As per tradition, here are my Reflections on the A to Z Challenge 2019–its tenth-anniversary edition, no less, and my seventh!
I started off the A to Z Challenge this year with a bang on four blogs. Amazing, right? But that fizzled down to two because I just couldn’t keep up, thanks to work overload and deadlines that had to take priority over blogging. Which is a good thing because I don’t believe in stressful blogging. And so I took it in my stride. Which worked out okay-ish, I think.
Personally, I think it is great to be able to consistently post daily for an entire month–so please accept my congratulations if you reached the A to Z Challenge finish line.
What did I do differently this year?
Rather than pantser through the month, composing my posts as I walked on my terrace the previous day, I had a plan of sorts for my posts. I announced that the theme is collecting smiles. Which makes sense because my posts were mostly about personal development and mindful living, with a couple of parenting posts and book reviews. I continued the Wednesday Wisdom series on Wednesdays–of course, in keeping with the alphabet for the day. The Gratitude Circle blog hop linky went live on the last Thursday of the month, as usual.
So, it was business as usual, since I did not really stick to the plan I made. But still, planning helps, because it is fun. Does that make sense? It does, to me.
Because of work deadlines, I did not have time to blog hop after the second week of April and consequently, that turned my blog into a quiet place, which is only natural.
I feel extra-happy about the posts I wrote this year because of the wonderful emails I received from some of my subscribers. It made me realize, yet again, that if I can make a difference even in one life, the effort I put into my blog is well worth it.
I also had the pleasure of reading some wonderful new blogs. Even though I did not comment on most of them, I did share them on social media.
Gratitude
To all those who dropped by via the A to Z Challenge blog hop.- thank you.
Special mention of Ronel Janse van Vuuren, who read and commented on 17 of my A to Z posts in one day. Is she fabulous or what? She is an award-winning author of young adult and children’s fiction filled with mythology and folklore.
Thank you to my dear friend Jemima for mentioning me in her A to Z Challenge reflections post. I was tempted to just feature parts of her post in mine, as her reflections reflected my own.
Thank you to the 10th anniversary of the AtoZ Challenge – my favorite blog hop.
If you’d like to visit this year’s posts, here they are. Click any image to visit the post. I’d love to have your comments!
The highlight of my A to Z Challenge Reflections, as always, is this: I am happy to realize, yet again, that the most important thing is to enjoy what I am doing and not stress over numbers. And that’s what keeps me sane and enthusiastic. Here is a quote that reflects how I feel–it holds true for all aspects of life!
Don’t bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.
-William Faulkner.
5 comments
Congratulations, Vidya, for completing the A to Z!
I, too, had planned all the posts revolving around Self-care, but after the letter S, things went all bonkers. Hubby had to be hospitalised for a tooth infection which had spread to his cheek and chin, so a week running around from home to hospital left my plans in disarray. I completed my remaining posts after the letter Z. But, you know, I didn’t feel miserable at all! Nor did I feel let down for not getting as many visits to my blog as I had visualised, because, somewhere down the line, I realised I was happier blogging for myself more than anything else, and that i was able to write the posts I had planned and work on my writing and blogging. So, as the quote in your post says, “Try to be better than yourself,” it’s just what I am doing and it makes me so happy!
Here’s to us, for not only completing the A to Z, but enjoying the entire process! 🙂
Psst…I have always wanted to ask you, but didn’t know if I should pry….Where do you find these magnificent images you use for your posts? They are all out of the world!! I don’t find these on any other blog. Do you paint them yourself? 😛 Just asking. I promise I won’t steal them, ever! Hugs! <3
Shilpa Gupte recently posted…Understanding Bipolar Disorder – Part 2 – Treatment and care.
Thank you, Shilpa! You did the right thing by prioritizing! I’ve learned that we must primarily do things because they make us happy I hope S is feeling much better now–dental issues are always alarming!
You are always welcome to pry – my life is more or less an open book! Well, I’ve got an image fixation, as you can see. I spend a lot of time trying to find the perfect image (in my opinion, naturally) and I also have paid accounts on a couple of marvelous image sites. And yes, when I can’t find the perfect thing, I always have my own photos and drawings to choose from. Now, do you have any idea at all how happy you made me by asking? I always wonder if anyone notices. Hugs!
Great accomplishment, Vidya! I’ve been on vacation but many of your posts caught my eye so I’ll be reading them. 🙂 Good for you for completing this often times very challenging blog challenge! 🙂
Thank you Karen! I love it when you drop by!
Great accomplishment Vidya g ,
Keep up the good work.
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