…first time caller.
I heard this on a radio call-in show when I was driving this afternoon. I don’t often listen to call-in shows but it seems whenever I catch one, at least one person makes this comment to begin their conversation. Today it occurred to me that is a bit of a rallying call for action – a decision to do something more involved.
Almost two years ago (is it really that long already??), I decided to cut way back on my time on line. I was spending much of my working day on the computer for my job at a not-for-profit, and more hours weekly for client work on a small home business. To find some balance, I wanted to spend more of my own time on other projects so I stepped away from some forums, shut down my blog (no loss as I hadn’t really built much of a following) and drastically reduced my other social media time. It was not a difficult transition but life changed, as it continues to do. My work responsibilities evolved and I had less computer time so I renewed some of my online contacts.
I started Keep the Stories to promote an idea that I had had in the back of my mind for some time. It related to my business and some personal challenges to organize and reduce. I started with enthusiasm, a growing list of ideas – and the best of intentions. I did the first few posts and was getting a rhythm, building to more frequent posts but then lost any momentum while I was waiting.
Waiting to resolve some technical issues… waiting for the ‘perfect’ idea …waiting for the right picture for the header… waiting for enough time to write extra posts to catch up on missed days …waiting for the brilliant idea to launch with a bang … waiting for things that were not going to happen.
It is time to stop waiting – time to stop just listening and make that first call. Time to start with one post and then the next one. To write when the mood strikes and not wait for some big inspiration. To tackle the technical issues – or not – as they come and do what can be done. AND to not worry about gaps in the posts but to plan to write with some regularity and consistency.
It’s a perfect day to start
Long time reader, first time poster? Well, not exactly first time but first this time. As the Chinese proverb says “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The next best time, is today.”
Fall is here, leaves are changing. It is a perfect time of year for new beginnings.
Are you ready to make that first call? Perhaps it will be to literally make a call but maybe your call to action will be to write a letter, take a trip, clean a closet, end a bad relationship, look up an old friend…. How will you take action today?