Through Heather's Looking Glass

Still Running With Sass

| blogging, Faith, motivation

I have thought about how I would word this post over and over for the past couple of months. Let me preface by saying I hate change. It has always been a flaw of mine, as I am sentimental and very much a lover of routine. I am learning that sometimes change is good, and required for growth.

When I started writing Running With Sass over three years ago, I never in my craziest dreams would have imagined it would turn into what it is now. A place for me to share my thoughts, experiences, and loves with a wonderful community of readers and like minded people. Something so important to me I would call it β€œmy baby”, and work every day to make it better than the day before. As my blog grew and changed, I did as well. It came to my attention about six months ago that some change may be beneficial, but I quickly dismissed those thoughts. However, they kept creeping in over and over and I couldn’t keep my mind off of them. This was when I knew it was time to step out of my comfort zone and make some changes.

It is said that with great risk comes great reward, and boy am I taking a huge risk. My anxiety level has been through the roof the closer I got to launch date, and I am still petrified that things won’t go as planned. However, no one ever said growth and change would be easy. With that being said, I am so pleased to announce my β€œnew” blog: Through Heather’s Looking Glass. If you remember ANY portion of this long post, I want you to remember one thing: I’m still me. I may have a new name and URL, but I am still Heather, I am still running with sass. You can even still call me that if you want. I have ZERO intention of changing who I am, or my writing style.

Ok, so why the change? Basically, I wanted my name to fit with what I was already doing. Yes, my blog name was Running With Sass, but I blogged a little about EVERYTHING from travel, to Disney, to my family, to motivation and my faith. However, I realized most people looking to read up on those other non-fitness topics were not very likely to come to a blog called β€œRunning With Sass”. I discovered I had unintentionally pigeon-holed myself and wanted the freedom to pursue a wider audience and more opportunities as I grow and change as a person.

Please note I will ALWAYS have a huge focus on running, health, and fitness. I have plenty of races on my calendar for the year, and don’t plan to take my focus off something that is such a huge part of my life. However, you may see a few more β€œsprinkles” of other things here and there on the blog. If all you want to read about is running, that is totally cool, no hard feelings. You can simply click the coral-colored word β€œrunning” up in my header and you will be taken to all of my running posts in chronological order.

So why Through Heather’s Looking Glass? The lovely Jen helped me come up with the name, and I love it. I still wanted to include β€œsass” somewhere in my tagline to never forget where I started. I think it all has a nice ring to it when said together. I wanted a name that was generic enough that I could blog about anything, but also gave a nod to Disney (Alice in Wonderland anyone?) which is a HUGE love of mine, and I also love the double meaning. This blog is the world according to me, how I see things through MY looking glass.

You can still type in β€œrunningwithsass.com” to get here, however I recommend getting used to the idea of either β€œheatherslookingglass.com” or β€œheatherslookingglass.com” (all three will redirect here). I will be changing over my names on Twitter, Facebook, etc. too so be on the lookout for that as well. I will also be updating some of my pages, but these things take lots of time. Take a look around, I hope you like the new look!

In closing, I would be lying if I didn’t say I was a little sad. I feel like Running With Sass has been my identity for over three years. WhenΒ I’veΒ had the opportunity to meet some of you, I typically don’t hear β€œlook it’s Heather!” It’s usually β€œlook it’s running with sass!” Even though this is the same blog with the same posts, it almost feels like I am saying goodbye to an old friend. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities RWS gave to me, but I also feel it would be foolish to not let the natural process of growth and change take place. I am also so excited about the future, and about where my new name could potentially take me. I hope you will stick around, it’s going to be quite the adventure!

Thank you all so much for your loyalty, understanding, and support. I wouldn’t be anywhere without you, my wonderful readers. <3

QOTD: So….thoughts?

* I couldn’t have done this without theΒ awesomenessΒ of Rita at Blog Genie. She was excellent to work with, highly recommended! I am forever grateful.

