Reflections: In Hindsight, Optimism Prevails…
“Optimism is the light of God. It is a form of grace which allows you to be much more perceptive and to look at life with greater clarity.” Amma
Reflections: In Hindsight, Optimism Prevails… Monkeys at rest in an outdoor spa
When I started my blog, back in 2008, I was a deer in headlights. I had no idea where it would lead or if it would last but, one thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to add a positive note to a tough period in many people’s lives. I was based in Los Angeles at the time, on relocation for an international real estate company, and the real estate market was beginning to shift downward. Our economy was in a downturn and we were all concerned for the future. I signed up for my blog on WordPress.com and Hello World! held future promise. I don’t regret it.
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” Kahlil Gibran
Reflections: In Hindsight, Optimism Prevails…
Over the years, I have tweaked that first post and added some links to other posts… but my basic blog philosophy and raison d’être remain same. It is the first thing you read/see when you arrive at my blog and sometimes the only thing for some folk. I still believe that we all want to be heard, appreciated and respected and that an optimistic approach works best for this blog. The global economic shift vis a vis the economic downturn that started in 2007-08 is still with us. We have either learned to go with the flow, shift directions or stagnate. What would I change? Why? More below!
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Mother Teresa
Reflections: In Hindsight, Optimism Prevails…
What would I change? Why? Whenever I revisit that first post, I am reminded that I didn’t pick a real blog name back then and eof737 made sense. Now it doesn’t. I closed off comments for reasons Facebook would describe as “complicated.” I don’t regret that. The rest I have made peace with and I’m glad that the optimism I shared in 2008 remains a focal point with this blog. Yes, I know the directive was to re-write our first post. I’m choosing to keep it as it is… until further notice. What are your thoughts? What would you change and why? Do you have advice to other bloggers on writing that first post? Do share! Thank you. 🙂
This post was inspired by a prompt from WP Daily Post: Daily Prompt: Hindsight. Now that you’ve got some blogging experience under your belt, re-write your very first post.
*Please bear with me as I catch up on your blogs and commenting… I’m back on track; albeit at a slow pace. Thank you all for your patience! 🙂
For More: Women’s Lives & Issues
Positive Motivation Tip: Often, in hindsight, there are things we would tweak, change, or even abandon, but then there are times we’d just leave it alone. Take the time to consider why and then be at peace with it.
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos Monkey’s bathe at Jigokudani Hot Spring, Japan, No Negativity, Keep Calm, via Wikipedia, via Flickr, or via my personal collection
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
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You are a light.
And so are you… On my way to visit you shortly. Merci! 🙂
Keep Calm and Carry On … one of my favorites.
TY! I love that one too. 🙂
I’m coming up on 3 years of blogging in Feb. It’s interesting to go back and read the early posts. I find it’s been such a growth experience and clearly my writing has improved. If you aren’t getting better why bother? However, on the rare occasion I link back to an early post I sometimes edit a bit.
b
Yes and we have come a long way together! I remember back in the early days we were writing and trusting that at least someone would read and respond. TY for your longstanding friendship and wisdom… Blessings! 🙂
I think a first post is a first post for a reason. It’s where you started. Changing it doesn’t change where you started. THAT was where you started. I’m a relatively new follower, but I think your promise to be optimistic and positive has been kept.
TY Genevieve! At different times I was advised to go another route to attract more readers. But, as a friend once said to me, maybe writing dark is not your thing… do what comes to you. I’m keeping that directive till new orders are sent via the muse. 🙂
Your optimism always shines through your posts, Elizabeth. Love the “Keep calm and carry on.” Great advice, sometimes easy to forget in times of extreme stress. 🙂
Quite easy to forget… true! And you know Adin, whenever I remember to be calm and carry on, it works; helps put things in perspective. 🙂
I’d love to have that ‘no negativity’ sign! Brilliant 🙂
I love it too… I suppose one could contact the Unity Church that created it and ask if they have them for sale… TY! 🙂
I have read a few blogs that have shared with readers the changes that have taken place in their lives and personal journey’s by comparing their first blog or Bio to where they are today…instead of changing the original.I love the Keep Calm and carry on. I find myself saying that quite often. 🙂
Good for you to use it… I love the powerful message it carries and when I do remember to use it, it works… I still have to visit and catch up with you and others but I’m glad to hear that some bloggers have reflected on their journey without doing a re-write. TY! 🙂
Thank you for this opportunity to revisit your “Hello World” post. I think I could improve my life just by reading that post every week.
