April was a hectic month thanks to the A to Z Blogging Challenge. I participated in a month-long blogging challenge three years ago (I think) and since then had decided to stay away from it. The thought of writing every day made me nervous, unsure as I was of my innovativeness!
But I decided to take the plunge this year as Metanoia was created last year and was, comparatively, new to the blogging world. It needed the attention a daily blogging activity could give it.
Thankfully, I came up with a theme and that made a lot of difference. I was prepared with the topics for almost all the letters, except V and X. But, thanks to my blogger friends, I could write on these, too!
Suffice to say, this challenge was not just nerve-wracking, but exciting and fulfilling, too. And, I am glad I chose to participate instead of giving in to my fears.
Blogging every day taught me quite a few things about myself. Of course, it did help me connect with some really wonderful bloggers, as well. And, we know how important that is for us all.
But –at the risk of sounding boastful–the stuff I discovered about myself makes my heart swell with pride! Sharing these with you all today; I am sure these will resonate with you if you, too, have participated in the A to Z.
Lessons I learned from blogging every day:
Writing is –after art– the most therapeutic activity I indulge in. An activity that helps me stay sane amid the chaos that Life can often prove to be. The whole of last month there was a lot going on in Life. A LOT. But, it was only because of my writing that I stayed in one piece. Despite the hectic schedule of A to Z and the scene on the personal front, I enjoyed blogging every day!
I can write every day. Whether I am in the mood, or not. Whether I am prepared, or not. All I need to do is work on a topic, and then sit down in front of my laptop and begin to type. The fingers just dance on the keyboard!
Writing every day makes me feel good about myself. And, at the end of the day, it’s how I feel about myself that really matters! As I wrote every day and toiled every day, I actually felt good. Not every word may have made any sense, not every post may have turned out superb, but it made me feel proud of my writing. What more does a blogger want?
Writing on blogging helped me work on my skills. Sharing tips with bloggers on different aspects of blogging gave me a chance to do my homework well. It gave me a chance to rectify the errors I made. I learned something new every day. So, yes, everyday blogging is definitely an enriching experience!
Expressing my thoughts in 500 words is now a blogging expertise! Writing lengthy posts for A to Z ensures lesser visits. Ask me, I know! The last time I participated in the A to Z, I just let myself go. My posts were so lengthy, I desisted from reading them myself! So, this year, I made sure my posts did not cross the 500-word mark. Phew! it did take some ingenuity, but I managed.
So, there you go. This is what I learned from everyday blogging. And, despite being dog-tired and on a break to restore my peace of mind, I have been contemplating participating in the A to Z next year, too!
I have zeroed in on a couple of topics. All I need to do is work on them throughout this year so that I am readier next April!
How about you?
How was your experience blogging every day? Do you plan on participating next year, too?
Love,
SHILPA.
Well done!
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Thank you!
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Congratulations. Well done.
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Thank you, Sonia!
Congratulations to you, too! You know your posts were awesome! ❤
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Congratulations on completing the A to Z challenge. I wrote straight up for 5 years and then took a break. It takes a lot of discipline and hard work to write daily, cheers to you. 🙂
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Oh yes, it does need a lot of hard work, Sulekha. And I really enjoyed doing all that hard work.
Thank you so much, my dear!
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Congratulations. I can’t even think of writing everyday. Cheers to you for finishing such a great challenge. 🙂
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Oh, thank you so much, Stefan! It was an enjoyable time I had and I think you should try it some time. It will be challenging, no doubt, but it’s exhilarating, as well.
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Yes, I will try it sometime. Not any time soon though! 🙂
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All superb lessons, Shilpa! It is amazing what a little planning can achieve. I think all your posts were wonderful. Congratulations for sailing through blogging throughout April! Don’t you miss it now? 🙂
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Thank you, Vidya!
Yes, it was a wonderful journey and yes, I miss it!
I still have to read some of your posts! 💟💟💟Will do it soon,
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Bravo, Shilpa! Good for you!
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Thank you, Cat! ❤
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The AtoZChallenge is great for boosting your self-confidence and sharpening your writing skills. Congratulations for finishing!
