Yup I have been blogging for a year. It’s actually next week, but since I will be getting adjusted to Europe I went ahead and wrote this in advance so I didn’t have to worry about writing new content my 1st week back on the road. I know it seems crazy even I didn’t think I would make it a year. I guess when you really love doing something you don’t give up on it. I must admit I love blogging I think it is one of the few things that I have actually started and not given up on in a long long time. I was planning on doing a recap for my year of blogging and bring out some of my old post and what not, but thanks to the My 7 Links Project I have already done that. Instead I am going to share with you something so amazing it made me cry. I want to share with everyone that “we” (bloggers) can make a difference.
If you are a regular reader you know I use my blog to share music every Monday and 5 photos round up of what I saw/did that week every Friday, but most importantly I use it to document my thoughts and adventures as I travel around the world. I tend to write about crazy & XXX adventures, but every once in a while I write my thoughts on certain things. For my 100th day on the road I wrote a post called “100 days into my “BREAKAWAY ” & I don’t understand why “WE” don’t have equal rights.” I wrote it just sharing my feelings on the subject of GLBT rights around Central America and Mexico. I did not think much of it, but that I was proud I wrote it.
I love getting comments on my post (come on what blogger doesn’t???) and I appreciate every single one of them. That is why I try to reply to each of them. I always feel that if my reader took the time to comment on my blog I should take the time to reply to it even if it’s a thank you. However not everyone comments and I am okay with that. I call the people that don’t comment “silent readers” they come read and go on about life & I love them just as much.
I recently got an email from one of my “silent readers” that made me cry and realize that I am making a difference. With his permission I am going to share our email conversation verbatim.
I’m so happy you finally got to me Kelly Clarkson man. You both look really good in the pictures. Read you were back in town and wanted to see if you’d be up for hanging some time? In case you don’t remember (because let’s face it, you have millions of fans) I emailed you some time back about doing what makes you happy kind of email. Either way man, it’s good to hear you’re home 🙂
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Kaleb,
Sorry for the late reply have been super busy with things at home and working on the blog. Im also happy I finally met my girl Kelly Clarkson. I still can’t believe it but am glad I got to meet her. I am back in town and will be here for just 2 more weeks. I honestly do not know if I will have time to meet up with you while I am here. I have a lot of things to do before I leave and to top it off I’m gonna spend of those days in Mexico visiting family.
Did I know you lived in Houston? Maybe you did tell me in our last conversation, but I don’t remember. So how is your goal setting going??? Are you doing better than last time we emailed?
Thanks,
Jaime
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No worries bro, just didn’t know how long you were in town for. Did you know I lived in Houston? I honestly don’t know if I did or not. The world may never know. The goals are going better but I just came to terms with the fact that I am gonna do whatever makes me happy whenever I want to do it. Because we rarely give ourselves that chance. You know reading your blog has made me think differently about some things. Not just about the traveling and being happy, but about gay rights too. I used to be one of those guys that believed gay people shouldn’t marry each other. Not because you shouldn’t be happy but because no one has the right to marry someone of the same sex, and gay people wanted that right. Does that make sense? And I held that belief for the longest time. I really don’t mean to offend you so I’m sorry if my previous beliefs seem ignorant to you. They seem ignorant to me as well now. But now (partially due to your blog partially to other factors) that’s changed. I mean if it means more to you than it does to me then what’s the harm right? We all have the right to the pursuit of happiness. And what you do doesn’t affect me, so what the hell does it matter to me? I mean I think those things but they don’t sound so harsh in my head you know? I guess I don’t know..When you posted that thing about “why don’t we have equal rights” it just kind hit a nerve and made me feel like an asshole you know? And I don’t want to be that guy. And I guess, I’m not now. But that’s neither here nor there. My point is.. your writing sometimes gets across to people. Not because you’re good (kidding) but because it’s genuine.
