One year on & winding down for 2015

November 24, 2015
blogiversary, anniversary, 1st birthday, first birthday

blogiversary, anniversary, 1st birthday, first birthday

Do you ever have so many things that need doing, or that you want to do, spinning around in your head to the point that you get so overwhelmed you become paralysed and end up achieving nothing much at all? Yes? No?  My answer would be yes!

This is how I’ve been feeling for some time.  You may have noticed that the regularity of my blogging has dropped off.  I used to publish three posts per week.  I probably will again, but for now, in order to free up more time so I can do those things that need doing, I have decided to start winding down for 2015.  

I’m hoping to publish at least one post per week until the end of the holiday season (apart from the week in December when I will be away), but if I don’t – I’m not going to beat myself up about it. 

“So what are all the things in your head that need doing or that you want to do?” I hear you ask.  Well, thanks so much for asking! Oky doky, here’s a bit of a brain dump!

WOTM is 1 !!

Now here is something important.  Would you believe that I have had so much stuff in my head that I forgot my own blog’s first year anniversary?  Yep!  Sad but true.  I launched Write of the Middle (WOTM) on 4 November 2014.  Happy belated blogiversary to WOTM!!  I promise that your second birthday will be celebrated in better style!

Blog Stuff

I want to:

  • create a couple of eBooks
  • fine-tune my social media platforms so that they perform much more efficiently
  • follow through with implementing things learned at #PBevent and through various webinars (and similar) that I have attended
  • generally do some much needed forward planning (hard to do when my focus is so dominated by the need to create regular weekly content)
  • and more stuff …

Family Stuff

  • Twin2 started in the workforce a couple of months back.  This required loads of shopping to outfit him.  Now Twin1 has just started in the workforce.  Yesterday was his first day.  To say I’m thrilled is an understatement!  It has been 1 year and 4 months since he graduated!  Again, more shopping to outfit him.
  • My daughter is heading overseas in the new year.  Lots to organise and lots to gather!  It will be cold over there in January!
  • As blogged, I recently lost my mother-in-law.  It’s been emotional and busy.  I designed and created thank you cards and posted them out just last week.
  • Christmas shopping – loads of it yet to be done!
  • and more stuff …

Personal Stuff

  • Much of this year has been about this blog and blogging which has been great and very enjoyable but it came at the cost of my photography.  I have not put any time or effort into my photography, progressing any business plans, improving my skills, going on photography expeditions, etc.  I need to get back to photography because it grounds me.  It stops my mind from getting too busy.  It makes me feel peaceful and happy.  Also, I want to build up a gallery of work that I adore and am proud of.
  • Ongoing health issues that need my time and attention.
  • General ongoing tweaking to get the right balance of mind, body & spirit.
  • Christmas catch ups with friends to be had.
  • Holidays!  One week at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast coming up in December.  Time to relax, get back to nature (love my early morning and late avo beach walks), and read lots and lots of books!
  • Digital Detox – I need a break from all things computer, phone & social media.
  • and more stuff …

Are you winding down for the year yet?  Have you planned a good chunk of digital detox time for yourself?

Ciao for now,

Min-Signature

Linking up with Essentially Jess for #IBOT

 

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34 Comments

  • Reply Lydia C. Lee November 24, 2015 at 5:45 am

    Yep – I’m shutting shop for 6 weeks (with the occasional pop back in for First of the Month Fiction). I’ve not been writing any stories, because I’ve been too busy, so I really want to get that happening again….

    • Reply Min November 24, 2015 at 4:00 pm

      Good for you Lydia. I hope you find some time to write those stories of yours! 🙂

  • Reply Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit November 24, 2015 at 5:57 am

    Happy blogoversary!! Wooot!