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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Congratulaitons Shilpa, and you surely have done afab job. Yes, agree every challenge comes with its own lessons. And blogging everyday is no easy feat. I loved the challenge and am definetely going to be part next year too
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Hey Ramya! ❤
You, too, completed the challenge so beautifully…i liked all the posts I read at your blog. And am now looking forward to what theme you choose next!
Congrats and wish you the best for next year! 💟
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Congrats! Nothing beats the feeling of acing a challenge! I loved reading your posts and loved you mentioned me as well.. Enjoy the writing journey!
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Thank you Lata! ❤
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The posts that I read on your blog were both well written and insightful. Even though you had to blog daily, you definitely didn’t lack quality which is an awesome feat as many fail to do so. Congratulations on the successful completion of a to z 😀
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Thank you so much for your love comment, Raj! ❤
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Sorry for the typo!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Raj!
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Congratulations! well done 🙂
http://www.beautyandthebeing.com
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Thank you, Ankita!
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Congratulations Shilpa for completing the challenge. A to Z is not easy what with writing, reading, visiting and commenting on a number of blogs and you did it. Yay!! I am happy that I found mentions in one or two of your posts 🙂 Planned already for next year? Great work.
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Thank you, Anamika!
Yes, it was hard work and I should have worked harder at visiting more blogs, but I just could not. There were so many reasons I couldn’t. But, that’s okay, I guess. I enjoyed it all and that’s all that matters, right? ❤
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Congratulations on finishing and finishing so well Shilpz- I loved your posts everyday, especially the quirky little alphabet you would design for the day.
I concur with lengthy posts and I tried to keep mine short too this year – longer ones put me off too! 😉
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Thank you, Shalz! I had a great time doing the A to Z posts, and am planning on doing it next year, too. But will need to be better equipped, for sure! 😛
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I write everyday, but blogging everyday was difficult. Writing can be unstructured, in a word document or just in the diary. Congratulations on finishing the A To Z. It was indeed very excited and hectic as well.
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Your posts were so detailed, Pratikshya! And different from the rest of them, and also refreshing. I know I need to read so many of them. Will do it now, at leisure!
Congratulations to you, too, for completing the challenge! ❤
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Yay to finishing A to Z and you did it so well. I read most of your posts and they were well written. I am sure you enjoyed the experience and emerged richer and more confident from it. Looking forward to regular programming from you now. 😛
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Haha! Yeah, me too looking forward to the regular blogging sessions!
Yes, it was indeed an enriching experience, Rachna.
Thank you so much for your encouragement all along! 💟
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Many congrats, Shilpa 🙂 Your posts made me smile every time they popped up in my WordPress reader. Your passion, dedication and commitment shone through, as always.
I pray for Metanoia’s growth always and forever 🙂 Hugs and have a great May!
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Thank you so so much for everything, Shailaja! ❤
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Congratulations Shilpa for a great job done. You sure aced it.
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Congrats to you, too,Natasha! ❤
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Congrats on completing the A to Z successfully, Shilpa. Your posts were very well thought of and helped all of us bloggers.
Wishing you a wonderful way and wishing Metanoia all the success in the world.
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Thank you, Soumya! ❤
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Wow! You are already gearing for the 2019 challenge!! That’s great!
You had a very informative theme, very relevant to bloggers. I read some posts and I have enough time to catch up now… Congratulations on completing the challenge!
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Thank you, Archana!
Yes, as of now, I am looking forward to th A to Z 2019…let’s see, what happens! 😛
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Congratulations on a successful challenge, and what wonderful lessons you’ve come away with! And how fun you’re already planning on next year. Welcome to a most delightful addiction. 🙂
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You said it, Deborah! It’s, indeed, a delightful addiction and I am glad I have it! I hope to make it better next year.
Thank you so much! 😊
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A great thanks to you and congratulation. Keep writing and update us.
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Thank you so much! 🙏
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you have been nominated for the mystery blogger award- check it out http://priyreflects.com/2018/05/09/the-mystery-continues/
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Thank you so much, Priya! 🙏
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I came across your blog couple of days ago. And I think at the right time. I recently restarted blogging and reading your posts is so much of learning. AtoZ challenge is an amazing pro-tip for newbies like me. thank you for this inspiration
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Thank you, Tejal! I am happy you found my post helpful. We all learn as we blog! 🙂
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