One year. 52 weeks. 365 days.
Despite the best of intentions, the occasional pang of guilt and fleeting flashes of inspiration, that’s how long it’s been since my last blog.
In the past few weeks, I decided that had to change.
Perhaps that’s because the anniversary of the unexpected event that prompted me to start this blog – redundancy – has just been around again at Easter. Or is it because I’m rediscovering the balance in my life after a year of getting established back in the workplace? Maybe it’s just because I’ve missed blogging.
This blog gave me a sense of purpose and routine that otherwise might have been missing during almost a year out of work after my previous executive role was made redundant.
pinchmyself attracted a small, but regular following. Some old friends and family, some new friends whom I met during my travels and volunteering, and others who connected with me through the blog or my @pinchmyself twitter handle.
To all the people who offered their encouragement and support: thank you.
I started pinchmyself with the hope it might help others experiencing the shock of redundancy. I’m not sure how much it did that, but the truth is that it has given me so much.
Blogging became a vehicle for my creative break – for writing and for photography. It offered me a new way to observe and connect with the places I visited and the people I met, to process experiences, to synthesize ideas and perhaps above all else, to express wonder, appreciation and gratitude.
At some stage during my sabbatical, I read somewhere that one of the common traits of happy people is that they are able to look back positively at events in their lives, even the negative experiences. In hindsight, despite some trying moments, pinchmyself faithfully captures my experience of redundancy as a positive, empowering opportunity for learning, growth and creativity.
I appreciate each and every one of the people who took the time to read or comment here, and I’m sorry I let it lapse for so long without explanation.
It wasn’t just a matter of making the time for writing – I’m determined to do that. Given my return to the workforce, I also needed to find the right path forward for pinchmyself, hopefully something that could build upon what I’ve started here.
The good news is that I’ve found fresh inspiration on how I want to evolve this forum over coming weeks and months.
But first I think there may be some unfinished business with the blog’s current theme: “One woman’s travels from corporate Australia into uncertainty.” Yes, that’s certain.
M
pinchmyself.org 
Hi Mairi and congratulations on what you have achieved so far. Great to see you back on the blogosphere.
As someone who reads a lot of blogs and who blogs myself, I whole-heartedly believe that it’s best to post when you have something to say. I love to read an authentic post but tire easily of posts that seem churned out to meet a prescriptive posting schedule. Sure we need some commitment and discipline to write and post, but sometimes it is the right time and sometimes (for potentially one or many reasons) it isn’t for a while.
Blogs can and do evolve and personally I think that’s not just okay but desirable. Can’t wait to hear more of what you have to say when the time is right for you to write it.
Best wishes,
Jacquie
LikeLike
Thanks Jacquie, it’s been great to connect with you and others as part of this experience, and share your writer’s journey. I know from reading your blog that you’ve had your own decisions to make about the time you commit to blogging versus your other writing, your work in medicine and other commitments.
I couldn’t agree more that it’s about the quality not quantity – and for me it’s about posting when I have something meaningful to contribute.
I will look forward to relaunching my blog and getting your feedback Jacquie – thanks for all the encouragement and support.
Best regards, M
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Mairi. I had no doubt you’d make it and have an amazing journey along the way. You are an inspiration. Time to turn this into a book:). Just putting it out there…
LikeLike
Thank you Peter, for all the support, encouragement and perspective you have offered me throughout. I’m the one who feels blessed to have such inspiring and generous friends. Wishing you all the best, M
LikeLike
From another woman whose travels from corporate to uncertainty remain pretty up in the air. (Had no idea downsizing into a caravan permanently would be so emotional. I’m learning something new everyday (mostly about learning to roll with the punches). You are right about blogging giving routine and meaning. Blogging made a huge difference to my way forward. All the best. Jenn J
LikeLike
Hi Jenn, thanks for sharing your story and perspective on this. It’s lovely to connect with you again after all these months. You sound like a very resilient woman. I’ve found that even when the emotions are high, writing helps brings objectivity. Has that been your experience? Best regards, M
LikeLike
Pleased it has worked out for you.
LikeLike
Thanks Jill, and thanks again for letting me know about Blurb. I’ve done a few books of photos and they’ve come up well. How’s your photography going?
LikeLike
M, I’d been thinking of this only in the last month or so – i.e. what happened to your blog. I know what’s been happening to you of course through other channels, but great to see the blog back and I look forward to reading it in the future. M
LikeLike
Thanks M, you’ve been such a great supporter of me and the blog, and I really appreciate it. I hope everything is good with you and that you have some great travel plans this year. M
LikeLike