I can’t believe I’m writing this post. To be honest, I wrote it about 4 months ago.
In January of 2010 I started this blog. And today, I’m saying goodbye.
This a decision I didn’t make lightly. I found myself going back and forth a million times. Lists of pros and cons. How could I POSSIBLY not have GML as part of my life? How could I let my readers down? Will people think I’m being a quitter? Who am I, if not for the “girl” behind Girl Meets Life?
While I’ve got some reasons below (mostly because I’m a verbal processor / feel like I need to give at least some sort of explanation), the truth is that this decision is one made mostly based on my gut. I can’t explain why, but this is something I just know I have to do. And when I get that feeling, I know I have to go with it. You’ve probably noticed I’ve been less than active on GML over the past few months, so I don’t think this should be the biggest shock.
If you’ve been a long time reader of GML, you’ve seen me go through quite the journey. From being a naive college grad who barely knew a thing about her identity, to moving to NYC, making a life for myself here, and essentially becoming the woman I am today.
I can honestly say I would not be who I am today if it were not for GML. This blog taught me how to express myself. It challenged me to dig deep into who I am and what I want my life to look like. It dug up some not-so-pretty things I knew I wanted to change about myself, and helped me embrace things that I once tried to hide.
Most importantly, GML has been a way to share my voice and form relationships with women all over the globe - women I may never see face to face, but will always have a special place in my heart. I cannot even begin to thank each and every one of you for the comments, emails, and kind words you’ve left me over the years. You have truly impacted my life more than you know.
You may be wondering the why behind this decision, and there are a few reasons. For the most part, I’m just ready to move on to new things. A new season. GML has been an amazing chapter in my life, but in many ways I just feel like I’ve grown out of it.
GML just doesn’t get me fired up like it used to. It has started to feel like more of a chore, and I realized that I owe you all more than keeping it alive with subpar posts just for the sake of keeping it alive. When I discovered that other things started giving me that fired up/passionate feeling, I realized that it wasn’t just another phase. I thought about just keeping GML alive and posting here and there when I felt like it, but honestly it kills me to be that half-assed about it. That wouldn’t be doing justice to what I’ve built + been so passionate about for so many years. I’d much rather take some time off and see if the passion comes back in time.
I hate to be that person who leaves an annoying little caveat, but the truth is that I may come back to GML one of these days. I believe I’m entering into a new season of life - one that doesn’t include GML - but I could see myself needing/wanting the platform again in the future. I guess we’ll see.
So…what now? That’s a question I don’t fully know the answer to, and that really excites me. I’ll be pouring myself into my job and other projects I’ve been working on.
You can also still find me on social media if you’d like - Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Snapchat (alagracie).
Once again, I can’t tell you enough how thankful I am for these amazing years getting to share my life with you and getting to know you. I love you all and hope we can stay in touch!
Goodbye, friends.
I’m so proud of you. I’m excited to see what’s in store for you in this next season!
Thanks Jessi 🙂 love u
I knew this was coming but it saddens me because you were always one of my favorite blogs. I started following four years ago and I haven’t missed a single post since then. I do think it’s smart and brave to follow your intuition and I’m wishing you lots of success with your current and future projects. Thank you for having brought so much joy into our lives through GML.
Hey Vanessa,
Wow, thank you so much for being such a loyal follower. You have no idea how much it means to me. Thank you for this comment! Are you on Instagram or FB? Let’s be friends! 🙂
This wasn’t what I was expecting… I just found you! I was anticipating on that post on “how you know you got a yes from God”. Now I’ll never know!
Sorry sabra! You can email me at any time ♥️ Gracie@girlmeetslife.com
Gracie! I’m really going to miss hearing from you here.. I’ve been reading your blog for 4 years now- wow. You’re such a fun-loving and beautiful girl and I’ve enjoyed every post on GML. I’ll still see ya on Instagram and Snapchat though, so I ain’t too worried 😉
I’d still love to finally meet you after all this time if I’m ever in NYC!
Thanks so much for this comment Carrie! Hehe yes, Insta and Snapchat are lifesavers these days huh? 😉 Definitely let me know if you ever visit the city! xx
You will be missed — congrats on diving into all of your other (many many) ventures! xoxo
Thanks Clare!
As a longtime reader of your blog, I’ll definitely miss reading, but have truly appreciated your posts. Best of luck with everything!
Thanks Melissa!
Are we friends on FB? Would love to be if not 🙂
Always loved reading your blog and the topics that you wrote about!! Best of luck in the new chapter in your life, I am sure it will be just as great as the blog was! 🙂
Thanks so much Shannon! xoxo
So happy for you and glad you are taking the steps to what will make you the most happy!
Thanks Kelsey! xx
Gracie, I will definitely miss your blog - I’ve been a reader ever since I did a google search for “Cake Batter Blondies” and voila! Your blog popped up first 🙂 Your blog has been such a great source of inspiration, and I wish you the best.
