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Being Well

30 days of thinking, writing, reading, making friends

By April 30, 201310 Comments

Alfie on sofaIt’s the last day of the April UBC Challenge. This is the fourth challenge that, by the time this is posted, I will have successfully completed. For me, it has been the hardest one yet. That may be because I have been quite busy professionally, with interrupted nights which come with the type of work I do and some very long days. Also, I had created a structure for my blogging, put a lot of thought into it and ensured that every single post was accompanied by a photograph, all of which meant I needed to spend more time and effort on my posts.

I started with looking at how we think, and why we have certain beliefs and make certain assumptions. I examined all sorts of subjects like age, appearance, education and money. There was a wonderful guest post from Ani Richardson about emotional eating. My most popular post was about housework and illustrated with a lovely picture of Alfie which I’ve used again here. It’s important for me to remember how powerful images can be!

For the second half of the month many of my posts addressed how we can take charge of our thinking and gain more freedom, rather than feeling controlled by our thoughts. I looked at living in all of our bodies, not just our heads, smiling (another popular post), creativity, presence, self-care and creating a nurturing community. The recurring theme is how we can develop a worry-resilient lifestyle so that we no longer need to feel overwhelmed and even controlled by our problems.

There is so much more I want to share and that is why I am writing a whole book on how I learned to walk away from chronic, debilitating worry myself. Now that the Challenge is over, and I won’t be blogging so often, please keep in touch by signing up for my newsletter (link below) and that way you will be among the first to know when the book is nearing publication, and even be able to read exclusive extracts.

Of course, the UBC isn’t just about our own blogs; we have the chance to read and comment on a wonderful variety of blogs from all over the world, on a wide range of subjects. I particularly enjoyed Nadine Honeybone’s inspiring posts and Caroline Ashby’s moving and practical advice, both focussing on families with autism. Lyn Bromley writes eloquently on image and authenticity, in particular, and Jacqui Malpass is just amazing on writing, branding and marketing. I have also loved Amy Young Miller’s blog on her life in Nebraska , Caro Ness’ lyrical Thoughts and Musings, and as always Gordon Bryan on achieving goals and success. I feel privileged to be able to visit various blogs, be given an insight into people’s lives and to communicate with such thoughtful, creative and entertaining writers. Thank you everyone. And thank you to Michele and Michelle for running the Challenge again.

Right now, I feel as if four separate months of daily blogging have been enough. I have found my authentic voice, discovered new subjects to write about, made friends and gained readers from all over the globe. I am much busier now than when I took the first Challenge and am looking forward to writing more and more and growing my heart-centred community. So please, make my day and sign up for the newsletter. Let’s keep in touch, keep reading each other’s work and supporting each other in the contributions we make. Thank you to everyone for being there, for reading, for encouraging and supporting me xxx

10 Comments

  • Thanks Harriet, for putting me in your list!
    I have to say you have plonked yourself on mine too, because it appears we think along similar lines about many things, and I enjoy your style of writing.

    I agree that it’s been great to discover such a quantity and range of blogs that I actively enjoy reading – it’s widened my circle for sure.

    What a lovely post as a way to finish a blogging challenge!
    Cheers,
    Gordon

  • Lyn says:

    Fantastic! It has been great reading your blogs too Harriet – I have just been composing my final blog (as I am a couple behind) and it reads very similar to yours (only not quite so well written – still learning!) It has been great to know you better through your blogs – I shall miss them, but will look forward to keeping in touch through Facebook. xx

  • Harriet, I have adored the camaraderie and support throughout it all. It’s been great fun and I too have learned so much. I can’t wait to meet you in person.

  • I feel every word you wrote. I have posted in my blog everyday for 2.5 years and have learned about myself as a writer also. I join these challenges to connect with other writers and find great blogs like yours! I’m signing up for the newsletter and really want to read your book! Nice meeting you Harriet!

  • Amy says:

    Harriet,
    I’m catching up on my blog reading and I just discovered this, that you mentioned me in your list. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and I want you to know that if I would have thought of doing a nifty wrap-up like this, I would certainly have included your name and blog on my “favorites” list. I’m still thinking about your posts about housecleaning and smiling, in particular. Great getting to know you!

    • Harriet says:

      Ah thank you Amy! Great to connect with you too and I look forward to reading more of your posts.

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