Friday, May 11, 2012

Almost 6 months of blogging

Monday will be the six-month anniversary of this blog. I can’t believe that much time has gone by since I wrote my first post and worried about what in the world I would write about next.

This picture of Waddles was the first photo I used on my blog. I still use her photo as my favicon.
I love blogging. I love receiving comments and responding to them. I love the conversations that start here. I love the many blogs I’ve discovered along the way. I love reading those blogs and keeping up with my fellow bloggers.
I love meeting fellow bloggers. Many of you have become friends, and I cherish you.
I also love the writing discipline that blogging has instilled in me. I have tried to stick to a schedule, though sometimes I have strayed. But I have had the responsibility and accountability to show up and blog, and that has helped me tremendously. That has helped my OCD and depression.

Changes

I’m making a few changes to the blog, mostly to its schedule.
I changed the blog description at the top of the page, right under the blog title. I decided that I wanted it to better reflect what I’m trying to do with this blog.
I’ve also decided to begin posting every weekday. Starting next week, Monday, May 14 (my blog anniversary), I’ll post Monday through Friday.
I’ve selected a broad category for each day of the week in order to give me a little more structure and to give you a better idea of what’s coming each day.

The focus of the blog won’t change. I’ll still be writing about life with OCD, depression and anxiety.

I’ll just a different mini-focus each day.
Here are the categories:
OCD Monday: I’ll focus on my obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, experiences, treatment, background, etc. I’ll include research and helpful information I find.
Open Tuesday: This day will be open for writing what would fall into any of the other categories. I may use it to expand on something I write another day or to start a new discussion.
Wonderful Wednesday: I’ll write about wonderful things that have helped me along the way in living with mental illnesses.
Depression Thursday: This day will be similar in focus as OCD Monday, except I’ll write more about depression.
Treatment Friday: I’ll write about treatments for OCD, depression and anxiety, including my own treatment and journey through therapy.

Your input

Thank you so much for reading my blog. That humbles me. You have made my experience in blogging so rich.
If you haven’t already joined the site to become a follower, please consider doing so. The gadget is at the top of the page on the right, beside my photo, under the heading “Followers.”

I would like to hear from you about any topics you’d like me to write about. I know many of you either suffer from one of the same mental illnesses as I do or another mental illness, or you have a family member or friend who does. What do you want to hear from me?

Please comment below, or feel free to email me at tbarbour36(at)gmail(dot)com (see “Contact Me” tab at top of page).
Blessings to you as we all move forward together!

21 comments:

  1. Happy six-month blogging anniversary!! :-)

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  2. I love how you are going to have themed days! You are so clever!

    I am so glad you started blogging and we met. You are a blessing and support to me.

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    1. Elizabeth, Thank you so much! I'm glad I found your blog, too, because you are a true blessing to me.

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  3. Congrats on 6 months! The whole blogging thing is a little addictive ;-) But in a good way, right?!?

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    1. Thanks, Lisa! Yes, it is a little addictive. I tell myself it's in a good way! LOL

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  4. Congratulations on your 6 month anniversary, Tina, and I am so impressed with your commitment to post five days a week..........sometimes I find it hard to keep to my schedule of once a week! I look forward to hearing from you (almost) daily!

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    1. Thanks, Janet! I'm trying to write ahead when I can, but it will be fun.

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  5. I LOVE this idea! And congratulations on your anniversary :) You make the blogging community so much better. I always look forward to reading your post. Looking forward to following all of your future posts!

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  6. Alisha, Such kind words--thank you! Right back at you!

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  7. I feel like you're my "twin sister" in a way as our blogs were born at almost the exact same time!

    Love the theme idea. I'm really looking forward to the different topics.

    You definitely make the blogging world a better place. Happy 6 month anniversary! : )

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    1. Thank you, Sunny. You are so sweet! I feel like we're "twins" too. What day did you start yours? I started mine on Nov. 14.

      Happy 6 months to you too!

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  8. Yes, happy anniversary! Also, I like the new schedule you've come up with. But don't punish yourself if you stray from it. Sometimes the muse disagrees with schedules, after all ;).
    Take care and God's Peace!

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    1. Rebecca, Thank you! Yes, I've thought of that--I don't want to get too upset if I do need to stray from it.

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  9. Happy Blogiversary! Here's to many more. I like your idea of a schedule.

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  10. Congratulations Tina!!!! Six months and you are doing great!! I'm so happy you decided to post more often. I can't wait to read more.
    Did having OCD served you in something at some point? I think it would be nice to try and find a 'positive" outcome. I can say that my severe anxiety saved me many times. Being suicidal once has helped me through a very hard episode. Maybe it doesn't make sense, but it happened.

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    1. Nikky, Thank you!

      I think there are parts of OCD that make me very conscientious, which is good for schoolwork and employment. I think the biggest positive from having OCD and depression is that I believe I have more empathy for others than I may have had if I didn't have any problems. I think when we suffer, we can understand other people's suffering more.

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