WordPress has changed my life. Wait! It’s not the religious type of change, but it was a very good change, so hear me out. While it wasn’t the reason I got into blogging, developing, and designing, it got me into becoming more focused on making more meaningful relationships with people. I listened to a lot of people, in fact, thousands of people, over the last 14 years on my blog. I’ve learned a lot from reading the comments, and talking with my readers. To this very day, I’m still learning!
Years ago, when I moved from b2 cafelog to WordPress, it’s because I saw a community wanting to step behind a project and let it evolve. I grew with other people who were wanting to do something with WordPress, whether build plugins or themes, or teach others on how to use it. I grew and learned from people building a business that was WordPress-focused.
In early 2007, something major happened in my life. I went through a divorce. It was rough. While I worked a full time factory job, was building my freelance business, and had a family to take care of, I had nothing to my name, except my computer, my clothes, and my car.
It was hard to do anything for the first year after the divorce. I cried a lot. I went and saw a counsellor, and took medication for depression. I had to deal with my son not living with me sometimes. I had a hard time getting up each day. It was like having a fight with myself every day… so tiresome. I was a total mess. Some of my closest, and oldest friends online were aware of the situation. The rest of the people who visited me site, pretty much saw the life go out of my blog posts. They had no emotion. Those posts sucked.
Sure, I have family. They’re very supportive emotionally, but I was raised to be independent. So, there was no asking for things. I just worked like crazy, always scrimping, and saving.
I’ve always had this drive to succeed. I’ve also had this passion to help, do something creative, and teach others. Although my divorce had taken the wind out of my sails, I hadn’t lost sight of my goals. They got delayed until 2009. Sure, my friends were supportive, and they were the ones that kept me afloat when I was depressed, but I was still kind of dead in the water.
I went to WordCamp Chicago in 2009, as an attendee (yes, I have done this, to the surprise of some people), and met people like myself who freelanced, or did something with WordPress. (Some of these people have remained contacts or have become very good friends with me.)
In 2010, I spoke at WordCamp Chicago. It was amazing. I met so many people that I was able to help, and also made a lot of great connections. I’m ever grateful to Lisa Sabin-Wilson and her organization team for WordCamp Chicago that year, for giving the chance to present. At that WordCamp, I had found my calling. I met people who actually were raving fans of my website. Yes, raving fans of MY site. That blew my mind! Sure, I had a lot of followers then, but until I’d met these people face-to-face, it hadn’t seem like a reality.
These people helped me make important connections in the WordPress community, and gain advice on how I should run my business. They listened to me when I was down, and also when I was probably out of my mind. In fact, I met my best friend, Kimberly Castleberry on Twitter, because of WordPress, and the fact that we lived close to each other!
I somehow can’t believe to this day of making a great connection with Joost de Valk and Team Yoast. I had wanted to work for Automattic, but when I mentioned that I was looking for a support position, in a thread at All About WordPress on Facebook, he reached out to me, and gave me a support position when I needed it. Things like this don’t usually happen to me. Believe me, if you’ve known me, I’ve really worked hard to get to this point. It was great to be given such a chance with one of the people I look up to.
Because of WordPress, I’m not working a factory job, or fast food, or hotel desk clerk, like I did in the past. I’m not depressed anymore. Because of WordPress, I have more than the clothes on my back. I’m finally doing exactly what I’ve wanted to do.
Am I totally in the free and clear? No, but I’m on the way.
The reason why I write this post is not to brag. It’s not to say that WordPress is the solve all problems for freelancers. It’s the fact that the people in the WordPress community were there for me. I know they’ve been there for others. I’ve tried to be there for others because I know life is rough.
Each one of us when we close up shop for the night, are more than just WordPress users. We’re parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, of someone else. We experience extreme joy, extreme sadness, and everything between. We are a community of people.
So, maybe the title should read “How the WordPress Community Has Changed My Life”? No… I’ll keep it as it is. 😉
If you’re reading this, and you’re in hard times, and see no way out of the dark, reach out to someone. Believe me, if I hadn’t gotten off the cold floor after a night of crying until there was nothing left to cry, and had gotten online to reach out to someone, I don’t know where I would’ve been today. Our community in WordPress can be great. If you think you don’t know anyone… well you’re reading this post. You can reach out to me.
