My latest worth casing feature blogger Samantha from The Annoyed Thyroid is living proof that anything is possible no matter what your age or what curve balls life decides to throw at you.
Since turning 40, Sam has had more than most thrown at her as far as curve balls go. Diagnosed with cancer not once but twice, Sam’s blog initially followed her cancer journey but has evolved into a celebration of life, kitchen capers and running, just a few of her favourite things.
It’s Sam’s love of life and everything in it that will have you coming back for more at The Annoyed Thyroid. Today we catch up with Sam to discuss the business of blogging.
How long have you been blogging and why did you start?
I’ve been blogging for about 3 and a half years but I think my mum was the only person who read it for the first two years, so does that count? Anyway, I started blogging upon receiving my second diagnosis of thyroid cancer (in a 6 month period.) I was pretty wigged out and needed a space to empty my brain in between counselling appointments. I didn’t realise it at the time but blogging totally saved my bacon. It’s my all time favourite Cancer Perk. And yes, Cancer Perks are totally a thing.
Tell us a bit about your blog and what we can expect to see in the next twelve months?
Well, what started off as a cancer chronicle and a kind of online journal has turned into an eclectic mix of all the things I love; food, travel, running and life. It’s my happy place and I’d like to think that a visit to the blog would leave you with a smile on your dial or a tickle in your taste buds or some food for thought. Of course, in the best case scenario, you would leave with all three!
My blog had an extreme makeover earlier this year (thanks, husband!) and I started the series of my dreams called “She’s So Inspiring.” I know the name is not super original, but the women featured are amazing beyond words and it’s been such an honour to share their stories.
After my two touches of cancer, I’m not a big fan of long term planning and am more of a fly by the seat of my pants type of person. I have no idea what the future holds for the blog, so I’ll hedge my bets and say more of the same, with maybe some added bells and whistles!
Do you have a favourite place or dedicated space for blogging?
We live in quite a small apartment and a home office is a thing of my dreams. Although even if I had a home office, I probably wouldn’t use it because it would feel a bit anti-social being locked away all on my lonesome. My faux office is a spot on the dining room table, that way I’m close to the fridge (and therefore, close to chocolate,) close to the TV and therefore close to my husband (who is always close to the TV.) It works for me.
What are your must have tools and resources when it comes to blogging?
My husband. He’s an IT wizard and is the total technology brains behind this blog. He’s my favourite resource but he is totally not a tool. I’ve just got a monthly planner and try to plan out what I will post and when. I also always have to have a notebook and pen because my brain runs at tangents and there’s no knowing when I’m going to get my best idea. I’m totally a pen and paper kind of girl.
Have you ever experienced blogger’s block and what are your top tips for when it strikes?
No. If anything I have too many ideas. I think I have a syndrome called “Busy Brain.” I have the opposite problem, so many ideas, not enough time!
What have been your blogging highlights and biggest challenges?
The biggest challenge these days is finding the time to do ALL the things. I have a Bloggy To-Do List that is never ending. I just wish there were a few more extra hours tagged on to the end of every day for some value added blogging. I would like that very much. Oh and that old chestnut, comparison! He is the thief of all joy. I try to keep him at bay, and just accept that we are all you-nique. We’re all special and all different.
There have been so many blogging highlights, but I think the best thing is the connections I have made with the people in the blogging community. I have friends all over Australia, in fact, all over the world and some of them I haven’t met yet! How awesome is that? And all because I blogged!
Oh and this interview, would have to be right up there as a blogging highlight, totes honoured!
Who inspires you and what’s on your Worth Casing list when it comes to other bloggers?
Too many to list here. I try to keep up with them all on my Bloglovin feed and regularly feature my favourite posts of the week on the Saturday link up the Ultimate Rabbit Hole which I co-pilot with the awesome Karin from Calm to Conniption, Jess from A Little Part of the World and Fleur from Our Urban Box.
What advice would you give to anyone that is thinking about starting a blog of their own?
Blogging is as much about supporting other blogs and the blogging community as it is about your own. Bloggy love is like a magic penny, if you give it away, you end up having more. True story.
What is your favourite blog post?
My favourite post is this one about my emotional raincoat. It’s my best accessory.
If you weren’t in the business of blogging what would you be doing?
Honestly? I’d like to bake cakes all day. But then I’d want to blog about them so maybe that wouldn’t work. I guess you’d find me in my day job then, teaching international students English or if I ever complete my studies, I’d be in the business of bereavement counselling. It would have to do something that I loved and loved doing, for me, it’s all about making a difference.
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Have you met the gorgeous Samantha from The Annoyed Thyroid?
Sammie you are just the best!
Sammie certainly is the best.
Right back at ya, Jenni and Raych! xx
Sammie is simply awesome, such a bright spark and funny lady! I just wish I had a thermomix to make all of her amazing recipes!
I wish I had a thermomix too, oh wait hang on, that would mean I might actually have to cook occasionally. lol
Although some people would argue that using a thermomix is not actually cooking… so your reputation as a non-cooker would remain intact!
You’re pretty awesome yourself, Jess! Love your work, lady! xx
Oh, great post and thanks both of you for sharing! I love the quote about blogging being about sharing ourselves. So very very true!
I love that quote too. Here’s to lots more sharing ourselves and making real connections.
