In a recent article I wrote, I mentioned November is National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo). For the entire month of November, including weekends and holidays, many bloggers have committed to writing and sharing their articles. I had never heard of National Blog Posting Month, but when I did, I decided to sign up. I had not planned what I would write about, I just knew this was something I wanted to do. I love to write and had not been making it a priority in my life – there was always something more important to do. I had to take a moment and reflect thinking about what is truly important to me and if I was living in alignment with what I really value. I wrote about it my NaBloPoMo day six article, What Do You Really Value?
I belong to two different blogging groups on Facebook; one facilitated by Blog Her and the other by Cheer Peppers which helps to keep you motivated to write for the entire month. They provide prompts for those who need them and members of the group share their links for others to read and share. I have read some great articles so far.
Today marks day eight of posting everyday and each day I find it gets more difficult to meet the goal. I have to stay disciplined, focused and honor my commitment to myself to post an article everyday. Several participants have already decided to stop writing, to quit and shared their last post in the group yesterday. When I saw they had stopped, I thought to myself – “What makes me think I can keep going with this?”
I immediately thought, these individuals have been blogging for awhile, they had great articles and they had given up. Who did I think I was to think I could keep going? Am I really providing valuable content that someone wants to read? The negative self talk started filling my head and I was ready to quit as well. Then I started to think about a few of the comments I have received on Twitter . The ones that thanked me for sharing information and for having a blog that inspired them. I remembered, that’s why I write. To share stories and experiences and to raise self awareness. I write to remind people of the success they can have, to inspire them to get back up when they fall. To be a positive voice in your mind in a world filled with so much negativity and doubters, to shine light into the darkness.
We can easily be influenced when we see others around us wanting to quit or give up. Sometimes the circumstances of life prevent you from continuing on the path you are on and you may have to take a detour. Maybe you realize, if being truly honest with yourself, that wasn’t the path you wanted to be on anyway. You may have been doing what others thought was best for you or you just needed to find answers to what you truly wanted at this time in your life. Many people would not even have the courage to try, but at least you can you did. You tried, experienced it and received the clarity to know that is or isn’t for you. It’s okay to alter your path. Change is good. Just remember to be true to your authentic self.
Life is too short not to live it the way you want to. When you see others taking changing their path, don’t judge them. Try to understand their “why” and support them along the journey. Don’t let their decisions to change their course derail you from yours. When you feel the negative thoughts and stories trying to invade your head space, kick that out and let them know there are no rooms available. Only positive thoughts live here!
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Leadership and Life Coach. She is the Chairwoman and CEO of Infinity Coaching, Inc. where they help you up-level your skills so you can up-level your income. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching coaching, organizational training, personality assessments and a signature program, the Infinity Coaching Inner Circle. Find out more at https://infinitycoaching.net
