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Hey guys, how are you all going?
Things are going to be changing around here. The finer details of it are still being worked out, but I want you all to still enjoy coming here and find something relevant, fun or interesting that will help you or inspire you. I've been doing lots of thinking lately and basically I've realised that I have a lot more to offer than what I'm currently doing on here. This change has been in the pipeline for a long time, and there are lots of wonderful people helping me, but now I'd like your help, if I may.
I'd be honoured if you'd answer the following questions:
1. Why do you read this blog?
2. What do you think is the most important thing I can help people with?
Please leave your thoughts in the comments. Thanks so much, I look forward to reading what you have to say :)
hey phil. i can't even remember how i first came across your blog but i did probably 6 months ago and enjoy it for a few reasons, including: that you're an australian (as am i, helps to create that initial connection ;)), your natural and conversational writing/blogging style, the inspirational story of how you lost weight and following your continued efforts in maintaining it. as someone who is trying to lose weight through healthier eating and exercise (and took up running recently as part of that), and someone who started a blog recently as part of this journey, i've found your posts both informative and encouraging. i really hope you keep it up!
ReplyDeletei can understand if you feel the weight-loss/healthy living/running aspects of your life are just a small side of the real you, and you don't want that to be all people read you for, but at least for me, that's more than enough and that's why i keep coming back :)
what's the important thing i think you can help people with ...? not sure, maybe how to deal with long-term weight-loss/maintenance through the ups and downs of life?
Thanks so much for your comment, another***dietgirl. This is just the sort of feedback I was hoping for.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, I do feel that the weight loss/healthy living is just one part of my life, there is a lot more to me than that. I have another blog where I talk about my writing and creative side, and I've been thinking of combining the two, as keeping up both of them is proving to be hard for me. But I don't know if people who read this blog would be interested in that - I know some people read both, others probably don't even know the other blog exists. So, I'm just curious to get people's thoughts.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! x
I like reading because I like you! I feel I can relate to your journey and enjoy your righting style :-)
ReplyDeleteHello :-)
ReplyDeleteWell, first of all I love the honesty of this blog. I love the fact that you don't hide away from your past and how you got to where you are now, and if anything that feeds into every post you write. I used to be overweight, too, yet I hide it from everything, and almost deny it was ever part of me; I find that, on occasion, this is my downfall - but I'm starting to realize that it's something I need to cherish as a lesson: that is, to me, the overriding message of your blog.
Secondly, the blog feels real, YOU seem real, which is something that many health/fitness blogs don't manage. As much as I am inspired by many of the things you write about, I also can't help but feel that we would get on well as friends in real life.
I've especially enjoyed your recipe posts (and marathon minestrone is now a staple in our kitchen!), and the posts exploring different aspects of health/fitness. I also think the race updates are brilliant. In a nutshell: keep up the good work! ;-)
I love reading what you have to say Phil, you write so well.
ReplyDeleteYou're always the first person I visit if I see a new entry on my reader (which isn't often enough!)
I think you could write about absolutely anything and it'd still be a pleasure to read.
It also reminds me that it's been far too long since we caught up... we must rectify that soon
p.s. i do actually read your other blog from time to time, but because i'm trying to make health/running/weight-loss a priority, i tend to concentrate on those sorts of blogs at the moment. however, i'm sure most ppl would stick with you and enjoy the variety if you combined the two :)
ReplyDeleteHi. I read both your blogs and find that the engaging style of writing as well as a mix of topics is what keeps me coming back.I do read other health style blogs because that is one of my interests but like you, and more than likely many of your readers, my interests span a wide range and if it was all mixed up together that would be equally nice. I've often wondered how you kept both up!
ReplyDeleteLaura, Catherine, Ali, Genki and another***dietgirl, thank you all very much. This is all really good helpful feedback (and very sweet too!)
ReplyDeleteI read your blog because you have such a positive outlook on things. Your perspective is fresh and you seem so approachable.
ReplyDeleteI'm constantly inspired by all you've done and everything you're working toward.
Hi Phil
ReplyDeleteI read both your blogs. I love the way you write.
Your blogs both inspire me and remind me to try & do & be the best I can. You have struck a balance in our life where you are doing what you want & doing things that fulfil you & you enjoy.
If you do have a bit of a rough patch, you get yourself back on track & everything back into perspective.
I used to read your blog back in the "old days" & the transformation from our old life to your new one is amazing & I hope you are very very proud of yourself.
Hi Phil
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for a good couple of years now (way before you left Australia). I am a weight watcher and that is the initial reason I started reading but I just love the way you write and I have also loved watching you grow as a person with your travel and writing etc. I read both blogs and wish the posts were more frequent (however I know how hard that must be to fit it all in). I think you can help people with your attitude towards healthy living. I am Australian and love hearing about your life in the UK.
Because you are clearly happy, you have made it so.
ReplyDeleteHey Phil,
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blogs for years, - prob since you just moved to Melbourne from Hobart!
Yours is always one of the first I surf when I have time because:
* I love your writing style, you are talented there
* You shared your journey and have overcome your issues with weight, fitness, health etc which is something I relate to
* You love travel, always produce great photos, experiences, interesting snippets and always look on the bright side.
* You are interesting, always up for new adventures which I find inspiring and I love how you document your experiences.