Even though you wrote it during the 2008 crisis, it is just as relevant 4 years later. Your words, inspiration, and encouragement are timeless gifts that keep on giving. Thank you for four years of giving, loving, and inspiring. I’m just grateful I found you in the last few months. {{{Hugs}}}
{{{Hugs}}} TY Kozo and the sentiments are mutual… I tweaked it a few times and then let it be… It’s been an honor to connect too and I’m blessed to know you are an Amma person too. TY! 🙂
thanks for the ping. I’m liking your blog!
TY for the comment… I appreciate the acknowledgement and I love your blog too. 🙂
Oh dear I think I should re-write my first post, and the next and the next … 🙂
Gilly, don’t you dare!!!! Just kidding, but seriously, a tweak now and then is sufficient for most of us. Honestly, I’d be hard-pressed to know what to do in a re-write. It’s a great prompt for reflection. TY! 🙂
That is a great idea to go back and rewrite the first post. I’m going to take a look at that. It is kind of like my Wednesday Rewind challenge which is really more for me than anything else. It is a great way to reflect on the past. 🙂
I love your Wednesday rewinds as it gives more insight into you and your life story… TY! 🙂
I love your positive quotes. They are the first thing I check.
And I love those bathing monkeys!
Those bathing monkeys are a riot… They are enjoying a spa day and being open to all the good that will come their way… I just love the looks on their faces. TY! 🙂
Love the quote from Gibran. Thank for the inspiration!
TY Eleanor for your comment. Gibran is one of my favorite authors/poets… after Rumi! 🙂
The monkeys in the spa photo is priceless.
Wish I was there with them. 😀
Same here… but perhaps on our own ledge Tracy. TY! 😆
Elizabeth, I went back to your first post (Nov. 2008). You’ve kept your spirits through the years and shared those spirited sprinkles with us. Since then, you have enriched our days with your opening quotes – voices of the world that bring enlightenment to me daily. I often wonder where you have the time to create your messages. I appreciate your time and dedication. Allyson :). I love those monkeys at the spa. I keep looking at it and smiling.
TY Allyson!
You are such an angel and one of these days, when my shekels come home to roost, I’d love to purchase one of your beautiful pieces… As for your question, perhaps it’s that NY thing or maybe you are one of those special people that make others feel compelled to speak honestly…
Truth is that I don’t have the time to do it all. I pull all nighters to catch up on blog comments because I believe in my heart that reciprocity is key to building our blogs. I write every day but I don’t publish every thing I write…
When I’m battling yet another flu bug, or other pressing needs arise in my offline life, I work even harder to catch up…
Yep, this is the story straight up. I have offline challenges that I never write about, I’m still a loving mom, and I keep a rigorous exercise schedule to stay strong…
Writing helps me de-stress and it reconnects me with something greater than myself; that something, which I call Divine Spirit/God, sustains me and for that, I’m grateful… This dear one, is the unfettered truth.
TY for asking… Blessings! 🙂
Thank you for replying and sharing. I myself seem to always be in constant motion trying to catch my breath. You are rare in your consideration and dedication of others. I value those attributes immensely. Keep well during these winter months, and I look forward to more of your artistry…your writing 🙂
TY again Allyson! I look forward to your creative posts too. 🙂
Yes, … and then be at peace with it. Well said. Thank you, Eliz! I keep missing your posts, and WP won’t let me subscribe because I have already subs…
I have no idea why that is happening. I appreciate that you are making an extra effort to connect with me. Thanks again!
Eliz
It’s the software problem, I know…. that keeps me being late on reading your new post. 🙁 Love you blog, Eliz!
TY Amy! I love your blog too and I appreciate your patience as I make my rounds keeping up. 😉
I have only been blogging for 2 years now but like you, I have seen it morph into something much more meaningful than I could have imagined. The good news is that blogs don’t have to be static.
I remember the first time I opened a blog, it was so long ago, on a free anonymous platform. I became one of the most important contributors there but slowly slowly, the anonymity went away and I didn’t like that. My current blog was opened with a business plan in mind and I am so happy to see how much it grew in the past few years.