When I switched from blogger to WordPress I lost my Google Connect Friends, making it hard to check in on the many bloggers I used to keep up with. (P.S. I miss you.) Since it’s difficult for me to find the blogs I used to regularly follow, I have lost readers and have fewer comments than in the past. I suppose I’m “out of sight” and therefore “out of mind” too.
To top it off, the past few months I’ve had very few ideas that I think are worthy of a blog post. Writer’s block…blogger’s block. Each idea that flits through my head just seems pointless. I’d call that “blocked.”
Ideally someone who calls herself a speaker and a writer is supposed to be “building a platform,” or “tribe” but for quite a while it has been overwhelming to me. I even purchased Michael Hyatt’s latest book, Platform: Get Noticed In A Noisy World. I’ve skimmed it. I do plan to read it more thoroughly. Hey…maybe it will motivate me and help me get back on track. It could happen. I have changed my “About Me” page as a result of Hyatt’s expertise and advice. I wonder what he’d think about it. Too long?
In April I finished writing my first Bible study, “Life in the Key of G ~ Grace & Glory,” and in May I taught it at a women’s beach retreat in Delaware. I was very pleased with how it went and was excited to teach it again. But I suppose I’ve dropped the ball on all the marketing/tribe building that goes along with speaking, teaching and writing. Although I am convinced that I have a timely message in this Bible study and believe it is Holy Spirit inspired. I’d love to teach it again. Soon.
In the spring I got word that someone in the international women’s ministry division of my denomination was looking for women who write Bible studies. I followed through on an email and a phone call. Twice. But I’ve yet to hear back.
That was a bit disappointing.
Oh well. We make our own “happy,” right? I do believe in remaining faithful and stewarding the gifts God gives as best we can. And truthfully, some days my “best” is better on some day than other days. Know what I mean?
In the meantime, I’m feeling a little shift inside. There are three ways in which I’ve seen a real change.
- I’ve noticed I’m not multitasking as I have in the past.
- I’ve also caught myself not hurrying.
Both are odd for me. I normally always feel in a rush. Even when I’m not on a deadline or need to be somewhere at a specific time, inwardly I feel “speedy.”
In not multitasking, which is actually just stopping one thing before you’re finished to do another and then going back and forth between the two…or three…or four, I am more “in the moment.” And that’s a good thing. I like it.
As I slow down and refuse to rush, I feel calmer. And that’s another good thing. I like that, too.
And the third thing? I think it may be the most important.
It’s this.
- I’m unlearning more.
That’s no typo. I’m UNlearning more.
You can read about the biggest thing I’ve unlearned by going here.
Question: What are you doing to find your own “happy” in this season of life?
Question: Have you read Platform: Getting Noticed In A Noisy World? If so, have you changed the way you blog or “do” social media?
Question: If you are a speaker and/or writer, do you ever feel like it’s just too hard to get your message “out there” – to get noticed in a noisy world? Do you ever feel like “closing up shop” and planting a garden?
Feel free to answer any or all questions.
