Why haven’t I posted since October? I’ve been mourning, learning, and growing. A lot has happened since then. It started with an emptying heartache, but it motivated me. The heartache reminded me to stay dedicated to my goals.
My maternal grandmother passed away the week of Halloween. She tried to prepare us for it, but her absence is still painful. I allowed time to grieve and time to myself as well. Also, I visited my family and friends as much as I could. My grandma told all of us kids, to do things while we’re young and healthy.
Following her advice, I enrolled in another course for work. I passed three. After this course, I will only need to pass one more to earn my FAHM designation. I’m content in my current position, but I’m obliged to see the course through. I’m more mindful of what I take on because I want fulfillment. I don’t want to leave something partially done.
Writing my nonfiction self-help book preemptively booked my evenings and weekends. It was worth it. I finished writing the first draft of my book in December. I revised it and sent it to a few beta-readers in early February. They gave me positive feedback and useful suggestions. I appreciate it all. Their suggestions will guide my rewrites. After rewrites, my manuscript will be off to the editor.
Also, I started building a new website. I experimented with branding colors, fonts, themes, and even made a logo. I copied my blog content to my new website. Now, it can be searched by category. My blog is my story and my website would be incomplete without it.
A friend helped me when my limited experience in HTML coding stumped me and hindered my progress. I appreciate him. I enjoyed learning a new skill too. Hopefully, I can design the rest with minimal assistance.
Other than to share my new website, this may be my final post as Shareasmile. I’m thankful for every like, comment, share, and follow. Your support brought significant opportunities.
I started my blogging journey in January of 2018. It led to authorship in 2019. I still have a few posts in draft mode from July, October, and December. When I find the enthusiasm again, I’ll finish those and click “Publish.” Whether that will happen on this website or my new one is the question.
I’m still journaling. Although, it has been more for brainstorming than self-care. I’ve been drafting my contributing chapter to The Grateful Soul. My chapter will likely be about art and writing. These two hobbies have given me plenty. Plus, both have freed me from my old bruised self.
I plan to play with my art materials more often and enjoy it so that hours pass me by. I will be brave and finish my tattoo design for my friend. I appreciate his enduring patience. When I feel guilty about it, he reassures me he’s not in a hurry. When it’s a design I’m proud of, I’ll push myself to finish my neglected works in progress and begin smaller projects.
Since I became a blogger, I wrote 29 posts and four drafts. Each one has been a part of my transformation. I am more confident, less judgmental, more stable, and sincerely happy.
Thank you for being there. I hope I inspired you to be fearlessly you. I hope you’re becoming your best self.
I wish you the best.
Share a smile. Stay inspired.