WHY I'M SETTING MYSELF A 30 DAY BLOGGING CHALLENGE!

In my last post I spoke about distractions and how Facebook can take me away from things I want to do. Don't get me wrong!  It also provides a network of groups, friends, and opportunities that I would not want to be without! Spending time on Facebook can be like having my closest friends in the same room, but it's all about balance.  Sometimes I get frustrated with myself because I aimlessly witter time away that I could be spending with friends (real or online), creating, or doing other things that I enjoy. It's like the times I have got on the wrong train or driven past my exit on a motorway and need to retrace my journey to be somewhere I want to be.  A little more thought or planning can prevent these diversions, and so it is for me....

And another diversion is when I have things to do that are difficult or I would rather delay or avoid. I came home from my holiday knowing I had things like insurances, tax, and other mundane but essential things to organise. I'm also trying to develop my creative ideas: to organise more workshops, exhibitions and to get myself out there more. It all takes time and sometimes these things overwhelm and drain me. But I overcome these hurdles, I did what I needed to do, and have turned a corner.  Yay!! 

So what did I do?

1.  I put on my big girl knickers and kept going!

Even when I didn't want to. 
BUT I was gentle with myself.  I told myself that obstacles are not meant to deflate or stop us - and that once I have done these things I will feel a sense of achievement and relief.
And I do!  Insurances and tax are sorted. I have moved on!

2. I reached out to others.

I recognised that I am not the only one struggling with these things and that advice, support, and experience of others can be helpful  what is needed. A warm understanding smile helps too!

I made appointments to get help with starting a small business as I want to take more steps.

I joined a local woman's business group and attended my first meeting.

This led to an invitation to a one day local seminar - my ticket is booked!

This also led to me discovering the 30 day Blogging Challenge. I couldn't believe how well this fits with my plan to refocus and reconnect!!
Do you believe in synchronicity?  I do!!
In my last post I said I would think about how to do this. I didn't need to, because the idea presented itself, so I have signed up! It will keep me accountable and on track. Let me pause here... I do not plan to get overwhelmed or whip myself into action! No! If I miss a day or something interferes, that's okay. I do not strive for perfection or accolade, I simply want to have focus and enjoy this experience. And coming back to my previous post again and things learned and said, I plan to spend more time visiting blogs and I will be leaving a comment because it is good to give as well as receive. 

Which brings me back to 'Why I'm Setting Myself a 30 Day Blog Challenge'.  Bare with me.... 
I had an email this morning from my blog-friend Sian Fair, (I am linking this particular post as it is relevant to what I am talking about, but do check out her other posts too!!) Anyway, Sian warned me not to go to Pinterest and another friend said that she looses hours there!  Both these  were in response to me saying how much time I waste on Facebook. And I had a light bulb moment because I love Pinterest but I am drawn to Facebook because it provides interaction with others.  I comment and may get a response. It is a two way thing. Pinterest and other social media platforms are less engaging in this respect. And the richest and most engaging connections for me often happen through blogging. Like Facebook, the interaction with others is important. So that's why I am setting myself this challenge. To readdress the balance. 30 days should get be back into a routine that I can continue and I am looking forward to reconnecting with blog friends and making some new. And here is more synchronicity!  Yesterday Julie Cameron wrote about about finding balance between social media and creativity.  The 'inflow' and 'outflow' as she calls it. Everything seems to be pointing to the same direction. 

3. And there is more!  
I also contacted a local artist-friend because I decided to try and increase my connections.  So this week I went to my first Knit and Natter. It is held in a lovely tea room and I found myself in good company and meeting others who not only knit but blog and love the same things I do.  Why didn't I make more effort to meet before?!!! 
But I guess everything has it's time and place and for me that time is now.

But that's not all.  This connection also led on to me being invited to join a local art group. I went to my first meeting last night and what a wonderful group of people I have met! Already there are talks of possible workshops, exhibitions and events that I can be part of. Exciting times ahead!! 

It's funny how the universe sometimes gives you what you need and everything pulls together. This time last week I was overwhelmed and frustrated. Sometimes we have to be proactive and trust that all will come right. 

Once again I have waffled, said too much more than usual and wonder how many of you have read to the end. If you are still with me thank
you!! And I'd also like to say a big thank you to those who left such long and thought provoking comments on my last post. I was blown away by the response and it gave me to confidence to write again with authenticity and intuition. But don't worry over the next 30 days I will be back to my usual sharing of photos, latest creations, and news. Some of these are already planned but I don't know what things are in store as part of this blogging challenge so watch this space!  I am on an exciting journey!  Which reminds me, my one-word for this year is TRAVEL. How apt!!

I mentioned how the universe sometimes gives you what you need. Well, as part of the 30 day Blogging Challenge I visited two posts written by others who are taking part. I didn't spend time looking - these were both recent posts that looked worth visiting.
Amazing then that they should connect so strongly with me! I thought I would share links and I will try to set up a Pinterest board  which is a learning curve for me. I know some of you are doing Julie's 300 comments in 30 days challenge and are also visiting new blogs so I hope these will be of interest. 

If you like photography or finding ways to take time out you may like this.

