When I first started this blog, I had no idea what to do or where to go with it. All I knew was that I felt better when I wrote shit down.
Here we are roughly 6 months later….
- I have taken blogging101
- writing101 came next
- then Photo101
- then Life got in the way
I became obsessive over completing Blogging101. See my history and you might understand why. I learned so much from this course. I was wicked new to blogging and I was learning stuff that a woman of my age should know. widgets, image widgets, feature, Know your audience, INSPIRATION…. COMMUNITY!!!!
I did not expect or have any clue that starting a blog came with such a fantastic community. I am very grateful I was led to WordPress. Yes Lily Pup you are to blame for that.
After Blogging101 came Writing101. I am proud to say I did well with this class. The obsession I had during Blogging101 was not present. Damnitall. I read a blog post recently where the writer talks about swearing, I’ve been swearing ever since. It is part of my Distinct Voice, which I also learned about in writing101. I learned so much more than I could have ever anticipated.
Writing 101 is where I received my first bit of criticism. Maybe it was Blogging 101? It truly does not matter now. The assignment was to write about your home. I requested constructive criticism and I got it. It basically said, “show me, Don’t tell me.” Funny how one of the very next assignments was “Show me, Don’t tell me.”
What a peaceful sounding place. I think I’ve told many people the same thing, but I want to tell you also: be more immersive in this writing. You have a lot of good description to work with, but I want to experience it through your eyes, not just through you telling me what is what. Instead of “The entrance to where I am is like a dirt road that leads you through a tunnel…” say “A road of dirt and rock leads you through a tunnel of beeches and oaks to a clearing…” or something like that. Does that make sense?
Then came Photo 101. Another great WordPress offering. I have yet to finish this course, but I have many great excuses. Life stuff took over for a while and I was unable to keep focused on learning about photography. I still have hopes to finish this class, but will do so in my own time.
I have also been unable to keep up with my weekly feature OTT. I have decided none of this matters. What matters is that Today, I am doing every thing in my power to be okay. My goal today and every day is to beat depression. When my head tells me I am better off staying in my pajamas, I get in my clothes and do something. When it tells me, “you don’t need a shower today”, I go out, get extra dirty, have fun doing it, and have no choice but to shower. When someone who counts asks me How I am, I tell them the truth. I have chosen to take the word “FINE” out of my vocabulary.
When my therapist suggested I leave little notes around my house that simply say “BREATHE”, I listened. Now my house has little notes everywhere reminding me to breathe. Breathing is such a simple thing to do, yet so very difficult when I need it most. I have also learned along the way that deep breathing helps with so much more than just anxiety. Provided I remember to do it. The more I do it the easier it is to remember. Everything takes practice.
So, take a minute. Stop. Just breathe. and don’t forget your blog
Duh. I almost forgot to mention what it was I may have figured out? If blogging has rules, I do not think I can follow them. I am okay with suggestions, but I don’t believe I have any hope with rules. It has been 6 months and I still do not know what this thing is about. I am okay with that.