Reflection is always a good thing. It is the place you learn.
This isn't the first time I've taken on the challenge of an extended blog - having done 50 day countdowns the last 2 years here on my blog. But it is the first time I've done a specific themed challenge - being the A-Z and that was tough. Having found out about it fairly late via the 1000 Voices for Compassion site I decided to go with my usual style of writing which is off the cuff and with whatever is swirling around in my mind on that particular day. It worked for me in the end. Every time I did have a word picked a few days in advance I would find I invariably changed it on the day and something even better was written.
Being a first time challenge blogger and not being used to reading other peoples blogs I wasn't very good at keeping up with reading or commenting. I do intend to look at the lists now and start reading and commenting. Trying to juggle a full days job, kids and all the usual plus get my own blog out didn't leave much time for reading! I think one thing a newbie like me may find useful is a recommended list of the day (or week) of blogs to pop along to. I did manage to connect with a few blogs and left comments or bookmarked to go back to.
Will I do it again? Most definitely. I have one lined up for September which is another A to Z but specific words for each day and I'll end my year with my traditional 50 day countdown. In between I've picked up a few other topics that I want to write about that I will do in the meantime.
What did I learn on this journey?
That I really do enjoy writing and that like my photography it is second nature to me. There are things inside me that need saying and I have the ability to convert those swirling thoughts into fairly comprehensible pieces of writing for others to enjoy. I also write from the heart and from my experiences in the hopes that others can perhaps be helped on their journey with my words.
This challenge motivated to post every day - even if I had to resort to typing up my blog on my phone and posting (I had about 5 days of no ADSL line added to load shedding!!!). It had me thinking in ways I haven't for a long time. About myself, my life, where I am and where I'm headed. The few blogs I've read reassured me I'm not the only one who is still as confused about life at 38 as I was at 18 - that gives me hope for the future. As vast as this world is and even with 7 billion people in it we all still have similar hopes, dreams, desires, fears and torments. These connect us.
I'm hoping to connect with more bloggers in the coming months as I go through the challenge posts. Those of you who have visited my blog and left comments, thank you. Even if you haven't left a comment thank you still for visiting. I don't keep up with the stats. I'm happy just to be writing. To all who completed the challenge congratulations. No matter what with the fast pace of life we all live it is no easy feat when you trying to strike a balance with it all!
I look forward to 2016. Thank you.