Most of us believe life is about the journey, not the destination. It’s easy for serious bloggers to allow the desire for recognition, fame, and generating an income get in the way of living in the present moment. Health, relationships, and joy are diminished or lost.
I’ve had several major changes occur in my life over the last three months. I guest post, post, comment, and write less as I take care of personal needs and responsibilities. There is a price to pay either way.
I decided I need to pay attention to my personal life. My consequences are that the progression and development of my blog and online business has slowed down.
I know I’m doing what is best for me. However, it doesn’t mean I’m always at peace over my decision.
The nature of blogging is change. What I learned yesterday will be replaced by a better or bigger idea tomorrow. What I wrote yesterday will be overshadowed by a better or bigger creative writer tomorrow.
Like my life offline, there will always be people who are more successful or less successful than me.
Due to continuous change, any success I achieve online is fleeting if I don’t spend more time, more work, time and energy maintaining that new status. In the blogosphere, it’s not easy to live in present moment, to enjoy the journey.
As soon as I experience success, my ego moves the line. That’s how Jacob Glass describes it. We’re never satisfied.
What keeps me going?
My purpose. My message. The challenge. The future. My desire to help. My hope to monetize my blog. Truthfully, not always in that order.
“There is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”
–Winnie the Pooh
I don’t want to live with worry and anxiety that come from, “not having, being or doing enough.”
My plan is to enjoy my journey, create boundaries, and allow myself to go at my own pace and do what’s right for me. I’m only in trouble if I compare myself to others. When I compare myself to other’s I cause my own pain and frustration.
What keeps me going?
The constant flow of people I meet from all over the world. Some I’ve met in person. Some I never will. Most I’ll never forget.
Remarkablogger suggested bloggers create a blog pack back in 2008. It's easier to grow when you have a group of buddies that consistently support each other. I joined a pack in late 2009, after one year, the pack naturally dissolved. It was a great learning experience and we remain supportive friends.
I think about creating or joining new group.
Recently, the following people have helped me. I would like to give a shout out to these bold and beautiful bloggers. They have surprised, helped, motivated, and inspired me.
I plan on creating a hit list every week.
On my "hit list" today are:
Lori Franklin, from Jane Be Nimble, and I became great friends last year. We’re both former farm girls that love laughter, exercise and nature. She has a brilliant mind and a generous heart. Lori has explained technical stuff I don’t understand and never will. Yes I said never. I think we were sisters in another life time!
Caroline Manrique, from No Wordz photography, is beyond awesome! Her posts are raw and honest. Her photos are breathtaking. She speaks her truth and bares her soul. Caroline did a photo shoot and created my header last year. I’m using her photos in a current project and it’s going to be flippin’ fabulous.
Lance Ekum, from Jungle of Life, understands my ADHD and crazy personality. He’s gotten me out of a fix more than once. Lance doesn’t leave comments on your blog, he writes love notes that touch your soul.
Barrie Davenport, from Live Bold and Bloom, invited me to write for The Daily Brainstorm last fall. Her writing is creative, thorough and well researched. She has three teenagers and a drive for helping others find and live their passion. Barrie lives in Georgia close to my daughter. I plan on meeting her this spring when I visit.
Barrie is relaunching, Discover Your Passion, a step by step course for creating the life of your dreams on Valentines Day with a new e-book and eight fabulous bonuses.
Farnoosh Brock, from Prolific Living, has a love for the English language. Her and care and concern for others, led her to contact me about an error in one of my posts. Within 10 minutes, she found two more improvements, I received two more emails.
Farnoosh is an affiliate for AWeber (email marketing software). I signed up for the service through her blog. She immediately contacted me and offered to give me an hour of her time, no charge. Because of her help, I’m sailing through the process in record time!
When you make an effort to purchase products from friends and fellow bloggers, they take notice. By doing so, you validate their work.
I’ve had friends hire me as a coach and purchase my book, “Flying by the Seat of My Soul.” I can tell you the names and blogs of each one. Purchase products and services from friends and colleagues. Offer to give a testimonial.
Blogging is all about helping and sharing. Most of us claim that’s the reason we blog.
I met Mary & Leo last fall in San Francisco after becoming a member of the A-list Blogger Club. I have few regrets in life and one is not joining earlier than I did. You don’t have to be a beginner to join.
The benefits I continue to receive go beyond what I could’ve imagined or expected. For as little as 20 bucks, a month, I get the best help available and found a new community that feels like family.
Andrea DeBell, from Brite-Talk works for the Deepak Chopra Center. I met her in San Francisco as well. We both have a common love for “A Course In Miracles” and immediately connected through laughter.
