I am loving writing a bit each day. I am not particularly creative and talented like some bloggers. Believe me, this is no false modesty. I hope nobody can accuse me of conceit, but I have a healthy estimation of what I am and what I am not. I do attempt the occasional creative work – but the results are poor in comparison to the work of the great talents among our very lovely blogging community.
I am very well aware that there are some extraordinary writers and brilliant poets churning out delightful posts regularly, whereas my blogging is very much more based on things that are going on in my life, whether that be simple little conversations or major events. The writing prompts are helpful in directing my thoughts and I draw great inspiration from other bloggers to produce something read-worthy myself. Throw in how much fun I am having with the challenges and nominations.
Yup! I am enjoying blogging. I am enjoying reading other blogger’s work, I am enjoying the interaction between bloggers. I want to keep my oar in and remain involved with other bloggers – simply because it is fun and very enjoyable.
Image Credit: Lonely Planet
However, I want to talk to you about my behind. That’s right…my derriere, my bottom…whatever term you prefer. I started blogging around five and a half months ago, and I do believe that in that time my behind has started to expand somewhat. I am having to eat less to compensate for the time I allocate to sitting at my desk trying to create posts. But I feel I need to be outside in the fresh air more and be more active to regain my formerly pert derriere.
In addition, my sleeping habits have been effected. I am sometimes finding it hard to shut down WordPress because I am trying so hard to read all the wonderful posts out there which are displayed in my WordPress Reader. It seems like a never-ending mountain of posts to read. So at times I have had black sunken eyes after not achieving as much sleep as I need (and I admit since I received head injuries during the attack, I seem to need a lot more sleep). Twice this month I slept through my alarm and then when I woke up in shock at realizing I had to start work in 20 minutes, I was running around in panic like a headless chicken.
I have come to the conclusion that I need to be a bit more balanced in order to be able to sustain both my own blogging and my capacity to read, support, encourage all the talented writers who are also using this platform.
So, I am not going to wait until January…I am going to make a resolution now. I am going to draw up a schedule and I am determined to stick to it. At the moment all my paid work is done over three days in the week Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, So I am going to try to be content with a brief post if any at all on those days and I am going to severely restrict the time allotted to reading. So although I will briefly check in on those days, I must make giving my all to my employer my priority and not be exhausted because I have been reading so late.
The other four days of the week, well I juggle my own house work with voluntary projects and commitments. I also make the most of seeing friends (especially Goldfinch) at weekends. I want to be a bit more strict about making sure I am active on each of those days though. So I plan to have an early morning walk or jog depending on how much time I have available.
I am convinced this will be a wise step to help me to maintain a more balanced blogging routine. In addition, I have to admit, I am thinking of my own emotional state after Goldfinch has departed for Australia. I need to be outside in the fresh air. I need nature, I need beauty. I need to climb mountains, forge streams, follow rainbows, find new dreams. I need to live boldly. I need to boldly go on. I need to… what’s that phrase?…it’s on the tip of my tongue…
“I need to boldly go where no man has been before!”
I need to be immersed in life. Voyaging through this world of adventures. I need to set my sights on new horizons and reach out for them, I am enjoying blogging ever so much. But I fear that unless I take steps to establish a more balanced routine, all you are going to see on my site throughout the winter are dirges about losing my Goldfinch!
So…please don’t think I am going to disappear…just might be seeing and hearing a bit less of me – especially Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For the sake of my emotional state, for the sake of my complexion and bright eyes, and for the sake of my derriere. You do understand don’t you!
https://thehauntedwordsmith.wordpress.com/2018/10/15/daily-writing-challenge-15/
Have a great time out in the real world..those of us that live in cyberspace will still be here 🙂
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Thank you Teresa
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I can empathise. I started blogging in March and have noticed a big reduction in my exercise levels. Though it has been an overly hot Summer. Going for walks can clear the head and help with the thinking process which can help the blogging process. I find your blogs are very creative. Its hard to come up with subject matter and you do an excellent job of that. Good luck with your new regime.
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Thank you Len…
I think it will be a healthier, happier and hopefully more productive schedule – if I stick with it.
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Hey, you are so right. I am also spending a lot of my time catching up to my blogging community. The posts are numerous and even if you don’t check for a couple of hours, there are dozens on new posts in your reader. There should be strict schedule for reading and responding to the fellow bloggers and some time for writing. Good luck with your new resolutions. I am also going to do that. 😃
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We’re all going to be trying to get back into shape and publishing posts about how many inches we are losing! Or how many steps we walked since our last post!
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Yes, we will do that or die trying! To good health, good sleep and great blogging!
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You are doing just great. Just be yourself and have fun.
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Thank you 🙂
…just want to get my behind back in shape and make sure I am getting all the sleep I need. So easy to get carried away sometimes!
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We are all guilty of not appreciating ourselves just as we are. I know I sure am. 😉
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I could’ve written this very post! (I’ve been thinking the same thing!) I post every week or so on my personal website, but I also write for a women’s blogging community on everywomanblog.com twice a month. My next post submitted to them is titled “Weight It Out”, so my mind is in the same place. (It should be posted in the next couple of days.). My butt is not what it once was. Lol! You are making a good decision by making a schedule. Blogging is addictive for sure! Best wish on getting back your butt! I always look forward to reading all of your posts! (I’ve been awake at 3:00 a.m. reading them!). Thank you for what you did earlier for me today. You are amazing!
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It’s my absolute pleasure. I had lots of support from other bloggers pointing me writing prompts and other provisions like the Swimmers forum or blogging parties. They really are a great idea and a way to keep you in touch with other supportive bloggers.
You are so right, it can be so addictive, like anything we enjoy. But I am determined to establish a more balanced routine, otherwise I think there will come a point where I lose enjoyment.
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Good luck! I’ve never managed to stick to a schedule and sadly I find myself more productive writing late into the evening – hence I keep posting between 11 and 12 p.m.! I do take myself outside for research purposes though! 🙂
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My little abode is very secluded and I am worried that once Goldfinch has gone I am going to bury myself within the nest and hide away from the world outside. Whereas in someways that;s the time I will need to be out. There are so many huge green parks in this part of London, I am sure it will do me good to make more time to enjoy them and then come back and write a little post about everything I have seen.
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You know what? I love taking my laptop out and sitting in a coffee shop and writing, London is fab for that and I don’t explore it enough!
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I should probably do exactly that. I see others working away on their laptop in coffee shops.
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Starbucks and Costa have good Wifi – I’m sure other places do too, indeed, I know many pubs do because of working away from home (Premier Inns nearly always have a pub attached!). I tend to stick with the regulars as my laptop accepts their WiFi!
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Just don’t ‘advertise’ yourself in the window – I’ve seen clips of people having their laptop snatched – safety first, settle in towards the back of the place.
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Wise tip…thank you!
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