One of the blogs in the personal development field that sticks to it’s name is ThinkSimpleNow.com run by Tina Su. In this interview, as a part of the AwakeBlogger Interview Series, I talk with Tina about her blog, her philosophy towards life and of course about personal and spiritual growth.
Photo of Tina from the Happy Birthday Post of Think Simple Now
Hi Tina, could you please give us a small introduction about yourself and how you came to blogging?
I am the Chief Happiness Officer at Think Simple Now – a highly practical blog on personal happiness and fulfillment. I wanted to meet others interested in personal development and wellbeing, so I started writing as a way to share life lessons I’ve learned, hopefully to connect with others who are also working on their own personal development.
It’s noticeable that you do pretty good on social media sites like digg, how do you manage this?
I have written about this topic in detail at problogger: From 0 to 2000+ Subscribers in 90 Days .
And how did you grow your blog in general?
There are so many factors, but the two main ones are:
- Obsession over content quality. Understanding my audience and giving them what they like. Keeping content quality and topics consistent to the brand.
- Networking with other people as much as possible – bloggers, social media users, readers.
Think Simple Now. What role do these three words play in your life?
Life really is simple, but we insist on making it complicated. Gaining clarity and a state of contentment is really simple, but we forget that when life becomes hectic. It’s a reminder to myself that I can be happy, right now, if I just calm my mind and consciously choose clarity, peace and bliss.
How have you applied the knowledge in your blog in your own life?
All articles on my blog get their inspiration from situations I’ve encountered in my own life.
Can you give a specific and notable example?
For example, the article How to Organize Mental Clutter gives a six step solution for managing mental clutter. The outlined six step is what I practice in my own life.
In your personal development, what would you consider your greatest learnings?
Whatever is happening to us, is the best possible thing for us, because it is happening right now. Look for the blessing in every situation. It’s there if you seek it.
How do you see the realationship between Personal Development and Spirituality?
I believe a big part of spirituality is the practice of being conscious in the moment. A big part of personal development is to bring awareness into how we live our lives. The practice of consciousness increases our awareness of the world. Thus, learning about spirituality helps advance our own personal development.
If you look back on your life so far, what were your most defining moment(s)?
- When I read "The Power of Now” – Understanding ego and its play in our state of mind, and state of wellbeing.
- Spending time with Lamas in Tibet for several weeks – I learned about love and compassion.
- Starting Think Simple Now on a whim – working on it and watching it grow has been deeply fulfilling for me.
In the post "Dream to Reality: How I Quit My Day Job " you write about how you gave up your day-job to turn your blogs into your work, as well. After this, how have things developed so far?
I’m still in the adjustment period as we speak. So far, it feels a little like summer school and everyday feels like a weekend. It’s a fantastic feeling knowing that I can choose what I do with my time, at all hours of the day.
If you could choose one article of your blog, which one would that be and why?
That’s a rough one. Choosing just one article is like selecting a favorite amongst your children.
How about I give you my favorite three?
- The Secret to Self Loving – Spending introspective time on our own is incredibly valuable in our personal growth.
- Train Your Eyes to See Color, Again – I just really love this article. It’s empowering.
- I’m Sorry, I Don’t Know, I Can’t … – Something I talk about often to people around me.
From which people have you learned the most or which people are kinds of role model for you?
My parents – who introduced me to the love of self improvement. Other influential authors and teachers include: Eckhart Tolle, Dan Millman, Tony Robbins, Swamiji Nithyananda, Deepak Chopra.
Anything you would like to add?
Please subscribe to Think Simple Now here . I’ll love you for it.
And if you’re on facebook, join our facebook group .
Thanks for your time.
Ladan on 
I’m off to check Tina’s blog out – I’ve heard of it, but never visited! Sounds awesome – thanks for the introduction.
Tina’s story is a true inspiration. Thanks for conducting this great interview with her. You asked some really good questions!
Rahul´s last blog post: Free Up Mental Energy by Objectifying Your Demons
Yes, regarding inspiration, I personally liked the article linked above “Dream to Reality: How I Quit My Day Job”, which shows courage and passion together :)
I really enjoy reading Tina’s site. She’s so young but full of wisdom. It’s great that her site is so successful, inspiring us all to take lessons from her!
Evelyn Lim´s last blog post: 10 Signs Of A Fake Psychic
I just wanted to say I like your blog, I think it looks great.
Hi Allison, nice to hear, thanks :)
Great interview with Tina. Her content is fantastic! Thanks for sharing this interview Myrko.
Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
Vincent´s last blog post: The Secret About Getting Others To Agree With You
Great interview Myrko, I’m amazed at how quickly Tina was able to build up her blog. Over 10,000 subscribers on her site now, great achievement.
Hi Vincent, hi Tattoo Ideas – right, it’s inspirational and one reason to do the interview.
Thanks for stopping by :)
Tina, you have such beautiful, warm, and loving energy! It’s such a treat to hear from you and bask in your glow!
Ariel´s last blog post: How To Get Enlightened
Great interview with Tina. Her content is fantastic! Thanks for sharing this interview Myrko.
Very thoughtfull post on
Interview with Tina from ThinkSimpleNow. It should be very much helpfull
Thanks,
Karim – Positive thinking
Eat anything. Now I have to control my intake of certain things. But at least now I’m grateful I can walk, see, smell, hear, and just depend only on myself.
I’ve learned that we are all really good people, and that deep down, we all want the same thing – to be happy. But somehow along the path of life, our vision becomes fogged, causing us to live in a reaction mode to the never-ending demands, and we lose touch with the knowingness that life is about Joy.
Why does EW insist on forcing The Insufferable One down our throats? Will we ever be free of this painfully unfunny performer?
Great interview. I really like her approach to life and it’s similar to what I believe too. Happiness is a choice, and everyone has the choice. If one chooses to keep depressing over something, it’s their choice but they can choose to focus on other more positive things also and be happier.