Inspired Action
Although I try to keep my posts focused, I know I will ramble a little bit in this one until I get to my point.
I think my main reason for starting this blog was to give myself a platform for some musings, although I was trying hard not to make it a journaling type of blog, because…who would want to read someone’s stream of consciousness (hello, Ulysses!)
When I started this blog, in a before unseen act of Inspired Action, I was going to call it Musings of a Xennial, but a friend talked me out of it. I still like that name though.
Blog Love
This week I was reading blog posts by many lifestyle bloggers and I asked myself what I love most in other blogs. I have followed some blogs for years and they all have one thing in common – they are all personal first, advice, and educational later.
I love lurking into other people’s lives (although I am aware we only show what we want to show to those who aren’t close to us), but also I love reading about how others’ personal experiences tie into what I am going through or thinking about.
Yes, I read other niche blogs, too.
The ever-popular blogs on blogging, travel blogs, writing blogs, blogs on minimalism and self-development. But the blogs I stick with for years are the lifestyle/personal blogs.
Why is that?
I eventually get what I need from the other blog types and move on. But those that share their personal stories, I am glued to.
I believe that most of us can only truly share from experience.
And that is the kind of legacy I want to create here, in my own little space on the Internet.
An Inspired Action for a Good Start
On my 43rd birthday I had an idea – I should have my own blog.
In an act of Inspired Action, within three days I had a name, a domain and a host knowing nothing about how to build a WordPress website.
Two Linkedin Courses later and many Google and You Tube searches, I had set up the site and written a few posts. And all that with a full time job, kids and family obligations.
I am not writing this to brag, but to share that once again it proves true; when you really want something, you make the time to do it.
I let my sister read it and she said “where do you get the time to do this?”
Time makes itself, I did not consciously create it.
I won’t lie to you, there were some late nights and time away from family, but… here it is. I know how to build a self-hosted WordPress site. (and still learning the ins and outs of blogging)
Now, the old me would have done something like this:
Me: I need my own blog! What a great idea! I can have my own platform to share all the things that interest me, that I learned, in a focused way. Let me pick a name and buy a domain.
Me again: But wait, really, you don’t know how to build a website. You don’t have time for that anyway. Besides, who will read your stuff? People will say, who is she to share anything at all? Plus, you are a starter, but not a finisher. Everyone knows that you are doomed to abandon the blog as well.
And more in that direction of fear and doubt until I would lose the momentum.
Now that I have started, I wonder why I didn’t do so 10 years ago. I have always loved writing, I share my life on my Facebook profile, I engage on the Internet… This was an obvious step. Never even occurred to me.
But when it did, on my birthday on 03 May, I bought the domain and hosting on 06 May. Just like that. I splurged. I even felt a bit guilty but managed that little negativity by thinking of it as a birthday present to myself.
My Guiding Word for 2020
I waited a lot in my life, especially while contemplating taking actions like this, but maybe subconsciously, I didn’t wait this time because my Guiding Word for 2020 was ACTION (this is before I knew the year would turn into such a disaster for the world).
ACTION: Take action, don’t wait for the perfect moment, a better opportunity. Do what you can with what you have now.
A lot of things conspired to get me to this mindset, one of them Big Magic, a book by Elizabeth Gilbert. Creative Living Beyond Fear. Here I come.
It was my second read through and I was reminded again that ideas are alive; they look for people to help them come to life, but they won’t stick around for long.
Countless of my ideas have moved onto other people because I never thought I could or should or that it was the right time.
I see that most successes come from ideas of Inspired Action.
You get it, you do it without thinking about why you shouldn’t or what could go wrong.
Ending My Musings…
Now, I am not writing this from a place of grand success of my blog, no, but the fact that I even started is already my success. I’ve put my writing out there and I happily share it with others.
I had rarely done this before, probably out of fear of putting myself out there in an uncontrolled way. Because, your writing, once out of your hands, is no longer yours…especially on the Internet.
I have a writer friend who bravely shares what she writes just to get feedback. Even my husband wrote a memoir short story and immediately shared it for feedback.
I wrote a whole novel (not kidding) the whole 80.0000 words of it and haven’t yet shown it to anyone.
I am slowly moving beyond that fear.
I am glad you started writing and sharing your thoughts with us. It’s the same for me too. It all started with a leap of faith when I splurged on a domain as well. I do not regret it, and I enjoy writing and interacting with other bloggers now! The world seems so much larger because of it. It has become even more salient with covid-19 postponing all travel for the foreseeable future.
Oh wow, you’ve written a VOLUME? Take your time to work and refine it. Publish it, or store it in a drawer for all time, that’s up to you. However, I would love to read your novel if you ever put it out there. Please hit me up when (or if) you publish it!
