15 years blogging and Smiles to go before I sleep

So many things happening over the past week.
The Dalai Lama turned 83
This blog turned 15
My health blog turned 10

From the time I began my career, July has always been a significant month– new job, major life changes.

I brainstormed with myself over what to write, mainly because I haven’t really written anniversary posts–except last year. Somehow 14 seemed significant and I wrote:

14 Cherished Gifts from 14 Years of Blogging

14 cherished gifts from 14 years of blogging

I thought about writing why I blog…but then realized I wrote

Why I blog

Then there’s “On Writing”

On Writing

So back to the brainstorming about what to write…

… I had an a-ha moment. I thought, why not ask my readers what they thought of me? Yeah, I know how that question sounds and I am secretly giggling at the colorful answers it might bring…

…but back to the idea. I liked it; but wasn’t it too short a notice to expect people to respond?

And when did that little hurdle ever stop me?

I asked.

Okay, lesson learned—as in—plan these things ahead. But I really did not want to tag/hound/remind people. I am just grateful for the kind words that come without asking.

So, without further ado, let me showcase the responses I received.

Please click the names of these fabulous people and visit their blogs. You’ll love them.

Sreesha Divakaran, One teaspoon cellophane

This is the post I like. The reason is, while it’s true that it has an important message and everything about bribery (excellent), I liked it for the presentation and format. It was so hilarious I was laughing my ass off when I read it. And the disclaimer added more points to the funny quotient

Wow! I AM Anna! (Hazare)

Tulika, Obsessive Mom         

Here’s my favourite post. If there’s one thing I need in my life is a reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment. I often find myself running from one task to the other, stressing about things that I don’t really need to. Loved the pace of this piece. It was so calming.

Soul Smiles

Shilpa Halwe, of Metanoia

This is the post I loved, Vidya! I felt it was meant just for me! 25 easy ways to stay motivated when you want to give up | Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles

25 easy ways to stay motivated when you want to give up

Carol Graham award-winning author of Battered Hope

It would be next to impossible to comment on which post I appreciated the most and why. As long as I have followed you, I have enjoyed everything you have written — from your gratitude posts to wisdom. Congratulations on blogging for 15 years. You have a beautiful page.

Suzy Que  of Someday, Somewhere

Hi Vidya, loved your quirky quotes to make you smile post.
I think this might be one of my favourite go to posts. I love the twist at the end of each quote. Wisdom and humour what more could you ask for. All the best for 15 years of blogging.

Quirky Quotes to Make You Smile

Shilpa Garg of A Rose is a rose is a rose

Congratulations! 15 years is HUGE!! Simply in awe of your journey!
May you continue to spread smiles always!! ♥

My fav post from your blog is  DADIRRI #ATOZCHALLENGE
I read this post just a day before a Nature Walk program, I was participating in. This post gave me insights to practice inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness and mindfulness while being in the nature. So, I actually experienced nature with intent and implemented  Dadirri  after reading your post and I must tell you that it was an energizing and enlightening experience. Thanks for inspiring… always

Dadirri #AtoZChallenge

Vinitha Dileep of Reflections

Hi Vidya! Congratulations on your blog’s 15th birthday! I know I’m a little late to the party, but if you are still accepting, here is one of my favorite posts from your blog. It was of course, a difficult task choose just one. But this post I read not so long ago made an impression in my heart.

I loved this simple beautiful story which explains with no fuss on the importance of helping each other. May your blog see and collect many many more smiles and inspire minds day after day!

The Long Spoons #WednesdayWisdom

Shailaja V of Diary of a Doting Mom

This was and is my favourite post from your blog. Always and always. Happy 15th blog anniversary to you.

Mi

Debbie Hampton of The Best Brain Possible

This my favorite. It blends something we all love – cute dog pictures – with very common sense valuable wisdom to be kinder to ourselves.That’s a win/win!

The Zen of Being More Dog

Sandra Pawula of Always Well Within

I liked this one because I personally find nature so soothing and feel sad that more and more people, and children especially, are more and more disconnected from nature.

Nature Deficit Disorder. Are you or your kids at risk? (10 tips to prevent it)

Vanita Cyril, my super-talented soul sister

Vidya Sury’s articles are like sunshine on a cloudy day. She is inspiring to the entrepreneurial mom who wants to have a life, shines a light on everyday people showing us how special each and every one of us is, and every word she writes is like advice from a loving friend.

Just had to add this tweet from Mayuri

#FF @vidyasury , if you don't already, that is!
Wit, warmth and wisdom are what her writing is made of.
Oh, don't miss the gorgeous creatives enhancing each post.#MPeruses ⭐

— Mayuri ⭐️ (@Mayuri6) July 6, 2018

I am blessed to be me. ♥

I smile to think back how, exactly 15 years ago, on 8 July 2008, I wrote my first post on this blog with absolutely zero idea of what I was doing.

Over the years, I became more focused. As an activity, blogging picked up. I joined blogging networks, simply because I could, little realizing the impact they would have on my blogging journey.

I met fabulous people who became friends from across the globe.

Thanks to blogging, I grew both professionally and as a person. And the best part is, I learn something new every single day.

My gratitude goes out to each one of you reading my words.

Thank you for touching my life, my heart.

Thank you for the Smiles. 

As I count 15 years blogging, I know I’ve got (S)miles to go before I sleep.