Random Posts and Discovering My Niche
When I look back at the early days of Simply Sunni, I can’t help but chuckle at how random some of my posts were. Before discovering my niche and the value of a niche, my blog was a bit random—filled with stories, but without a clear vision, niche, or targeted audience.
One post that stands out to me from that time is titled “Grandson, Thank You for Distracting Me”. It’s a sweet reflection on how my grandson’s presence brought unexpected joy and a much-needed shift in perspective. While the post itself is dear to my heart, it’s a perfect example of how I hadn’t yet refined my blog’s focus or honed in on serving a specific audience.
Rediscovering Joy and Learning to Focus
Revisiting this post reminds me of the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Although, I have to admit, it is a bit embarrassing!
Back then, I was blogging purely from a place of personal expression. There was no “discovering my niche” going on! There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but I’ve since learned how powerful it can be to channel those personal reflections into content that truly serves and connects with a specific audience.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, this post feels especially timely. It’s a reminder of how love—whether for family, for your craft, or for your community—can inspire us to grow and refine our passions. The joy and distraction my grandson brought to that moment in time are a bit like the process of discovering your niche: it’s unexpected, sometimes messy, but always rewarding.
“When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or in the life of another.” – Helen Keller
Pandemic, Financial Distress, Job Searching, Stay Safe, and Stay Home… Grandson!
We are in a global pandemic. Did you hear me? The first in 100 years; there is so much to be sad about. Celebrities are pouring their art and souls (see what I did there?) into videos to distract us from the impending doom the news informs us of every day. Yet, there is one thing that will turn my day around no matter the circumstance. If I am struggling with the pandemic, quarantine, finances, or job searching, there is my Grandson. He takes it all away and brightens my day.
A Pandemic saddens me.
Well, who isn’t affected? Countless hours are spent by people watching the news just to get a glimpse of what is happening and an ounce of hope for healing. This is unprecedented and no one was ready for it. The fear of losing someone we love grips our hearts and causes panic. Masks and shutdowns alter our lifestyles. But, one constant remains… Grandson.
Financial Distress due to Corona is so sad.
Covid-19 has left countless families financially struggling. My family is in the industry most hard hit, the hotel industry. No travel equals no income. How do I feed our household? How do I give to my church? What happens if one of my kids or siblings need money? How do I help after being a mother of 4 for twenty-six years? At that moment of crisis, my phone rings and it’s… Grandson.
Job Searching is sad.
Digging and digging for purpose and fulfillment, I reach a point of decision. The road ahead is full of learning. Going back to school is nothing I ever thought about at age 50. The prospect is exciting, and the pay will help my family. Overwhelming fears capture me as self-doubt creeps in. I love to write. I am good at it. Self-encouragement becomes a daily necessity and then… Grandson.
Quarantine: “Stay Safe, Stay Home” is sad.
We were not created to stay in four walls! People are craving socialization and community. Churches and restaurants are closed, even parks and beaches are closed. So, we stay inside and “zoom” or binge. Life is a creative assignment asking humans to come up with new ways to communicate. At my most lonely moment, there is facetime and… Grandson.
My Grandson is NOT sad!
If you haven’t gotten it by now, my Grandson is the light of my life. When he calls me, I instantly grin. When he facetimes me, I don’t feel alone. When he laughs, the sound chases all my fears away. The sheer joy in his voice brings comfort and gives me a reason to be happy. Virus or no virus, financial woes or prosperity, job or no job, stay home or go out; my grandson takes away the sadness in an instant. When I am asked my favorite distraction when life gets me down, I say… my GRANDSON.
-Simply Sunni
Lessons in Blogging: Discovering My Niche
As I have been looking back at posts like this, here are a few things I’ve realized:
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Embrace the Messy Middle: Every blogger starts somewhere. Those early, random posts were stepping stones that helped me figure out what truly resonates.
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Discovering Your “Why”: This post may not align with my current brand, but it reminds me of why I started blogging in the first place—to share moments that matter.
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The Power of Connection: Even without a niche, posts like these connected with readers on a deeply personal level. That connection is what I’ve carried into my more focused content today.
P.S. – Now I have three grandkids and one more on the way! And yes, he has grown up!!
