2020 Vision

2020 is here! With this new year, there are some changes I hope to implement. I won’t call them resolutions, because they aren’t exactly goals. Instead, I’m working on a new way of thinking, and a new attitude.  Call it a vision into the future!

When I started this blog in March of 2017, I wasn’t sure of the path it was going to take. I knew I wanted a place to publish the ramblings of my mind, and a way to help open the doors of my memories. Writing is my best form of therapy. My intention was also to use my words to help others who have traveled the same roads I have.

I had no formal writing experience.  Journaling, poetry and random notes and essays were all I had written up to that point.  I didn’t know anything about formatting a post and including graphics.  Over time I’ve learned.

Women, Writers, Empaths and …

I wanted to dedicate this blog to women, writers, and empaths, and especially to any woman who is all three, like myself. Also, I hoped to touch the souls of daughters of narcissistic mothers, and adults who have been plagued by childhood emotional neglect. And, while it is directed toward women, there are some posts that men can identify with as well.

I wrote posts about my mental and physical health issues, bringing my life into the forefront. Some of the posts touched on hard topics, such as cutting and domestic abuse. There were posts revealing my other personas. My losses and my pets became post topics.

My posts had been on a twice-weekly schedule until last year when complications caused me to shut it down for a bit. When I returned it was not on any particular schedule. It was hard for me to get into a mental space to write.

Evolution

Over the past three years, this blog has evolved into what it has become today. I’ve painted a brief picture of my background and what has shaped me into the person I am currently. There have been glimpses into my head and how I think. I’m always changing, and I hope this year it’s a change for the better.

Although the last year has been horrible for me in many ways, I’m going into 2020 with an attitude of hope and peace. I am going to believe this is going to be MY year. For one thing, I will turn 50 this year, in just over a month. That’s a big milestone birthday.

I’m holding a more positive attitude and fighting off the demons of depression and anxiety. Circumstances haven’t changed, but I am working on different ways of dealing with them. More art therapy and journaling are among those methods.

For many years, I’ve had a couple of books in my head that need to be written and published. This could be the year that happens. I’m stomping on self-doubt and boosting my self-esteem. Watch here for updates.

Upcoming Changes

In 2020, I’m also going to change up this blog a little bit. I’m going to expand it to include more of my personal life. Instead of showcasing the writer, the woman, and the empath, I’m going to include the wanna-be photographer (who has taken most of the pictures I’ve been using in my posts), the budding artist (who is also responsible for the paintings I’ve included), and many other interests which are taking up my life. I have many passions.

My Meyers – Brigg personality type is INFJ, so I may be bringing in discussions on how the introvert in me handles situations that involve too many people. I discovered a wonderful INFJ author, Lauren Sapala, who writes for people just like me. I fell in love with her first book, “The INFJ Writer”, and recently won her book “The INFJ Revolution.” I have yet to get “Firefly Magic” but it’s on my list of books to purchase.  Definitely check her out!

Even I may be surprised at the topics which will appear here. The adventurer in me is always finding new things that capture my interest. Stay tuned, and hang on. You might be in for a wild ride!

Scheduling May Still Be Erratic

It may take a while for me to fall into a new regular posting schedule in 2020. So much depends upon my health and my pain levels. I used to push through the pain, which is why I am where I am today. I neglected myself in exchange for productivity, both for myself and others. It’s time now for me to focus on my health first. Productivity will have to wait. It is my hope to post two or more times a week, although the posts may not be as long as you are used to, nor on regularly scheduled days of the week.

This is not a monetized blog. Maybe one day it can be — you never know — but at this point, this blog is for my own mental health. It is a form of mental therapy. I wish I could say this blog was helping me financially as well. Some day …

I have to offer my most sincere thanks to my dear friend Wes for supporting me in this blog in so many ways. He is the technical advisor behind it as well as financial aid. Without him, this blog would not be in existence. His support has no time schedule. He’s one of those few friends who means it when he says “any time”.

So, on that note, I ask you, faithful readers, for your input and support. Tell me what you like and don’t like. What are some things you would like to see? How can I help you identify more with my posts? Please, share my posts on your social media sites. Drop a note in the comments for me with tips and pointers. Share your mutual interests with me. I’ll respond.

Email me: shell@thewriteempath.com

Let’s start running headfirst into 2020!