Has WordPress helped you? If so, share your story below. 🙂
Hi Nile,
Thanks for sharing your story in shape of this lovely post about How WordPress changed your Life. The problems which you faced in your past i faced now. Due to this is am very much perturb and become almost psychosomatic due to stress and strain. and i am also taking medicines for depression.
The only thing which makes me happy is my blog, So, i am trying to work on my blog with the core of my heart. I don’t know what is my future in blogging. But i still continue this journey without the fear of conclusion..
Thanks for sharing such an excellent post 🙂
Regard’s
M.Mairaj
Thanks for reading and also sharing some of what is going on in your world. It always seems daunting when you begin a new journey, even as a blogger, and not sure where it will lead you. If you have any questions, just let me know. I’ll do what I can to get you information to help you with your blog. Also, if you need to talk to someone, you know where to find me.
I like that you’re wanting to continue with blogging and overcome any fear or obstacle. That usually is a great sign that you should do well. 🙂
Thank for this post. I think it is good to read more about all the good things that happen when people help other people. We read so much about how annoying people can be and the problems caused by uncaring people. Reading more about the good things that happens makes people happier. I also think it can lead people to make more of an effort to help others and we would all benefit from more of that type of behavior in the world.
Thanks John!
I’ve had to carefully think about my approach with this post. I’ve had some really tough times, but I didn’t want to be arrogant or step on people. I do like to hear from other people. However, I wanted people to know exactly what you got from it… that there are people out there more than happy to help, even when times are insanely rough.
I started blogging with a purpose of earning from home but now I love doing it even thou0gh I don”t earn much from it anymore. I learned to love blogging so much connecting to people. I do however shy away from WordPress, I am not that techy.
Hi Chubskulit Rose!
I think people on Blogger shy away from it because it something new and seems overwhelming with all the information about WordPress. However, for a beginner, there are some really focused tutorials that are free, and even have videos that you can easily follow.
Google Blogger isn’t a bad place to start. However, it is limited in case you want to do more with your blog.
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Good to read this! Even better is knowing that both you and Kimberley are on our team now, loving it 🙂
It’s awesome to be a part of Team Yoast. I think it’s great that Kim is on the team too. You and the rest of the team make it so easy to work together.
This came at a time I needed to focus on my studies, but also make sure I had my basic necessities covered. Thank you again, Joost!
Wow you sure are a veteran blogger! It’s amazing how close the blogging community can become. I mean who else knows the struggles?
Hi Mar!
Yes, I have been blogging a LONG time! lol
And I agree… it is amazing how all these people from all over the world can be so supportive.
WordCamp sounds like an awesome event! I wonder if they have an event like this in the Cleveland Ohio area! I loved your story! You have inspired me to keep blogging and stick to it so that one day I can have what I consider a huge level of success! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jataya!
WordCamps are fun and extremely informative. They are also very affordable conferences. http://wordcamp.org
Your area does have a WordCamp. This year it was held in North Canton, Ohio. In fact the WordPress meetup group is called the Northeast Ohio WordPress meetup group on Meetup.com
In Ohio, there is also WordCamp Columbus, and WordCamp Dayton, which are all great. I’ve spoken at them all in the past few years. Just go to WordCamp.org and you can see when the next one might be. Also, joining the meetup group in your area helps so you can stay on top of that news. 🙂
WordPress definitely changed the way I blog. It’s much easier than the previous platform I used.
Glad to hear that you’ve benefitted from WordPress, Jaime Nicole. I too hear from people that once your learn it, WordPress is much easier to use in the long run.
I love WordPress and i’ve been using the platform for more than 5 years! I’ve never heard of WordCamp before
There are times when we feel we are really at wits end and can do nothing else but cry. I’ve had my share of doors being slammed in my face, waiting for months on end to receive a bit of good news. However, I held on to my faith, got up, pushed forward, and asked for help. It is totally awesome to find out that there are still a lot of good hearted people out there!
Hi Nile
It was an inspiring article, it is rare to see in the seo blogs.
Its not only wordpress even internet marketing and online world has helped many people in the world who were not doing good and was going through the rough time.
Its good to see that you are trying to help others who are in the same shoes as you were.
The world would be better if keep helping each other.
