On Boxing Day, I bought the Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway movie on iTunes and just watched it today. Of course, the above video is my favourite song from Rent (I chose to share the movie version because Taye Diggs is in it!). Rent is one of my favourite movies and most favourite Broadway show (I have the movie, the Broadway CDs and now the Broadway video!). Sadly, I never had an opportunity to see it live on Broadway in New York City (the show is now closed!) but I did get to see the live show in Ottawa with BFF. I have seen the movie countless times and thought it would be a great way to start today’s blog post.
Why am I blogging on a Wednesday? Am I confused because I'm on holidays for two weeks and unaware of the days? Me confused, really? Actually, today is a very special day! Exactly one year ago today, I started my beloved blog “Just as you are”. Today, I celebrate my ONE YEAR anniversary as a blooger blogger!!! Can you believe it….one year?!? One year ago, I wrote "Inspired by Bridget Jones...Really?" and "Love Actually....John Cusack or Colin First?" and "Looking for your face". I was so excited to be a blooger blogger that I wrote three blog posts in one day!
One year later, I’m writing my….wait for it….100th blog post!!! Can you believe it….100 blog posts?!?
Having watched Rent, I can'thelp but ask: How do I measure a year?
100 blog posts
126 comments posted on my blog
It's important to note that 99.6% of those comments are from Brother! When I receive notification of his comments, I'm always very excited to read what he has to say. I wonder if he's as excited to read my blog post every week as I am to read his comments? It's also important to note that many of my friends leave wonderful comments regarding my blog posts on my Facebook page (those haven't been counted!) and I'm always so thrilled that they would take the time to a) read my blog, and b) provide me with feedback. Who knew that writing a blog would touch so many people?
4,445 blog views
Now I won't get into the mathematics of these views as I did in "The AfterMATH" and "The AfterMATH - Revisited" because I'm on holidays (yes, I'm lazy!) but basically, 100 blog posts with 4,445 blog views means 44.45 people viewed each of my blog posts but I know that some of my readers love my blog so much (Brother!) that they read each blog post twice so that means that it's quite possible that only 22.225 people view each of my blog posts, albeit twice! Then again, if my readers have only read half of my blog posts (shameful!) then that means up to 88.9 people have read my blog posts. Alas, I'm also aware of the fact that people may have accidentally stumbled upon my blog and didn't even bother reading my blog (nice!) but I'm not really sure how to compute that data (nor do I want to...the truth hurts!).
For the curious, the most blog views were from Canada, US, UK, Russia, Germany, Singapore and Denmark.
Apple might be interested to know that only 8% of views were made from a Mac and 7% from an iPhone (73% from Windows!).
Oh yeah, you should also note that my blog views are not included in the statistics! The Mac and iPhone statistics would be much higher :o)
So why do I spend my time blogging? For the joy of writing and being able tofulfill my narcissistic needs go back and re-read my blog posts just as I would my journal. The only difference is that my blog is open to public ridicule review while my journal is not (even if an ex-boyfriend thought my journal was available for his reading pleasure!). My blog is a testament to my personal growth over the last year, and I'm happy to share that with you, with the hope that you’ve been able to learn from what I’ve experienced over the last year. There have been many tears, many belly laughs, many calories burned and consumed, many pounds lost and gained, many chuckles, many thoughtful moments, much insight, and many teachable moments. My relationship with this blog could be best described as a marriage: for better or worse, in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish. Unlike many marriages, this one has already lasted a year! :P
So why do I spend my time blogging? For the joy of writing and being able to
After watching "Rent" today, celebrating my one year blogging anniversary and with a new year upon us, I can't help but reflect on what I've learned this year. I've definitely gone through a year of tremendous personal growth (with an extremely steep learning curve!) so I may not be able to capture all of my learnings in one blog post but here goes....
In honour of my 100th blog post, here are MY TOP 100 learnings:
In honour of my 100th blog post, here are MY TOP 100 learnings:
100. When the student is ready, the teacher appears.
99. I love to write and blog!
98. Writing is therapeutic.
97. When you know better, you do better.
95. ‘NSync’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” never gets old!
94. The importance of saying “thank you”.
93. We teach what we most need to learn.
92. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
91. Not only am I a cat lady, I’m a stray cat magnet.
90. I’m not defined by my mistakes.
89. When people show you who they are, believe them.
88. Men are Sugar is poison! I've learned that I can survive without sugar.
87. Reality is what one perceives it to be.
86. We all have the ability to fly, we just need to be willing to spread our wings.
85. I've found joy in looking for baking recipes that can be transformed into sugar-free yumminess (who knew I would fall in love with baking?).
84. I’m open to the possibilities that life has to offer.
83. Whatever we give our attention to grows.
82. I think I might be in love with John Cusack (my Future Husband is mentioned in 27 blog posts!)
81. I find joy in daily affirmations.
81. I find joy in daily affirmations.
79. I’m a dork and proud of it! :o)
78. I watch way too much television.
77. I don’t read enough as evidenced by all of the unread books on my bookshelves that are collecting dust (and I buy way too many books!).