In a past post, she wrote about the benefits of meditation. She mentioned, Deepak’s acronym, RPM which means rise, pee and meditate. I recently began meditating again.
I can’t possibly acknowledge every blogger I consider a support and friend. There are too many. Know I appreciate all of you. I have to start somewhere and these are the people on my mind today.
Please join The Bold Life for free and receive my free ebook, How to Be Bold. Please share this post with a Tweet and a Like.
This course will show you how to face and erase fear in any difficult situation you face.
Go beyond doubt, excuses and worries Positively anticpate your future Find meaning, happiness and success
Click here to learn more!
How to Be Bold
Get Over Your Fear and
On With Your Life!
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Tess,
I have been wondering what you have been up to and I relate so closely to: When I compare myself to other’s I cause my own pain and frustration. How true is that. in 2011 I am practicing more love for me and I now do meditate every day, it make a big difference to my life. Let me know if you so start a blog pack
Enjoy the journey
Love
Suzie
Suzie Cheel´s last post…Monday Inspiration- Friendship
Hi Tess
This is another one of your beautiful and authentic, straight from the heart posts. And you know what is funny… I just said to Markus today that it took me 3 years to know what I want, and feel really comfortable with “blogging”. It isn’t that I have it all figured out, but it took me that long to truly detach (I am sure I am not at 100%, but close to it) from any and all outcomes….
Like you the feeling of taking care of all of our priorities, life and living always comes first, and getting lost in the shuffle and bustle of the “More” or “go, go, go” mentality has no appeal. Thus I love all that you wrote, because I feel so connected to it, I feel like I understand you completely.
You are always my inspiration and reminder, of having enough and being enough
Thank you for that!!!
Evita´s last post…CWSS- What Are Some Ways to Feel & See Our Spirit Guides
What a truly lovely post Tess. When you said, “I’m only in trouble when I compare myself to others”, I almost cried. What you said spoke volumes to me. Every time I wanted to quit, it was a result of comparing myself to others. I think your plan sounds perfect … enjoy the journey, work at your own pace and create boundaries.
I haven’t quit because this IS a journey. I wasn’t born to be a blogger but it has become a perfect platform — for today — to share, to inspire, to connect and to explore my own thoughts. Who knew how remarkable the journey would be? I didn’t. BUT … I would never sacrifice what’s important to me for the sake of blogging.
What a perfect time and place to take moment and thank those that have supported you. That’s more inspirational than you may realize. I’m looking forward to exploring your friend’s blogs. Some I am already familiar with. Thank you!
~Theresa
Theresa Bradley-Banta´s last post…What I Didn’t Know One Year Ago Today
Hi Tess,
It’s ok, and good, to take care of yourself when you need to. After all, its hard to give your best self to the world if you’re not taking care of you first. Your journey and your struggles are so authentic, touching, and inspirational, and that in itself makes you successful.
I definitely understand the desire, and sometimes the need, to do more and push further. I find myself in cycles of pushing hard for awhile and then pulling back for a little while. Maybe I would be better off by keeping a steady pace the whole time, but maybe not. I guess it’s all about finding our own rhythm.
I love the idea of finding a “pack” to travel with on this journey, and you definitely travel in good company.
Adrienne´s last post…What’s the Deal with Blogging Awards Anyway
Tess,
Okay…I’m laughing!! And I happen to *love* your crazy personality!!
This path we’re on, whatever that is for each of us…it is uniquely ours. And when we align with what “feels” right for us, that’s a really good place to be. Tess, I can relate so much to all of this.
What am I chasing here, anyway??
Maybe that's it…maybe it's really about the relationships we forge in this journey of ours. I know one thing for sure…having you along on this journey is a complete gift…
Peace, love, and all things wonderful…
Lance
Lance´s last post…Laugh and Get Rich
Tess,
There you go being amazingly honest and authentic again!! I so admire that about you! Every post you write has such a brave, sweet innocence about it. I too, have had alot of challenges the last few months and decided to pull back from the blog world a bit…like I say in my guided imageries, “No where to be, no one to please, just being here now, in this moment.” Opening the door for much needed self-care in the form of meditation, NIA and yoga …now adding more fun and laughter with friends and hubby!! So there, you have a comrade. I am so glad you posted this! You always hit the true spot in me~
Love and laughter and a big toasts to self-care!!
Brenda´s last post…Thoughts on Forgiveness
Tess,
What a remarkable insight to your thoughts and wisdom.
You voice what many of us feel. I can relate. Once I moved from being attached to the outcome of WHY I was writing, the process became much more enjoyable. The journey is one I take for the very reasons you do….to promote change, wellness, and a bit of insight for someone who may need it. It is amazing the excellent posts and bloggers that are out there. It enables us to create POSITIVE media in our lives, and choose to read things that enhance and help our individual personal growth.