Thanks
Suraj
When I was new at blogging, I always struggled with wordpress and preferred blogger. But as the years passed, I learned how to use it and most if the plugins. I realized wordpress is the best.
WordPress has helped me in many ways. Before I started using it, I had to do everything on my site in html with a FTP transfer. Now I can do everything I need to from my dashboard and the time I save is pretty remarkable.
Hi Nile..
It is always awesome to know about your motivator’s life. You always motivates me in every step of blogging with your effective posts such like how to stay focused while blogging. Its a tough journey you have crossed which made your Image as a super lady in my mind. 14 Years is not a small time you dedicated to blogging. Your success is all result of your hardwork and your dedication towards blogging.
Yet, WordPress is the best platform with no Doubts at all. I am glad to know that wordpress has helped you this much.
Well. Thanks for sharing your experience with us,
Keep writing
i really agree to you. The WordPress is one of the easiest blogging platform. one need not to learn coding for using the WordPress. We can even create a gaming site with it and that is even without knowing any code.
It’s great to have a support system and being able to have someone to reach out to when you feel there is no one else is great. I’m glad to know that I now have someone like that in my life!
WordPress is easy to use and manipulate when it comes to blogging or creating a website. I totally agree with you that WordPress is a life changing because you can create your own website in your own. =)
Yes, using WordPress definitely can get, especially if you’re trying to make money from home. A lot of my friends are mommy bloggers and make a ton of money blogging while using WordPress. They’ve been able to do things they’ve never imagined they could do.
Your article was inspiring and I agree with you.
Thanks Maeva! I’m glad to hear that. 😀
Great post. Who knows how many other similar stories are out there.
For you, the event was a divorce. For me, it was the 2008 recession and losing my job and home. I started a WordPress blog about Microsoft Office in the legal field back when I was still living in a dingy month-to-month apartment to give myself an outlet. It’s grown, and so have I. The blog has been a huge part of the rebuilding process.
Hi Deborah! Thank you for stopping in. Losing a job is really hard… for many, it’s a security blanket because it’s what keeps a roof over the head, and food in the belly.
Yes, I can certainly see that blogging can help, and can be therapeutic. I use to have a diary, and now I have a really personal website for that.
Thank you for sharing your personal story. 🙂
Nile, Thank you for sharing your story! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you over the past year and look forward to continuing our friendship. Keep inspiring others and doing what you do best <3 Power to you sister!
Thank you Shayda! I truly appreciate the kind words, and also having gotten to hang out with you on a personal level. You know I can’t avoid the food… lol
Yes… I’m happy to call you a friend and through our conversations, you’ve been uplifting with your own story. 🙂
Well done Nile!
Your story is inspiring, brought up up a smile in my face 🙂
An amazing journey indeed. I have been following you since I have become a member of Facebook group “All About WordPress”. You were always knowledgeable and helpful. And I strongly believe that the people who help more are the most trust-able. You are one of the finest people in the WordPress community and I am really proud to know you 🙂
Hi Muhammad!
Thank you for your kind words. Glad to have you as a member of All About WordPress.
I can agree with that about trusting the people who really show that they want to help. 🙂
wow Nile!
Thank you for sharing such a powerful and truly
inspiring story!
You not only showed a lot of courage, but you continuously found
inspirational reasons, for continually moving forward,
even when things, (on the surface anyway) appeared to
be extremely bleak!
But still you found the strength to keep moving forward! We can all
and definitely should be inspired by your extremely powerful example!
Thanks so much for sharing it!
Your story is an inspiration I really needed today. I am going through tough times with foreclosure legal issues and relationship souring – everything seems to be not going my way. I have been working in internet technology since 1997 – 911 changed our lives with the tech bubble and consulting bust – without a real job I started my own company – started using WordPress behind my husbands back – I love the WP NETWORK functionality – but am finding it hard to put my skills to work in a money making ventures – I seem to work to much for too little. It so difficult to stay on track and even create a track to stay on – What would you recommend – I can create anything but I need to create a business where I can make a living – It is a tough market especially for women over 50 – Life can feel so overwhelming!
Hi Nile
WordPress has not changed only your life even it has changed life of many marketers, most of the web designing company creates websites in wordpress sale them to clients at the cost $500 to $1000.
Thanks for sharing! It’s my first time reading this, linked from your pinned tweet.