Thanks so much, Liz!
GML may be saying goodbye, but Cake Batter Blondies are forever. lol
GML was one of the first blogs I started reading years ago, and it’s what really got me into blog reading/writing. Sad to see it go, but I wish you luck in all of your future endeavors!
Thanks so much for this, Beth 🙂
Wow, Gracie, I am so sad to read this, but I completely understand where you are coming from on this. Thank you for your honesty and being one of those bloggers who taught me that it was OK to be real through my writing. I pray nothing but the best for you and am so excited to see what you will do next, friend!
Thanks so much, Stacie! That really means A LOT that I helped inspire you to be real through your writing. Let’s def stay in touch! 🙂
Good luck in whatever the future holds for you, Gracie! Sometimes it is just time to close one chapter and embark on the next chapter, and I’m so glad you are following your heart on this!
Thanks so much Elizabeth 🙂 xx
Sad to see you go, Gracie. You will be missed! Best of luck to you 🙂
Thanks Courtney! xo
Gonna miss GML! It was the first blog I started reading in 2012 and have loved being a part of your journey! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for you, Gracie! Xo - Andrea!
Thanks girlie! And thanks for the text earlier 🙂 Hope to see you soon! xx
Good luck in your new season. I’ll be sad to miss your insights on your faith journey, but I’m glad you’re following your heart on this one. All the best!
Thanks so much, Krista!
Sharing my faith journey via GML is what made the decision most difficult, to be honest. But I have a feeling I’ll have another platform to do that again the future 🙂
Oh, this makes me sad! I’ve followed along with you for years, and I think you’re super neat. Thankfully ,we’re Facebook official so it’s not like I’m *totally* missing out on your updates 🙂 I can’t wait to see what’s next for you! Best of luck! xo
Hehe exactly - social media makes it all sting a little less 😛 Thanks so much Colleen! xoxo
I actually saw this yesterday, but I didn’t know what to say.
I suspected this was coming, your passion was gone. I respect you so so much for choosing (what seems to be) the tough decision.
I wish you the best of luck in your future pursuits. I’ll be following along on snapchat and insta!!
P.S. you were THIS close to getting me to try a soulcycle class…even though i hate bike riding 😉
Aw! You and pbfingers were the first blogs I ever read! I remember when you were girl meets health, working out in your parents’ basement 🙂 It’s been fun watching you grow up but I’m sure I’ll find another one to follow ya! I’ve always appreciated your kindness and your courage in professing your faith. May God continue to bless your life!
Sad to see you go, but you have to follow your gut!! I wish you all the best!
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog over the years. Selfishly I want you to stay, but I give you major kudos for going with your gut and stepping away.
One question - will you be leaving your posts up? I use your recipe page regularly and would hate if it were gone!
Yes - will be leaving 🙂
i haven’t commented before, but best of luck! <3
Thank you! 🙂
Edye says
Wishing you all the best! Thanks for your amazing blog.
Thank you Edye!!
Sabrina says
You will definitely be missed! I have been reading your blog for years. It helped give me the courage to move out to DC on my own to begin a new chapter of my life. Thank you! Best of luck to you for the future!!!
Thank you so much for letting me know that … means more to me than you know!! xoxo
I think I have been following your blog for a little over a year now but you have been one of my favorite. I am going to be so sad to say good bye to your blog, but I’ll still be stalking you on social media, especially on snapchat!
See you around 🙂
so sad to see this go, but so glad it happened (and still hoping we get to hang out in real life!) and that i met you through it. you’ve made an indelible mark on the blogosphere and have been such a sweet encouragement to read, especially your posts sharing your faith and inspiration (and love for NYC!). excited for you in whatever future endeavors you undertake, and hopefully we will see each other sometime soon in 2016! have a blessed holiday season and end of your year. you’re a lovely person!
Goodbye. It was a pleasure to be a part of this story 😉
Martine says
Aww, this is so sad! I actually came back here because I have been sooo busy with my own life and I needed a little break and see what is happening in my all time favorite city. Your guides helped me when I was in NYC for the 3rd time in Sept 2013 and loved all the places to eat..! (Hello, Foodieee)
So just know you helped two Dutchies find their way around in NYC - And yes, I was so hoping to see you when we were there.
But the decision to leave GML isn’t a light one, I guess we all know, but its so super brave. And if it feels good, you definitely should follow your instincts.
Good luck, and hey, maybe I will see you in our next NY trip! 😉
Alexandra Ashton says
Only just come across your blog posts and then read this 🙁
Wishing you all the best!
x
Julie says
So sad to see this- I had dipped in and out of your blog since the beginning. You got me through a tough move to the other side of the world and I still make your preachers cake and cake batter blondies !
I wish you all the best and will be following alone on insta regardless xxxx