Reflections A to Z Challenge #AtoZChallenge 2015

It is always exciting to be part of the A to Z Challenge and this year was no exception, on a personal level.

I had all the necessary ingredients – the will to write and travel plans – yes, it seems I must be away at least for part of April as this month coincides with summer vacations in India.

Interestingly, this year I also decided to experiment with a theme – “Letters to my son” partly because it was appropriate at this time in our lives when he has finished school and is at that turning point where he will start a new phase in his.

I enjoyed going with this theme. Best of all, it warmed my heart that he read my posts every day, even when we were traveling and said he loved them. Gave me a sort of “mission accomplished” feeling, naturally.

What did I learn from this year’s A to Z Challenge?

One of the greatest things about the A to Z Challenge is the connection with other bloggers. Then, more comments, more visitors, more friends and a larger following.

But all this is possible only when it is a two-way activity.

That’s where I fell short. April was an extremely busy month, work-wise. We were also occupied with my son’s exams and interviews. One week just went by with my falling sick with a tummy infection. Then, traveling for a week. There was a point when I thought I’d just get off the A to Z train.

What kept me going?

The love for writing, blogging. Also, the zeigarnik effect. Cannot ditch something halfway. Add to it, the happiness that my son is looking forward to being presented with the ebook I plan to make for him with these letters.

I didn’t stress myself out over the interaction, simply because I knew I couldn’t do it. I’ll try my best to catch up, though.

I focused on my family and friends. I lost two dear family members and a close neighbor – and that came with its own sadness. Life goes on, however, teaching us that relationships and the love we share are everything.

This month, I experienced, yet again, the Universe at work when one of my fondest dreams came true far sooner than I expected – meeting His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. I am dedicating a separate post to the amazing experience.

All in all, April was a great month for me even if it meant a somewhat lonelier than usual blog.

Will I participate in the A to Z Challenge next year? Of course. This year I participated with three blogs – who knows what next year will bring? Not so sure about sticking with a theme, though! Time will tell!

Gratitude

I am grateful to everyone who dropped by and commented.

Special mentions:

Birgit for her “catching up” and comments and always being supportive

Darla Sands for her constant encouragement

Susan Scott for her kindness and lovely words

Again, three cheers to Arlee Bird for masterminding this absolutely enjoyable mega-blog hop-challenge that is the A to Z Challenge, which I look forward to with so much anticipation every year.

Here is a ready reference of my A to Z Challenge 2015 posts: Click on any of the pics to read the post for that letter – or the letter for that post!

Did you participate in the A to Z Challenge this year?

How was your experience? Would love to hear it in the comments!

If you wrote a reflections post, please share your link!

P.S.: The Featured Image at the top of this post is beautiful art by Jenna