I had no idea when I started what this blog would look like or feel like or how its very existence would impact my life. I just knew that I needed to make some positive changes in my life, and I felt that by documenting what I was doing through a blog I would be more accountable. I knew it wasn’t going to make me fit and fabulous, and in the back of my mind I figured that I might put up a few posts, get busy with life, and move on. I’m happy to report that hasn’t happened.
Before BulgingButtons was born I was involved in a writing project. We had the assignment of writing ourselves a letter. The letters were collected and I quickly forgot about mine. That is, until yesterday, when it arrived in my mailbox. I didn’t even recognize my own handwriting on the envelope. It wasn’t until I opened the letter that it clicked. Right there, in the letter, I outlined my idea about this blog. These were my thoughts before I had even the vaguest idea of how to create a blog.
I want to create a blog with a fabulous name that will inspire a sense of hope and use humor but will also show a serious side of how my weight affects me. I don’t want it to be the typical blog about how great veggies and exercise are, but more essays on what my life experience has been like and will be continue to be like, whether I get healthy or not.
That was my jumping off point, and a good place for me to start. It was only a start, though. A start of something much greater than I ever expected. Here are some of the things that blogging has accomplished for me:
1. I have gotten in a groove with my writing. I write far more, and, dare I say it? Yes, I dare. I write better because I’ve gotten into an almost daily habit.
2. I have written a novel. WTF?! I NEVER would have expected that, and it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been blogging. Sure, it’s still a rough draft, but c’mon, it’s a novel.
3. I have joined an international community of bloggers and have learned so much from them about so many topics, not the least of which is writing. So many intelligent, compassionate, interesting, and kind people are bloggers, and I’m humbled to be a part of their community.
4. My blog has been visited nearly 8,000 times, has 365 followers at last count (one for every day of the year!), and has been seen on every continent (minus Antarctica) in countries I didn’t know existed (New Caledonia, anyone?). How amazing is that?
5. I’ve received awards from other bloggers, which confirms that some of those people who are visiting are actually not only reading the content, but like it! Actually, the likes and comments give that feedback too, and for those who take the time to weigh in (pun, get it?) I thank you. Even if you don’t agree with me, I appreciate hearing from you. This is a nice blog with nice readers, we don’t get ugly here. I’m proud of that.
6. I’ve branched out to include all sorts of different posts, depending on what’s on my mind at the moment. A blog is a great ADD outlet (which I don’t think I have, but who knows?). I have written to many prompts, I’ve interviewed my dog, I’ve played with photo collages, I’ve flashed back to my youth, I’ve listed things that make me happy, and I’ve shared many essays on health, fashion, exercise, and life in general. And all along the way you’ve given me support and encouragement.
What I have not accomplished through this blog:
Getting fit. Dammit.
1. I still dislike exercise.
2. I still procrastinate.
3. I still overeat.
4. I still eat the wrong things.
5. UGH
Ah well, I’m not a quitter. I’m going to keep on keeping on, and I’m going to keep on blogging. Maybe 2014 will bring some unexpected surprises. 2013 certainly did. Thanks for reading, you have made my year.
December 14, 2013 at 3:29 pm
Congratulations! π
December 14, 2013 at 4:25 pm
Well, thank you. π
December 14, 2013 at 4:05 pm
Congratulations on six months, glad I found your blog! Wouldn’t it be great if reading and writing DID get us fit and slim! π
December 14, 2013 at 4:27 pm
I would be unstoppable! π Thanks for being such a wonderful blogger and commenter.
December 14, 2013 at 10:05 pm
I am so very happy that you started your blog because I’ve found inspiration through your posts π I’m so excited for the success of your blog and I hope you continue to make it what you want it to be! Cheers to bringing in new year with my newly found blogging buddy π
December 14, 2013 at 10:09 pm
Thank you my lovely friend! Likewise. π
December 15, 2013 at 1:14 am
I love that you interviewed your dog π
My fitness/weight loss thoughts are out the window for the short term while I concentrate on beating anxiety at it’s nasty game..
Here’s to 2014!!
December 15, 2013 at 7:40 am
One thing at a time, and anxiety is a biggie. Sending peaceful vibes your way as you work to overcome it. Thanks for the kind words. π
December 15, 2013 at 5:26 am
I enjoy every post. I like the way you share things from your childhood with me and I like the way you write about things we all know and like (or not ). Thanks for 6 months with great posts!
December 15, 2013 at 7:41 am
Aw shucks, now I’m blushing. I so appreciate every kind comment and all the encouragement. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
December 15, 2013 at 7:26 am
Congratulations on six months! Here’s to many more!
December 15, 2013 at 7:42 am
Thanks!
December 15, 2013 at 7:40 am
I enjoy the posts on your blog and look forward to seeing many more. π
December 15, 2013 at 7:42 am
You are too kind. I feel the same about yours, Colline. π
December 15, 2013 at 8:27 am
You are an encouragement to me. Maybe I can write that book I have been dreaming about π
December 15, 2013 at 8:32 am
Why not? I did it with NaNoWriMo so I completed 50,000 words in 30 days. The pace was 1,667 words a day. Some days I did more, some I did less, and two days I didn’t write at all. The weekends were catch up times for me. I actually finished on the 29th, so 29 days (it matters!). You don’t have to keep up a crazy pace like that, but a timeline does force you to keep at it! π
December 16, 2013 at 1:28 am
Well done BB!! I agree with all you said about writing … the habit makes you a better writer … don’t stop now. Tess x
December 16, 2013 at 5:38 am
Thanks, Tess. I intend to continue on! π
December 16, 2013 at 4:47 pm
Great news.
December 17, 2013 at 6:30 pm
I liked this. Sorry I missed it until now.
I posted for the first time on June 22, so we were on the same wavelength. Good stuff.
I didn’t realize you’d completed a first draft of a book. Congrats. Huge step. It’s something I really want to tackle but am something akin to terrified to try.
Anyway, here’s to six more months. And whatever lies ahead.
Cheers, BB.
December 17, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Thanks so much. The book thing was kind of crazy, but in a good way.