 

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Comments

  2. maggie says

    I. LOVE. IT! All of it. The look, the name, the content. It is gonna be great! πŸ™‚

  3. Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food says

    Love the new name and I especially love the meaning behind it! Like you said, you are just ‘renaming what you were already doing’ and I really think everyone will embrace it…and find that ‘sass’ that is such a part of you! πŸ™‚

  4. Larisa says

    I LOVE it! I am so excited about your new “baby”. Good luck and I know you will continue to grow and be an inspiration to us all. See ya in a couple weeks:)

  8. Cindy @runarelyrun says

    Wow, what a big moment for you! My blog is just a newborn, but the idea of changing it up would definitely scare me too. But you have such a loyal following and are a pro at this. I know only good will come of it. Like Pavement Runner said, we ain’t going anywhere πŸ™‚ Congrats!

  9. Hilary S says

    Sounds like a great way to evolve who you are!! I’m loving the new look and can’t wait to see more!

  10. Monica says

    I love it! I love the new name and the new look. I think it’s a really good move! Good for you for stepping outside your comfort zone πŸ™‚

  11. Lisa Jones says

    Congrats Heather! I think this is all great! I’m a total running addict and can’t even count how many running blogs I follow but with that being said there’s more to talk about than running. I think it’s great to broaden your audience. I think your new blog will be just as great and successful. Please let us know when we need to change over as I don’t want to miss out on your entries.

  12. Megan says

    I stumbled upon your blog a few weeks ago. I am a blooming runner and a Disney freak. I am very excited to see the changes of your blog and have no intention to quit reading! πŸ™‚

  18. Tempie @ The Texas Peach says

    Heather, I love the new look and blog name. I especially love the new tag line!

  19. Danielle says

    Hi Heather, love the new name and look! Congratulations on recognizing you may need a change and going for it, definitely not an easy thing to do!

  20. RunningBratt says

    I love it Heather! Change is not always easy, but this does seem more like growth than change. We come to the site to hear from you, and the name reflects that- us seeing through YOUR looking glass! Even though my blog is only about a month old, I already changed the name because I realized I didn’t want to focus on my past as an overweight kid, but rather I was more inspired to focus on my present and future. You have much more history with your blog, so I applaud your courage and foresight, and growth! Now…down the rabbit hole!!!

  22. meghan @ little girl in the big world says

    Congrats on the switch, Heather! I’ve actually been thinking of changing my blog to name to something more related to running, though I blog about other stuff as well. But your reasoning for this makes so much sense, and I can see what you mean about pigeon holing yourself into a running and fitness based audience. I think you made a great decision and I like the new name. πŸ˜€

  27. Mary Beth says

    I love reading your blog and I have been for almost a year now! I think the change is good and I can’t wait to continue to read your posts! Awesome job!!! πŸ™‚

  28. Lesley says

    Just remember the Lion King: “Change is good.” “Yeah, but it’s not easy.”

  29. Beth P says

    I love it! I recently started a new on and picked a name that I thought encompassed the 3 most important things to me. It’s slow to get followers, but I am enjoying it much more than my previous one. Glad I found another SPA sister to follow! I think your blog is great and look forward to reading more!

  30. Amanda says

    Congratulations ! I came across your blog through twitter, a few moths ago, when I was researching a runDisney event to attend. As a new your runner and getting my inspiration from watching a friend run his first marathon, your blog and down-to-earth way of relating everything has helped me continue on my goal of getting ready to run my first half. I’ll be continuing to follow your blog and thank you for the inspiration πŸ™‚ best of luck with the new name!

  32. Kim says

    Although I’m only a recent follower, I’m still looking forward to what you have to say. Change is good, albeit nerve wracking at times. Congrats for being brave and going with how you feel!

  33. Beth Barbara says

    I love the new name and look. I can understand the change. My name has definitely limited my reach. As always looking forward to reading more!

  35. Katy Widrick says

    LOVE LOVE LOVE.

    I changed my name a few years ago and it was the best thing I have done when it comes to blogging. It totally freed me to post what I want, when I wanted, and I just make sure that my mission statement grows with me.

