I’m such a dummy sometimes. I find myself doing things I’m supposed to do, and then when I take a minute to examine my actions I realize that I am doing something I should with no real reason to do so.

When will I learn to stop trying to do things the right way? I’m not actually interested in being like everyone else, so why do I keep falling into these traps?

This blog doesn’t need to be optimized. I have no reason to care about SEO. I am just a person writing silly words on my personal blog, and I’m OK with that. I’m not hiding, but I’m also not trying to be discovered.

If anything I’m using this practice to become more myself. To get better at expressing my thoughts and ideas in my own way. Trying to squeeze my writing/thoughts into a certain format in order to be more searchable is completely beside the point! I find it difficult enough to write at all, so why would I try to put more challenges in my way?

The fact is, I’m not really making this for anyone else. I don’t have answers for people. I have ideas, but who doesn’t? I’m not here to say my thoughts are better, more valid or more interesting than anyone else’s. They’re barely interesting to me! I’m far more interested in what other people are thinking most of the time.

My writing here isn’t about being discovered. It’s about getting the thoughts out of my head and into words. That’s it. No lofty goals here. I’m just trying to express myself. If someone happens to read it and decides they have something to add or ask or answer, that’s awesome, but I don’t need or want to go looking for that. Comments are open and appreciated, but unnecessary.

I am interested in the craft of writing, but this blog as it currently exists is a practice. A challenge for me to spend some time each week to exorcise some of the stuff in my head and let it go. Out into the world. Unoptimized.

Clean up your neighbourhood.

I’m sure that I’m not the only one who’s overwhelmed by the amount of garbage online. The trash I’m talking about is the must-see click-bait, latest thing, buzzword bullshit. There’s gossip, noise and litter everywhere I look. I don’t know if there’s any way to clean up the toxic waste. I suppose what I can do is notice when I come across something wonderful, and try to encourage more of that.

You can find a lot of beauty online if you look for it. And in that magical way the internet has of making connections, one good thing leads to another. Turn towards the light and follow the path to… well, whatever it is you seek.

Me, I want to live well. With everything (always) changing, I like having a hand in directing that change towards improvement. For myself and others. I want to think, learn and grow. Some of that happens within, but I can’t do it alone. I need help: inspiration, ideas and instruction.

Online, you get to choose your neighbours.

So, I’ve started spending time in the blogger-hood again. I’ve always loved blogs and bloggers, even though I’ve never been a fan of the word. To me the spirit of the blog is one of sharing. Not the simplified one-click social media share, but a thoughtful commentary on something discovered, learned, experienced or appreciated. The sharing of something for others to consider.

I love it when I find someone who is thinking, writing and sharing ideas about the things I’m curious about. They don’t have to be an expert, but I want them to be interesting and interested. My personal preference leans toward the considerate, well-written, creative, self-aware, and intelligent type. And a wry sense of humour doesn’t hurt.

Send invitations to your inbox party.

I am a huge fan of the newsletter. In fact, I believe we are experiencing a newsletter renaissance. With a subscription, I can invite these wonderful folks to deliver their awesomeness to my immediate attention, directly to my inbox. And anti-spam laws mean that you can unsubscribe with a single click.

Is it strange that I like email? It’s still my preferred method of communication. Then again, I was (and still am) a big fan of sending letters. I like reading and writing. Complete sentences are my jam. And I’m proud of my meticulous inbox that reaches zero at the end of each day. If you cultivate your inbox with content you want to read, it’s an engaging task rather than a chore.

I also dabble with RSS feeds (I use a browser extension), especially if I’m trying out a new source. This way I can add new prospects to my feed and check-in when I have the time or desire.

I’m starting a collection of my favourites. Does anyone else remember the blogroll? It’s kind of like that, I suppose. These are the people and topics that inspire me. I want to share them in a single location, for anyone who might be curious. It’s a work in progress, like everything else in my life.

Do you subscribe to any blogs/newsletters that you think I would find interesting? I’m always up for trying something new!