I’ve been blogging since 2008. I wasn’t an early adopter because I’m usually not. But I’ve been loyal. I am loyal. I don’t see myself giving up blogging anytime soon (knock on wood).
But, things change. Last night, sitting at the dinner table with H, I heard myself thinking, “The world is changing so fast.” I sounded like the adults I knew when I was a little girl. I imagine the world is always changing, isn’t it? Sometimes I can keep up with the changes, and other times I decide to let the world go on without me.
Right at the beginning of the year, people were writing some really thoughtful and insightful articles about the state of blogging. I read them with interest and, you know, I’m never really going to be a serious strategizer. Not in any serious sense of the word. When it comes to writing and blogging and social media, I’m going to follow my bliss (as they say). Because I started this as something to give me joy, and that’s how I want to keep it. I think people who work hard to make money blogging are amazing, and I stand back and watch them in awe. And do you know the thing I love most about those people? I love that they are doing what they love. That’s why they’re so good at it!
There’s something to be said for doing what you love. And for loving the world that keeps changing right before our very eyes. We don’t have to embrace all the changes, but some of them definitely make life better. And what makes your life better depends on you. Me? I love Instagram. I love other things, too, but today I’m talking about my love of Instagram. Is that okay?
And by love, I mean that it brings me joy.
One of the things that drew me to blogging is its creative bent. The pictures and the design and the ability to choose fonts and templates and all that jazz. It speaks to me. If I’d been able to find a school that offered it, I would have majored in environmental psychology. Blogging scratches that itch for me. Instagram does the same thing, because it’s a tool that lets me add beauty to the world. And, no matter what else anyone may say about the world, I don’t think anyone would argue with a little more beauty.
So, while my blog posts may not pop up in your feed on a regular basis, right now, you can find me posting on Instagram about three times each day. I heard someone refer to Instagramming as “microblogging” and that feels right to me. I’ve been using Instagram to give you a glimpse at my life on a daily basis, and to share a little bit of inspiration, too. It’s creative. It’s fun. And there truly is a lot of beauty out there.
Now, I’m not trying to infer that you actually want to hear something from me every day. I don’t even want to hear from me every day. But, if you arrive here and wonder where I am, know that there’s a good chance you can catch up with me on Instagram. At least for now.
Bottom line, though? Do what you love. I know that’s often easier to say than to do. But life is short. That’s the honest truth. Even if you live to be 100, it’s short in the scheme of things. So, what do you love? What’s standing in your way of embracing that? And, when I say love, I mean, what brings you joy? How can you get to there? Sometimes, it’s as easy as something like Instagram. Sometimes it’s bigger than that. Sometimes, it’s just so hard to get our head and our arms around it. But on the way to those bigger joys, there are smaller joys that help make the road a little bit smoother.
Some questions for you: What brings you joy? Have you been able to embrace it? If not, what one step can you take today to get closer to your joy? Are you on Instagram? Who are some of your favorite Instagrammers?
Oh! Follow me on Instagram! @deidrariggs and @jumpingtandem
This is timely, Deidra. I started blogging “for love” and “for joy” and keep coming back to that when I get “distracted.” The thing I need to remember is that love and joy often don’t make sense to people. Right now we’re thinking about getting a dog and all of our rational reasons are really rather flimsy, but we keep wanting one and I’m beginning to think it’s “for love” and “for joy” which, in the ultimate scheme of things, are pretty good reasons.
Oh, I agree, Kelly! “For love” and “for joy” are some the very best reasons in life. They are irrational, illogical, and absolutely splendid!
I’m with you on these wise words, Deidra – ‘Sometimes I can keep up with the changes, and other times I decide to let the world go on without me.’
That about sums it up. I love blogging. LOVE it. And will continue to say ‘no, thanks’ to other social media. I just don’t have the time. Or the technological wizardry to figure it all out.
Yes, let’s find what feeds our souls. And go there. Often.
Hugs!
I’m so glad you love blogging. That means the rest of us get to experience more joy through you. 🙂
I love instragram, too. And your feed is always fun to watch. Keep it up, Deidra. You shine, wherever you are. 🙂
(((Jennifer)))
I’m with you on everything you said. I’m learning to follow what gives me joy, and chuck everything I can that doesn’t. Writing is hard work, but always gives me joy in the end. It’s like hiking. Hard, but rewarding with lots of mountain tops. 🙂
I followed you on IG. Looking forward to your posts.
Writing IS hard work. It really is. What are you working on now, Brenda? And where are you finding joy?
Thanks so much for the IG follow!
Oh my Dear! Yes. Instagram is a bit like the jazz of social media for me… you get the flavor and sense of peoples lives in snippets and phrases without it being too overwhelming. Spaces. Pauses and pictures. And your feed feeds me too! 🙂
Jazz media! That is so good, Lorretta! And, see your jazz media and raise you disco jazz media! 😉
“Because I started this as something to give me joy, and that’s how I want to keep it.” That’s all I need to be reminded of regarding the “state” of blogging! Thanks, Deidra 😀
I needed that reminder, too.
Writing and sharing hope through the written word brings me such joy! I’ve had a huge passion to share hope with other women. Also, taking pictures to remember moments, coffee, and time in the presence of others whom I care about bring me joy! And, of course, Instagram. It has become a virtual joy album of memories. Thank you for the reminder to stay true to what brings us each joy! Blessings, Nicole
GREAT reminder Deidra…do what you love. Do the thing that brings you joy. I’m in the process of uncovering (or remembering?) what that looks like. Capturing life in the form of pictures definitely speaks to me. <3