Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Honest Thoughts: Blogging - The struggle is real


Can I get an amen? 

Here at Thinking Thoughts I celebrate all the good things like books, reading, coffee (ok, tea too), awesome authors, and writing. As I've been thinking about the purpose behind...well, lots of things but especially things like this blog and my writing, I've come to some interesting conclusions. Um, maybe conclusions is too much of a word. I've started to think about things. Ironic, I know, due to the title of the blog.

One thing that got me thinking about this is the fact that, per a conversation I had with an industry professional back at the ACFW conference last year, the title Thinking Thoughts isn't a "good" title. My younger, start-up blogger self from 2009 cried a little at this thinking, "But...but...it's my blog! My baby!" Though the slightly-more-marketing-savvy-blogger-self half halfheartedly agreed with the sentiment.

I've come a long way since my first blog post not only in word count but in understanding of what a blog is and should be. I am by no means an expert, but I've come into a rhythm with myself on what it looks like to write Thinking Thoughts. I've devoted it to readers, writers, and Jesus followers (as I like to say) but is that enough?

Following my super fun and productive weekend in Florida with fellow writer friend Natalie (this is her modeling the "Dream. Write. Inspire." bag from my Society6 shop), I walked away with one major thought that she so graciously pointed out.

...PASSION...

Did you just think: Um, what? Well, that's understandable but let me explain. As we talked about marketing, the publishing industry, our books, other people's books, and sooo much more, we started to narrow down the focus for each of us. It's easy to say you want to make an impact on others, but it's another thing to figure out what that impact will bring.

We each started to think through this question: What do I bring to the table?

It's one thing to answer that question for yourself but another to see what other people say about that for you. I so value Natalie's opinions because she nailed down something that had been lightly hidden beneath the surface of all the things I like to do or participate in. It's passion. I'm likely going to butcher the way she explained it to me, but I needed to put it in my own words so that I could grasp it.

I thrive on the passion. I've blogged about it often (like here, and here) but the thing I keep coming back to is how much my own passions--as well as that of others--inspire me. It pushes me to create, to explore, to understand. If I meet you in person I will likely ask you what you do. Here in DC that is a common thing because a lot of people place importance on their day jobs. I don't ask because of that, but because I want to see how people describe what they do. There is a stark contrast between people who describe what they do in a monotone and those who launch into an all-inclusive depiction of their jobs because they love them. Those are the people I love to listen to.

In thinking about this blog (and the numerous attempts I've made to hone in on something specific) I see why I have trouble. I'm not a person who is only passionate about writing. I'm not just passionate about reading. I'm not only interested in photography. It's just...not possible for me. Not in my DNA. I'm not sure, but I do know that I am consumed by more than that. (This is likely why it's hard for me to pick one genre to write in...but that's a whole different blog post).

This passion shows itself in my writing, in my photos, in my social media posts, you name it. It's all inclusive. That passion is the thread that binds me together. That makes up who Emilie Hendryx is.

Ah, wonderful, I think. Now what?

Honestly? I'm not sure. I know (mentally) about the smart steps to branding yourself. I understand the concept of growing an audience and...blah blah blah (um, can I say that?). But I get frustrated with convention. Yes, Thinking Thoughts isn't the most descriptive name and it will likely change at one point, but there are a few things that I realize I'm committed to and passionate about:
  • I'm passionate about sharing about great books and authors here on the blog and through my reviews.
  • I'm passionate about books with great story lines--no matter the genre. 
  • I'm passionate about sharing what I'm learning about writerly things like marketing, design, writing, and the like.
  • I'm passionate about reading (oh soooo much reading).
  • I'm passionate about Jesus and how He is at the center of my life. 
  • I'm passionate about being REAL with everyone. 
There isn't a conclusion to this post. It's a lot of thoughts (again, likely a no-no) meandering throughout, but it's refreshing to admit that I enjoy a lot of creative things. I'll leave you with this: Hello, my name is Emilie and I struggle with being too passionate about creativity. ;-)

What about you? What are YOU passionate about? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!