Yay to sharing! x
Love this post and I intend to pop over and visit Sam’s too – she sounds amazing. I’m a pen and paper gal as well and I’m loving that vase on her office. Very cool. Thanks for the intro Raychael.
I really must get back to pen and paper. Mind you I type at 100 words per minute, which is often the same speed I find my mind racing.
My mind races too. If my body would go as fast as my brain, I would be such a speed hog!
Nice to meet you, Tonia! I love that vase sick, not least because I’ve never had a better excuse to buy flowers!
thanks raych for introducing sam.
hi sam! you have been through heaps! … amazing!
I often see you in the comments section of a number of blogs!
all the best! … love m:)X
I’ve seen you around the traps too, Merilyn! You should totally pop on over and say hello. Don’t be shy! xx
Sammie you make a difference in my world every week – you are awesome!
Another top blogger to spotlight
Right back at you, lovely! xx
Ooh I love that magic penny saying. I’ve never heard that before. I really do love how supportive and warm the blogging community is too. Anyway, onto Sammie … i’m a newcomer to her blog, but I’m definitely going to stick around. She’s a pretty cool chick. #teamIBOT
You must totally check out that magic penny song, Renee, it’s my favourite! I’m so happy that you’re sticking around, I’m stuck on you too!
Thanks Raych for highlighting another awesome blogger!
Sam, I’m looking forward to following your blog! 🙂 I have a question for you. What’s the reference to the old chestnut? I’m American and I just don’t seem to know what that is. But it sounds interesting!
Love your overcoming attitude!
English is so funny isn’t it with all it’s weird and wonderful saying? “Old chestnut” is a subject, idea, or joke that has been discussed or repeated so often that it is not funny any more. That’s the official dictionary definition anyways! See you over on the blog!
Thank you for the introduction! I look forward to following Sam x
Loved your love story yesterday, Vicki! xx
Love this. Love Sammie!! and so grateful to have connected with her through blog land. Xx
I love you back! Praise be to blogging! xx
Me too Shannon.
I must confess i haven’t had the pleasure of reading Samantha’s blog (I know, I guess I live under a rock) so thank you for giving me another awesome blog to read xx
I must say I’m very honoured to be here! Come on over and say hello! x
I sometimes feel like I live under a rock too Beck, especially when it comes to anything to do with TV, as I don’t watch it.
I have only just started reading Sammie’s blog over the last week or so and digging it already, yet another one for my Bloglovin’ feed! 🙂
Keep on digging! There’s no such thing as too many blogs in your Bloglovin’ feed!
As long as they’re all quality, I totally agree!
I think I may need to start over with my Bloglovin’ feed.
I’m trying to keep mine well curated; if I keep skipping over posts from the same blog, I’ll remove!
Thanks so much for having me, Raych! I’m feeling very warm and fuzzy! xx
As you know this little feature is a long time coming. Looking forward to catching up with you in person when I head to Sydney.
Bring it on! x
If her cakes are as good as her fudge then she would make a killing. LOVE Sammie – she is one good egg xx
My cakes are totally as good as my fudge! I LOVE you right back. Mwah! xx
I really want fudge, right about now. lol
I love Sammie’s blog. She is one very cool lady
Sammie really is one very cool lady.
Awesome! Love reading Sammie’s blog, great community!
Sammie really does have a great community supporting her blog. Which reminds, must go and check her down the rabbit hole link up.
I think they’ll be happy tears and lost voices from all the talking when I meet Sammie in real life at PB soon! She’s a true bloggy diamond that one xx
OMG, I’m so envious. They only way I will make PB this year is if I win tickets. Hubby will be at sea, so I on top of tickets/flights/accom from Perth, I would need to spend money flying a relative from NSW to Perth to look after my girls.
Oh shame Rach! I’m doing the treck from Perth and it is costing a pretty penny but it’s my first girls trip since the kids so I reckon I’ve racked up some mummy points. Husband had a boys trip a few years ago so it all works out. I’m travelling with Forty Up and Loulou Zoo all going well! We must meet up one day xx
I’ve been using my mummy long service leave points for other blogging trips. Just back from Melbourne and have two more trips in the pipeline. Can’t wait.
I’m in the process of trying to organise a blogging catch up before the end of the month. It’s just hard narrowing down a time and place that suits everyone. Do you have a time/day in mind that suits?
Oh yes you have, I saw that 🙂 Because I’m 3.5 hours away you’re best to name a date and fingers crossed I can make it. Weekends are good x
Well let me know the next time you are in Perth and have a spare 5 minutes we can organise a mini coffee catch up around you.
Will do Rach x
I cannot wait!
Love you Sammie! Feel so blessed to have meet Sam online and I can’t wait to meet her in real life soon. She is a gem of a woman. x
Well it goes both ways because I love you too and feel blessed that our paths have crossed. It’s going to be quite a treat to meet you in real life xx
I feel the same Karin. Are you heading to ProBlogger this year?
Yep I am and can’t wait. It is easy for me (though I have to bring my 6 month old) as I live in Brisbane.
I’m such a fan of Sammie – her posts always make me smile (and drool for the food ones!). Her She’s So Inspiring series is one of my favourites.
I’m setting aside an hour or so to catch up on blog reading this week and I’m starting with the She’s So Inspiring series.