Your blog does that for me! I was so happy to stumble upon it, and I will always come back to read, no matter how frequently you are present.
I admire you for recognizing what is most important to you in THE PRESENT!
And I so look forward to exploring your list of bloggers, some which I adore as well, and others I have not heard of!
THank you Tess!! Carpe Diem!
Jen
Little Lessons Under the Big Sky´s last post…Den Chronicles- Nitwit
Dearest Tess,
This article seems to tell the story of so many bloggers these days. You have your finger on the pulse! So many are coming up against these same personal challenges. Your honesty paves the way for all of us to be true to our self instead of the “more” mantra. Oh, it’s so true the way comparison kills all joy, but can be so hard to resist.
I also resonated strongly with Evita’s words. In recent months, I feel I’ve come much closer to “detaching from any and all outcomes” and simply blogging because I care and want to help and share. I appreciate your courage in setting your priorities and being true to yourself.
Sandra ~ Always Well Within´s last post…5 Top Personal Development Links 2-11-2010
Tess, it sounds like you’re doing your best to balance life and blogging. I can relate. But sometimes slow and steady are just fine. It’s better to touch someone’s heart than hammer them over the head with your message. There’s no race to be won, no magic moment when it will all be done, no way to comment, post, retweet and like everything. Your words say it all, “I decided I need to pay attention to my personal life. My consequences are that the progression and development of my blog and online business has slowed down.” Your priorities are straight and true, and your success with sharing, helping and monetizing will come. It doesn’t really matter when that happens. I doubt you’ll notice the moment or even if that moment will matter. What does matter is that you are a joy to read and your blogging buddies are cheering you on.
Katie´s last post…Love Your Inner Cowgirl
Tess, you’re making me want to blog again! What a beautiful post with such sweet shout-outs. Each one written from the heart. You were spot on with Lance — he doesn’t leave comments, he writes little love notes. Wow! And you’ve piqued my interest in these other fantastic bloggers. What a great community to live and play in!
Tess,
You have it right. Real life, that is life away from the computer screen, is what’s it about it. Your pace, balance and soul are perfect just the way they are.
I’m glad to be on this journey with you!
Alex
Hi Tess,
I feel your pain and frustration. I wrote a similar post that will come out today.
Blogging is so all consuming sometimes we can lose sight of why we started our blogs in the first place. Thank goodness for all the helpful people on the blogosphere who understand this and are so willing to be helpful.
I’m here for you too Tess.
I’ve been taking my time growing my blog – but even so, I still feel overwhelmed. I don’t think there’s a finish line when it comes to blogging. Just keep doing it at the best pace for you and allow as much time as you need for your personal life. That’s the life that’s most important after all.
Blogging will always be there and so will we bloggers – but your family and friends need you and deserve your physical presence in their lives. Take care not to burn out.
xoxo,
Angela
Angela Artemis´s last post…The Amazing Benefits of Laughter Yoga
I love your words Tess. “This above all, to thine own self be true,” wrote a great wordsmith of yesteryear, and the words are as true today as they ever were. I am happy to hear the voice of your spirit singing and discovering itself anew and sharing itself so generously and truly. Blessings.
Christopher Foser´s last post…5 secrets of a strong- loving relationship
Hi Tess,
I understand. Thank you for being so open.
I am in the same “boat”..my online business picked up right when offline life required I pull back. Guess what I learned? I may post less, but my posts are all heart based and my business responds to that…I live fully in offline life, and as I embrace simplicity to focus on my children and creating our life together, simplicity rewards me ten fold. I am living the life of my dreams, although for a few months I was so “busy” creating I didn’t even notice. When I started, you took me under your wing, and I very much appreciate the energy you shared! You continue to inspire me..
As Megan said, what a wonderful group to work and play in an among!
Hi Tess,
For me, that’s key, too, to feel like a part of something bigger: to bond and to connect. So, thanks for being in my world and for your kind mention here. You are beautiful,Tess, inside and out.
I enjoyed traversing your post today, so many truths here.
The nature of blogging is change, agreed, and I’ve felt that on so many occasions with huge swings from posting every day to wanting to stop altogether. What always brings me back to center is this simple question, “Is this bringing me joy?”
When I still answer, Yes, to that question, I put my phalanges back to those keys and smile.
I’m glad you’ve surrounded yourself with an informal pack of penguins.
Much Love,
~xo
I so agree that being in the present moment is quite hard when it comes to technology, blogging, internet. This past week my son has been really sick and I had 14 new referrals! Life does have a way of calling us back or slowing us down. I am at my best when I pace my self and slow down. It’s harder for me to keep it slow than it is to go at speed racer tempo, but it’s worth it!
