"250"

Welcome to the "250th" post that I have published since I started my blog on September 12, 2022. At that time, I thought blogging would be time limited because I would run out of things to write about. I was totally unaware of how one thing leads to another and here we are at 250. Blogging, or writing as I refer to it, has opened up my world. I find I am listening and watching people so much more than I ever used to. All the phrases I write about have come from a conversation with others. Every topic is inspired by something I've heard or seen. People are amazing and what they have taught me is profound. I am somewhat surprised at how passionate I have become about some topics. I think it is because I am now making a point of educating myself on those topics, and I have expanded my knowledge. It is important in retirement to keep on learning. 

I have a process when I blog. I will hear a phrase or have an experience, and I think, "I should write about that". I have several drafts on the go at one time. I add pictures, quotes and my thoughts randomly. I always have a focus on "the one that is next". Deadline to publish is no later than 9:00. I could sit and rewrite all day, and I just go for it when the deadline time arrives. I find it is random as to what post is the most relatable to others. When I am writing, I get excited thinking, "they are REALLY going to enjoy this one". Imagine my surprise when that is often not the case. I find, the more popular topics are the ones that I think, "no one is going to connect with this one". Some blogs take only a few hours to write. Others take weeks to get them polished. Some sit in my draft column for a very long time until I say, "get that one done" or delete it. I have become a google queen. I feel it is essential that my information is accurate. My insane amount of useless trivia has come in handy. Every time I publish a blog; I make sure I have learned something from it, and I hope that there is a lesson in there for others. 

I am not sure why I thought having a blog was something that I wanted or needed in my life. I am realizing how much my writing has improved. I can't even bear to read my first posts because I was so new to the process, and it is evident in 2022. After 250, I would hope I have improved, or I should stop writing. 

It has never been about numbers. I have no clue how many followers I have. That is not important to me, nor has it ever been. It is about the people that are my numbers, to stay my numbers, and have them enjoy what I write. I love it when people say they look forward to Wednesday and Sunday Blog days. For me it keeps my focus by having regular posting days. 

In closing, thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me in one of my retirement dreams. None of this could have been possible without your encouragement and support. My hope is that my words are inspiring to you, and it may just be the thing you needed to read that day. If you can take just one thing away and think about it, that would make me so happy. This is a dream come true for me. Hang on, the ride continues, more Faye opinions and thoughts will continue to arrive in your inbox on Wednesdays and Sundays.