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Kaleb,
Thank you so much for this email. I have to be honest after reading this email I cried. I can’t believe a post of mine has helped people change their mind on gay rights. Any time I write a blog post I write thinking of me and making sure I like it and that I am being 100% honest. I never write something to hope it changes the world or anyone. I had to share your email with one of my best friend who is a lesbian and she too cried. This is amazing Kaleb and I mean it. Most people would never admit to being ignorant or even allow their mind to change. Most people that are against our (GLBT) rights will never understand that all we want to do is be happy. We are not asking for much, what we want is not going to hurt a single person. Thanks again for the email and I am glad I was able to make a difference in the world and make a difference on something that really does affect me in the long run. Hopefully one day people will realize what you have.
Thank you for reading my blog & being a loyal reader. I never realized I had people out there that really read my blog and care about it. That makes me so happy inside and makes me love what I am doing even more.
Jaime
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When I started this blog a year ago I did not know the amazing things that would come from it. Since then I have belonged to an amazing “Travel Blog Community” and led to so many amazing adventures on & off the road along with allowing me to meet so many amazing people. Now though I think the most amazing thing that has come from this is having a medium in which I can have my voice heard and can make a difference in the world. Thanks Kaleb and all my silent readers along with everyone who has ever commented on my blog for making it what it is today. I appreciate every single one you and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need help, advice or someone to talk to.
In honor of my “1 Year Blog-iversary ” on Thursday I will be posting a contest were the winner will win a 8″x10″ Easy Canvas Print of their favorite travel photo! Be sure to come back on Thursday for details.
Cheers to one year of amazing blogging and many more to come as I continue my adventure around the world!!!
This is great Jaime, so happy to hear you’ve made a difference, even if it is only one person’s opinion that has changed, every little helps!
Julia recently posted..My 18 Year Relationship with NYC
Thanks Julia every person counts & helps! Little by little we will get where we wanna be.
yeah, that is pretty awesome. sadly, the world can only change one person at a time, and because of your blog it is one person closer!
Scott recently posted..An Ode to Road Trips
Thanks Scott, I wish I could change everyone but of course that can’t happen. For now I will take what I can get and just continue being me and writing my thoughts & adventures!
Look at you go cupcake, changing the world one person at a time. Good for you and good for Kaleb for coming out and saying all of that. That takes just as much balls as you speaking out about GLBT rights. Good for both of you xo
Elle recently posted..America’s Natural Beauty (#7 Visit the Grand Canyon)
Awww Elle I love that you called me cupcake (it’s so cute). One person at a time is well worth it to continue writing.
Good because I’ve decided it’s sticking 🙂
Elle recently posted..America’s Natural Beauty (#7 Visit the Grand Canyon)
1 year of listening to you already? WOW. I wonder how many readers you have lost!
I kid I kid, of course.
So happy for you and so proud to see how far you have come, your photography is getting better by the week and you are living out your dreams.
Have fun in Paris and you know we all will be following along!
Justin I agree 1 year of me ranting and not shutting up already…lol!!! Thanks again for reading my blog and being an awesome supporter of everything I do.
I’ve always known the power of your words, so this does not surprise me. I’m glad Kaleb took the time to write you and let you know how empowering your blog is because you deserve the acknowledgement. You know I’m your biggest supporter, so reading this just makes sense. Continue on your journey and with loyalty we will read. EEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! to 1 year of blogging.
Travel safely.
xoxo
QueenB
Thanks Brain! I remember calling you when I got this email. Thanks for being such a fan and always encouraging me to be me and live life the way I want to. Gosh I even remember when I told you I was going to start my blog. I love you~
xoxo
Pinky
Jaime, you rock. The best thing about you and the best thing about your blog is they are 100% Jaime, all day every day – for one year already! I am really touched to see that email from your reader…people get to know us through our blogs, and even if, offline, they don’t know anyone gay, online they know you ‘personally’. So proud of you, can’t wait to hear about everything that’s coming next! Much love to Paris!
Thanks GTG, I was very moved by the email. I couldn’t believe that just by being me I am changing lives. It’s such an awesome feeling and that is why we have to continue being our selves and writing about GLBT problems and issues around the world. Thanks again for being so supportive of me and awesome cheerleaders. Hope to travel with y’all again very soon!!!
