Bless me bloggers for I have sinned. It has been three weeks since my last post. But wait! Have I really sinned? Is blogging a religion?
The answer is yes for some, but definitely no for me. Blogging is not a daily habit in my life. Neither is praying, me being an atheist and all, but that’s a topic for another day. When it comes to blogging, I don’t feel the need to post once, or multiple times in a day. I take pride in knowing that I am not addicted to the numbers. Whew! Lately I don’t feel the need to post once a week or even once every two weeks. That may sound, to many bloggers, uninspiring.
Does that mean my life is boring? Perhaps. Some would consider my life boring. People, usually extroverts, have made unsolicited comments about my introverted lifestyle in the past; and I, feeling guilty and embarrassed, made excuses in reply. Saying things like, I’m working on it. Why, because no matter what I say, those extroverts won’t, and will never, understand my life choices. Introverts and extroverts are wired totally different. For some great insight on this subject, read The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney Psy.D.
At some point I decided that there would be no more excuses, no more guilt and no more embarrassment. because I didn’t feel as if I needed anymore work. I have opted for a small life, a quiet life. Like most people, that may not have been my original plan. Originally, as a teenager and young adult, I wanted the bigger life. A life nothing like my parents. A life full of adventures where I did something important or unique, perhaps changed the world. Fess up, most of us had those dreams. Then we got real. Those dreams are for people who enjoy the chaos and the noise. People who are skilled at stress management and small talk. Schmoozing, for them, is an art form.
Getting real, for me, was understanding what worked for me. And what worked is my quiet life. One where I do the things that I enjoy, without the crowds. Don’t get me wrong, I still want to see a few new places and have some small adventures before I leave this planet; but as Robert Holden Ph.D says:
Beware of destination addiction: The idea that happiness is in the next place, the next job, or even the next partner. Until you give up the idea that happiness is somewhere else, it will never be where you are..
With a small life, there may not be a whole lot of blog fodder, unless I share details about the hot cross buns, fish chowder, and the rest of my Easter weekend food preparations. Or stories of my hobbies of learning piano, puzzling, gardening, kayaking and watching baseball. Topics that have been covered many times throughout my blogging history and will likely be written about again at various points in the future since I do enjoy them so much. Much more than blogging. I fill my days with things I love to do, and I must confess that am less bitchy and very much content. And though things are not always perfect, because life isn’t always perfect, content is a big accomplishment.
Thank you for reading.
Photo: Skybird, Birds of Happiness, detail; paperblanks® jigsaw puzzle; Artist – Nadezhda Sokolova
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Still Bitchy After 60 Blog 
I have learned the long and arduous way that I really don’t owe anyone an explanation as to why I choose to stay home when others want me to go with them.
I hear ya, sister.
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For sure. It took too long to be comfortable just being myself as well. Happy for both of us that we got there.
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The older I get the more I appreciate the little things, the simpler and slower life. Of course not having exciting things to write about never stops me. Fish chowder? That’s three blogs worth.
😉
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I do have to admire your ability to stretch blog topics. And the planning you put into the timing of your posts.
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I know that some people write a blog post every day (some multiple times a day) while many people advise blogging on a regular schedule. While I get the advice, I counter that with this is supposed to be a fun activity. Having schedules sounds like a job, and then the joy of writing goes out the window. I’ve been averaging only one blog post a month for the last 15 months, and that works for me. No one should be telling you how to live your life.
I’m constantly asked where I’ve been traveling in retirement. I enjoy some travel but mostly I like our quiet lives at home. People have a way of putting their own expectations on others.
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Exactly. As soon as something starts to feel like work, I don’t want to do it anymore.
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It can be an addiction for sure. I enjoy blogging and interacting with people, but I will post when I have something to show and when it suits my life. I love reading your posts, so whenever you are ready 🙂
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Plus you are being grandma these days. I am betting you are enjoying that part of your life.
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I am and the kids definitely keep me busy!
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I love the Holden quote. I’m feeling overwhelmed right now since we are posting twice a week trying to complete our last trip before getting on to the current one. I’d rather post a little slower rather than have it consume me. I can’t imagine posting every day. I yearn for the quiet kayaking on the lake days too. Maggie
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You have so much to share with your posts. I enjoy them a lot. I can see how it would be overwhelming to keep it up. I think I would have to move the deadline to keep from stressing out because I am not good at managing stress.
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I only really write a blog post when I feel I have something interesting to say. Otherwise, what’s the point? Love the quote:
“Until you give up the idea that happiness is somewhere else, it will never be where you are..”
definitely worth bearing in mind!
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It is a great quote. It has been on my computer desktop for a few years now. I agree with only writing a post when you have something to say. This post just popped into my head this morning.
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Hi. Being happy and content is where it’s at. You’re doing well.
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Thanks. It’s working for me.
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It has taken me years to be comfortable with who I am. There is nothing wrong with being an introvert.
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Absolutely nothing!
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I agree with you about blogging only when the spirit arises. I have multiple half-written posts that, when I read what I’ve written, I say “what’s the point?” I post when I’m feeling the urge and have something to say.
I think many (most?) personal bloggers are introverts. It’s a great way to reach out to others, make friends, and interact, all without having to get too far out of our comfort zone.
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Yes I blog when I feel like it and ignore all those fellow introverted bloggers when I don’t want to interact with people. The good thing about we introverts is that we don’t get offended if people ignore us.
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I enjoy being at home, living a smaller life than the one I’d imagined. I get what you’re saying. I cannot write about what I don’t do, so I figure when I do manage to find something to blog about I’ll do so. But truthfully as an introvert I’m finding the older I get the less I want to post to my blog, only when so moved by my fickle muse.
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I totally understand that fickle muse. And, if you’re like me, you don’t feel guilty about it, which is a sign that we are older and no longer do many things we don’t want to do. It is so nice to be in this stage of life.
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In the end, one has to be happy and it does reflect in the choices we make in life.
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So true.
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