Today's Blogathon Guest post is by Joy who hosts her blog "One Year. 156 Fears. Life Changing"
Joy's Bio:
Joy is a thirty-something year-old mama living in the Green Mountain State and trying 156 things this year that will get her out of her shell. As an introvert and a psychology-nut- turned-freelance writer who likes to analyze everything to death, this challenge will either make her stronger or kill her, she is not entirely sure which!
(Now sit back and enjoy her post!)
When I first decided to take on this year-long experiment, I nearly had a panic attack. "What, what, WHAT was I thinking?" I thought on Day Two. "I can't do this! I don't want to do this. Why did I ever think that this was a good idea?"
Fast forward three months and I can honestly say that this project has brought me more happiness and more blessings than I could have imagined. I've met some wonderful, kind, and creative people (my favorite kind!). I've taken on some challenges that have made me shake in my shoes and some that made me nearly cry with relief after completing. Most of all though, this whole experiment has been a reminder that so much of the fear I feel is self-imposed. I allow fear to control my mind at times and when that happens my world gets very, very small. Happily, I've also found the that reverse is true: The more I push myself to try new things, go new places, and give up control, the bigger and more open my life becomes.
That's not to say that I look forward to every challenge with open arms. I felt literally sick to my stomach when I decided that I needed to hand out flowers to strangers on the street. I'm an introvert and avoid strangers most of the time, I don't hand them flowers! But it was one of the most fun challenges I've done. I never would have tried it if it weren't for this project. There are other challenges that stick out in my mind too, but you'll have to read about them on my blog!
I feel really grateful, mostly, for all the support, inspiration, and motivation that I've found out here on the blogosphere. And I feel excited for the rest of the challenges that the next several months hold. Now I realize how true the quote by Rose Tremain is, "Life is not a dress rehearsal." Amen to that.
If you want to read more of Joy's posts, please click here
Thanks Anjuli for this particular post. There are a few people who have a way to stand outside the rest. They are always ready to face new challenges. Most of the time the reach their goal but sometime they lose direction. So my best wishes are with Joy. Take care.
ReplyDeleteAfriqiyah- Joy has an excellent blog- you need to go and take a look. Thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteI like 'a psychology-nut- turned-freelance writer who likes to analyze everything to death'.
ReplyDeleteDescribes her.
Joy, good writing style. I analyze a lot too but my job requires that.
Anjuli,
ReplyDeleteI want to send an email. Can you share your email address with me. My email address is:-
arealblogger@gmail.com
A - Joy's posts are really interesting and educational.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I feel like that too, so often. A million times a day I swallow whatever the fear is and just do it (usually feeling sweaty of palm and body) and end up enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteJoan- I love Joy's blog- and now am an avid reader. This blogathon has been wonderful as it has introduced me to some GREAT blogs!
ReplyDelete