Where are you in such a rush to get to?
This is a question I ask myself a lot.
Just stop it! Slow down! I hear myself think.
Why am I always running around like a crazy idiot?
Where is it that I’m rushing to get to? Is there a finish line somewhere I’m not aware of?
I look around and see other bloggers sprinting from one project to the next writing guest posts and creating products as if they had a legion of assistants at their disposal and wonder what’s wrong with me? Why am I so darn slow?
I don’t know!
That’s all I got. I just am I guess.
It took me more than a year to put out my 47 page free ebook: The Intuition Primer.
And, now moving in on close to 1 1/2 years after I started this blog I am just near finishing my first full length book.
Mary Jaksch, one of the founders along with Leo Babauta of the A-List Bloggers Club is mentor of mine and she had a wonderful video about the two routes bloggers take titled: Are You A Tortoise Or A Hare When it Comes to Blogging?
Hi – MY NAME IS ANGELA ARTEMIS AND I AM A TORTOISE. (Group responds: HI ANGELA!)
I admit it. I am a tortoise.
Mary wrote in her post on this topic that this was “okay” though, and that we tortoises would get “there” too as long as we remained consistent with our blogging.
I have to remember that – which is why I bring it up here now for all of you too.
If you’re a tortoise too stop feeling bad.
I’m not a sprinter – never have been. I’m slow and steady, but I always get where I want to go. Always.
The way to get where you want to go is to look forward and watch the road ahead.
Don’t crane your neck looking over at the other people on the road.
It’s the same principle we were taught when we learned to drive. Wherever your eyes go – your car will follow, remember? You could easily crash into another driver if you don’t keep your eyes focused straight ahead.
There is no finish line.
There will always be more to do. The main thing is not to burn yourself out and not to give up. Just go at your own pace – like me – the Queen of the Tortoises!
When you first start blogging it is overwhelming.
There is so much to learn. Sometimes you feel as if you’ll never be able to absorb it all (I still feel like this at times….gulp…don’t get me started on AWeber) But, that’s when I think back to Mary’s very reassuring post about taking the tortoise route to blogging and then I start to relax – and enjoy blogging again.
If we don’t enjoy what we’re doing then why are we doing it?
I love blogging and meeting so many new people from all around the world. It’s like traveling – only without the all the pain in the ass parts like getting to the airport and schlepping a suitcase through security. (Okay, I am exaggerating a bit here….) But, when I relax and realize that I’m doing the best I can and going at the pace that’s right for me I do enjoy the entire experience of blogging again.
I give myself a pat on the back for all I’ve accomplished with my blog and remember that I:
Still work a full time job; am a caretaker to my 82 year old mother; give intuitive readings at night; take mediumship development classes twice per week; try to exercise consistently; just finished a book, am a staff member on The Daily Brainstorm, and oh yeah – I try to fit in a SOCIAL LIFE TOO!
When I remind myself of how many balls I’m juggling it puts my accomplishments in perspective and I don’t feel so bad anymore.
Don’t compare yourself to others.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with blogging, or feeling that you don’t “measure up” to the “hares” in the fast lane on the blogosphere highway take my advice and give yourself permission to be a tortoise. Give yourself a pat on the back for all you do everyday and for all you’ve accomplished so far. Life is not a race, and neither is blogging – you’ll get there in your own time.
Relax
Slow down. Take your time and remember to enjoy what you’re doing.
When you get stressed
Breathe. Walk away. Call a non-blogging friend and talk about something else.
Stay positive
You can do it. Know that there are people who can help you with any aspect of your blog.
Stick with it
Don’t give up just because you think your progress isn’t fast enough. Blogging has no completion date.
If you’re a fellow tortoise – introduce yourself. What are you struggling with right now? Have you learned something new you never thought you’d master?
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Hi Angela,
I can completely relate to your post. I’ve been blogging for a year and when I hear how some of the other bloggers have thousands of followers after three months, it feels a little overwhelming. Thanks for the encouragement as your blog seems to be doing well with lots of followers and comments, and you stated that you still feel like a tortoise. When I start to feel stressed about blogging, I just let it go for awhile, and then come back when I feel more refreshed. I too love meeting all the people. When I started blogging, that was not something I had considered, but it has been wonderful. Appreciate reading your post, as it makes me feel good to know that I am not alone.
Cathy | Treatment Talk recently posted..How Can Parents “Behave” Their Way to Good Parenting to Help Stop Substance AbusePart 2
Hi Cathy,
I’m so glad this post helped you! I find that when I share what I’m truly feeling it helps and resonates with a lot of people. I’m still a tortoise, but I’m much happier doing my little doggie paddle than diving into the deep end. I’m glad you were able to take some time away from blogging and to then return refreshed. I think I’d rather have a smaller number of followers who really enjoy what I writer than a lot of followers who came for one article and I never saw them again.
Your site (Life Is Not a Race – Go At Your Own Pace | Powered By Intuition) won’t display properly on my iphone – you may want to try and look at that
Macey Lindsay
Macey,
I’m sorry. I had no idea. Can you try again. The site wad down earlier for maintenance. Perhaps that was the problem? Let me know.
Is it possible to be a hairy tortoise? Running like crazy, and weeks later finding that I’ve made slow, steady progress … all good, but gee whiz, when will I get there! All is well, and I love the journey! I try not to judge, but just do what feels right for me that day.
Thanks for the tips … good reminders for us all to just be gentle with ourselves.
Jane Rochelle recently posted..Wishcasting Wednesday- What Do You Wish To Tend
Hi Jane,
Yes, I guess there might be such a thing as a “harey” tortoise! LOL. I’m so glad to hear that all your running paid off! I think doing what feels right for that day make a lot of sense.
