I’m Doing It. You Can, Too: Start Something New

Photo Credit: essayNZ/Creative Commons

It’s that time of year when most of us transition from the sleepy doldrums of winter to the gentle birth of spring. We can’t wait to shrug off the cold mantle of sunless days and think about brighter times ahead.

This is the season that a lot of writers contemplate change–personally, professionally, and physically. Many of my friends restructure their blog schedules to be more compatible with kiddos summer vacations, family needs, and writing plans.

In fact, I’ve been re-evaluting my own schedule of late, and I wanted to share some things that I’ll be revamping:

• BLOG SCHEDULE. I started blogging in 2011. Initially, I blogged every day, and then went to a three-day-a-week format. That’s worked well for the past year and a half, and I’ve enjoyed it, but that’s about to change. Blogging is a fun way to connect with our friends and fellow writers and it’s also an important part of a writer’s platform, but as many folks know, writing should be first and foremost on our plates. I’m not Superwoman, and as you may have guessed–I don’t keep up with the Popular Pollys who are. If you read my recent post about balance, you know why it’s important to keep life in a healthy perspective. With that in mind,  I’ll be taking a blogging break the first week of April with more frequent breaks over spring and throughout summer. Beginning the second week next month, I will blog on Wednesday and Friday, versus my previous MWF format, unless of course, the Spirit moves me to do an impromptu post. Which…is entirely possible. =)

• BLOG GIVEAWAYS. I’ll continue to have drawings each month for great books, prizes, and gift cards. If you’d like a chance to win just sign up (in the sidebar) to follow this blog and/or leave a comment on my posts. (This Friday, March 29th, is this month’s giveaway. It’ll be for a T.J. Maxx gift card and leather journal.) See the RULES and more info here. Just scroll to the bottom of that post. What’s changing: blog giveaways won’t necessarily be at the end of the month anymore. For example, if I do a book review or have a guest poster who’d like to offer a treat, I’ll probably do it at the time of their post and not wait until the end of the month to hold a drawing.

• GUEST POSTS. If you’re interested in posting/hosting at my cyber home, by all means, shoot me an e-mail. I’d love to hear your ideas! My goal is to encourage, uplift, and speak hope to the hurting. Additional subjects that interest my readers: writing, nostalgia, hearth and home, and humor.

• SOCIAL MEDIA. I’m uncomfortable with the new trend I’m seeing. You know the drill–those who “friend” or “follow” you until you do the same, then a week or so later (once they’ve added to their “numbers” quota for the week, they “unfriend” you. OR…when you “follow back,” you immediately get a DM like this: Thanks 4 the follow. Please “like” me on FB or buy so-and-so.” To which I’ll respond, “I like you for YOU. Please don’t immediately ask me to “like” your page, buy your book, or kiss your dog. #Good Manners. NOW…that being said. I love making new friends and connecting with like-minded people. I’m very active on Twitter and Facebook and I’d be tickled if you’d join me there. (Just click on those links if you’d like.)

• WRITING SCHEDULE. I don’t do windows, polish silver, walk dogs, or talk on my smart phone for hours. I’m a writer. I write. I’ve honed “No, thank you” and “I’d like to, but I’ll have to pass.” (I’m gracious and kind when I say those, but I’ve also learned to better manage my time, and part of that is knowing when to say N-O politely.) I would also like to add I’m a lover of the underdog. I’m an encourager and a prayer warrior. Sometimes, schedules are made to be broken when hearts need ministered to.

I’m starting a new chapter in my writing journey. Self-discipline, increased productivity, and dispensing with unnecessary time sucks are my plan.

If you’re in the “indecisive” mode of whether you can start something new, I’d urge you to take that leap of faith. Often, there’s just no other way. No one will prod you, force you, or wrangle you into “going for it” unless you first step up to the plate and take responsibility for you. When you send mixed signals to others about your desires, it creates uncertainty on their part. They don’t know how to help, encourage, or come alongside you if you’re timid about your goals and aspirations.

And another thing. Don’t “do” what others expect you to do. Do what’s right for you. Do what God’s given you the vision to do. Be bold and go for it!

I know you can do anything you put your mind to. Because you’re brilliant like that.

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Are you thinking about doing something new?

What  steps are you willing to take to get the ball rolling?

Photo Credit: essjayNZ/Creative Commons

TWEETABLES

Are you afraid to start something new? Then this post is for you! (Click to Tweet)

Changing seasons and changing course: Why we should go for it… (Click to Tweet)

Blessings Always,