Monday, April 18, 2011

'Follow Your Bliss....


Hard to believe but April 20th marks 5 years since I began this blog! It all began when my friend Ann mentioned she had a blog and I asked her WTF is a blog? After hearing me complain that I wish I had MORE to do with this expensive computer than just dust it, she began explaining it to me and encouraging me to start my own. First I questioned her ... What do I have to write about? Since her blog had a knitting theme, I knew I had NO theme at all. She encouraged me to write about the funny experiences in my salon, my life, day to day stuff. Second, I said... I would NEVER be techie enough to know how to even begin, but being a good egg, she talked me through it step by step, H T T P this and mumbley jumble that. A blog was born! (thanks so much again Ann!)

So here I am, 5 years later! 683 posts under my belt (or finger tips.) Nearly 25,ooo views. I've written about a lot of this and that including stories from my hair salon and some of my wacky/lovable clients! The thing about blogging that I had never expected when I began? I've met such wonderful people through this forum, including one very special soul sister, who I treasure and I know I will be friends with forever! Blogging seemed to open other doors as well. For me, it seemed to help take me out of what I now view as a 'comfortable BLAH'. Maybe it was depression? I am in such a social job and talk and laugh with (mostly) women all day, but I felt I wanted to socialize more, I wanted to surround myself with More outings, more of my old friends, also make new friends but I seemed trapped in this unfulfilled yet totally unmotivated mode of .... "eh, I'm not in the mood!" Not in the mood to call a friend, plan a lunch date, have more company, Meet more people, initiate friendships, PUT MYSELF OUT THERE! I worked and raised my kids and occasionally went out with couple friends, gathered with family but inside I just wasn't feeling ..... complete. My husband constantly encouraged me to make more friends, one way being... get friendlier with the clients that he knew I really loved. I always said 'nah'. I don't want to.

The changes that have happened to me in the last 5 years are amazing. Little by little, with the cathartic outlet of writing, I got back to the friendly, outgoing Lucy that I always used to be. (I swear NO meds either!! haha) I am so lucky to have many amazing women in my life. Women NEED women. I don't care if your husband is your best friend and a gem, WE NEED OUR GIRLFRIENDS too!!! Many who at one time were my clients! I think of how many of them I used to turn down when they asked me to get together with them. Thankfully I turned that social leaf or I would Never be living the life I am currently living. Key word- Living! I feel so much more fulfilled and happy.
About two years ago, One dear client/friend came into my salon ALL excited because she had just tried a New thing called.. Zumba! She rushed in and said...I know how much you Love to dance...You HAVE to come to zumba with me!! the old me? I would have made some half ass excuse but the new me said... I would love to! I think of that and how far I've come with this as well, and I still can't believe that I've embarked upon teaching DANCE/FITNESS classes at my stage of life! I feel this has been an amazing accomplishment and I've never felt this proud of myself.... EVER!

I didn't start this post with a clue of what to write about this anniversary or even a POINT to make! but I now know what my point is.... GET OUT THERE! DON't be afraid to get your ass out of whatever blah comfort spot you're in. Open doors! One thing leads to even better things! First blogging and now through Zumba, I've met even MORE wonderful, dear friends, who I treasure and who I will be friends with forever. I can't imagine if I wouldn't have ventured out to that first class and from there ventured out to that first workshop to become a certified zumba teacher. Don't get me wrong...EVERy step of the way, I second guessed myself, my abilities, my SANITy!! but I DID it! Life is so freaking short... it's NOT a dress rehearsal.. we can't keep thinking...'another day' 'another time'. Open new doors, DO New things and open new paths! THIS is it! Your time! What are you going to do to make it more blissful? It would be a great anniversary gift if you share with me... what your desire is and HOW you're going to MAKE it happen!! thanks for listening!
" the doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live"

5 comments:

Giggles said...

Oh Lucy I must have had an intuition to come on here at this moment! I just popped on to see you had written a post 23 minutes ago! This is wonderful, and I of all people am so happy that your friend encouraged you to start a blog. My friend encouraged me too! Hard to believe it's been five years they just flew by. This is a very inspirational post about changing things up and asking yourself what do I love, what am I missing. Because I found my bliss, I too want everyone to find theirs! I think I will create a post why and how I started blogging too. I forgot to include that! One day I want to have a local art show. But I don't want to strip my favorite pieces off my walls to do it! So I will have to create more that I love in order to make my dream come true!!!

Big Hugs Giggles

Unknown said...

you are the BEST!!!

Queen-Size funny bone said...

congrats for having the guts to pushing forward and do things you love.

Forgetfulone said...

You never cease to amaze me! I'm so glad you're still blogging. We've lost a few blog friends over the last few years, but we've gained a few, too!

I really want to get that book you recommend (It's OK...) I think I broke out of a rut in my marriage since we've been blogging. Good thing, too.

Keep on blogging and zumba-ing! I may try zumba. Someone is coming to my school once a week to see if there is an interest. I'm scared, tho!

keiths ramblings said...

Reading your piece prompted me to turn the pages of my blog back, and I find that I too will soon be celebrating 5 years in the blogosphere! I can’t imagine how I filled the hours I now spend at my keypad. Zumba is huge here too. Both my daughters were (how shall I put it?) generously proportioned, then they discovered zumba, and with a little help from Herbalife they really are now model sized! I decided to open a door recently; at least I opened it a little wider! I decide life was too important to be spent working all hours that God sends, so I cut down to 3 days a week. I only hope I’ll still be able to travel which really is my passion. So here’s to year six! Cheers!