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What motivated me to create this blog? Well, it started with a gentle prod from dear hubby. One day, he said to me, "Why don't you write about health topics and homemade remedies?"
Initially, the idea didn't stick as I was quite happy to just spend the time creating pencil art which I thoroughly enjoy doing.
A month passed. During this time, we were taking a homemade natural juice that someone has shared through an email. At this point, the idea for a blog nudged at my brain. Finally, I decided to explore the how to's and tips about blogging. And so began my foray into the world of blogging.
Less than a month into launching my blog, an astute friend suggested that I update my occupation to "professional blogger."
I actually felt a squeeze in my chest when she made the suggestion. The cortisol was shooting through my bloodstream. I was giving myself undue stress. In my head, I was a beginner, a novice. Just someone who passes time tapping words on my laptop, drawing and having fun with it. Sometimes, mere words can affect our minds. I took a deep breath.
Well, it has been a little over 2 months that I have been blogging and now am ready to say, "I am a full fledged blogger!" I am like the tortoise. Taking one slow step at a time towards change.
I actually felt a squeeze in my chest when she made the suggestion. The cortisol was shooting through my bloodstream. I was giving myself undue stress. In my head, I was a beginner, a novice. Just someone who passes time tapping words on my laptop, drawing and having fun with it. Sometimes, mere words can affect our minds. I took a deep breath.
Well, it has been a little over 2 months that I have been blogging and now am ready to say, "I am a full fledged blogger!" I am like the tortoise. Taking one slow step at a time towards change.
These are some of the reasons
Sharing
Bloggers like me loves sharing. They write about anything from their life's trials and tribulations to everything else under the sun. What they think, do or post pictures, jokes and videos..and who knows, perhaps one of their experiences or ramblings can help someone who is in the similar position?
Judge not, less ye be judged. There is no right or wrong to what bloggers write about, well except for the two P's. Politics and Porn. That's a very slippery slope. Taboo subjects.
Aside from that, I truly hope the topics I share does help, especially when I write about a home remedy article which I have personally tried and it worked.
Judge not, less ye be judged. There is no right or wrong to what bloggers write about, well except for the two P's. Politics and Porn. That's a very slippery slope. Taboo subjects.
Aside from that, I truly hope the topics I share does help, especially when I write about a home remedy article which I have personally tried and it worked.
Giving Information and Self learning
Content is king in the bloggers sphere. So I write articles that I feel would be helpful and useful to my readers. I know that writing an article that is loaded with content but in a text book format would be boring. So I use bullets for important stuff interjecting personal experiences, humor and snippets. It is important to write an enjoyable and maybe humorous article. Not 'laugh out loud' moments but to try eliciting a smile or maybe a chuckle or two or even a nod from my readers.
I like looking at picture as I am always searching for subjects to draw. Interesting pictures or beautiful shots gives color to your blog. And I love bright spring colors.
At the same time, I am giving myself and my readers the opportunity to learn what is out there in the topics that I cover.
At the same time, I am giving myself and my readers the opportunity to learn what is out there in the topics that I cover.
Therapy and Relaxation
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Sometimes I will publish what I write and at other times, I'll just keep it in a corner until the next time I scan the drafts for fresh ideas.
It can be a 1000 words or just a paragraph. It does not matter. By putting our thoughts into words keep our brains working. Moreover, an idle mind is the devil's workshop. After all, our brains have muscles too, besides, 3 lbs of gray and white matter. And by challenging it, the grey cells will stay alive longer. It keep us sane because we have a sense of purpose. We need a purpose to live. Otherwise, we will wither away into oblivion, that is to say, "Go senile" or, die.
When I complete a topic, I sit back, relax and feel satisfied....Well, not exactly true. I'll take a break and then jump back in to write the next one or draw the next picture.
Overzealous, you say? Well, I believe that when we really enjoy doing something, we see it as fun and not work. I can start my day at 9 am and only close my laptop at 1 am. In between breaks, I'll water the plants, wash the porch, feed the dogs, do the laundry, cook....all the mundane stuff.
Too much? Well, some days, you may wish that there is more than 24 hours in a day for you to complete everything you set out to do. So I'll just carry on doing what I do until I feel sleepy.
Overzealous, you say? Well, I believe that when we really enjoy doing something, we see it as fun and not work. I can start my day at 9 am and only close my laptop at 1 am. In between breaks, I'll water the plants, wash the porch, feed the dogs, do the laundry, cook....all the mundane stuff.
Too much? Well, some days, you may wish that there is more than 24 hours in a day for you to complete everything you set out to do. So I'll just carry on doing what I do until I feel sleepy.
