Friday, July 22, 2011

More Weekend Inspiration

I had a much better week this week than last, and managed to make it through without falling on anything, or getting into any altercations with angry stinging insects.  It was also a much more productive week, and I felt like I actually made some progress on various writing-related matters. It's kind of amazing how just a small amount of progress can make you feel like you're finally getting yourself back on track. 

I didn't have a great deal of time to devote to the A to Z Visitors Hop this week, but I did make it to a few sites. Of the sites I did visit, the majority were either shut down or hadn't been updated in months, so I didn't really find any new blogs to highlight on this week's hop.

This made me think of my own blogging experience though, and the fact that I am more than a little amazed that I am still blogging on a regular basis. To say that I have a history of trying things only to quit before I even gave them a chance is an understatement. And I admit, when I was first blogging back in January and February, there were plenty of times I thought, this is not for me, I'm not comfortable with this, I hate it, etc.  

Quitting would have been a familiar and all too easy choice, and I can't say enough how glad I am that I didn't revert to my usual pattern. Seven months in, and I can't imagine giving up the blog. I'm thrilled that I have met so many great people and learned so much along the way, and I now look forward to opening up my dashboard (when Google is cooperating!) and checking in to see what's new with my blogging buddies.  

For the record, I do not mean this to be critical of any of the blogs I came upon that had not been updated or were defunct. Hopping through them just made me think about my own blogging experience, and how many times I thought about taking the blog down. I couldn't help but relate this experience to my writing journey as well. There have been plenty of times I've thought I should quit that, in spite of the fact that I've barely started it. 

I'm glad that I haven't done that, and I don't intend to any time soon. As I thought about the week, I was reminded of this quote from one of my favorite books, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott.

Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don't give up. ~ Anne Lamott

Whatever you're hoping and waiting for, whether or not it is writing-related, I hope you don't give up.  

15 comments:

  1. I agree with you. There are so many times that something happens and we just want to give up, I have had quite a few days like that lately. Luckily my blogging friends always pull me through, so I am happy you didn't quit and that you are still going strong.

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  2. Oh, I know what you mean, Julie. If I didn't know so many great people in the blogosphere, there are days I think I might just shut it all down and go eat ice cream. I often feel accountable to the people I've come to know online, like I'll let them down if I don't keep writing. Probably a good thing.

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  3. In my life there have been times I've felt like giving up but I've soldiered on and I like to think I;m a better person for it,

    Have a lovely week-end.
    Yvonne.

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  4. The great thing about blogging is that if you really love writing--you'll always find something to blog about. Plus, bloggers are a great network of supportive friends--if you decide to take a month long hiatus, for instance, you know your readers will still be there waiting for you.
    nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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  5. I think all blogs get started with the best intentions, but it's a whole lot harder than I thought to be a consistent blogger. I always like it when people start up a weekly feature (like your Travels with Clancy) because it gives me something to look forward to as a reader, and I think it helps motivate the blogger.

    Have a great weekend!

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  6. I'm still in a state of wonder that I'm regularly blogging after a year. Whenever I get disillusioned (which is quite often) I try to remember something I read very early on - "blog for an audience of one - yourself" it went on to say that any visitor is a bonus. Often when I get really disillusioned someone drops in and comments - always a buzz! but I now accept that I mainly blog for myself, and love the creativity, discipline and challenge. Sue

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  7. Hi Julie .. thanks for following - I eventually got here. I love your slide rule with grass and flowers for your ticker tape counter .. clever!

    It's amazing how blogging grabs you .. and how many amazing people we meet in the process.

    Good to see you - and look forward to the next time - Hilary

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  8. Hi Julie, thanks so much for stopping by my blog and following. Even during April I found that many of the people who had signed up were not active, even at that time. I moved back to my hometown a few months ago and didn't have dsl for quite a while, so mine may have been one of those blogs you visited. In case it was, I'm Back! And would love for you to stop by again.

    Happy Saturday, that rebel, Olivia

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  9. @Murees, I'm sorry you have had some lousy days lately, so glad your friends pulled you through!

    @Karen, oh, I'm sorry you had a rough week. We definitely share the same MO! I'm glad you are sticking with it as well. :)

    @LG, I had to laugh about going and eating ice cream LOL. That's a good point about feeling accountable, one of the many benefits of blogging, no doubt.

    @Yvonne, I know you have been going through some tough times, I'm so glad you soldier on! I hope you are having a nice weekend as well.

    @nutschell, that's so true! I know some bloggers have taken a hiatus of a week or a month and then I'm always happy to see them back. :)

    @Kendal, thanks about the Travels, I appreciate it! I know what you mean, it's harder than I thought it would be too. That's one of the reasons I thought I would try the Travels, to try to be more consistent. I hope you're having a great weekend too!

    Sue, that's great advice, I need to remember that! It is a great challenge, I agree.

    @Hilary, thanks so much for coming by! I look forward to next time on your blog as well.

    @Olivia, thanks so much for coming by. Yeah, the blogs I saw this week, most had not been updated since before April, the bloggers had signed up but for whatever reason hadn't participated in the Challenge. It's great to meet you, I'll definitely be stopping by again! :)

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  10. Hello! I am now a follower of your blog too! WOW - you have some great stuff on here. So glad you haven't stopped blogging. You obviously have great things to do! Can't wait to see what you have for the future!

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  11. What a nice message. Anne Lamott is my favorite author too.
    My first 8 months of blogging were pretty discouraging. Now, I can't imagine my life without blogging.
    Be well.
    xoRobyn

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  12. There are many days when the last thing I want to do is write anything. Then someone sends me a message out of the blue and the energy returns.

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  13. It is all about the showing up, which I am struggling to do lately. Sorry trying to catch up. Hang in there :)
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  14. @Abby, hello! And thanks so much, I'm so glad you like the blog. :)

    @Robyn, I totally relate about the blogging, that is how I feel as well. Thanks.

    @Giggles, agree completely!

    @Jules, I'm so sorry you are struggling, I know you have a lot going on. Take care and hang in there.

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