This past Sunday, Oct. 21st, I sat in front of my computer and read the posts of other bloggers for 2-3 hours. I loved catching up on my reading, leaving comments, reconnecting. What didn't cross my mind was that Oct. 21st was also my blog's 2nd birthday.
A couple of days after I read that Liz Strauss was celebrating her 2nd blog birthday, my memory was triggered. Didn't I start my blog in October of '05? When was that again? So I looked up my debut post - Oct. 21st. My 2nd blog birthday had slipped by quietly without my awareness. On a positive note, I unconsciously celebrated it by blog surfing that day. On a less positive note, I have not made blogging much of a priority in my schedule.
Since then what has come into my awareness wakes me up. I'm not making time for what I say I cherish - writing. Creative ideas for my blog hover around my head like lightening bugs. When I don't create the structure to capture them, or even just one, they disappear, like the night darkness that merges into daylight.
Peeling the next layer, I realize that I still operate out of an unconscious rule. I put the things I love to do at the end of the list of things I "HAVE TO DO." I tell myself that after I finish this work, I can . . . read something I love; or after I finish all my tasks I can . . . write. And guess what happens . . .that "have to" list either never ends, or I'm too tired after I complete it to do what I love to do. That old Puritan work ethic dies hard.
How fitting that today's Note from the Universe speaks to this unhelpful habit of mine:
Never create rules, Debbie. Not ever. Not for others. And especially not for yourself. Unless of course, this is your rule.
- Born Free
The Universe
This post isn't about self-flagellation. It's an energetic nudge for me to schedule in what I love to do more consistently - in this case writing articles for my blog. And yes, life does happen, and unexpected events (like my Mom's brain tumor) take place to throw routines and schedules out the window. But when I get back on track, I want to have tracks in place to get back on.
From here on in, I'm setting down some new tracks. I'm intending to post 4 times a week, with at least 2 new articles, an inspiring quote, and a featured new blog. Making a commitment public creates added resolve (called "saving face"). I find it helpful to have something to shoot for, and as the Universe reminds me, I can change those parameters as this all plays out.
I'm grateful for the past 2 years in the Blogosphere, for all the truly amazing people I've connected with, and to have this medium to play in. I leave you with two of my favorite posts from 2007, relevant to this post's themes.
Higher Self to Deb - Come In Please April 20th
Why We Write May 19th
Deb,
A beautiful blog post, a tribute to a fine two-year-old blog. Congratulations. The blogosphere is glad you're here. :)
Posted by: Liz Strauss | October 26, 2007 at 09:05 PM
Happy Birthday, Spirit In Gear!
Sometimes as I'm lying in bed thoughts will come. I begin composing a post, thinking how good it will read in print. Then sleep comes and I wake up wondering where it went. But somehow, somewhen, something else comes to replace it, or it returns in disguise.
As Liz said, we're glad you're here.
Posted by: Rick Cockrum | October 27, 2007 at 01:57 AM
Liz and Rick, thank you for your good wishes, and for reminding me that little things do matter - mightily! And Rick, it sounds like ideas never go away - they may morph into something else when we are ready to put them to use.
Posted by: Deb Call | October 27, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Aloha Deb, happy blog birthday! Good for you, giving yourself this gift of writing more, for it IS so good for the spirit.
I think you've hit on something that truly helps, and that is simply the intention to capture those lightning bugs! We shall all be watching for the glow :)
Posted by: Rosa Say | October 28, 2007 at 01:55 AM
Rosa - thanks for your good wishes. I love the way you put it - "watching for the glow." Pairing the idea of writing with creating glow sounds almost magical, and certainly for me, irresistable!
Posted by: Deb Call | October 28, 2007 at 10:36 AM
Hey Deb
I don't think you are going to have ANY
trouble with the terrible two's. :)
I've loved your blog before I even read one
word here... the title lured me right in.
~Spirit in Gear~
Just this past week I had gotten in my car
and thought it was in drive, but the car was
in neutral. I back my car in the garage, so
I was only using light pressure on the gas.
Quickly realized I was in the WRONG gear.
Do you KNOW I instantly thought of your blog. :))))
One certainly must be in the proper gear to move.
Congrats on the 2 year mark.
xo xo
Deb Estep
Posted by: Deb Estep | October 28, 2007 at 12:16 PM
Glad you find my blog name memorable, Deb! And may you find yourself geared up, in the right gear, and ready to go, whether it be in your life or in your car.
Posted by: Deb Call | October 28, 2007 at 09:04 PM
Hi Deb -
Happy Two Years of Blogging! I've enjoyed all the posts I've read -- You've been a huge inspiration to me in my own writing...someone's who has taught me to just let the words flow. Thanks for your positive vibes ;)
Posted by: Maria Palma | October 29, 2007 at 01:43 AM
Maria - you touch my heart when you say I've inspired you in your writing - your words are a gift back to me. Thank you!
Posted by: Deb Call | October 29, 2007 at 05:59 PM
Happy blogiversary! No matter when or how you celebrate it, it's a joy to have read your writings over the years. Thanks for your smiling and your sharings. Your vulnerability has shown me a thing or two about myself.
Posted by: Phil Gerbyshak | November 10, 2007 at 11:13 PM
Phil - mucho thanks. I still look with fondness upon our phone conversation many months ago, and your expert technical help with improving my blog. You have a special place in my heart!
Posted by: Deb Call | November 11, 2007 at 07:24 PM