  36. Marcia says

    All the best with this new chapter. It is scary to change, I know. I did the same thing with my blog over a year ago. You’ll be great!

  37. michelle says

    this is awesome!! i love the name and the tagline!! congrats on the big change and moving forward with something that you love πŸ™‚ hope to see you soon!!

  39. Angie S. says

    Listen, we love YOU, ok? Whatever you call your blog, you’re still Heather and you still got that sass, and as long as those two things are true there’s no need to be worried about a darn thing. Happy launch day!

  40. Katy says

    Congratulations! I signed up to get these “Notes from the Universe” every day, and I have one pinned on the wall of my office that says (originally sent to me around Christmas 2011):

    “Sometimes, Katy, instead of running from something scary in your life, it’s easier to learn not to be scared of it.

    Let it stay. Pull up a char. Share some eggnog.”

    You’ll continue to do great things. πŸ™‚

  41. FiddleDeeAshley says

    The new site looks wonderful! And it’s so important to make your space feel like YOU. Change is scary and it’s hard, but no one gets better by staying the same. Congratulations on your new space and I know it’ll be a great success!

  43. David Geddings says

    Congrats on the new name and direction. Good luck in breaking out of the comfort zone for a greater reward! You have an awesome blog, keep up the good work! Disney Rules!

  45. Abe says

    Heather, Congratulations on your new venture!! I’m sure it will take a little time to get use to but I wish all the best and can’t wait to be a part of the adventure.

    Abe

  46. Isadora says

    I love the new name change! I also love the new mobile format since I usually start my workday reading your blog on my phone. Makes it much easier to read not to mention the flow! Thanks!

  51. Emily says

    Love it!! Change is scary and hard – I’m facing a potential change right now and trying to come to grasp with it. It is comforting to see that others hate change as much as I do, yet still press forward, even though it is scary. Congrats on making the change!!

  52. Kristin @ My Mission Impossible says

    Congrats to you! The blog looks beautiful! I understand your struggle, I have been feeling the exact same way for the same reason for months now….Love health & fitness, but I do have other interests as well, just not the courage that you have thus far! Best of luck to you πŸ™‚

  56. Nicole G says

    I think it looks great, Heather! I have a feeling that your followers will still follow you, RWS or not! Looks like you’ve had a pretty positive reaction, so best of luck as you continue to move forward!

  57. Michelle says

    I think the new site looks great! Change is a good thing. Best of luck on this new adventure πŸ™‚

  62. Andrea says

    Change is so hard, but sometimes so good. I’m just glad you’re still blogging! πŸ™‚

  63. Jessica Goodman says

    I really like the new name. I just discovered your site just a few weeks ago so the change doesn’t bother me and I love reading about everything not just running.

  67. Jill Barnes says

    I love this! I too am not a huge fan of change but know your moving in the right direction. I look forward to continue reading along. -MRScrashmattb

  68. Frank@The Fat Runner says

    So THIS, was the big change! This is awesome. Love the name. Love the tag line. Love the look. Love everything! Just remember, next Princess Half, you have to dress as Merida because you are most certainly Brave.

  70. Pam says

    Love the new name and look to your blog. So glad you will still be highlighting running and Disney! πŸ™‚

  72. GiGi Eats Celebrities says

    Doesn’t RITA 100% ROCKKKKK!!!!! I had her transform my blog into what it currently is too. Seriously COULDN’T be happier and I am so pumped for you because I know what it feels like to feel like, “ok, now I feel good when logging into my blog and writing a post” – Get it girl! Looks GREAT and look forward to reading some posts from you!

  76. Kelly H Russo says

    When you are authentic and work hard you are successful! The new site looks amazing. Way to go!!

Trackbacks

  1. Still Running With Sass…

    I have thought about how I would word this post over and over for the past couple of months. Let me preface…

  4. […] Still Running With Sass is the post I wrote when I switched my blog name over earlier this month. It took me forever to write because I had so much I wanted to say! I was so afraid people wouldn’t like the change but everyone was so supportive. […]