76. What other people think of me is none of my business.
75. I am very fond of juicing (mentioned in 9 blog posts including "J-J-J-Juice" and "RIP Sir-Juice-A-Lot"!).
75. I am very fond of juicing (mentioned in 9 blog posts including "J-J-J-Juice" and "RIP Sir-Juice-A-Lot"!).
74. I’m a kid at heart.
72. There’s perfection in the imperfection, and there’s comfort in the discomfort.
71. Discovering and appreciating the balance and harmony in my life: ying/yang, good/bad, light/darkness, sun/moon, happiness/sadness, health/sickness.
69. Getting to know thyself takes courage but once the journey begins, it’s a blessing.
68. What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.
67. Releasing others from the expectations I have of them is to really love them (that includes the expectations I have of myself!)
66. No matter how many text messages that are left unanswered, some people never give up (ugh!).
65. One person/one action can make a difference.
62. Karma is the law of cause and effect – that which we put out comes back to us!
61. There are no accidents; everything happens for a reason.
60. I look pretty damn good with short hair (and long hair, and medium-length hair and a crooked smile!).
59. Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves.
57. When things get tough, a breakthrough is just on the other side of the pain.
56. Each event in my life happens according to what is necessary for me to learn.
55. I’m a poet and I didn’t even know it!
53. Nutrition and exercise are the secrets to a healthy weight (duh!).
52. I can’t get enough of Kahlil Gibran and Thich Nhat Hanh! What amazing teachers! I truly have been blessed with so many amazing teachers including Dr. Acupuncture who has taught me so much since March 2011.
50. The process is more important than the goal.
49. We can change the world by changing ourselves.
48. My obsession with John Cusack might be a tad unhealthy (or not...he’s only mentioned in 27 blog posts!)
47. Crying is not a sign of weakness, and letting go is a sign of strength.
46. Accepting help from others is not a sign of weakness.
44. Nature has so much to teach us, thus the importance of protecting and conserving the natural environment.
42. It’s okay to be selfish sometimes.
41. Worrying is absolutely pointless!!!
40. Self-healing is a power we all possess.
39. Take only what you need.
38. There’s peace in knowing you’re exactly where you are supposed to be.
37. Never be afraid to try something new (proof: "She shoots, she scores").
36. It is easier to judge others than to discover self.
35. Everything has a meaning.
34. We are our own creators.
32. Blogging for one year, and writing 100 blog posts are proof that I’m not afraid of commitment after all :P
31. There's a link between the spiritual, the emotional and the physical. When you are suffering from physical pain, look at the emotional and spiritual for answers.
29. Knowledge is power only when shared.
28. I love to cook (who knew?) and I enjoy trying new vegetarian recipes.
27. We are all connected.
26. Intuition is our greatest guide. Trust yourself!
25. I’ve got the power à la "You've always had the power, my dear. You've had it all along". ~ Glenda, the good witch (Wizard of Oz)
24. Good things happen when we think positive thoughts.
23. Narcissism runs in the family. My top 2 readers love to read about themselves in my blog :P
22. There’s so much to experience in life.
21. You become what you believe.
20. I still have, a lot to learn; when it comes to…punctuation!?
19. Learning to meditate has been a gift (and I’m still learning!). Calming the body and the mind helps us to connect to the answers that await our questions.
18. We attract people in our lives who act as mirrors through which to see ourselves.
17. People and events in our lives serve as catalysts for our growth.
16. A greater level of awareness leads to personal growth. Realizing that I was impatient led to an increase in patience (especially with myself!).
15. I matter!!! We all matter!!!
14. I am not alone.
13. I am enough!
12. We need not be afraid of never finding our soul mate because it is our destiny to find wholeness within our own souls.
11. Fear has paralyzed me most of my life but I’m learning to recognize my fears then release and resolve them.
10. The most important time is NOW.
9. I am worthy of love, happiness and peace (we all are!). I believe it!
7. I’m kinder, more compassionate, less judgmental, more loving (especially towards myself!) and much more grateful for the blessings in my life.
6. I'm learning to accept that I can't fix everyone and everything.
5. Family and friends are precious blessings to me.
5. Family and friends are precious blessings to me.
4. You can’t truly love another person until you love yourself, and it's never too late to learn how to love yourself (unconditionally!)
3. I’m a proud Momma!!! I love Sarah more today than I did yesterday and will probably love her more tomorrow than I do today.
3. I’m a proud Momma!!! I love Sarah more today than I did yesterday and will probably love her more tomorrow than I do today.
1. I am perfect “JUST AS I AM” and so are you! :o)
HAPPY 1st ANNIVERSARY BLOG!!!
“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” ~Carl Sandburg
I love your post Tracey. What a great idea, I love your words of wisdom for your top 100 learnings. Your writing and sharing truly inspires me. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
A blog is in many ways a continuing conversation.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary. :)