I'm a deep thinker that loves to write.. and talk. I spend a lot of time thinking about the issues that affect us and researching topics to better understand the causes, effects and possible solutions to those issues. As a result, I have an internal dialogue in which my ideas or views are hashed out, almost as if I'm presenting them before an audience. And this blog became my voice to an audience that I would never be able to access any other way. I hoped to create a place that I could learn from others, others could learn from me, and together, we could begin to change the world!
I haven't written in this blog as often as I thought I would. Life took many interesting turns over the last 6 years: a divorce, a new love, a move to a new environment, interesting and new opportunities, several self-examinations (and resulting personal growth), and so much more. But recently, I found new motivation to write:
- for self-care - I work in a field that has a high level of vicarious trauma, so my path of mindful practice has become more and more important - and my desire to write has become stronger,
- for personal growth - as I become more focused on this path, integrating it into my life on more and deeper levels, I want to share my thoughts and experiences with others that may be on the same path or are contemplating the path for themselves,
- for my family - I want to be a better wife and mother, incorporating mindfulness in the way I react to situations and the lessons I pass on to my children. Through this medium, I hope to share with and to learn from others,
- for my community, state, country and global environment - I know that I can be the change I wish to see in the world, that change occurs first from within, and that our thoughts, words and actions have far-reaching effects. As I mindfully contemplate each post I publish, I have a clear intention of being a positive ripple of influence throughout this pond of humanity.
However, as I began to dive into this current blog, I realized some issues. First, much of my previous writings were not as mindfully focused as I would have liked. That doesn't mean they needed to be deleted and forgotten, but the direction I wish to take is not where I was heading. It was very interesting to reread my older posts and remember where I was, internally, at that time. In some ways, I'm proud of the work I did and the words I expressed. Their truthfulness certainly hasn't changed. Where I am not, internally, is what has changed. So while I'll still be writing on similar topics, the focus will be more centered on compassion and mindfulness.
And the second issue was brought to light as I tried to solve the first issue: Blogger is not user-friendly, requiring a higher level of coding knowledge than I currently possess or want to learn at this time - remember, this is supposed to be my self-care, not one more thing to pull my hair out over!! And as I started trying to make the blog into the blog I envisioned, I became aware of the platform limitations. I learned that the Blogger admin haven't been very responsive in a while and many in the blogging community have questioned if the platform is in decline.
So I decided to do some research on blogging platforms and one kept showing up at the top of the recommendation lists: WordPress. I've used WordPress through my association with a progressive online news publication, but I hadn't used it much more than the draft mode. After looking at the platform in more depth, I found that it can grow with me. I can upgrade from the free blogging platform to the paid platform with many more features and additions - but I can also build a website around my blog, if I choose to do so in the future. I may never upgrade at all, but I have the ability to do so at WordPress, and having options makes me happy!
So I'm leaving this blog here and I'll back up the posts, just in case Blogger goes under. But I have a new home that matches my vision so much better! If you'd like to see where I'm taking this medium, please follow me at my new blogging home by clicking the link below:
Compassionate Minds