Giving acknowledgement to those we are inspired by is a wonderful thing to do. It also gives me a list of folk to check out. Thank you!
Marty´s last post…Inspirational songs
Great post, I love how you talked about motivation and then how you moved through blogging friendships. When I first started out it was incredibly hard to get seen. Then all of a sudden people started sending email, fan mail, love from every angle. It’s just great to be part of something so important and refreshing.
Jonathan Manor´s last post…How To Not Write Terrible Posts
It’s wonderful to see bloggers get along with other bloggers. very promising. True friendship over the internet..Life is good.
I’m so happy that you have such a great network of bloggers. I’m still trying to do the same. I hope that your personal life gets the fulfillment you deserve and that we will stay up to date on your progress and anything else we can do for you.
Bryce Christiansen´s last post…How to Score Well On a DISC Assessment
It’s been a recent theme of many people Tess to do less and focus more on home life and their life. I echo your experiences – being online a lot means being offline in real life somewhere else. It’s good to build a trusted community and connect with them but better still to be close to those who matter in the real world who you can feel, touch, hug, and love. It’s where life starts and stops. I wish you well and thank you for all you’ve shared here at the blog for all of us beyond your personal world.
John Sherry´s last post…Find Your Voice
Hi Tess,
LOL, I’m a little late here, and precisely because, like you, I find it challenging to “keep up”. At least I’m okay with that.
Love this post — it’s a beautiful idea, and I enjoy the referrals and will check out a few more of those blogs! You apparently are a good friend to have, too.
I also like your Valentine’s Day post… am curious if this post explains why comments are off? Anyway… I think it’s interesting how many different perspectives we get on love.
Thanks for sharing so generously.
Patti Foy | Lightspirited Being´s last post…What Makes Your Heart Sing Today
Hey Tess!
I’m happy that you’re focusing on yourself! Make sure your cup is full so then you can allow it to overflow and share with those around you! I found my blog to be a great tool to create accountability, and a huge aid in my personal development in health, fitness and overall consistency. Keep up the amazing work!!
Mike
Mike´s last post…Mike in the Morning 4 – ENERGY
Tess, you’ve got quite a community here. You’ve linked to some pretty great bloggers here. It’s amazing how we try to write things to help people live the best life they can – we’re encouragers – and yet so many other bloggers out there keep us energized to do it.
Bryan Thompson´s last post…What a Towel Salesman Can Teach You About Passion
Tess, you’re “doing it right.”
Look at all these wonderful, supportive people surrounding you. Blogging is writing, and the thing about writing is you have a life worth writing about, or your writing withers and dies on the vine. Living, as it turns out, is necessary for writing.
And yeah, a new blog pack wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Dear Tess, you are ALWAYS going to be super-tops to me in blogging and friendship. I’ll always chase your trail, to keep up with you and your wonderful loving zany ways.
I too am spending more time in the Real World.
And I’m surviving just fine! And if ever I want to get back to Bigger Blogging, I will. For now all is where I want it to be.
xoxo
Jannie Funster´s last post…My Darling- My…
Hi Tess! Thanks so much for the lovely mention. I truly appreciate your friendship, warm heart, and shining smile.
I hope RPM works well for you as it works for me. I’m now trying another acronym, RAW (Right After Work), to add a second meditation time in the afternoon. This one is a working in progress though.
I feel truly blessed to be sharing this journey with you. Loving blessings!
Andrea DeBell – britetalk´s last post…Tips for an Amazing Valentine’s Day… or How to Love Everyday
Hi Tess,
I’m glad I finally found the time to visit your site from My smiling Heart.
I’ve always believed that things come across your journey in life just when you need them, and have something to learn from them so I’m happy to have found The Bold Life.
And from you today, it looks like I’ve got a lot more learning from those that have inspired you.
Jess
Jessika Gilker´s last post…Be Here Now
Hello Tess,
Now that is a blog that reminds me that good things can happen when I’m wondering whether I’m spending too much time on the internet, blogging etc. The support group concept is a must for newcomers while they can to terms with their unrealistic expectations (e.g.hey I’m a smart person how hard can it be to be successful on the internet). Wish you the best.
Riley
Riley Harrison´s last post…GOAL SETTING THAT WORKS part 1
A little late but I am stopping here to say THANK YOU for the kind words here, dear Tess, and I was delighted to offer you a little more to get you started with Aweber. Thank you for being so generous in return and for the lovely words. You *are* sailing through it and I am proud of you
Farnoosh´s last post…Depression- How to Recognize it and Regain Control
{ 3 trackbacks }