But so far, I have never fallen asleep on the keyboards.
Research
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Most importantly, don't forget to spell check. Nothing will annoy your reader if you have more than one misspelling. You will be hauled up to see the headmaster if you allow it to happen. So, don't.
Among the topics that I write are on health. So research is necessary to get accurate facts. Being discipline helps too.
Wading through articles on health can be daunting to some but using keywords would narrow down your search. Finding an article that appeals to me or have similar writing styles makes it easier to blog about it.
To stay connected
Blogging is a form of keeping in touch or reconnecting with friends and family. It also gives us a chance to make new friends along the way. Having an interesting conversation enriches our lives and senses.
I believe that, we have to give in order to receive. What better way to share knowledge and receive new ones. We are students in the biggest school called LIFE and we are always a "work-in-progress."
Fun and Creative
Blogging can be fun. Finding something that gives you the 'A-Ha!' moment is truly a delight. It also pokes holes to get your creative juices flowing. The best part of blogging is sharing my art. It gives me immense pleasure and challenges me to hone it into a skill.
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Share it with a few close friends and as you gain confidence, over time you will gain distinction.
Creativity and talent is God given. Don't waste it and it is never too late to start.
Are you thinking of starting a blog of your own?
What you need to know.Is time a factor?
Of course, having a lot of free time can give you a wider berth to tying your thoughts into a neat package. Perhaps you are toying with the idea and may want to do it when you retire.But time is relative to your activities. When you find something that you truly enjoy, time seems to go faster. On the other hand, when you have to do something that you dislike, five minutes feels like an eternity.
You can start by creating the blog, write an article maybe once a month and accumulate. Who knows, before you know it, your blog is ready to be published. Just remember to have fun doing it. Being pressured to blog will negate the whole purpose.
What motivates you?
Having the right motivation is crucial because, then you will have the energy and sustainability to blog. My energy comes from doing my art. It gives me calmness and clarity of mind which is mentally energizing. Mental strength will keep the physical self from tiring out.Another very important source of inspiration is my page views. It is a fact that the number of page views is the measure of what you write is what people like to read. Call it psychology at play but it does give your mind a boost which in turn rev up your confidence level.
Writing what you know is also a good bet. If you are an expert in your field of expertise, all the better. Just be careful not to use too many jargons. Whenever possible, explain it in simple English.
Read other peoples' blogs that are similar to yours
By reading articles that are related to your blog is an effective way to get the best out of blogging. But that does not mean you have to be a copycat. When you read what fellow bloggers have to say will give you fresh ideas or expand on an existing one. Give credit when credit is due if you wish to use the material ad-hoc. The best is still to make it original and unique. It is the hallmark of a good blogger.Niche subjects are always to be considered to make you stand out in the crowd. Be prepared to write as many titles before launching a blog because when you are regular with your postings, your viewers will keep coming back for more.
Some expert's advise is to write 10 topics ahead of your first published post. Sounds like a lot of work? Well, you have to pace yourself. Write one article a day will keep you at a comfortable pace. If you can write two articles in a day, you can take a break the next day. I gave myself 2 months to research, create and prepare topics before launching. So preparation is crucial.
Are you cut out to blog?
A simple test to see if you are serious about writing a blog is to list down at least five reasons why you want to write a blog and if you can do that without any hesitation, you already have one foot into the bloggers world.Since this topic is not within the scope of my blog, perhaps I should update my blog and add "Random Thoughts" or "Off the Beaten Track" under my blog heading. What do you think?
Every pro has a con. So, my next topic for discussion is, "Top Ten Reasons Why People Don't blog."
You may also like to read:
Empty Nest Syndrome.
A Sea Otter's Poem.
What is BB Cream?
How to know what is your face shape.
Empty Nest Syndrome.
A Sea Otter's Poem.
What is BB Cream?
How to know what is your face shape.
MY ART CORNER
Little Robin, perched on a tree,
Picking cherries, a delightful glee,
Little birdie Fancy Free,
Little Robin on a cherry tree.
Thank you for looking and taking the time to read my blog. I welcome feedback and please feel free to share your thoughts or experience in relation to this topic.
Until my next post, "Here's To Your Health!"
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Like you, I can easily spend four hours at a time at the computer. It's important to take regular breaks, stretch your legs and live a little - so you have more to blog about :)
ReplyDeleteHi Tilly,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what you say and it can sometimes be hard to break away when we are in the middle of a 'discovery'. My breaks are usually 'have to' ones, tending to the run of the mill stuff.
Thanks for dropping in.
Here's To Your Health!
Philo