In this and my previous post I have written much about feeling overwhelmed and feeling distracted. Funny that the second blog I visited addressed these issues spot on!!  You can see them here and here.   

By the way, let me know if you sign up for the 30 day Blogging Challenge!!  Thanks for popping by, I'll be back tomorrow.

BLOGGING - WHAT'S THE POINT?

I belong to an increasing number of Facebook groups and recognise that I am spending more time and more time there.  So much time that I loose hours every day.  Time that once I would have spent visiting blogs. Strange that something that was such an important part of my day has become overshadowed.... 

I have also questioned the purpose of my own blog posts.  Anyone who blogs will know it can take hours to put a post together. And I mean hours! Do I want to spend so much time doing this when there are so many other things I want to do?  So I asked myself:

'Blogging - what's the point?'

And what's interesting is that right on cue, my online friend Julie wrote a very thought provoking post.  It made me think more about blogging and What is the point?  Well, here's some of the answers I came up with relating to my own experience:

ONE:
Why blog?
Well, first I love connecting with other people and I am blessed with some wonderful friends and family.  But they don't always share my interest or 'get' what I do. It can be frustrating or disappointing to have something exciting/other to share and no one (who understands or appreciates what is involved) to share it with.  But when I signed up for my first online course which led me to start a blog I soon discovered that there are people out there like me!!  Yes, really!!  Others who get excited by all the things I do and love.  So not only do I have a connection but I also get to learn new things and pick up new ideas, because blogging is interactive and others share too. It can be really exciting and enjoyable as well as having a purpose. 
 
What to blog about?
That is a question I often ask myself.  I have lots of diverse interests and love taking photos and living a creative life.  But I also love nature, reading/books, exploring new places in my campervan, learning new things, spending time with friends and family, food and anything to do with it.... I could go on but you get the picture!  I don't want a blog that solely focuses on one of these and when I think about the blogs I most enjoy reading they have a common theme. They encompass different parts of that persons life and so you get to know them as an individual. And that's what I want too.
A sharing of ME!
And while I know some posts may hold more interest than others I hope there is enough balance to invite visitors and followers of my blog to return.
 
TWO:

Over time I have developed a connection with friends and blogs that I follow regularly.  A casual comment can lead to conversation and more, and this year 'more' was meeting three people I got to know through blogging.  First there was Bernice when I visited Coventry and again when she invited me to stay with her, then Eileen when I visited Wiltshire, and more recently, Helena.  We had a wild and windy walk along the Firth of Forth and it was wonderful to see the spots where Helena takes photos to post on her blog. They already felt familiar!

THREE:
For me, visiting a blog is sometimes like popping into a friend for coffee and a chat. You never know how you will feel when you leave, though sometimes that friend may have a wicked sense of humour and there's a good chance you will go away with tears in your eyes and an aching belly!  Other times I visit a blog and find myself buzzing with new ideas that can lead on to other things, or read a post that leaves me thoughtful, happy, or sad. Because sometimes difficult times might be shared and I respect those who can write from their heart and get a balance of 'real' life and its ups and downs. It makes me feel more connected with a person, and that's the difference between some 'professional' bloggers who make an effort to have everything perfect. Don't get me wrong! Staged photos, good presentation and well written posts are to be admired but I want to be able to relate to the person - not feel that we are worlds apart.


FOUR:
I do not blog in order to gain recognition and any comments left are icing on the cake. No - more than that.  They can leave me with a big smile, the feeling that I had had a big hug, or a visit from a dear friend. Never under estimate the meaning of a few words thoughtfully left.... which is why I feel sad that I have neglected my own role in this. Interestingly when Julie wrote about comments (yes, I make no apology for mentioning Julie again!) it unravelled a lot of interesting discussion. And I recognised my own pattern:

1. Technology. 
I sometimes use my mobile to read blogs but leaving a comment is sometimes challenging or s-o time consuming.  Sometimes I just give up or just leave brief words, but that doesn't satisfy me and sometimes I decide to revisit when I am on the computer. I may forget, not have time, and so the reasons roll.....
2. Lack of time.
I have been preoccupied by other things (mundane chores/life necessities), and Facebook. I have increased connections and 'business' networks, arranged to run book making workshops and demonstrations at local events. There have been meetings and formalities because creating a life you love takes effort and time. And Facebook. 
3. Time doing other things.
I have read, walked, spent time in my campervan, blogged, developed new ideas and planned workshops, visited places of interest, got out my crochet, enjoyed lots of creative time and the company of others, made attempts at de-cluttering and organising, learned new things,
been sailing, to workshops and residentials, and I enjoyed the summer and break from my routine.

I And what I learned through all this is that there are only 24
hours in a day and how I spend them is important. I want to create regular time to visit blogs like I used to. Not because I want to increase my own following or number of comments left but because I have developed a addiction bad habit of wasting spending too much time on Facebook and I want to address the balance. But knowing this and doing something about it are different things so I am taking Julie's example and setting myself a challenge. I will be back with details once I have decided on a plan. 

Meanwhile I know I have waffled, rambled, and gone on but these thoughts have been waiting patiently to be released. If you are still with me to the end, thank you!  Yes!  A big thank you! I am taking the helm and steering a new course!