67 comments:

  1. I struggle with social media, because it challenges my desire for honesty. I'm torn ... (which, in effect, makes social currency real currency), not only will I be rich, I'll be prestigious. ... Am I going for likes, or am I sharing honest thoughts and images? ... This essay originally appeared on Ryan's splendid blog, This Is Imperfect.
    buy instagram followers australia review

    ReplyDelete
  2. I know your expertise on this. I must say we should have an online discussion on this. Writing only comments will close the discussion straight away! And will restrict the benefits from this information. water tank air pressure

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing information with us. Visit OGEN Infosystem for SEO Services, PPC Services, Digital Marketing Services, Mobile Application Development and Website Development in Delhi, India.
    Best PPC Company in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  4. Get big discount on Gefitinib 250 mg Tablet Price in India
    online at Emedkit, compare prices avail cashback. Check Gefitinib 250 mg Tablet uses and information about medicine and its uses on our online portal. Learn about its major side- effects and other benefits i.e., easily accessible at Emedkit site.

    ReplyDelete
  5. If you’re looking affordable Assignment Help Australia, Then try out GoAssignmentHelp.com.au services. We provide online tutoring services, online Assignment Help Melbourne and online homework help for students of all standards, our founders started GoAssignmentHelp.com.au in 2008 and in the very first year, we catered to 2000 students from the various universities in Australia. Connect with top assignment help tutors to beat your study blues. Our professional writers of academic experts help with assignments by providing excellent quality & well-researched Assignment Help Brisbane content. Get all your assignments done on time. GoAssignmentHelp.com.au service is available for you 24/7. Let our assignment helpers complete the work for you and send you the files. Get all your assignments done at minimal cost.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hire model escort girls from our Aerocity Escorts agency in 5-star hotels. We provide incall and outcall escorts service in Aerocity to make you happy.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good morning admin, I am Kane from USA and I wanna just tell you, I have browsed most of your article about many topics. This release is probably where I got the most beneficial information for this subject. Thankyou so much for posting, maybe we can see more on this. Are you aware of any other websites on this topic. psychology assignment help - application essay writing - biology assignment help - python programming assignment help

    ReplyDelete

  8. If you want to progress in academic paper writing, you have to make each step count. Be sure to follow the right track and add the necessary qualities to your writing curve. Asking the paper help of someone to write my assignment may sound an instant solution but it can help you to boost your learning exposure.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your blog gave us significant data to work with. Each and each tip of your post are amazing. You're the best for sharing. Continue to blog

    ij.start.cannon

    www.office.com/setup
    norton.com/setup

    ReplyDelete
  10. event management Clubhouse is just the first major platform to capitalize on that clear demand, but others are quickly starting to take notice. happy first day of fall, jokes about fall, soul mate quotes, being strong quotes and happy sweet 16th birthday

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dr. Lynch, a Trillium Health Solutions expert, provides the best treatment. Visit our official website for further information and detailed information.

    ReplyDelete
  12. The foot candles, or illumination distance, of parking lot lights are regulated by municipalities. There are also rules that limit the amount of glare these lights produce and the direction in which they point. These are just a few of the many considerations that go into lighting design and why you should hire a professional.
    Commercial light pole , Commercial lighting contractor , Gas station price sign

    ReplyDelete
  13. Are you planning vacations in Costa Rica? the beautiful tourist destination in Central America is popular for its exotic beaches and tropical climate. if you want to relax in the fresh air and search for villa in costa rica, then contact us. we provide you with luxury facilities.
    costa rica rentals on the beach
    wedding venue costa rica

    ReplyDelete
  14. Senior home care is a service that most of us will need to arrange for our parents. It involves the services of a home health professional coming to the home of the person and providing the care they are unable to provide for themselves any longer.
    Fingerprinting near me
    cpr certification frederick md

    ReplyDelete
  15. seo brisbane
    Effective SEO isn’t a singular technique or strategy. It’s a collection of many measures we take to help you site appeal to search engines and users. While each site has its own needs, there are certain steps we take that allow us to deliver strong results every time.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Very awesome post…. Thank you �� Get the Turkish visa online to travel to Turkey. It is a short and concise form that can be easily filled out from your home or office and submitted to us to formally start the visa processing.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Searching for social science assignment help on the web? We got you; we are one of the most presumed and dependable scholastic composing specialist organizations. Our group of specialists gives premium quality mistake-free task help.

