Unexpected Gifts

/ Ann Coleman

When I first began this blog, I kept to a strict schedule of publishing a new post at least every four days.  I worried that I wasn’t posting often enough, because I’d read that all successful blogs posted something new every single day, but I also knew that daily posting would be too much for me.  Eventually, I settled on my current blogging schedule of posting once a week or so, and that usually seems to work out just fine.

Usually, but not always. Because when it came time to write my most recent post, I found myself coming up with one excuse after another for not actually sitting down at my computer and writing.  I’m not exactly sure what my problem was, although life has been particularly hectic lately and I am easily distracted.  Still, I knew writing requires self discipline and I finally told myself, very firmly, that I was going to write a post on Thursday, come hell or high water.  I had made my plan, and I was going to stick to it, no excuses accepted.

But that didn’t happen.  Thursday flew by with visits from multiple repairmen and delivery services, all of which required some major rearranging of our house and furniture, and a couple of quick trips to the store.  And the evening was even more interesting, when we were hit with an unexpected storm that brought 70-miles per hour winds and heavy rains.  We lost both our power and our internet service, but counted ourselves lucky not to sustain any major property damage. 

By Friday morning our power had come back on but our internet was still out, so writing a blog post wasn’t an option.  But I wouldn’t have had time to write one anyway, because my son’s house and my granddaughter’s daycare center were still without power, and so I spent the day helping care for my granddaughter while my son and his wife worked from our home. 

I’m embarrassed to say that I actually felt guilty, just for a little while, for neglecting my blog after I had been so determined to write that overdo post.  (I’ve always been a little slow on the uptake, but this was a stretch, even for me.)  But finally I came to my senses and realized:  I wasn’t neglecting my blog at all.  I was simply taking care of things that needed my attention a bit more urgently and that were a lot more important.  Storms happen.  Grandchildren require care.  Washing machines break and need to be replaced as soon as possible. 

BWa7CwnUQ2aoDvsK6Di43QYes, my blog is important to me and I love the creative outlet (and self-discipline) it helps provide.  But there are going to be times when it takes a back seat to the other demands on my time and that’s perfectly okay.  Sometimes our normal routines are interrupted, but we get back to them eventually.   And in this case, the interruption meant I got to spend the day with one of my very favorite people in the world…..so I’m not about to complain.

 

72 thoughts on “Unexpected Gifts”

  3. Such discipline you have, Ann. I started blogging back in 2010. It was magical for me at that time. Even mundane things were exciting to share with the world.
    And the more I blogged back then – the more I began to transform. I love that my blog is like a time capsule that captured this. Once my life changed, I was less inclined to write as often. And here I am – in a comfortable and peaceful place. I just don’t feel that I have much to write about these days.
    Blogs are truly a beautiful place to share our hearts. I’m glad I found yours!

    Liked by 1 person

    • You’re really lucky to have that record of how you changed and transformed, Judy! In some ways, blogs are like an online journal, and we do get to see our personal growth as we look back through old posts. And I believe that sometimes, we can outgrow out need to blog, as it sounds as if you have. I’m so glad you’ve found a “comfortable and peaceful place!” That’s a gift for sure!

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      • It really is, Ann. I am so glad I could connect and share with you. I enjoy your posts very much. Take your time with it. Keep it fun and not a drudge – that keeps it magical. I don’t post often, but when I do it is definitely enjoyable. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  7. got your priorities right Ann and nobody keeps a check on how often you post but if you are missing too long we might notify the google spies to see if you are lazy, busy or … 🙂 Nice writing! Spend all the time you can with your grandies, they grow up way too quick 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Kate! Sometimes its difficult to remember that no one else really cares if I skip some posts, or don’t have the time to comment on other people’s posts. And other times, it’s also important to remember that the self-discipline required to keep a blog going isn’t always the most important thing either. Sometimes the right thing is just to step away for a while and to pay attention to what needs us most at the moment.

      Liked by 1 person

      • exactly and you’ve had a lot on your plate lately so I’m sure you bring more to your posts once things are generally under control in your own life. Not like anyone pays us to do it 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  8. You had your priorities right! You are lucky to be able to help our your son with a location to work and with caring for you granddaughter. I have also worried about keeping up a schedule at times. But guess what? It is OK when life gets in the way and we get off schedule!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Janis! It’s funny how we read and believe all those rules for a successful blog when we first start out. And then we realize that we really can blog our own way, on our own time, and it will be just fine with most everyone!

      Liked by 2 people

  10. It’s nice to have a plan, but when things arise to interfere with it, it’s wise to roll with the punches. Sounds to me as if you chose the best path — and what a little cutie to spend the day with!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Debbie. I enjoyed my day with her so much. It might have meant I didn’t get to do a blog post, and I didn’t even get to walk the shelter dogs, but so be it. I was where I was supposed to be that day….I really believe that!

      Liked by 2 people

  12. So glad you came to the right conclusion. We never want to be a source of guilt! My own blogging has slowed this summer. I’m caring for my mum during some difficult radiation treatments. As you note, some things are flat out more important than blogging. I can always return to my blog, but I’ll never again have this opportunity to care for my mum. Blogging will pick up again, next week, as treatments have just finished and my mother is eager to return home, to the comforts of home and the companionship of her puppy.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Taking care of your mother during those treatments is absolutely the most important thing! The support you are providing her makes all the difference, to both of you. You’re right that your blog (and your readers) will be here when you have time. Meanwhile, know you are making the right choice and I’m hoping your mom heals quickly and fully!

