A friend, who also happens to be a super successful blogger, told me not to let my job as an editor get in the way of my blogging. I nodded and smiled, clearly not fully understanding until now! Blogs are a kind of ‘on a whim’ type of writing. They should flow and be written quickly without too much thought – off the top of your head! They’re generally read by people once before they move on. They should capture the here and now – not be written as if each one is an entry for the Pulitzer Prize!
Off the cuff
This is far easier said than done. When blogging, I read, reread, and the read once more before posting. I need to be more impulsive with my writing so I figured I would just give it a go. So, as I sit here tonight, the kids and Chas in bed, Boris (my pug) snoring at one side, Simba (my retriever) at my other side and my cats dotted along the sofa, it’s time to type.
The later we get into the night, so my darkest fears make an appearance. Well, when I say darkest, they’re not that dark and probably very similar to many… My thoughts as I lay in bed drifting off to sleep generally go along the lines of:
Are my kids happy?
Am I doing enough for them?
Did I really need to shout at them this afternoon?
Are they ok?
Are they sick?
God I love them so much I feel sick
And Chas, I love him so much. Do I tell him enough? I need to tell him more! Should I wake him to tell him? Would that be romantic? No, not romantic – just annoying!
My cats. They have got so old over the last few months. I hope they’re ok. Must check them all over tomorrow.
And Boris. Oh he’s such an old boy now. How did that happen?
Simba needs to swim. He needs to explore. I need to give him more time.
Where has the time gone?
Am I really that old?
Yes! But how did that happen? Where has the time gone? It’s so scary…. I must make the most of every minute!
Am I making the most of my life? Should I be doing more?
…And on and on I go. Thinking about everything and nothing at the same time! But, I try not to dwell. I think I’m pretty positive and that helps when it comes to not thinking too deeply about things that aren’t in my control.
Live in the now
It is the now that is important…. Not the what-ifs. Live life for the moment. Focus on the positives, feel grateful for the love you have and the love you can give.
It’s taken me 40 years to learn how important it is to get rid of the toxic people in your life! These include people you may class as friends. If they are bringing you down (intentionally) get rid! Say goodbye and focus on those people who love you for you.
Surround yourself with good people, and do things you love.
Spend time with your kids… playing, singing, dancing, laughing, cuddling, cooking, eating, laughing, reading, painting, jumping, laughing.
And love. Love with all your heart. Always…
xx
People often ask me if I enjoy blogging. I can honestly say I love it. I don’t know where it will lead or whether people enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it, but for me, blogging is a chance to have my say. I’m learning so much – which can never be a bad thing! I want my blog to succeed – of course I do, but I also appreciate having the chance just to write without the constraints that I’m used to as a copy editor.
For more blogs about just living the best life you can, about being kind and about taking care of others, click here, here and here.
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