    • Reply Min November 24, 2015 at 4:01 pm

      LOL – thanks Leanne! Not very blogger’ish of me to forget it is it! 1 year of WOTM. 3 years, 2 months of blogging. 🙂

  • Reply Renee Wilson November 24, 2015 at 6:02 am

    Ahh Burleigh Heads again. My favourite. Don’t forget that vegetarian Montezuma’s Delight okay 🙂 I’m sorry to hear about your mother in law. Happy first blogaversary!!!!! I don’t know how you managed three posts a week. I’ve been struggling with one lately. Keep being kind to yourself and enjoy that break 🙂

    • Reply Min November 24, 2015 at 4:03 pm

      Haha – yes I remember your love of Burleigh Heads! We went to Montezuma’s last time and we might just go there again this time. Thanks for the blogiversary wishes. Not sure myself either how I managed three posts a week! I will enjoy the break – thank you! 🙂

  • Reply Sarah@bubsandbeans.com.au November 24, 2015 at 6:17 am

    Happy 1st anniversary of your blog 🙂

    • Reply Min November 24, 2015 at 4:03 pm

      Thank you Sarah! 🙂

  • Reply JF Gibson November 24, 2015 at 6:32 am

    Happy bloggiversary!! And enjoy your wind down and time off. 2016 is looking good. 🙂

    • Reply Min November 24, 2015 at 4:04 pm

      Thanks Jodi! I will very much enjoy a bit of a break and yes I think 2016 will be a good one! *fingers crossed* 😉

  • Reply Deb @ inner compass designs November 24, 2015 at 7:56 am

    Happy blogaversary. This is the first year I am winding UP instead of down. Enjoy your break and take lots of photos.

    • Reply Min November 24, 2015 at 4:05 pm

      Thanks Deb! I’m so proud of you and all that you have achieved. Good luck with your launch! You are amazing!! 🙂 xo

  • Reply di @ studio10 creative November 24, 2015 at 8:18 am

    Happy blogaversary! I’m mentally winding down for the year. I’m planning to take some time out…definitely. Burleigh sounds divine. I might just join you in the digital detox. 😉

    • Reply Min November 24, 2015 at 4:06 pm

      Thank you Di! We all need a bit of a holiday and this time of year I think it is most needed. I highly recommend some digital detox time – it works wonders! 🙂

  • Reply Deborah November 24, 2015 at 8:22 am

    Great plans Min! I’m struggling to plan forward at the moment. Both too little on my forward agenda and too much uncertainty, if that makes sense.

    I completely understand though about feeling as if there are so many things you SHOULD be doing you become stifled. That’s certainly the case with me!

    • Reply Min November 24, 2015 at 4:09 pm

      I’m struggling to plan forward at the moment too Deb. Too much to do, so I need to scale it back so I’ve got a bit more room to think more clearly. I also just need a break. As bloggers we tend to keep going and going and going – outside of normal work hours, on weekend and day after day. We need holidays too! 😉

  • Reply Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages November 24, 2015 at 9:30 am

    Yes! I think so many of us are feeling overwhelmed at the moment and I announced today that I’m having at least a month off. And Burleigh really is the best place to kick back (not that I’m biased) 😉

    • Reply Min November 24, 2015 at 4:10 pm

      It’s the time of year to feel overwhelmed and tired I think! I think it’s great you’re having a much deserved break Malinda, and I’m so excited for you to hear of your study plans! 🙂 xo

  • Reply Mandy, Barbie Bieber and Beyond November 24, 2015 at 10:33 am

    Yep, I’m looking forward to a few weeks with family and friends, although we have decided that Christmas is the perfect time to put in a new kitchen!! HA! Wish me luck.

    • Reply Min November 24, 2015 at 4:11 pm

      A few weeks with family and friends sounds awesome Mandy! Of course Christmas is the perfect time to put in a new kitchen. Um … good luck with that one! lol xo

  • Reply PatrickC November 24, 2015 at 10:54 am

    Min,

    Since December 2011 when the last one of my abusers who is alive was featured on the front page of a news paper my life has been filled with upheaval, discord and stress, especially this year. I have struggled so much this year that sometimes just getting out of bed in the mornings has been an achievement. I cant wait for this year to end. I truly hope that 2016 brings to me and indeed to all some calmness, regeneration and rebirth. I hope that I achieve some piece and am able to work through the PTSD, Anxiety and Depression within my soul, find some work that brings me vocational happiness and a settlement with the church. That would be a foundation to build on. Like you Min I have neglected my photography, my writing, my everything really.