      Liked by 1 person

  14. I can’t keep up with reading posts from my favourite bloggers at the best of times – even less so if the blogger posts more than once or twice a week… when I realized that, I also realized that others probably don’t want to see me posting more often than that!
    Sometimes I even take weeks or months off from blogging!
    Hope you find a blogging pace that works for you!

    Liked by 2 people

    • That’s a good point, Margy. I do follow, and enjoy, some blogs that have new posts daily, but I can’t always keep up with them. I think we each have to find the schedule that works best for us, and trust our readers to understand. I know I never judge another blog by how often they post!

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    • Having my children and their families so close is a huge blessing, Lorie! And I am very grateful for it. I love being able to step in and help when they need babysitting, or anything else for that matter. These are precious years, and I want to enjoy every second!

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    • It really can be hard to keep up, and I think those are the times when we need to remember that it’s okay to simply post when we have the time to do so. Yes, writing is all about the discipline of actually doing it, but that doesn’t mean we should ever let it become a chore. Blogging is supposed to be enjoyable, and our readers understand that, I think. I know I enjoy your posts, however often you get around to them!

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  17. Life happens doesn’t it. And really, it’s only right too, taking care of whatever needs taking care of. You’re so much more disciplined than me Ann. These days I have no schedule and blog when the passion strikes. But I still love it. I love creating and sharing but I don’t put pressure on myself to do it. Be true to yourself, keep it fun and those unexpected gifts will keep coming. You’ve got your priorities right!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Miriam! I love to write, but I’ve found that sometimes I still need a little self-discipline to actually get started, you know? So I look for a balance between writing when the desire strikes, and also keeping some sort of schedule that assures I keep on writing. But there are definitely times when other things come first, and Friday was one of those times!

      Liked by 1 person

  18. I know how you feel. I try to convince myself to post more than once a week, like I used to, but then something will happen and I say “oh well” maybe next week. In this case I think your reason for not following through with your plan was perfectly legitimate– and darned cute.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Real life (obligations, chores and fun) should always take precedence over blog reading and posts. No need to feel bad Ann. A fun hobby or guilty pleasure should never feel like an obligation. Stay well and have fun. Allan

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Allan! And I agree. This is a hobby, so when it begins to feel like a chore, that’s probably a signal that I need to give myself permission to take a little break. Blogging is fun, but sometimes other things just need to come first.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Finding the right balance between blogging activities and all the other things that are important in our life is a challenge. It is one thing to neglect our writing because of a lack of self-discipline, and quite another when our internet is out or any other factor is preventing us to publish a post. For two weeks I did not write a single post because we had to leave our home because of the evacuation order for our small community caused by the terrible wildfires. In such circumstances, one does not have to feel guilty.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Exactly, Peter! Self-discipline is a good thing, but sometimes we need to let go of our obligations because of events that are beyond our control, and we shouldn’t feel guilty about it at all. I’m so sorry about your evacuation, but glad you are home and (the last I heard) your house was spared. I hope those awful fires are out soon.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. It is a beautiful thing to be disciplined but not so till it makes automatons out of us. I’ve come people who have been enslaved by their discipline and it’s not something to admire or be proud of. As always, you chose love, Ann. In the end, it is the only thing that matters.

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  23. I know EXACTLY what you mean, Ann! When I first started I did post almost every day! And I loved every minute of it. It helped me heal as I wrote words from my heart and connected with beautiful souls via WP. Then life intervened and I had a gap of two MONTHS this summer. I did feel guilty and sad, but it was what it had to be. I think (I’m on a roll as my post today is about this) acceptance is the key. And I can feel that you have accepted it. The things we fight only get stronger…yes?
    Take good care…hope life offers beautiful moments for you and yours (sure seems so with your beautiful grandchild!!) ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Lorrie! I thing we do have to keep reminding ourselves that blogging should bring us joy, and when it begins to feel like a chore, it’s absolutely okay to take a break. Ditto when other things in our lives (especially loved ones) need our time and attention. And the thing about breaks is, the readers are almost always there when we get back!

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    • There is always hope! I’ve missed reading your posts…you’re an excellent writer….but you’ll write again when you’re ready. I don’t think there’s any point in forcing the issue when you don’t really feel like writing.

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    • Thanks, Svet. Spending time with family is so much more important. And I agree about posting once a week being a commitment, or at least if feels that way to me. I know many bloggers who post daily, or almost daily, and that’s great if it works for them. But it would be a burden for me, so I don’t do that.

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  29. I do not care when or how often you post a blog…I only know that whenever it is, I receive a gift. I do not post as often a I did at first because I am really busy at the moment…and that is okay. We need to be there for the people who need us. (I know you do a very good job at that!)

    Liked by 1 person

  30. I used to try my best to get a blog post written at least once a week, but often life happened and I was unable to. Now I’m just happy if I get a couple done a month… although I would prefer it if I could get back to once a week.

    Liked by 1 person

    • I think that’s the truth for so many of us! Life gets in the way of our blogging time. And that’s okay…Our blogs and readers are still here when we get to them.

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