Five NaBloPoMo Lessons Learned

A goal accomplished. Although I strive to post something new daily, I wasn't quite doing that. Now I know I can, because I did. I am proud of that! Strike one up for my first blogging-related success!

Inner fortitude. Some days were harder than others for me to get motivated to write... Knowing I had to, though, made me push through the laziness, or apathy, or whatever the hurdle was and just do it. Maybe had is too strong a word, but signing up for NaBloPoMo represented enough of a commitment that it compelled me to get over myself and accomplish the goal. This is a good thing to know about myself...that I honor commitments, even if they don't matter to anyone but myself. I will remember that as a disciplinary tool to help keep me on a productive writing pace.

I can overcome writing difficulties. Knowing I didn't have the luxury of sleeping on it when I had difficulty expressing what I wanted to write was actually an effective exercise in inspiring me to creative thinking. When I absolutely, positively had to (there's that word again...) produce something, I always found a way to make it work, and to my satisfaction.

I am no longer an ambivalent blogger. I am still relatively new to this blogging thing, and a perfectionist to boot. These two facts combined in me to create potentially destructive blogging practices. Before NaBloPoMo, I would often obsess for hours - even days - about a word, phrase or concept I wanted to include in a post. As a result, I would find myself almost afraid to click on that publish button, for fear that the product was either incomplete or imperfect - or both! Though I still pour my heart and soul into every post because I do care so much, I have struck a balance and I'm - for the most part - over that now.

Writing on a theme can be enjoyable. At least for me, my theme gave my writing focus, and my ambition a boost. I like looking back on my NaBloPoMo titles and seeing the box set...a collection of pieces on a common theme all tied up with a pretty bow. I can't say that I would want to write on a theme all the time, though. That's why my blog isn't specifically a food, or inspirational, or music blog...it's about all those and much more because it is about all of me. The theme thing worked for me, so I know I will pull it out of my bag of tricks in the future...

I do believe that is - for real this time - all I have to say about NaBloPoMo! It was a fun experience, infusing our sometimes dreary November days with a little excitement. My blog has become a big part of my daily life - more than I ever expected when it all began back in July. It has become a faithful friend, and a source of meeting new ones. Thanks to all of you who have been reading my blog, and following my NaBloPoMo progress.

I share the pride my successful completion brings with you!