Today, though, the Miracle Thursday gods smiled on me; I had a light Real Housewife load, so I intentionally took some time to free write my thoughts when I first got in--just a few key words and phrases to trigger longer thoughts--before I made the beds and took out the trash. Honestly, what I'm thinking about this week can be summed up in two words: simplicity and progress.
Simplicity
We all lead busy lives, but we realize what "busy" really means around the holidays. There are travels to be made, parties to attend, gifts to first get an idea of then buy or create, holiday TV specials to watch, and food to cook, bake, and eat. I'm not ashamed to admit that anything involving more than one sense overwhelms me (a huge reason going to the mall is an Event), and I burn out rather easily. People don't always understand this, or they think I'm being sensitive/antisocial/depressive, but I've come to accept and appreciate my introverted predisposition. When things get busy, I crave alone time more than ever--my simplicity is reading, trying out new recipes, rearranging furniture, and online window shopping.
I've been craving simplicity in my blog life as well. You may have noticed some recent changes around here--black text on a white background, very minimal color or decoration--as I sift through what's truly important in how I share my story. I'm sure I'll add design and ornament again (I never sit long with any arrangement, physical or digital), but for now I'm operating under the motto "Content is King." I'm refocusing my energies on what I post and when, and I've started following a number of other similar blogs to stay in the know about blog trends...which brings me to my next thought topic.
Progress
This blog has wandered semi-aimlessly at my side for nearly five years--I shouldn't say aimlessly, rather it's had several unique lives based on where I've lived and what I've been doing (see: Rome, North Myrtle, MercyWorks). For As The Romans Do's 5th anniversary, I want to give new purpose to what I do on here. I have a few ideas simmering, a few still in their concept phase, and a plan to celebrate five years (forging onward into six) each month.
I'm treating December as a regroup month, a month to try out a few new things, to work on my consistency and hone my craft. You'll see me try to review every book I read, post updates on apartment events, and integrate more original pictures along with my text. I'm also testing out a new page, Poems, which you can find on the top bar, along with Blog, About, and Photos. These pages will all get makeovers as I refine my purpose and learn how best to present my digital self.
Thanks for sticking with me through my strange journey! I write to make sense of my world and my thoughts, but at the end of the day I write to be read and you guys make that possible.
I can totally relate to your need for simplicity and self-reflective alone time. Those are the best ways for me to access my spirituality and my creativity. I also like your idea of treating December as a "regroup" month.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Luckily the end of the year lends itself to reflection and regrouping, despite all the craziness that the holidays bring!
DeleteI too need simplicity and alone time, majorly. After the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving, I had to take a week off. AN ENTIRE WEEK. That's how long it took to recharge my batteries after that busy week.
ReplyDeleteAlso, five years??? Wow, I'm impressed. My blog is only a little over a year old.
Technically five years, though some are a little slimmer than others post-wise. Still longer than any relationship I've been in!
DeleteSimplicity is key. Enjoy December and then do whatever you want in January!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on sticking with your blog for five years. I have been at it for two years - 3 blogs - because I am trying to figure out the purpose. One of my blogs has a purpose, but it lives in limbo at the moment. One is getting yanked - even though it will still exist. I still write consistently at one of them. I like the idea of simplicity, but I am always looking a fancy blog themes and thinking about changing to one of those.
ReplyDeleteA thought about what you mentioned about how easily you are overwhelmed by anything involving more than one sense. You might be a "highly sensitive person". This has nothing to do with emotional or mental health; and it can affect both introverts and extroverts. It has to do with how we process sensory stimuli. I learned about it from my son. You can look it up. The doctor that coined the phrase (I think her name is Aron) has a test on her website. I love quizzes and tests about personality traits.
I think I do fall on the spectrum of "highly sensitive"--it's not so intense that I can't function, but I prefer parties and social events in small chunks! Personality tests are great for self-reflection.
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