A year ago, I renovated my old blog and gave it a whole new look, all by myself, when I was least bit aware of what I was getting into.
To give you an example of how severely tech-challenged I am — I still am clueless about what’s ‘upload’ and what’s ‘download’. So, you can imagine the situation I was in when I decided to take the plunge. No, don’t even try to explain the terms to me; I will forget it in two seconds!
It so happened, that the year before last, a friend of hubby’s learnt about my blog. He was “bowled over” and suggested I renovate my blog and give it a whole new look, dedicating a section to share my artwork, too.
I loved the idea but told him I wouldn’t be able to do it as I was a complete techno-challenged person.
He promised he would do it for me in a matter of a few days and asked me to do some homework. As in, think of an appropriate niche and a name and how I would like the look of my blog. I hadn’t even heard the word ‘niche’ back then!
So, I set off doing my homework in earnest, eagerly looking forward to this major change in my life. I counted the days, just like a kid, and waited for the week to come to an end, when he would come over and work on my blog, as promised.
But, well, promises are meant to be broken, as I realised, because the man just disappeared, leaving me with shattered dreams and a broken heart.
Not being employed, I did not want to spend any money on my blog. I heard it cost around Rs. 8000 to Rs. 20,000! No way would I ever ask hubby to finance the renovation of a blog that was yet to show its true potential as a commercial site.
Spending a few months nursing my low spirits, I decided to just leave the dream alone. It wasn’t in my destiny, so why bother!
Then in April, after I lost my pet, Chikoo, I was in a really bad shape and needed something to get out of the depression. And, that’s when I experienced a Eureka moment.
I would work on my blog, because it was my baby, and I knew what I wanted for my baby! Not someone who knew nothing about me, as a person and as a artist! So what if I knew nothing about technology, I would do my homework, my research, and ask for help. I had friends who would definitely help!
And, that’s when I got down to working on the biggest project of my Life.
A friend helped me make the move from Blogger to WordPress, but from there on, I was on my own.
I toiled for days on end, alone at home with no one to guide me, but that’s how I wanted to do it! There were frustrating moments when things would just not work out; moments when I would be furious, and also when I would cry my lungs out.
But, slowly and steadily — and also by sheer stroke of luck — my new blog began taking shape.
It took much longer for me than it would have taken a professional, but, the kind of satisfaction it gave me, is unexplainable!
And, finally, on the 14th of August, 2017, I presented my new blog, Metanoia, to the world.
The compliments I received assured me I had done the right thing, and the right way. All by myself.
That feeling you get on accomplishing something you felt unachievable can never be expressed in words. It can only be felt.
I cherish those moments of joy, frustration, depression…because it’s thanks to those moments that I learnt so much — about myself and about the world.
This quote from ‘The Alchemist’ sums it up perfectly:
“People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.”
And, it was my patience and my perseverance that helped me realise my dream!
My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge is all about my blog, Metanoia, and my blogging journey from the time I started, 5 years ago. The lessons I learnt, the tips and tricks I picked up from fellow bloggers and the guidelines I could have used back when I began.
You will find all of my A to Z posts here.
Even I am extremely technology challenged. It takes me time to understand the intricacies. Often I find myself asking stupid question. In shailaja’s group I always felt I was the least tech savvy. Even after so many years of blogging I laf behind because I am not technology savvy and secondly I am bad at networking. Good post dear I could identify with it.
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Same here, Balaka! I, too, feel like an idiot asking questions that others know the answers too. But, Shailaja once said, that no question is stupid, so, since then I have stopped feeling any less and just ask. I think you should do that, too. Never feel that your questions may sound stupid. Not everyone is Abhimanyu! 😛 We all learn with time. 😀
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I wish we had chatted those times; I would have helped you with whatever I knew about it. For believe me I am tech retarded too. I cant for the life of meunsderstand all this keyowrd/SEO and tailword and other stuff. Plus the coding bit!! All greek to me!!
I can totally emptahise with your predicament and would say that, that gentleman was like the robbers in Alchemist who rob everything from our hero forcing him to stop in that town where he finds employment and eventually becomes a force to reckon with. The robbers changed his plans for the better though it didnt seem so initially!!
Be proud for indeed its a delightful space with some warm nooks and corners 🙂
P is for Princess Diaries #atozchallenge
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Yay! Shilpa. So glad you could get rid of your inhibitions and do this. I loved the quote , so apt.
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You know Shilpa, I love your perseverance… I remember the days after Chikoo and your posts, and how heart broken you were. And today when I read this confident post of yours , all I can say is, you rock girl!!!! And dont bother about people who dont keep promises, think about the fact that he planted an idea , and you gave it a wonderful form and shape
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That’s just what I do, Ramya. I am grateful that he didn’t keep his promise.. Else Metanoia wouldn’t have existed, and I wouldn’t be in the space I am! Everything happens for a reason!
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Blogging needs a lot of patience, yes.
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Yes, Soumya, and it teaches us a lot about perseverance too!
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I didn’t know you before Metanoia but it definitely reflects a labour of love ! One thing is for sure one only learns when one really learns
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Yes, Sunita. And, I am glad I learnt! 🙂
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Love your honest, simple and fuzzy posts Shilpa. More power to you. ❤
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Thank you, Natasha! ❤
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Wow! Am I impressed!?!
Your blogging journey is awe-inspiring, Shilpa. So proud of you!!
I guess most of us were tech-challenged when we started but with patience and perseverance, we managed to learn the ropes.
I have a tech blogger friend who helps me with my back end tech stuff, I am sure that he must be having a hearty laugh on seeing my emails asking him basic things. 😀
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Shilpa, don’t think like that, yaar! That’s one thing Shailaja told me…no question is stupid! So what if you don’t know stuff…none of us knew. We learnt over time, didn’t we?
Thank you for your “Wow!” ❤
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Shilpa, you’ve done an awesome job. Well done! And I know what you’re talking about as I faced a similar challenge when my two html-based websites with blogs both got hit by hackers. I launched out to create two new sites on WordPress with no local support. The frustration! The “I-can’t-do-it! moments, and the ultimate sense of achievement. Perseverance definitely paid off! Q is for Quiet!
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My god, Shirley! The hit by the hackers must have been horrid! It is so scary just thinking about it!
But, I guess, everything happens for a reason. 🙂 As it did with me.
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And well done on following your dream. You probably did the right thing by moving from blogger to wordpress too. That is a move that I might also have to make.
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Oh yes, it’s what I realised after making the move. I have heard many bloggers state how they find it quite pointless, but I needed to do it.
I hope you are able to do the same, whenever you decide, Subroto!
Thank you! 🙂
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A great story behind your blog. Congrats on this accomplishment. As you said, even I am not employed so not interested in spending on the blog. And also I don’t write anything particular.. Just doing my passion. Well done shilpa
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Thank you, Deepa!
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