It feels like all I've done for the last five years as an editor is update my website. However, I have a really really good reason for it this time. Really really. Hear me out...

For about a year, my previous website did a great job, but I feel I outgrew quickly.

I didn't admit to it straight away, of course. I hired a branding consultant in mid-2016 and she made me see that, for all my tell-it-like-it-is writing, I was hiding.

Hiding in plain sight, but still hiding.

The words were there, but the overall feel wasn't matching the ooomph of what I had to say.

My branding consultant had met me in real life and knew I was bolder, braver and brighter than I was portraying on my site.

You couldn't tell what I stood for, what I was about, or who I am. Yes, you could build a picture gradually, if you decided to read everything I've ever written.

But at a glance? Not a chance. I sure wasn't passing the first-impression test.

That first professionally designed site was spot on at the time. I mean, I asked the designer for something friendly, approachable, caring. And that's what I got...

It's safe. Caring, yet careful too. And is it expressive? Hell no! Daring? Hmm... not so much. And I stand for daring, expression, and a whole bunch of other things that are nothing to do with friendliness, approachability or caution. So I had to set to work.

No shock to learn that my social conditioning was shining through.

So goodbye Little Miss Nicey-Nice.

In no particular order, here's what I truly stand for.

// OUR VALUES //

Expression

... because we are wired to share our lived experiences and we all should feel free to speak. The more we connect through our commonalities and our differences, the more valued we feel. You are never alone. Expression is essential for the soul.

Daring

...to be different, to put it out there, to be fully yourself, to own your story, to have the drive and determination to take action and a desire to raise your voice. Cartwheeling out of your comfort zone is what makes you feel alive.

Freedom

... which underpins everything. Giving people choice is what it all comes down to for me. Freedom to voice your truth. Freedom to be who you are. Freedom to live your life out loud, or quietly. Freedom from others' expectations and obligations. Freedom to please yourself.

Enthusiasm

...because life is always better when you see the opportunity first, and bring a bright smile to every idea. And because enough people will say no, you'll always get a yes from my corner. Let's find a way to make it happen.

Individuality

...in the sense that nobody can tell your story your way. Around here, I celebrate uniqueness. There may be no original ideas, but there are novel and creative ways to explain them. Let no-one tell you that you're not allowed to have your own opinion, write your own rules, and smash that mould to smithereens.

So, that's what you can expect from Kris Emery Editorial.

Not friendliness for the sake of being liked.

But enthusiasm and expression, because those traits are cellular level for me. Freedom, individuality and drive, because they are baked into my bones.

So I culled half my blog content, rewrote a bunch of articles, wiped 58 posts from my site, and declared my previous branding dead.

It's time to get braver, bolder and brighter with a new look inspired by beautiful sub-tropical South-East Queensland.

What do you think?