The day NaBloPoMo tried to run my life
Now that it is NaBloPoMo, National Blog Posting Month, it has become apparent to me how precious little time I do have to write. This is a strange observation; I normally have always followed one of the golden rules of blogging; post everyday, without effort. Sometimes I had to refrain myself from posting twice a day, as my stories just seemed to flow out uncontrollably.
I recently learned that a blog needs a chance to breathe. Posting everyday can also wear out your readers.
To me, the act of writing is breathing; it relieves stress. When I don’t write, I feel like I’m being suffocated. So, I naturally signed up for NaBloPoMo. I believed it would bring an awareness to the practice I had already incorporated into my daily life.
I should have known myself better. There is something about being “told” to do something that makes me rebel. This resistance is sneaky. I barely know it’s there, until I’m already acting on it — I wish I could stop from doing the exact opposite thing that I’m supposed to do. I can’t help myself.
For example, today, we took our little kindergartner to school, and the afternoon stretched out in front of us. How easily I could have put him in front of a DVD today, just this one time, so that I could get caught up on my posts. Because, suddenly, I feel like I am behind in writing. TV is a last resort — I don’t use it for blogging — it doesn’t feel right to me.
I did not like hearing NaBloPoMo’s little voice in my head telling me to plug him into a DVD. So, I didn’t. I chose not to write that post.
During NaBloPoMo, I am becoming aware that I am no longer writing on my blog, I’m writing to meet my commitment. Before, the ideas for my posts formed in my head spontaneously. Now, I’m thinking about midnight; I must get a post up before midnight. This is a very different shift in perception. There is no muse in this practice or in my posts.
Yes, I’m still very much aware of all the blogging rules, and etiquette but the spirit seems to have left me. Without the muse, writing the posts takes much more time. She is right; there is something about NaBloPoMo that puts your brain to sleep.
So what is the philosophy behind NaBloPoMo? To cultivate a discipline of writing everyday? I already have that. To keep the blog fresh? I have a fresh blog.
Perhaps to every participant, NaBloPoMo brings a different lesson. For me, maybe it’s preparation for adolescents. If want my children to do something, don’t tell them to do it; because they might begin to feel they just can’t do it anymore.
Of course no one really knows that the true value of a discipline is until it is over; so, rather than drop out, I will continue my NaBloPoMo journey — just to see where I end up in the end. I’m a little curious now. But, if you’re out, I totally understand. I should only post when I have something to say.
So, instead of the brilliant post that my muse didn’t bring, I can only offer you these pictures of what we made together today.
This is what happened, instead of the DVD. We pulled out a vase out of the cupboard. I cut tissue paper into little shapes, used lots of glue, and we made a Christmas present for someone special.
Today, NaBloPoMo would not rule my life. And isn’t that what a blog is all about anyway? A daily online diary? Well, here it is.
I’m tempted to keep the gift; as a reminder of the day when I chose not to let the blog rule my day.
Related posts:
Wow, I’m honored to be linked to such a fabulous post! *blush*
Seriously, there is something about being told to write every day by a certain time that makes the creativity leak out of my ears and land somewhere around my ankles. That’s not what it should be. So while I am trying to post regularly the rest of the month, I am not pushing it. If the ideas aren’t flowing and I have nothing to say, I have no reason to post. The readers will be back tomorrow.
I’m still clutching on to the nablopomo thing, but have found much of the same: I wasn’t flushed with ideas and found it feeling burdensome. So, I decided that if I make it, great. But if it doesn’t work out, that’s alright. I’m satisfied.
and the irony, of course, is that you have written a beautiful post
Oh, Painted Maypole, how I hate to admit that I stayed up way too late writing it — but, like I said, it was a way to relieve some stress.
I guess my problem is that I never seem to shut-up, I ALWAYS have something to say. I should learn to be quiet once in a while.
Well - good for you! Perhaps I could learn something too, by taking that little time off. I’m so compulsive by nature though, I’m not sure I could!
I’m with you! As soon as there’s an imperative - especially one laid down by someone else - I want to rebel. Clearly I am still an emotional teenager.
I agree that blogging comes better with muse and not with rules, but I’m still sticking it out, just because I said I would.
PS Glad that you are going to too!
Love that vase - and how very green of you to recycle a blah one into something beautiful.
thanks for posting the pictures; your post was worth the wait.
amen. this is why i didn’t sign up in the first place, even though i DO write every day.
This was a lovely post nonetheless!
Now, THAT to me is a blog entry —done up perfectly!! He SHOULD be proud of what he made. Love the smile!!
It’s amazing when great posts come out even when your talking about not posting. *G*
I love the vase! He did a great job on it.
I know what you mean about NaBloPoMo. I did it last year and for some reason, when it was done, I felt it was worth it. But right now, I can’t remember what that reason is because I’m too busy freaking out about what to write each day. Since forced writing certainly does take longer and I’m not willing to cut into my responsibilities to my family, I’ve gotten far behind in my blog reading. I think that’s part of my problem. Writing for a community without interacting with it is difficult!