Simply Successful Secrets
2007
The best thing I love about blogging is the potential for learning from the wisdom and insight of other people. I can imagine how long it would’ve taken to “meet” the wonderful people I’ve met since I began back in November. And through this fabulous community, I’ve grown a little, if not more. I remember just recently reading a post by Madena at Soul To Soul entitled “Visioncasting,” where she asked,
“What have you done to encourage people in your life? What kind of vision are you casting for them? Are you surrounding them with positive comments or are you beating them down with negative discouraging statements?”
As soon as I read those questions, I called my husband and said, “Sweetheart, I believe in you!” It was completely unexpected for him, yet he appreciated the encouragement. I know I need to do a better job casting that vision with and for him.
“Love and Fear,” a fabulous presentation Camille placed on her site Now really made me reflect on what love really is. I’ve always looked at the definition of love from 1 Corinthians 13, which describes love as “being” something, “acting” a certain way. Notwithstanding that, this presentation gave a bit more life to what being patient, kind, bearing all things, and believing all things means. It’s beautiful!
I say all this to say I’ve learned a lot from lots of people in the blogging community (is there a better way to say “blogging community”?). The opportunity to grow and change for the better is always present. And so I’ve been presented with another opportunity to grow and change. Laura from WritingThoughts has tagged me for a meme (if anyone really wants to know what this means, head on over to Now where Camille provides a detailed explanation – no need to do any additional research!) which, as Laura describes,
“…calls for each blogger to share those little secrets that have helped them to succeed. The purpose of the meme is simple. To help each other.”
The originator of this meme, Aaron Potts at Today Is That Day, is conducting an “interactive research project” in which he is compiling those activities bloggers engage in daily that helps them be successful. Take a look here to get further details.
Okay. I’ve stalled enough. I’ll give you what works for me when I’m consistent with these activities! Keep in mind that success for me means doing that which God has called me to do. This doesn’t just mean on a grand scale – it really has to do with day-to-day activities. And so, to get to where I am doing what God would have me do daily (which is something for which I strive – I don’t get it as often as I’d like), there are a few things that are key.
#1 – Praying and journal writing is the number one thing I must do if I am to remain anywhere near centered. Writing my prayers down in a journal helps me to see what I’m praying for and what answers I’m receiving. Sometimes I get answers right away, more often not. But seeing it on paper helps me to clarify things and sometimes put things into perspective.
#2 – Having a grateful attitude and staying positive is absolutely essential. If I’m complaining about things, I am not focusing on the incredible blessings God has absolutely poured out on me (and He has absolutely rained down wonderful favor upon me!). In fact, if I’m not grateful, my memory tends to stay short (which does not work well for me at all).
#3 – Reading constantly is a must. I love books! I learn so much from books! There is much out there that can help us grow into the people God has called us to become by picking up a book. I tend to read books that cause me to look deep inside myself, books on relationships/marriage, as well as some fiction, such as The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd and Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. I plan to try to read Beloved by Toni Morrison this summer.
#4 – Staying organized helps me focus. When my desk is cluttered, when my house is cluttered, my mind is cluttered. It is amazing that when I’m organized at school and at home, my mind is clearer. (It took me years to figure this out!)
#5 – Eating properly and working out a little each day does wonders for me – again, when I’m consistent. It’s been a little while since I’ve been in this spot though, but when I am, I feel lighter and more peaceful (definitely more joyful that I don’t look like a cow in my clothes!), which allows me to be less focused on that fact that I’m overweight.
Wow, what an incredible exercise! I plan to print this post out myself and place it someplace where I can see it everyday!
Now I’d like to tag Rachel at The Challenge of Life and Jennifer at Goodness Graciousness for the next round.
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It’s SO refreshing to see Praying as a Necessary activity for a Blogger!!!
I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~ Alex
This is a great response! I feel like I know you a little better.
Hi Alexander,
For me, if I’m attempting to do what I feel God is calling me to do out here, then I have to seek Him to know what to do. That is something I feel is entirely too serious for me to play around with (yet, I don’t always do it as well as I think I ought).
Hi Laura,
I do want for people to get to know me a bit – so I’m glad you feel that way! My immense thanks to you!
Hi KWiz -
The only other way I can think of saying “blogging community” is “blogosphere.”
But this was a great read; you’re making me remember that I haven’t written in my prayer journal in a long time, and that it really does make a difference to write down our prayers and answers instead of only thinking of them.
Now that I’ll be away from blogging for a few days, it’ll give me time to center and relax and refocus and come back more inspired.
Thank you,
Paula
KWiz,
You are so incredibly articulate. I feel that you care so much about your readers. You are so much better at explaining things than I am. I don’t mean to compare, but I am trying to learn how to ‘get to the point’ in my writing. You do it so gracefully. Your point about ‘Having a grateful attitude’ is well taken. I may write about this on my blog soon, if you don’t mind.
I’m glad you liked ‘Love and Fear’ and ‘Definition of a Meme’.
Being appreciated is really meaningful to me.
The number one thing I’m learning from you is grace.
Thank you,
Camille NOW
Hi Paula,
Thanks for the “blogging” reference. The word “blogging” seems so impersonal at times – maybe it’s just the way it sounds that sometimes gets to me.
Have a great trip, Paula!
Wow, Camille! I don’t know really how to say thank you for such an incredible response. I am so humbled.
I can’t ever say that I have it all together. We’re all in this journey together, learning from one another. If I can’t be open, then what’s the point? I won’t have anything to write about. I know that I’m not the only one going through the things I’m going through. I would hope, though, that we can help one another through it.
Also, please don’t compare your writing with anyone else’s – only because God gave you an incredible writing gift – it’s just different than anyone else’s. And that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Just keep at it! You’re reaching people that others can’t.
Grace – Wow!
I am immensely grateful for your response, Camille.
Hi KWiz
As you say we can learn a lot from each other. Thanks for sharing your insights and tips.
Your idea about keeping this and putting it somewhere where you can see it, is a great idea for affirming your strengths and focus.
All the best
Yvonne
KWiz,
You make me cry… but then, I’m in a crying mood today.
It’s nice to be making this friendship with you. I do feel like we are helping each other in this ‘blogosphere’. It’s great to be making connections with people like yourself and others too.
Happy Spring Equinox!
Camille
Thank you Camille…I feel the same way…
Thank you Yvonne. I do believe putting it in front of me will help.
KWiz,
Thank you SO much for participating in the Simply Successful Secrets project!
One of the things that I am learning is that there are many different terms that people use, but a large number of people have called forth similar concepts such as writing/journaling, introspection, gratitude, positive thinking, and more.
The final list that I compile after this meme has run its course will include all of the success secrets that people have shared, and it will be an amazing mix of powerful wisdom from all across the blogosphere!
Thanks again for participating and for your great list, KWiz!
Glad you are here dear friend. I recenlty forgot rule #2:
#2 – Having a grateful attitude and staying positive is absolutely essential. If I’m complaining about things, I am not focusing on the incredible blessings God has absolutely poured out on me (and He has absolutely rained down wonderful favor upon me!). In fact, if I’m not grateful, my memory tends to stay short (which does not work well for me at all).
Thank you for the reminder:-)
Aaron, thank you so much for putting the meme out there! It’s important to think about these things to put things back into perspective. And thank you for your encouragement! I look forward to the final list!
Hi Madena,
I think it’s easy to forget – yet, we must quickly bring ourselves back. That’s why I’ve got to get that list up! Thank you Madena!