsession

We all have passion and obsession burning within us. These two emotions are generated from within and manifest in outward actions or pursuit, which can provide purpose and direction. They are powerful motivators to take risks, to make sacrifices and step outside of conventional norms to achieve our dreams.

The Versatile Blogger Award

Hello sweeties! Heart Rays has been nominated for another award. Yay!

The Versatile Blogger Award

An award is always fun and inspiring! The Versatile Blogger Award is given in recognition for the great commitment, diverse talents and generosity shown by bloggers on the blogosphere.

The 10 Commandments of a True Writer-blogger

A writer is a person who writes and a blogger is a person who blogs. Therefore, a writer who blogs is a writer-blogger. Hehehe. . . loving this revelation I got from the Bible.

The 10 Commandments of a True Writer-blogger

I can't say I am a blogger without saying I am a writer. I am a writer who has a blog. So I am wearing the cap of a writer-blogger. *grins*

It's Not Over Yet

I usually put up my post at 5:59 AM (GMT, West Central Africa) So this post is about two hours late. I didn't really want to blog today. I was forming, "I need to take some time off." But I couldn't resist the topic on my daily devotional. It is talking to me!

It's Not Over Yet

Just last weekend, I celebrated my first blogiversary. I was feeling on top of the world. I was feeling fly. I thought I deserve to take some time off. I've really been through a lot already.