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4 Timeless Blogging Lessons From Carrie Bradshaw

Timeless Blogging Lessons Carrie Bradshaw

By Emily VanderBeek, Isn't That Charming

It’s safe to say that if Sex and the City had started 10 years later, Carrie Bradshaw would have been a blogger. New York City’s “It” girl would have tweeted to Miranda, re-pinned Charlotte’s outfit posts, and liked Samantha’s Instagram photos of the hottest parties. In fact, she most likely would have been a contributor for Independent Fashion Bloggers, guiding us all to be style icons with her wit and humor.

While watching an episode recently, I couldn’t help but wonder (see what I did there?) what advice Carrie would give to us today. As I researched quotes from fashion’s most popular TV character, I realized that there are in fact some timeless lessons from Carrie that are applicable to the blogging community and writers as a whole. Ms. Bradshaw (Err…Mrs. “Big”) was one wise woman.

Lesson 1: Just Breathe.

 

Carrie’s Words: “After all, computers crash, people die and relationships fall apart. The best we can do is breathe and reboot.”

Fashion Blogger Translation: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Juggling a career, blog, family, friends, and hobbies is no easy task. It often seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day or minutes in an hour, but the blogging world is full of superwomen who make it happen every day. Carrie reminds us that when you’re feeling overwhelmed or that life has thrown too many curve balls, it’s important to allow yourself to relax. Take a step back and let yourself reboot. Sometimes, breathing is the best medicine…and a glass of wine with your girlfriends, of course.

Lesson 2: Logic Is Overrated

 

Carrie’s Words: “It wasn’t logic, it was love.”

Fashion Blogger Translation:  Many people ask, “Why do you put so much time into something that’s a hobby?” They don’t understand why we consistently subject ourselves to nights of minimal sleep, endless networking and never “turning off”. The truth is that many of our efforts aren’t logical. We do it for the thrill of the ride; for the journey, not the end destination. Our efforts are a result of real love. And that type of love, my friends, is above reason.

So bring out the coffee and keep blogging your well-dressed heart out, because it’s those who work the hardest that will see the biggest rewards.

Lesson 3: Don’t Be Tamed.

 

Carrie’s Words: “Maybe some women aren’t meant to be tamed. Maybe they need to run free until they find someone just as wild to run with.”

Fashion Blogger Translation:  Bloggers think differently. We see the world in photographs, are social media mavens and enjoy standing apart from the crowd. How else are you expected to be noticed? Blending in is for the mundane.

All this is why some people just don’t get us. Yes, we fuss over what shoes to wear. Yes, our social networks are filled with images of our favorite looks. Yes, we have (real!) friends we’ve never actually met in person.

No, we don’t expect everyone to understand. No, we won’t be swayed by the occasional judgmental look or whisper.  No, we don’t mind working hours and hours outside of our normal jobs or lives to express our creativity via the internet.

We’ll keep running wild, because our passion is endless, and true passions can’t be tamed.

Lesson 4: Ignore The Critics.

 

Carrie’s Words: “When it comes to life and love, why do we believe our worst reviews?”

Fashion Blogger Translation:  Haters are going to hate. Who cares? Carrie certainly didn’t. Sure, she was aggravated by the occasional negative review or not-so flattering picture. But she rose above it all and in the end came out on top, which is exactly what we should all do when this happens in real life (blog or no blog).

Don’t listen to the bad reviews. Accept what may be constructive criticism, learn lessons where you can, and move on. Only believe in the positive. You’re in charge of how you react to, and think about, the world around you. Only accept the positive, and that’s how you’ll view the world in return.

Emily VanderBeek is a digital advertising professional living & playing in Chicago. She is the blogger behind Isn't That Charming, a lifestyle blog focused on the fashions, DIY projects & inspirations that charm her socks off.

 

[Image source: HBO]

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23 Responses

  4. Charlotte

    This is so good. Love Carrie and her quotes and this is a really good “translation” of them. (:

    Reply
  5. Sistah Hollywood

    “Haters are going to hate. Who cares? ”

    ^^This cracked me up. lol But I CONCUR! #cuteread

    Reply
  9. Lauren - Slowburn Fastburn

    Loved this article! I love Sex and the City and its so fun to think of Carrie of a blogger. So inspiring!

    lauren

    Reply
  10. Ana - Exquisite Fashion

    “When it comes to life and love, why do we believe our worst reviews?”
    Well, this seem very wise for me to believe.

    Reply
  12. beka

    I really love this. My parents get so angry because I “spend to much time on that damn laptop” when they don’t understand what it feels like to see people reading what you post..:) Thanks

    Reply
  13. Amit

    Life can be interesting as well as boring. It can be hectic as well as Free. Life gives us happiness and also snatched happiness soon. This is called life. We should live life with joy in all circumstances. Smile Always:-)

    Reply
  14. .

    As I said on Twitter, love the idea for the post, very inspiring! And what’s also great is that we can take this and not only look at it through the blog prisma, but also use these tips in everyday life!
    http://www.moiminnie.blogspot.com
    xx

    Reply
  15. Melanie Fontaine

    Such a great post idea! And lots of helpful advice, too. I find Lesson 1 the most important one, not only for blogging, but also for life in general. Sometimes, it’s just really important to take a break and refuel to do some great work.

    Reply
  16. Karina De Jesus

    This is such a good post. It shows that even though we, bloggers, sometimes can feel very alone behind the computer screen, we are all very similar and together in the same struggles and joys. Others might not understand us, but it’s ok, because we probably don’t understand them either.

    http://beachanddress.blogspot.com

    Reply
  17. Lingerie Stylist

    This is such a witty and well written post – bet every woman reading this nodded her head and remembered each quote. I’m reaching for my box set NOW!

    http://www.lingerie-stylist.com

    Reply
  18. Kathleen

    This is a great article, and holds true to everything bloggers are about. Thanks Emily! You captured the best advice from Carrie perfectly

    Reply
  19. Mode Plus

    This was such a fun and relatable post. Although Carry is a fictional character, she had the ability to put life in perspective. Not to get caught up by the hype of it all. I will forever be a SATC fan.

    Reply
  23. Radio Times Festival

    Hi There,

    Did you know Sex and The City author Candace Bushnell will be appearing at Radio Times Festival at Hampton Court Palace in London this September?

    The author and creator of hit TV series Sex and the City and Lipstick Jungle, makes her first UK festival appearance. She’ll discuss her new novel Killing Monica, a fabulously glamorous tale of a New York author with a fictional alter ego that’s making her life hell.

    Reply