* You have blossomed from what reads like a quiet, more shy, awkward but brainy teen into a confident sassy adventurous adult!
* You take challenges along your way in your stride rather than give up!
I think you already help lots of people and love the way your blog is now but do understand that desire when you want to change the direction of your blog. I started a new blog which hopefully goes in a new direction myself a couple of months ago.
Think I will have to go and read your other blog now!
Pip :-)
Damn you Philippa!! Damn YOOOOOOUUU!
ReplyDeleteI have the song ch-ch-ch-changes in my head......(I shake fist)
xx
I read both your blogs as you bring sunshine into my life.
ReplyDeleteI have learnt about myself, challenged myself and stepped out of my comfort zone which I can honestly say inspired by words you had penned across the years.
Sadly, the running bug has not been caught by me!!
I adore your honestly. Proud to have you as a friend xx
So the message I'm getting is don't change much, we like things the way they are, but maybe just post a bit more often? Hmm.... :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Olivia Jane, Tracy, Katrina, Cil, Pip and Shona for your comments since I last checked in. I am really touched.
xx
I read your blog because of your voice, your wonderfully evolving story, and the fact that you are very inspirational, Phil!
ReplyDeleteI mean, I decided to get help with training for a half marathon (hopefully this year) when I read about you and the London Marathon! How much more inspirational can you get?
I have to say I only regularly read two personal blogs nowadays, and yours is one of them! And that's from someone who has read blogs for about a thousand years.
xx
Hi Phil,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog since you started way back... was it 04 or 05? Can't even remember. I was thrilled when I found the new incarnation of Skinny Latte, and then your other blog too.
Do you know why I keep coming back? (Although I never comment, sorry, I feel like cause I don't write a blog myself its unfair of me to comment when you don't have the opportunity to know anything about me!) I come back because you are just such a bloody lovely person who takes every step she can to make her own life what she wants it to be. In my own life, I don't really give a toss about healthy eating (although I do my best and have given some of your recipes a go) and I'm certainly never going to run a marathon - shin splints hurt something chronic - but I read your blog because you are a delightful, uplifting person and your writing is so engaging. I'd read anything that you wrote - please come out with your novel soon so I can buy it, and in the meantime whatever you want to write on here, please do and I will be thrilled to read it! I'm 24, about the same age you were when you started your journey, and it inspires me how much you have achieved and makes me think that it's possible for me to make my own life happen :)
Hi Phil
ReplyDeleteLike some of the other commenters above, I started reading your original Skinny Latte blog years ago and initially was so inspired by your success with your weight loss. However, once you reached your goal weight and underwent some major life changes I was absolutely hooked! You were always such a talented writer and you were going through so much at that point in your life that I loved following you along with all the ups and downs. Your candour at that point in time in such a public forum absolutely astounded me and it doesn't surprise me in the slightest to find out all that you've achieved since then - it was always obvious just what a strong woman you are. I still love reading your two current blogs, although since you asked(!) I'd love to read more of your reflective posts about your life adventures and personal growth. You're a natural storyteller and many of the posts you've (understandably) not included in this current incarnation of your blog resonated with me more powerfully than I can ever express to you - I can remember much of all that you were going through in vivid detail (evidence of just how much that time of your life resonated with me). Thank you for the wonderful work that you do, and have done for many years now!
Hi Phil,
ReplyDeleteI have been a follower of your blog from the very beginning. Your blog has always been a favorite of mine, and is always the first one I read!
I have always found this blog to be motivating, positive and inspirational. I think many people can relate to your story (myself included), and the way you continue to challenge yourself is admirable.
I follow your other blog too, which I also adore. I think I basically just love your writing. I love to read about your challenges and goals, your travels, your food and recipes, and your daily musings. Everything really! And sometimes, if I need a bit of motivation and inspiration, I will trawl through your archives and re-read your entries during your weight loss journey.
You are a fabulous writer, and a beautiful and happy person. You are honest, relatable and interesting.
No matter what changes you make to your blog, I will still be reading!
Kim x
Oh Samone, Miranda, Anon and Kim - I really am lost for words. I'm so happy that you like coming here and reading what I have to say. I really want to step things up a notch so I hope I can do you all proud :)
ReplyDeleteI've followed your blog for many years and it has been so inspirational to follow along. Your post on you tube is fantastic and I will be recommending that my small weight loss support group watch, so wonderful advice. Thank you, Glenys. Qld, Australia.
ReplyDeleteCheers Glenys, thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteGuys this is all really useful, thank you, please keep the feedback coming. xx
Hey Phil, I have been reading your blogs for years probably since you first started through all the ups and downs. I can be a bit behind but I eventually catch up. I now read both your blogs. I have always found them to be inspirational, packed with lots of useful information and really interesting. Sometimes just what I need to lift my day.
ReplyDeletePlease dont stop.
Julie
Thank you Julie x
ReplyDeleteHello Phil,
ReplyDeleteStarted reading when you moved to Melbourne then found you again in London running a marathon, and also a vegetarian! I read because you are lots of fun, so positive, love your life and your attitude, think your husband's blogs were also inspiring and fun. Everyone at work loves your recipes, one of the girls is a vegetarian, she says she loves the way you enjoy your food because sometimes she fells guilty loving cooking and eating. Thanks Phil, whats the other blog??