    ReplyDelete
  18. finding a perfect Costa Rica rental villa is quite challenging due to the availability of a range of luxurious villas in the country. How would you know whether you are getting a good deal or not? Here, we have compiled a few tips that you need to keep in mind before booking a rental villa in Costa Rica.
    costa rica rentals on beach

    ReplyDelete
  19. When Lighting Fixtures are Burned Out- It is tough to restore burned out lighting fixtures. You should replace them with high-quality LED lights. On the internet, look for a reputable and dependable lighting and sign repair near me and engage them to remedy any parking lot lighting issues.
    gas station canopy repair , Pole light repair

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'm extremely inspired along with your writing skills as neatly as with the format in your blog. Is that a paid subject or did you customize it yourself? Anyway stay up the excellent quality writing, it's rare to look at a great blog like this one today.. Germany Free Education for Indian Students

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi everybody, This web page is remarkable and so is exactly how the subject has been expanded. 카지노사이트

    ReplyDelete
  22. dog sitter miami
    Get in touch with a dependable pet sitter in your area. Cuddlytails is one of New York's best dog boarding services, offering a variety of pet services including dog sitter, dog boarding, daycare, and dog walker New York. You can quickly book our services by downloading the Cuddlytails application from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Your explanation is organized very easy to understand!!! I understood at once. Could you please post about 우리카지노?? Please!!


    ReplyDelete
  24. Very well written article, thank you for the valuable and useful information you provide in this post. summit university cut off mark for accounting

    ReplyDelete
  25. webgirls.pl In relation to fighting yeast infections, sufferers often have their function eliminate to them. It is because candida albicans can easily grow to be persistent and continuing. With that in mind, in this article, we are going to current a wide range of some of the best confirmed candida treatment and avoidance tips about.

    ReplyDelete
  26. If you want to succeed in your online assignments, you need to know how to do so. This helpful guide will provide you with the knowledge and skills to help you succeed with your online assignments and achieve your education goals. You'll be able to learn how to take on new topics, write well, and work efficiently. contact our online assignmnet help team

    ReplyDelete
  27. https://gameeffect.xyz Many individuals have cherished the game of baseball for several years. You will find followers worldwide, from dedicated little-leaguers to die-tough spectators. This information has ideas to prove how satisfying baseball really is.

    ReplyDelete
  28. It is great to read this... Thanks for sharing... Getting an India business visa is straightforward. Apply for an India business visa through the Indian visa website.

    ReplyDelete
  29. If you are a professor, then there are chances that you may not ask students to write their assignment in pages but instead ask them to submit it in some certain number of words. In such a scenario, most of the students might get confused about the conversion. Studyhelpme.com’s free Words to Pages Converter tool is a perfect solution for them.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Youtube.com/activate
    A YouTube incitation code is an is made by the youtube application on explicit devices, for eg Apple, Xbox Wii, etc, or other related contraptions, which is done through a google account. The sanctioning code is normal for the restoration of the sign-in process. To get a youtube.com/sanction code for the application, clients need to sign in to their Google account either through Gmail or Google+ account that is associated with their YouTube account. Whenever a record is changed, the client is incited to give it induction to their device and the YouTube application.

    ReplyDelete
  31. We specialise in high rise units which require a lot of organising to work in with other tenants and the unit managers to reduce the chance of upsetting others occupants in the building during the renovation process. No Job is out of our expertise. We’ve completed all types of Unit Renovations to Large Scale Shop Fit-Outs for large commercial brands. Unit Renovations Gold Coast

    ReplyDelete
  32. Procurement Resources is a website providing detailed price trends where you will find detailed information about more than 500 products, here you will find detailed price trends for many products like steam price, compressed air price. Then definitely visit the website of Procurement Resources once.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I am glad to see that you provide the best explanation as you ever provided. However, my urge to you is to make it simpler to let benefit it from other person as well. The professional available at Online Assignment Help destination holds the great convincing ability. We write in such a way that you cannot find more lethargic anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Every day, consumers are becoming more interested in boxed packaged goods because they provide many of the benefits that they want. They're inexpensive, last a long time, and are simple to store.


    The user interface of 9xflix is really simple and tidy. It contains a large number of movie categories, so you'll have no trouble finding what you're looking for. The website also offers an auto-suggest search tool.

