Saturday, March 26, 2011

It's Time

I've known for a while that it's time for me to step away from blogging, be it for a time or permanently. I haven't wanted to heed that nudge so I let it sit until I could feel peaceful about it. Peaceful and a bit sad. You have no idea how your comments and readership have influenced my life for the better these past six plus years.

I started blogging to prove to myself I could write. Blogging regularly has improved my writing, there's no doubt about that. I learned to delete whole sentences, paragraphs and posts. Before blogging I used to fall in love with every single sentence I wrote. Not so much anymore.

Today I celebrated with my home group 23 years of sobriety. Technically my sobriety date is another 5 days away but my home group celebrates birthdays on the last Saturday of the month so today was the day. The picture with this post is a reflection of some gifts I received today. I feel blessed to be loved so much. And not just because people buy me stuff! But because they continue to walk with me in the fullness of my humanity. Like you folk have. I am grateful.

For now, I have other writing that I want to focus on. Maybe in time that will bring me back here. Part of me wonders if I have it in me to shut my mouth or the ability to stop looking at the world around me outside the realm of whether or not it's bloggable. If I can't then I might reappear tomorrow. Or next week. Or next year.

Whatever it turns out to be I'll catch ya on the flip side.

20 comments:

Andrew said...

All the very best to you Hope, in whatever you choose to do.

You have been such a treat to read and I will miss you.

Joy said...

I wish you well in your future writing, even as will I miss the calm peacefulness of your words on this page. Be happy! :)

Lisa said...

Ah, friend, I'm glad we met here, and then in "real life." I'll miss your voice and hope it does reappear someday :)

Blessings of peace and joy upon you as you journey into new things. May you know the deep and overwhelming presence and strength of Jesus.

Cadan Henry said...

just found your blog. looks like you might be moving on. all the best with your writing and the adventure it holds.

cadan

Beth said...

Blessings to you. I am pouting, just a bit, because I will miss you.

Thank you for sharing part of your life here. It made a difference in mine.

Peter said...

God's abundant Grace in any case, Hopester.

Unknown said...

I will miss you and hope that the next part of your journey holds you well and you enjoy your next writing journey indeed, your words have helped me in so many ways and I am so grateful you are here and hope that someday you may return.

xo

Emily J. said...

Will you let us know where & when to find more of your writing? Blessings

Daisy said...

Hope, you've kept me fed, entertained and encouraged for a long time. Thank you so much.

God bless, my friend. I look forward to reading more from you in whatever format.

Mich

Jim said...

It looks like I'm late for the departure, my own "zeal" lessened considerably in this my tenth year of blogging. Along that path, you have been a joy to read, His hand upon you ever evident in what you brought forth here. That will no doubt continue. Thanks for the season, my friend. Peace.......

owenswain said...

God bless you Hope. A highlight of your blogging was our in person meet-up with my DW and your friend around our kitchen table. There's still email. Again, God bless you richly. {I'll hold onto the RSS...}

Kathy M. said...

Dear Hope,

Congratulations on 23 years!

There are so many times I found the help and inspiration I needed here. You are, indeed, a beautiful writer. Thanks for letting me walk with you for a while. I will miss you.

Anonymous said...

Hope I will miss you very much even though I have not around that much lately myself. I will never, ever forget you, and I do not know if you will ever truly know what a positive impact you have had on my life and my recovery. I talk about you all the time when I tell my story of recovery from abuse, like we are long lost friends. Yesterday I was reading an e-mail from my Mom and she mentioned my stepfather. In that moment I thought of both of them in a loving way and then, I immediately thought of you. I never thought that day would ever come, yet, here it is. It has been a long road with more twists and turns to come. Thank you for touching my life in a positive way, Hope. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Love, Patty

Pammie said...

It's really not right for you to leave right when I come back...you know this right?

Hope said...

I have thought of that more than once Pam. Today on the way home from town in fact I thought about it again.

daisymarie said...

I've been out of the loop a bit. I want to let you know that your writing has touched me, inspired me, and caused me to pause and reflect. Thank you for that. Blessings to you for all your projects.

Business IQ said...

I wish you the best, but will truly miss your words.

BettyDuffy said...

Blessings, and thanks for your words while we had em!

Scott M. Frey said...

I've just returned from a 2 month hiatus from blogging and creative writing. It wassn't planned ro scheduled, but it was evidently necessary. I wish you well, and I thank you for all off your wonderful writing :-)

Toyin O. said...

Enjoy your break away from blogging.