Just Start (and Some Thoughts on Blogging)

When I was deciding whether or not to start blogging again, I kept coming up against this idea: Just start. I saw it all over the place, heard it in podcasts, felt it inside me, whispering. Go on, already. Just start.

And though I’d like to say that it was just that simple, there was actually a lot of hemming and hawing involved. I had purchased a domain and web hosting for my photography business, but I couldn’t seem to get things into place. And since I had already shelled out the money, I thought about shifting gears to a personal site where I could share everything in one place: my photography, my writing, my musings.

But blogging again scared me. It still does to a certain extent. It requires a lot of vulnerability and fear that perhaps no one really cares and I’m just a gong resounding against the void. I shouldn’t let that stuff worry me, but my previous blogging experience led to a bit of heartache (that I won’t go into, but let’s just say it was more than I ready for). I had to step away.

Now I wish I hadn’t . I wish I had had the courage to keep going, keep sharing. What I really wish is that I didn’t have to worry about hurting other people’s feelings or my own. I wish I could be honest without the backlash. Maybe I’m still not ready for that, and maybe this space doesn’t have to be quite so personal.

When I watched this speech about making a big bold statement, I found myself often feeling like, Yes, I want that. One of the things Elise says in the speech is that it’s important once you’ve made your statement to surround yourself with supportive people. That you should have lots of people who have your back, who pick you up when you’re down, who propel you to keep going when you need a little push. And I think, Yes, I want that too. (Remember what I said about connection?)

I haven’t figured out what my big bold statement is yet, but I know I’m ready to start. That’s why I’m here. I have something to share, something I want to share! I want connection. I want to see where this is going to take me. And I’m thankful that you’re here to be a part of it.

One of those things I want to share is that I’m over at habit posting as often as I can through December. Sadly, habit is coming to an end, so this is the last hurrah. I hope you stop over there! I am also participating in the December Photo Project this month, taking a photo a day in hopes of making a fun spread out of it for Project Life. I’ll be posting some of those photos soon, so stay tuned!