    ReplyDelete
  35. If you're looking for assignment helper online in Malaysia, look no farther than Malaysiaassignmenthelp.com, where you can have your projects prepared by qualified academic writers for a small fee.

    ReplyDelete
  36. This message has left a lasting impression on me; this website has always been a source of good news for everyone. Thank you so much for such a motivating message. Keep sharing, you're doing a fantastic job!
    mechanical engineering assignment help

    ReplyDelete
  37. Oh wow! great post! I must say. The thing I like the most about your post is that you used very innovative and catchy words. Well, keep sharing the good information. I am also here to provide information about the assignment help. if you or your colleague need any help regarding assignment then you can go through assignment help.

    ReplyDelete
  38. The procedure of registering for WPC16 com dashboard may be straightforward if you are familiar with the fundamentals of registering for WPC16 com dashboard or any other sort of registration. However, for those who are new to wpc16/dashboard register and find the steps to be confusing, consider this a guide to WPC16 com dashboard register that will walk you through the steps you will experience once you have decided to WPC16 com dashboard register.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Along with everything which appears to be building within this specific area, all your opinions happen to be quite refreshing. Nonetheless, I beg your pardon, but I can not subscribe to your whole plan, all be it exhilarating none the less. It appears to me that your comments are generally not completely validated and in fact you are generally your self not even completely confident of the point. In any event I did take pleasure in reading it. I am glad for commenting to make you be aware of what a really good experience my child had going through your web site. She came to find some pieces, including what it is like to have a wonderful coaching heart to have the mediocre ones smoothly comprehend a number of tortuous subject matter. You actually surpassed her expected results. I appreciate you for offering the invaluable, safe, explanatory as well as cool tips about this topic to Mary. 온라인카지노불법

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hey, your post is too amazing when I see your post in first time then it seems to me that your posts are just amazing. If you are searching a best air purifier for your home so levoit air purifier is the best purifier in affordable prices if you want to purchase this air purifier so, you can levoit promo code visit here.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Grab your dream jobs in the cloud platform with the Azure training in Chennai from the best software training institute, Infycle Technologies. Also, have the best placement guidance classes such as resume preparation, interview preparation, and communication skills. For a combo of tech and placement training, call 7504633633 or 7502633633.

    ReplyDelete
  42. If you are unable to write your essay and looking for the write my essay service, then you can take help from our experts at qqiassignments.com. They will assist you to write your essay with 100% correctness at a very low price.

    ReplyDelete
  43. The director of the Asian Spine and Scoliosis Centre in New Delhi, Dr. Amit Chugh, is the Best spine surgeon in Delhi NCR. For more than five years, he has operated on the spine. Therefore, see Dr. Amit Chugh for the best spine care in Delhi.

    ReplyDelete
  44. This is the best post I have ever seen. Very clear and simple. Mid-portion Is quite interesting though. Keep doing this. I will visit your site again. Detroit Become Human Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks ,Your blog is very informative and meaningful. Keep sharing such blogs in the feature.Scoring good grades is not easy for students. It requires a lot of effort and hardwork. Students need to solve several assignments as well. Here we bring the solution to your assignment problem .Hire an expert to solve your Networking Assignment Help at the lowest price. Other services are also available Essay Writing Services , Dissertation Help , Assignment Help Etc.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Making a game theory assignment is no more difficult. We possess all the tools required to promptly give expertly designed game theory assignment help. Every student wants to get good grades in their studies in a competitive world. However, taking good grades from the professor is not a simple task. Students must give reading, understanding, and research assignments related to a subject their whole attention.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thank you Your site is incredibly relevant and educational. Continue to include similar blogs in the feature. Wonderful to hear that! It appears that the SEO Service in Delhi
    provided by my friend's business are first-rate. When it comes to SEO, it's critical to have a trustworthy partner, and based on what we can tell, you have found one. Wishing the business of your friend all the best!

    ReplyDelete
  48. your blog is great very educational blg ,Best indian Travel Agent database Providers

    ReplyDelete
  49. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  50. best Blog Keep Posting i read your whole your blog was so impressive Realtor Websites With Idx

    ReplyDelete