All the best, Stella! Great to see you back after a few weeks of inactivity. 🙂
Thank you so much, Ming. It’s been quite a journey, this blogging thing. Appreciate your comments and support along the way! And yes, my novel is just sitting there … I may give it another go and see if it has any publishing value. Although I suppose I could self publish. Don’t you just love the 21st century!
When I read anything that is personal to the blogger I feel honored to be part of it. I totally can relate.
I can relate to this because just recently, I followed my passion and that is to become a freelancer. I am now enjoying working from anywhere and helping other entrepreneurs to achieve their goals. So happy for your accomplishments!
Welcome to the blogging world I do blogging for almost 3 years to express myself to inspire people I love reading personal blogs too! Love your words dear 🙂
Hahah I like reading into other’s lives as well and that’s why I love personal blogs too! So wonderful that you chose to start your blog, better later than never! I love what you said about ideas being alive and them needing people to help them come to life. Wow, I’ve never thought of it like that before!
Nice Article Can You Write More Article Related To THis
Honestly, I would totally read a blog called “Musings of a Xennial” 🙂 I’m so glad you took that leap of faith and began blogging, your writing style is direct and honest, making it very comfortable to read.
Lol, I ran the name by some friends and they thought it was a terrible idea. I still like it! Thank you so much for your comment.
This is so honest. And honesty draws people! Good thing you took the idea and act on it. You have a lovely writing. One deserves to be followed.
Thank you so much, Ann. Appreciate your kind words.
I can relate to this so much. I blogged on and off for 12 years. It wasn’t until 2019 I had the loose idea of starting a blog again. All of a sudden I bought a domain name and then BAM! I had a blog. I did not think this would have turned into what it is now. I am completely blown away.
I love your blog!
You have a beautiful way with words Stella and I’m sure your novel would be stellar too! You have a reader in me waiting to read it 🙂
Love your inspirational advice – Do what you can with what you have now. So true!
Thank you so much and I love the play on words. I appreciate your comment so much.
I’m speechless actually , there were smile on my face reading your story, maybe because I kinda reflecting myself to what you are saying. And those words of wisdom in between made me realised what to do and steps to take on my blogging journey. I wanna continue this while I can and see where it takes me.
I am so thrilled that you could relate! Thank you so much for reading.
So true once you put it out there it’s open to all the negativity- but just choosing to do it anway is amazing! Go you!
“Personal first… Education later.” I love that! Thanks for sharing!
The personal connection definitely makes a difference, doesn’t it. That being said, there are other niches that are able to do that! I have a pet blog and every Wednesday I take time just to share funny stories of what happened with our pets that week, inviting others to do the same. I love the connection that it creates!
Yes, you are right. I am subscribed to your blog and I love it! I dream of having a dog some day.
I do not really blogs with personality behind it. And that is what inspires me to move forward, I am very people driven person
One of my favorite parts of blogs is the personal aspect of it. Because it creates a connection. If I want educational (primarily) or sterile, I’ll go read a medical journal or something similar. When I’m reading blogs, I get to connect with the writer, or even those in the comments. I’m proud of you for starting your blog, and hope you publish your novel as well! I know both will be successful because of the thought and love you’ve put into them.
Thank you so much for this supportive comment! Really appreciated!
What a lovely post, I also love reading other people’s articles from different niches, but I must say articles like this that share their experiences makes me feel I know them more than I do. I also like sharing my experiences on my blog, this makes me flow better when writing.
Congrats on getting started and joining the many amazing bloggers out there who are sharing their thoughts. It’s really true that you just have to get started and things will go from there. It’s surprising what happens once we’ve taken that first big leap.
Thank you so much! And yes, it is important to brave it out :)!
LOVE Your outdoor rural piccys, they look fun and it is always nice to get out and about in the fresh air. Happy blogging lovely x
There were a lot of things your post touched on. What I can tell about you is that you seem like a person who is keen to make the most of your life and you are curious and passionate. Godspeed to you!
Thank you so much! Appreciate it.
I love reading people’s personal stories in blogs too. I love the different styles and I celebrate everyone’s uniqueness.
Absolutely! It’s the best!
I’m so pleased you went ahead to start this blog and follow your passion. Your passion does come out in your writing and that is what makes it interesting. Love the natural beauty of the Highlands of Herzegovina and the interesting legend of the tombstones.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!
Such beautiful photos! Blogging is such a wonderful experience, and I think it is wonderful just being able to connect with so many other bloggers. Thank you for sharing your weekly musings. 🙂
It sure is! So happy I embarked on this journey!
Wonderful post! And I agree sometimes it is fun to read about other peoples lives.
Thank you so much, Luna!