This is such a great post. There’s this saying (I can’t remember who said it) that goes along the lines of “the only thing that will change a person’s mind are influence from books or other people.” Well I guess book should be changed to writings because obviously your blog has helped influence someone for the better. That’s fantastic.
And Happy Blogiversary. Just think of all the amazing influence you can have in year 2.
Alouise recently posted..Road Trip Memories Week 11 – Biggar, Saskatchewan
Thanks Alouise I think I have heard that saying true and it is true. I think when you read or actually listen to others you get to know the true feelings and the reasons behind their madness that will help you realize what they want.
I had goosebumps when reading the letter!
crazy sexy fun traveler recently posted..ME IN BARI PORT
At least you didn’t cry like me… it was very touching!
What a heartwarming post, Jaime! Keep it up and continue being the real you. Congrats! 🙂
Thanks 2G1J I will continue to do so~
Super congrats my friend, 1 year!!!
Thanks Andi~
That’s awesome – and NOT surprising. Now… go shake up Europe!
The NVR Guys recently posted..You Just Never Know
I just got here give me some time to shake it up…lol!!!
Congrats on the anniversary! I’m about to hit six months myself, and the time has flown by. You are definitely one of the most entertaining bloggers around… here’s to another year!
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Two quotes that inspire me in life and in travel
Thanks Scott glad to know im “one of the most entertaining bloggers around” that makes me smile even more! Congrats on about to be 6 months time does just fly by when you love what you are doing!
We’re always making each other tear up, Jaime and you’ve done it to me again!!! *BIG HUG*
Heather recently posted..A Year in Australia: By the Numbers
Thanks Heather & HUGE HUG BACK~
Wow – how awesome Jaime! I am so totally stoked for you and the fact that you are changing minds. One person at a time does matter in the end and I am so incredibly proud of you and your accomplishments. I miss you like crazy and I wish you the best in Europe. I have been so blessed to have you in my life over the past year.
Erica recently posted..Zimbabwean Gold
Thank you so much, I know I am so proud too and love it. One person at a time does make a huge difference. I am also so blessed to have you in my life the last year (hopefully many more to come) you have been such a great friend. I too miss you like crazy. Hope all is well & y’all are enjoy Central America as much as I did!!!
I can only imagine what an amazing feeling it must be to change someone’s opinion on an issue that is so important and unfortunately so controversial today. I have gotten just a few emails from people mostly that have already made the decision to travel and just want my advice on the next step. That makes me feel so great, so helpful but that’s really nothing compared to what you have done for Kaleb.
Keep up the great work and the honesty in each and every post Jaime!
Annie recently posted..Lesson #12: Don’t Be Such a Mama’s Boy!
Thanks Annie, it really is such an amazing feeling. I’ve never felt so proud because it is such in important thing that affects my life and of so many I know. I too get those emails & even those make me feel great. It’s such an amazing feeling when you can help someone. That is what makes blogging so great.
Congrats Jaime! So awesome that you’ve hit one year with your blog & what an incredible feeling to know you’ve made a difference. I’m impressed that this guy continued to read your blog even though he was originally against a lot of what you write about, and even more impressed he really listened, reevaluated his beliefs and changed his mind because of you. I know you started this blog for fun and to talk about your trip but it’s turned into so much more and you really have a great thing here.
Ali recently posted..The Other Side of Exciting
Thanks Ali so much! I know I am just as impressed as you are, its just amazing how people will listen when it’s truly from the heart. I guess he saw I was just being me and living life. Thanks for telling me I have something great it makes me feel so good inside and thanks for being one of my biggest fans. I can’t wait to FINALLY meet you in a few weeks EEEEeeee~
Congratulations. This is so inspiring and I’m sure this is the kind of email that every travel blogger, or any kind of blogger or writer out there would want and would make them so happy. Well done! 🙂
Thank you so much Monica. I know it made me cry & my heart glow. I m going to continue doing what I am doing and just be happy and myself.