    However I have to say your blog and the blogs of a couple of other, such as Pips have given me strength, enjoyment and encouragement to battle on. (Especially when you published my story – Thank You.)

    Your blog is a great gift that you share with us.

    May your 2016 bring you all the good things that you so richly deserve.

    Ciao,

    Patrick

    • Reply PatrickC November 24, 2015 at 10:56 am

      Oh and one more thing I want auto spellers removed I wrote peace and it decided to change it on me.

      • Reply Min November 24, 2015 at 4:28 pm

        Auto spellers/correctors can be so annoying can’t they? I can fix it in your original comment if you would like me to?

    • Reply Min November 24, 2015 at 4:20 pm

      Patrick, I hope so much that 2016 will be a more peaceful, happy, and fulfilling year for you. Life circumstances are always changing. What is the case today, will not be the case always. My friend Deb wrote a post today that kind of relates to what I’m trying to say. You can see it here: http://www.innercompassdesigns.com/what-can-will-your-life-look-like-in-five-years/ Try and keep a positive mind, believe things will improve … and ultimately they will. I’m in your corner sending lots of hippy-like positive vibes your way. I’m so glad my blog has helped you in some way. Stay strong. xo

  • Reply Natalie @ our parallel connection November 24, 2015 at 12:25 pm

    Congrats on your first year. Love your goals and wish you the best of luck

    • Reply Min November 24, 2015 at 4:29 pm

      Many thanks Natalie! 🙂

  • Reply Hugzilla November 24, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    Dude, it sounds like you really need that holiday! I was on the Gold Coast a couple of months ago and there is no better place to wash away some of the wear and tear of life. All the best with your goals for next year – I still remember when you launched this and it does not seem like a year ago. Sheesh. Where did that go?

    • Reply Min November 24, 2015 at 9:55 pm

      Dude, yes I do! lol We usually head to the Sunshine Coast but a visit last December to Burleigh Heads brought with it a renewed love for that area so we’re heading back again this year. Also, my sister and hubby will be staying in the same complex at the same time so that will be fun. Hard to believe a year has flown by since I launched WOTM and can you believe I missed the actual date – sheesh! Thanks for your best wishes for next year. All the best to you too! 🙂 xo

  • Reply Janet aka Middle Aged Mama November 24, 2015 at 10:08 pm

    I cannot believe WOTM is one … where has the time gone?! Sounds like your kids are really coming into their own now. My Mr 21 is heading back to Uni in the New Year, Miss 19 is going to Europe in March. I think everybody is feeling a bit over “it” at the moment and looking forward to winding down for the Christmas break!

    Visiting from #teamIBOT x

    • Reply Min November 25, 2015 at 8:58 am

      The last year flew by didn’t it?! YES – it is so fabulous that both my boys are now working. Alleluia! That is a huge worry off my shoulders now. Very exciting that your Mr 21 is heading back to uni in the new year. What will he be studying? Big year for both of us next year Janet as we wave off our girls O/S. My Miss 20 heads off in the new year. Yes it’s the time of year when we start to tire and need a bit of R&R. I’m looking forward to a week at Burleigh. Sometimes you’ve got to get away from home before you give yourself permission to relax! xo

  • Reply Nicole @ The Builders Wife November 26, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    Happy Blogiversary! xx

    • Reply Min November 26, 2015 at 2:20 pm

      Thanks Nicole! 🙂 xo

  • Reply Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid November 28, 2015 at 6:09 am

    Happy Blogaversary, Min! I hope one is fun and here’s to many more! It’s hard to juggle all the balls in the air, isn’t it?! I’m going to try and take a break over the holiyays, I’m not going anywhere special but I am going to step away from the computer!

    • Reply Min November 29, 2015 at 10:05 am

      Thank you Sammie! I hope you enjoy your time away from the computer. It’s good for the soul! 🙂 xo

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