Let me start this post by acknowledging that I haven’t published a single blog post since March. I inadvertently gave myself a bit of a time-out. I’ve been working things out in my head in regards to this writing-out-loud thing called blogging. As an anxious people-pleasing overthinker, I imagine this will continue until the end of time.
I started writing what follows a few weeks ago.
Fun, for me at the moment, is working through the alphabet one little-post-that-may-never-see-the-light-of-day at a time. A self-assigned creative writing exercise, inspired by the “A to Z” blogging challenge. I’m just going at my own pace like the squirtoise I am, and purposefully not overthinking. Just going with the very first word that comes into this brain of mine, starting with the letter “A”.
I am curious, blogger and writing friends, do you also create writing challenges for yourself? If so, please share them with me in the comments!
The one thing that has always compelled me to write is because I find it to be so much fun. Stringing words together that capture how I’m feeling and what I’m thinking about tickles me. It’s a challenge for my brain that lights me up from the inside. And the possibility that someone out there in the universe (or blogosphere at least) might relate to the things I’m saying through my writing fuels me.
In tandem with my A-Z writing game, I’m working out (still, after 7 years of blogging) how important this blog is to me. I think I’ve been giving it more of my mental energy than is wise. When I factor in working (albeit part time), nurturing my personal relationships, taking care of our house and yard, and working on myself (remember, “Growth” is my WOTY and I’m sticking with it), blogging is not my highest priority. Not like it should ever be.
Now, this isn’t me saying “I quit!” by any means. It’s me challenging the rules I have put on myself as an amatuer writer with a blog. Examples: must I publish something every single week? If so, why? So, I may or may not publish something next week.
I leave you with a song that means a lot to me. It has spoken to me since the first time I heard it. As a 57 year-old here on planet Earth in the year 2024 who is perpetually searching for ways to bloom and grow, I find it very inspiring. I hope you do too!
Pollyanna's Path 
I love your WOTY! Growth is so good. And I love your sentence, “Stringing words together that capture how I’m feeling and what I’m thinking about tickles me. ” That’s great.
It strikes me F could also be for freedom. Freedom to blog whenever you want!
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Thanks, Wynne! I like that, “F is for freedom”. I granted that to myself and I’m glad I did.
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Dear Rhonda, I often think the exact same about spending too much time here over other things that would serve me well. I’m not sure if you follow The Spectacled Bean, but Ally has blogged for a long time, and recently she announced her summer hours. Two blogs a month. I’m liking that idea.
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It’s all about balance, isn’t it? I will be checking out Ally’s blog. I think I’ve seen her here and there in comments sections. 2 blogs per month? That’s something to consider.
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After five years, my blogging habits continue to ebb and flow. The one constant for me in retirement is I don’t want to engage in things that seem like work. This extends to other areas of life besides writing. I like to volunteer but on my terms. I still visit blogs most days, but I only write when I have something to get off my chest. I know some “blogging experts” recommend blogging on a specific day of the week or on a regular schedule. No thanks. That seems like going to work. I get pleasure from the writing itself and in interacting with others, but I’m not going to write some trite piece just to put something out. I’ve gone from writing approximately once ever week to once every month. No guilt at all.
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You understand what I’m talking about-I appreciate that! I’ve no doubt written trite-ish pieces in order to fulfill my rigid notions about blogging frequency. When I’m not writing something just for myself or even new blog posts, I try to read other blogs and comment because the social aspect of blogging holds a lot of value for me. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, man!
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Love this–and I totally follow the blog-when-ya-feel-it philosophy, myself! I’m also a late bloomer–love that song and video!–but really, what’s the fun of getting somewhere? I don’t even know what or where I want to be yet!
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I’m leaning more towards the blogging when I am feeling it these days as opposed to the stern voice in my head that demands I publish weekly. That is such a good point you make about getting somewhere-it’s the journey (a very overused word but it fits in this case), right? I always appreciate your comments, Rebecca!
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Gosh I connect with your thoughts, Rhonda. It’s really hard for me to be motivated to blog based on a schedule. Almost like I’m defiant…with myself – LOL! “Blogging when you’re feeling it” and finding the fun…always…seems like the way to go. Big hugs! 🥰
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Glad to hear I’m in good company. I’m such a work in progress. Thanks for commenting 🙂
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🥰❤️🥰
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I’m with you, Rhonda. I don’t stick to a schedule with blogging, but instead write when I feel like it. I was hoping people would share writing challenges in the comments, but I don’t see any yet. I might need to craft something like that to get me motivated when I need it…. and it could be fun!
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Thanks for commenting. I think I get too hung up on sticking with a schedule, and it takes some of the fun out of it. You’re right, I didn’t see any suggestions for creative writing exercises. For me, it’s important to have fun with the process and I hope going forward it shows up in my writing 🙂
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