To Blog or Not to Blog

To Blog or Not to Blog, that is the question I've been pondering over the past few weeks, hence no postings.  I've been reflecting on whether the benefits outweigh the cost when it comes to blogging.  Since I'm big on balance in my life I needed to take time figure that out.  As bloggers/writers know writing on regular basis takes time, thought, energy, effort, focus and not to mention a thick skin when it comes to critical feedback of what one's heart poured out.

Some of the questions that swirled around in my head are Why should I blog?  What made me decide to start a blog?  How much time do I really want to invest in blogging?  What am I getting out of blogging?  What am I giving to others through blogging?  The list goes on and on.  I thought taking sometime to think about these questions would be good.

So what did I come up with?

A lot of random thoughts and feeling but nothing concrete.  Nada.  Zippo.

It seems I'm still sitting on the fence.

But I did learn a few things from my little hiatus.  I learned that I do love writing.   But I also learned that I can live without writing.  I'm free.  Pretty cool- it seems that the world indeed is my oyster.

And I love oysters.

So essentially I do not know if I'll continue this blog.  I may start an entirely different blog- more streamlined more specific.  I feel a tug in that direction, but I'm not entirely sure I'll commit.  I'll let you know.


I've also learned quite a few things over the past few weeks.  I learned that after my forty days of not spending money on myself or my family during Lent I didn't feel the need to run out and buy something as soon as Easter rolled around.  No I didn't.  I haven't even went shopping other than for groceries.  I haven't bought those sandals I had been ruminating about.  No- I've felt more freed from the pull of consumption.  That has been a good thing.

So as far as the life of this blog or another only the future will tell what will be.  And I can't wait to see it all unfold.

Keep moving forward
Always,
Elizabeth

February in Review

Fantastic February!

Now that February is all but gone I thought I'd take a little time to review my progress thus far.  It's only been a month since I've been blogging so here's a quick snapshot (not in any particular order):

1.  Started a blog, faced fear of the unknown, risked vulnerability, learned how to upload photos, how to add a link, how to leave comments on other blogs, and all kinds of other techie stuff that I've been wanting to learn. Woo Hoo!

2.  Stayed on budget- was able to tweak and cut back as necessary since a few unexpected expenses came up.  Did not live beyond my means.  However was not able to save, but I'm hoping to be able to soon.

2.  Remade our existing patio furniture for $35 and a lot of elbow grease

3.  Spray painted the numbers on our house, several planters, a mirror, a picture frame and made a cute little framed chalkboard.

4. Reorganized my pantry, complete with cute little chalkboard labels I made.

5. Recovered our dining room chairs and made slipcovers for the backs.  All  for next to nothing since I had the fabric that I had gotten at a steal at a store that was closing.

6. Kept up my fitness routine of walking 30 minutes a day, eating well and taking my vitamins.

7. Took care of my family: fed them well, cheered them on, loved them lots, spent time with them.

8.  Worked my "regular job" which provides a much needed paycheck.  Gave it my all, did my best, enough said.

9.  Paid attention to things that I'm doing well in addition to areas in which I need to improve.  Tried not to be so hard on myself nor push my self too hard.

10.  Remained open to any promptings of the Holy Spirit and carried a conscious spirit of gratitude regarding my blessings.

In summary I'd like to say that's quite a lot of progress!  Talk about moving forward! No wonder I've been feeling wiped out.  Perhaps I should slow down a bit.  Maybe I'll add that to my next list (I do better at getting things done if I put them on a list- I know what your thinking- seems I like to make a job out of everything I do.  I really need to try to tame my inner overachiever self.)

How about you?  How was your month?  Did you move forward?

With loving thoughts and warm wishes,

Elizabeth at Home