8 years ago today I published my very first blog post. Isn’t that crazy? Eight years ago! That’s a mind-boggling long time ago, isn’t it? And to think, it all started on the suggestion of a friend who said “You should start a blog.” My guess is I said “What’s a blog?” followed by “Sure. Why not?”

When I started this blog, I seriously was about that tuned into blogging. Blogging was quite new, way back then, but it seemed like a fun way to share content and create community. I wanted to share organizing ideas, inspire people to take action, and show people how to add creative touches to their organizing projects. My goal was to make the creative organizing blog a happy place, filled with empowering messages and doable ideas. But I also wanted it to be real, a place to share little snippets of my own life.

When I started blogging my kids were five and seven—little kids! Fast forward to today and one of them is taller than me! As my kids have gotten older, I’ve pulled back from sharing details about their lives in the public space. Yet, some of my favorite posts have been the ones about real life—the raw stuff and even the painful stuff. Over the years, you’ve gone on a vacation with my mom and me, helped me say goodbye to my beloved little dog Buddy, and cheered me on as I finished my first half-marathon. But most important of all (to me), you, my dear reader, helped me through the most difficult time of my life …losing my Dad. Having a reason to write about him, and an outlet to share my thoughts about him, was incredibly healing, in ways I couldn’t have imagined before I became a blogger.

Aby and Dad at Grand Haven

Today, in celebration of our 8-year bloggivesry, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the highlights of the past eight years. Here we go!

First post: While my first post wasn’t a “hello world” post, it just as easily could have been. The post didn’t even have a title (oops!) and consequently got left behind in our move over from Typepad. But this first post was followed up on the same day with a post with a title. (Yay, me. I’m a fast learner!) In this second post I shared my enthusiasm for newly discovered Swiffer Dusters.

Post(est) with the most(est) comments (non-giveaway). Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays: 28 Day Challenge – Day 1

Most pinned post:  A Year of Organizing Checklists

My favorite post:  ‘Twas the Night After Christmas… This post was so fun to write…it just rolled off my fingers. (A blogger’s dream come true.)

Jay’s favorite post: Goodbye Buddy  In Jay’s words, “There’s just something special about the way Aby tells this story, and of course Buddy was my dog, too.” Indeed he was. If it weren’t for Jay and his Subway sandwich, we might never have had Buddy!

Jen’s favorite post: Organizing with Your Kids: A long term perspective pays off.  As Jen says, “I’ve got a little clutter bug of my own, so this one really resonates with me. Each time I’m tempted to haul in a dumpster, I remind myself we’re working on long-term goals here!”

bath supplies bucketBased on the comments, here are some of our readers’ favorites:

And finally, one of the biggest honors in the past 8 years was winning The National Association of Professional Organizers Los Angeles Organizing Award in 2009 for Best Organizing Website or Blog. That was fun and we couldn’t have done it without the support of great readers like you!

best organizing website award

So that’s a quick look back at the past. It really is hard to believe that it’s been 8 years. But one thing I can tell you is this:  I’m truly glad I started blogging, on a whim, 8 years ago. Thank you for reading and commenting and being a part of the simplify 101 community. I appreciate you!

What has been your favorite post, tip or idea that I’ve shared over the years? What ideas stuck with you or struck a chord? And…what types of posts would you like to see in the future? Thanks for sharing! And thanks for 8 fun years. 

Aby