WordPress has definitely changed a lot of people out there. It has at least changed my life as well. I have been finding a robust CMS, and there is none like WordPress to me. It is so easy to use, easy to develop themes and plugins, and making a business around this is also becoming easy. Due to my location in Singapore, I may not have access to the WordPress community like yourself, but the tools and the forum support everywhere is pretty much enough for me to do my own support to help my clients in their businesses.
Previously, we are connected via Twitter only. I am glad to know more about you now from this post. 🙂
I’ll be sincere. My sense has actually constantly been that the neighborhood does not truly need me full-time. I’m a twenty-year software program exec with deep product advancement encounter. In several ways, that’s overqualified and also likely evaluated of the marketplace.
As a matter of fact, lots of people just know me as the individual that composes blog posts and offers WordCamp talks. So describing to the neighborhood what I perform in my day task, as well as looking for full time locations fretted me a bit.
Let’s be truthful– I have told you prior to that I have problem with the impostor syndrome. So when I claim it stressed me a little bit I indicated I really did not believe it was even possible.
However WordPress will certainly transform your life if you allow it.
Thank you for sharing your story!
I think blogging and everything that comes with it (speaking of passive income!) is really so cool for moms! And I hope to see more moms blogging not only on mom-topics.
It’s impressive that you started blogging so long ago! I started with a German blog 2 years ago and just got into an English version, but somehow I was directly drawn to WordPress. Probably because there are already so many tutorials and advices available I knew I wanted to start right off.
Dear Nile,
Thank you for taking the time to write this inspiring article.
Although I was fortunate enough to not have any major problems in my life, I owe much of my current happiness to WordPress. I’ve always loved writing but publishing a book was never something I wanted to do. Rather, I visualized myself writing short stories or short articles, but nothing more than that. In 2008, I got introduced to blogging for the first time in my life. Voila! It was exactly what I wanted to do. It’s been 8 years now of blogging almost everyday and I am extremely happy with where it has led me. I now make a living out of doing what I love and could not be more grateful that a platform like WordPress exists. It makes me even happier that I am not alone in my experience.
Cheers,
Thenie
I started blogging in the year 2012 and I do not have any knowledge of php, html and any other language.
At that time the wordpress make a difference.
I just loved it.
I also thinks that wordpress also changed y life too
I could not imagine creating or designing websites if it weren’t for WordPress.
Hi Nile,
Glad to meet you.. 🙂
Great suggestive post yet.. I really like this. And I just couldn’t hold myself to tweet this on twitter. People love to read this post, you know. Here is lot of informative and suggestive thing which will be very interesting. I have learned many things from reading this post.
Really great inspirational post yet.. Reading this post was great beneficial for me, you know. I like blogging everyday and this is my lifeline. Therefore, I am taking interest on blogging.
Also I am getting lot of information slowly-slowly on working with blogging and I hope it will be great beneficial for me in coming days.
Thanks for sharing such inspirational experience… 🙂
Have a good day..
– Ravi.
Hi Nile,
Very Inspiring story! All the WordPress haters , come read this story. I am a WordPress developer, I develop WordPress themes and plugins since 2008 . Started my first WordPress blog in 2006, I should say the whole journey has been incredible. When it comes to 2016, WordPress stands as the best platform with the support of some super awesome plugins like Woocommerce, EDD, Akismet, Jetpack etc. Which platform has such super awesome plugins, none other than WordPress
Very informative post Nile Flores! I truly agree with you as i am also the one who has explored the true potential of WordPress throughout my working experience as a blogger. keep Writing…
This is an awesome piece. I have started my blogging journey with free blogger platform and after 2 years I moved to WordPress. And after that its been more than 2 years and I am still enjoying WordPress. Thanks for sharing this.
WordPress has changed my life also – I can now put food on the table and pay the bills….No more house rent, but I kept all this to myself..
Will share my full story when I reached my target soon. Have a nice day and do check on my blog..
Nice post Nile Flores. I think WordPress is one of the best blogging platform in the world.
Truly inspired with your real facts and story. The power of writing great content always keeps me positive and when it converts into traffic, the happiness i get from it is not watchable to anything.
I was part time blogger and unless i started working a professional blogger. As a startup blogger it was challenge for me to learn many things such as seo, writing etc.
But it was interesting journey and still continues which i love the most.