How this started:
(Images are from my facebook page for my blog)
Link to my old blog, Just Because
It’s ironic. I started the Day 1 Blog Challenge on my old blog by saying, “I have big plans for this blog, yet I started it over a year ago and have only made a handful of posts.” The old me would have been frustrated with myself for being in the same position with a new blog, but present-day me understands why this happens in my life, and I give myself grace. I’m also proud of myself for coming back and trying again when things haven’t gone the way I’ve planned. The old me also would have waited until April 1st to start the 30 Day Challenge. I have better control of my OCD now and can start the challenge in the middle of the month without it stressing me out or creating a mental roadblock.
I thought it’d be fun to reply to my former Blog Challenge post, and then complete the Blog Challenge in the present. My previous Day 1: Just Because: A 30 Day Blogging Challenge. There isn’t much to respond to for Day 1; I was simply explaining why I chose that name for my blog. That info is still correct. Nothing is outdated; nothing has changed.
Here are the writing prompts for each day of the challenge:
My current blog’s name is By Way of the Muse. I’ve loved Greek mythology ever since I was a kid, and before I had any understanding that it used to be a religion. When I get inspired to write, it comes all at once, like a download into my brain or being hit by an ocean wave. I’ve always said it means my muse is touching me or visiting me. When I think about which mythological entity I identify most with, it’s always been the muses, especially Calliope. I don’t like to be the one in the spotlight; I prefer encouraging and motivating the one in the spotlight. That’s my comfort zone and happy place. I thought my blog title could mean two things at once: I’m getting inspired by the muses to write, and I’m the muse who is bringing you this information you’re getting from my blog.
I plan to post weekly updates about my life and how all the different obstacles and blessings in my and my kids’ lives mesh together. In those blog posts, I’m going to give my friends names from Greek mythology. That gives them a little bit of anonymity and allows me to write freely. If you’re not familiar with my story, please check out my blog post From Tessera to Mosaic: Pieces of Me.
I also plan to write lifestyle blog posts, i.e., a post about Rheumatoid Arthritis. I’ll include research and info on how it affects me, and I’ll ask friends who have RA if they want their story to be included in the blog post. If they share something, I’ll use their real name and not their mythology nickname. I’ll also make their name a clickable link back to their social media if they’d like. My thought is that the more people who share personal experiences, the more it will be able to help someone who comes across the post looking for information or comfort.
If you have a blog and you decide to do the 30 Day Blog Challenge, please leave a link to your blog in the comments so I can follow along and cheer you on!
