My Blog-a-versary!

As of April 7, 2019, I have been blogging for one full year!  My how time flys!  To be honest, this has been one of the most transformative years of my life.  The other being the year of my illness and subsequent disability.  This year I stepped outside of my comfort zone by starting this blog in the first place!  I left a job that I once enjoyed for all of the right reasons.  I started a consulting and coaching business.  I started a search for my next great career assignment.  I transformed my body (that I thought was already in shape) into a fit frame that has NEVER looked better.. lean & mean with 22% body fat!  I embraced my creative side and started writing a novel.  Oh, and by-the-way, I never thought I was a writer!  Yeah, I can write a banger of a business letter or professional email, but writing for fun and creativity… I just NEVER thought!  That’s what happens when self-talk and long-held beliefs are brought to the surface and the distraction of irritation, frustration and low vibration caused by circumstances that no longer served me.  I have found such joy as to make room for all of the wonderful things that truly bring joy to my life!  Next stop, Love, Romance, who knows, but that’s a whole other blog post!

Let me share a few fun facts about CreativelyAble in the last 12 months:

• Including this one, I have 75 posts and have another 56 in draft form
• The most read blog was Gilligan’s Island followed closely by Strong Who Me? and a tie for third by A Diva in Heaven, and My Sister’s Love Allows me to RUN!
• The most entries that were written with the most emotion were Burning Bridges Falling Down, the 2019 New Year’s post  525,600 Minutes and Strong, Who Me?
• The most fun posts to write were my 2 entries about Marijuana:  Marijuana Advice and Marijuana Advice, The Sequel (I actually laughed out loud alone)
• The “Fan Favorite” and most “Liked” posts were Gilligan’s Island, Strong, Who Me? and These ARE The Good Old Days!.

In the past year, people have asked many questions about me and my blog.   I’ve answered the most common questions below:

Why do you blog and why did you start writing?  I blog because I want to be a light of positivity in a world that seems to focus on doom and gloom.  I blog as a way of releasing my inner thoughts, beliefs, emotions, humor, advice, and love. I blog as a way of connecting with others.  As a person who became disabled as an adult, I’ve learned to appreciate many things that fully able-bodied people take for granted.  I enjoy reminding people to focus on the good in their lives versus bitching about the bad stuff and not taking responsibility and/or action to improve it.

Why don’t you blog more about your disability or disability in general?  I refer to my disability often, but it is not WHO I am nor is it how I define my life.  I do share real stories about thoughtless people, or challenging experiences more as a tool for learning and awareness.  Believe me, there are challenges in my disability sure, but I choose not to make the negative aspects an area of uber focus, it quite simply depletes my energy!  I do read and follow several disability bloggers and occasionally write positive or encouraging comments when their stories move me to do so.

Where do your ideas come from and how do you keep track of them?  My ideas come from everywhere!  I may hear a line from a TV show, overhear a comment in a grocery store, read a billboard, or get an idea from one of the self-awareness books I listen to.  I even have a fleeting thought that inspires me.  I make a note using an app on my phone or iPad then start a draft.  I write a short blurb on what the blog is about then the write the first draft.  I refine it and post it if the message resonates with me.

Why don’t you blog more?  I write when I feel moved to write.  I don’t force it.  Having a huge following would be great, but that was never my goal.  I blog when I have something to say, or if I feel that someone out there (or myself) needs motivation or to hear a message.  I’d rather deeply impact one person than to have a million followers…seriously!

Where do your readers come from? 

• Facebook
• WordPress.com Reader
• LinkedIn

mostly…and a few other search engines.

The most amazing thing is where the readers live!  In the past year, I’ve had visitors from the following places:

• United States
• Canada
• India
• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Australia
• France
• Germany
• Bangladesh
• Monaco
• Iceland
• Brazil
• Romania
• China
• Russia
• Qatar

What advice would you give a person who wants to start a blog? The advice is the same I would give any person who wants to start or change anything… two words… DO and IT!  Start by asking yourself WHY you want to do it?  Not the overthinking BS’d reason…the real reason, then do it.  Until you align your WHY with your action, nothing will happen!  Building a huge following or making a lot of money (alone) will not be good enough reasons to sustain you!  You will expect results too quickly and give up when the going gets tough!

What’s next?  I have multiple projects going on right now.  I am building a coaching business focused on wellness, fitness, and general thought partnership.  I am seeking opportunities for motivational speaking.  I am planning to revamp my VLOG and start that up again.  I am looking for my next great professional assignment. Once that is solidified, my plan is to write about the interviewing experiences of a wheelchair user.  I am writing a novel, focused on a disabled person with an unexpected (let’s call it) “skill”.  I am also taking classes in Psychology, Writing, Human Resources, and Business Strategy.

I am so grateful for all of my readers and visitors.  I am thankful for all comments, likes, and shares.  I am appreciative of a great first year of blogging, and I am excited about the next 12 months!

If there are topics you want me to consider, if you have questions or if you need encouragement,  feel free to visit my web site and send a comment via email.

Love, Light, and Blogging!

 

Cr8Ab

 

All Likes, Shares, and Comments are welcomed!

 

© 2019 All Rights Reserved