Oh my word.
A few months ago I declared on this blog that I was going to “jump”. I made an intention that I was going to plunge into blogging with renewed regularity, accepting that I didn’t know specifically what I’d blog about but that I was going to “jump” nonetheless. And I did.
…But then I didn’t. And I didn’t again and again.
My ‘off-blog’ life became “busy”. The company for which I work had been acquired and my responsibilities increased and I became “busier”. I had new things to learn, more tasks to complete, new relationships to build, more things to do. I had good reason for not “jumping”. I “had a lot on my plate” and I could forgive myself for missing a post for a week or two. It was just a couple of posts after all. And who was going to read or miss them anyway?
And then other posts were missed. And others. Weeks passed. I was busy.
A new project at work suddenly became mine. I got even busier! I had new reasons not to post. More proof that I was just too busy and that it was okay to not play big. It was okay to not think about what I might blog about. It was okay to not research. It was okay to not write. It was okay to not “jump.”
But what was happening was, I had gotten comfortable with something that I hadn’t recognized as that important: I was okay in not honoring my word. I’d become okay in saying something and then not following through. (I had reasons after all. I was busy.)
I originally started this blog not only to post the quotes that I had been emailing to a small group of friends and family each workday for the past several years but also to share other ideas, perhaps on science-based discoveries in human potential, or about living a healthy life, or about taking care of ourselves or each other with hopes of starting a conversation with those interested in sharing their ideas. I also started this blog with hopes of finding my voice and perhaps even creating an opportunity to share some humor and just have fun.
However, the new posts never came.
I see now how my own thinking stopped me on this pursuit. My own ‘not-always obvious’ fears and doubts held me back. My concerns of “will I want to commit to this,” “will I have time for this,” and “what will others think” prevented me from moving forward. My fears and reasons stopped me “jumping” and from honoring my word.
That stops here.
Here’s my commitment: I’m honoring my word and my word right here and now is this:
In addition to the daily (workday) quotes, I am a publisher of at least one blog post a week for the next 10 weeks.
Why 10 weeks? No particular reason. But if I don’t enjoy creating posts over the next 10 weeks, I’ll know blogging isn’t for me. But if I post something each week for the next 10 weeks, regardless of how I feel, I’ll know I can keep my word. And that’s powerful.
What’s your word?
"Oh my word.",
Hey Chris, no matter what, we are so proud of you! What a wonderful reflection of your father you have become…when I became a part of your extended family he welcomed me with open arms and I admired him so much for the way he lived his life:) Carry on and be well<3
In the same boat with you. My latest tricks are to set up a routine and start small. So my goal has been working out – every day, I have to get to the gym. I don’t have to do anything once I get there, but I have to get there. Always when I do, I work out, and usually once I start, it’s off to the races. But if I just go and run on a treadmill for 10 minutes, then I’ve accomplished my goal for the day. It’s much easier on my brainspace if I’m not setting the bar too high out of the gate. Anyways, there’s my non-solicited ramblings. Good luck and looking forward to your first post!
That’s awesome! There is a lot of power in setting up small goals and achieving them. Looks like you’ve found that out too. Often times, when it comes to the gym, or most things really, simply showing up is what stops us! Whenever I am challenged to get out of bed because I am too tired or too comfortable, I tell myself, “Just put your feet on the floor, Chris” and when I simplify the task, suddenly I am up. Thanks for the share Jonathan!
Thanks so much Amy! My Dad was a wonderful person and an inspiration. I know all of us (his kids I am referring to here) aim to live what he and my Mom have taught us and have lived/live themselves. I am sure he would tell you that you were a great fit to the family and we’re blessed to have you apart of the family. 🙂