Wednesday, September 7, 2011

an identity crisis

About two weeks ago, I lost danielleabroad.com. In the days thereafter, I tried not to focus on the "why" or the "how". Doing so was neither productive nor did it make me feel any better. But I couldn't help but dwell on the "what now?!" 
For as much as I don't believe I'm defined by my blog, it was hard to imagine my life without it. Dramatic but true. From new friends to writing opportunities to emotional support, blogging has enriched my life in seemingly countless ways. And I was so not ready to stop. 
So, I decided I wouldn't. I would buy a new URL, transfer my content, and continue blogging. It was easy and complicated as that. Then someone suggested I look at this unfortunate situation as an opportunity to re-brand myself.
I considered the possibility for quite some time, but in the end, I couldn't let go of "danielle abroad." Sure, I'm no longer living abroad, and these days, international travel is less than frequent, but those 340 days spent in South America and Europe will forever represent a significant part of my being. I really mean that. I doubt I'd be able to appreciate adventure, food, language, art, culture, geography, health, friendship, even my own life had I not traveled as much as I have. 


"Danielle" may now separate from "abroad" (danielle-abroad.com) but we'll always be linked.  Who's to say I won't live abroad again sometime soon anyway? ;)

8 comments:

  1. I feel really stupid that I missed the URL issue... what happened?!

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  2. i heart you.

    we will always be here reading.. dash or no dash!

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  3. I'm sorry that this whole situation has been so stressful and crappy. I just read your email and I can hardly believe it! I'm going to check up on my domain situation as a precaution...

    I'm liking the new URL and don't worry - your readers will keep coming back for more :)

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  4. Gaaaaaaahhhh. That's awful :( Glad you got it sorted out though!

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  5. You are so a traveler at heart! Well, so good at it!! I like to travel, but I wouldn't say I am "good" at it....

    Yay for getting things worked out and have fun settling into your new domain!

    I will always be a loyal reader!

    love you so!
    come visit me again soooooooon

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  6. VeggieGirl: Emailing you!

    Sana: Thank you, dear :)

    Tropical Eats: Ah, you're wonderful.

    Megan (The Runner's Kitchen): Thanks so much for the support.

    Sagan: Thank you.

    glidingcalm: I will visit you as soon as I'm able! Thanks for being such a great friend.

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  7. You are so adorable and I am so glad you're not leaving us!

    I completely, completely agree that my experience abroad changed my entire outlook on friendships, travel, culture, art and so much more. I can hardly remember the times of exhaustion and stress because I truly had such an amazing time those four months away.

    Keep on keepin' on girl! It looks like you had an incredible summer and I can't wait to see where fall takes you. I can only hope my post-grad life is just as amazing!

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  8. alovelyglass: Aw, you're the sweetest. I'm glad you understand and thank you so much for the encouragement!

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