When was the last time you put your whole heart into something and delivered more than anyone expected of you?

What was it?

Why did you work so hard?

The time? Now. The project? BulgingButtons, the blog. Let me be plain, nobody expected anything of me with this blog. I didn’t begin it as an assignment or challenge. Nobody told me I really ought to have a blog, or that they would read it if I did. In other words, there were absolutely no expectations at all. This fact made delivering more than expected a given. That being said, this blog still delivers in a pretty big way. It has a few things going for it that might not have been expected, especially by someone who knows me well.

First, I’ve been contributing to it regularly. I didn’t start it, create two or three posts, and then forget about it. I’ve been writing new content each week, and sometimes each day. This level of commitment to something that isn’t required of me is pretty impressive. Let’s face it, I’m a busy person and at the end of the day I like to chill out with the family on the couch like anyone else. Something about blogging has gotten under my skin, though, and I’m really motivated to keep writing and sharing new thoughts.

Secondly, my main topic of getting healthier has been a constant for the three months I’ve been blogging. This is also impressive, considering my past track record. Granted I haven’t made huge strides on the scale, but I’ve been doing some good things for myself, and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I think the accountability of making my activities public has helped me to keep that trend going.

Finally, the majority of the posts I’ve written contain a bit more than simple journaling or self-serving baloney. They allow you, the reader, to get inside my head, and rattle around in there with me for a bit. I’m not embarrassed when I read back posts I’ve written. The voice I’m sharing with you is authentic, whether it’s hopeful, frustrated, or humorous. Whatever tone a particular piece takes, it comes from my heart as much as my head.

I’m not positive why this blogging thing has clicked with me so strongly. It may be that it gives me a voice that for so many years was quiet. Oh, it was always there, but I often suppressed it. I’m not one to have a huge circle of friends, although I enjoy other people very much. I’ve always had a few people very close to my heart, and they were the ones who saw my true colors. Now anyone who happens to click on bulging buttons.wordpress.com gets to come along for the ride too.

September 18, 2013
by BulgingButtons 2 Comments

You Can Help!

Read Lara’s blog and help make a difference in Cadence’s life and the lives of other children and families.

My father had a brain tumor, and it sucked, but we’re talking about a baby here. Well, don’t tell Cadence she’s a baby, she’s a big girl of three years old! Please, check this out and help if you can. If not financially, at least with compassionate and uplifting thoughts. While you’re there, take a look around Lara’s blog. She’s an exceptional story teller and she will move you with her family’s story. Oh, and she’s jumping rope like a prize fighter because of little ole me!

September 17, 2013
by BulgingButtons 6 Comments

Daily Prompt: The Cat Says Meow

Write a story about yourself from the perspective of an object, thing, animal, or another person.

There she goes again, walking right past the door as if she doesn’t even know I’m in here. Oh, she knows, she just doesn’t want to think about me. Sure, sometimes she brings in the four legged one, clips her to the leash, and lets her go through her paces, but deep down she knows that she’s the one I want.

I didn’t always live this life, relegated to a side bedroom, spending hours watching a teenager lounge around playing video games. Do you know how hard that is? Having the company but sitting idle? If only he would get off that couch and turn me on. He could do it, it wouldn’t have to be her. But deep down, she’s the one I really want.

Every now and then, almost as a tease, she does come see me. She brings her music of choice, and her refreshment. She sets up the fan so that it’s blowing just right, and she makes a note of the time. Then, with deliberation and determination, she climbs aboard. Oh, how I love this time. That rush as she begins, slowly at first, then with increased speed and intensity, is impossible to adequately describe. We begin to move together, to get into a groove. The music helps us as we find our rhythm. This is what I was made for. This is what I long for. But, as always, it ends too soon, and again I’m left waiting, alone.