Being gentle with ourselves I need to do more of that. Thank you for reminding me.
Hi Angela,
I believe that if your life is fairly well packed with things to do and people to see then it would be best to take the tortoise approach.
I am a hare most of the time but I also listen to when my body tells me to slow down and take a break.
Justin | Mazzastick recently posted..Truth Is Knowing
Hi Justin,
I agree with you 100 percent. I’m glad to hear that you do listen to your body and rest when you feel you need a break though.
Thanks so much for coming by and adding to the conversation here. It’s pleasure having you visit.
Angela:
It really is all about taking things one step at a time and realizing that what is most important is your frame of mind and the passion you put into something. It really doesn’t matter much how fast you go, if you aren’t doing things in a great way. Thanks for another great post and all the advice.
Great post and great advice. What really is the hurry? I think that is such a good point and didn’t the tortoise win the race
Hi Sibyl,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. I’m really enjoying coming out as a tortoise!
It’s so freeing to know that I’m slow and proud of it!
Thanks so much for coming by and visiting and commenting.
Angela, I’m a tortoise too – the queen of tortoises my husband would add
That’s all right, I’ve come to term with that. Every time I tried to be a hare I just burnt out, and I don’t want to repeat the experience thank you very much.
Each one of us has her/his own pace, and respecting it is a way of loving one’s self.
Brilliant post!
P.S. It seems to me that you’re juggling an amazing amount of balls! Are you sure you’re a real tortoise, or just a hare carrying a couple of tortoises on her back?
Cristina | Positively Beauty recently posted..Angelic voices and the power of connection
Cristina,
I also get burnt out very easily. I’m sticking to my slow plodding ways.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!
You’re so funny. I’m rolling on the floor laughing at your comment.
You know – I definitely feel like there’s something on my back – I guess they could be tortoises, or monkeys!
It sure sounds like you are doing a lot. I won’t call you slow because I do know for a fact that blogging can take up plenty of time. I am not sure how you do it. There will be hardly time left over for a social life.
As much as I am tempted otherwise, I stick to posting once a week. I exercise the choice not to log onto the internet for a full day or two within a week, if I have got other more important things to do (like self care…ha).
And yes, I confess to feeling like a tortoise too. Then again, I know that it’s hard to be in too much of a hurry. It’s important that I allocate time to doing my inner work and art. These keep me sane and well.
Evelyn Lim recently posted..Self Love Story- Lessons From the Heart
Hi Evelyn,
I always think you’re a hare! LOL. You’re always coming up with these awesome posts with all kinds of technical things built in like your Self Love test. I could never do that!!
I’m thinking of slowing down to one post per week until I’m finished with my book. I’m just feeling so overwhelmed right now.
I’m glad to see you only post once per week – although I could swear it was more!
Yes, I so agree it’s so important to keep up the inner work in order to allow your creativity to continue to flow.
I’m honored to have you as a member of the tortoise club!
Angela,
Being depressed is like Home to me.
I have gone months or years at a time feeling ok, but I always seem to end up Back Here.
I started to feel myself sliding back down a month or so ago. But something was different This Time. As soon as I knew where I was headed, I just thought to myself, “I am so sick of coming back to this place.” So I made a decision, I decided that I had had enough, and that it was time for change. And so I threw myself into recovery, and decided that fixing myself was going to come before everything else.. After all, it’s only My Life that hangs in the balance.
So I’ve been doing that. I’ve been learning about how to make myself better, how to change my thoughts and behaviors, and in the process learning a lot about myself.. For one thing, I recently found out that I am an extreeeme perfectionist (something I was not at all aware of before!) to the point where I find that the perfectionism, for the most part, shows up in my life as avoidance, mainly via procrastination. (I was taught to believe that I’ll never be good enough, hence the attempts to be perfect.. so my subconscience says, “Hey, you can’t do that perfectly.. Might as well not even try.” = procrastination).
So. I’ve been trying and trying to make even simple changes in my life, but keep failing, and then I have to try to not beat myself up about it, but the more I fail, the more difficult that becomes, and then the more difficult the change is to make (it seems everything is cyclical like that!) Well I finally reached a breaking point last week. But it was at that point that I realized something – as I reflected back on recent weeks, I could see ways in which I had improved. Maybe they weren’t the areas that I was focusing on at the time, and maybe they were a lot smaller than my expectations for myself, but they were definitely there.. I WAS improving. What I WASN’T doing was improving at the rate I thought I should be improving. And then it hit me. Who am I to say how quickly I “should” be improving? As if there exists some sort of standard time limit for recovering from depression.. Ridiculous! And so in the midst of my breakdown and tears I realized that:
Trying my best to meet the expectations I had for myself, and repeatedly failing, was doing me no good. In fact it only drained me more, as I was constantly fighting off self-defeating thoughts that progressively strengthened with each failure. But I couldn’t solve this problem by meeting my expectations…
So I changed my expectations of myself. I had to. It was the only way. In the darkness of my home, I said out loud, “If this is the pace that I’m at right now, then this must be the right pace for me. And I have to be ok with that.” I opened myself up to the possibility that I might not actually know what was the best pace for me. Clearly not, since I was being faced with such forceful opposition! But I just put my faith in something greater. My soul, spirit, whatever.. The ME inside, it probably knows me and what I need better than the confused/depressed me controlling my conscience thoughts. I decided, my job is just to keep trying no matter what, but how quickly I change, that’s not up to me, I’ll just trust in my inner self to know when I’m ready for change, and I won’t try to interfere.
Of course, awareness is only the first step. I know I can only gain true acceptance of this idea by a conscience effort over time to change the way I think. Today it came up again. I keep telling myself, “All that matters is that I’m trying. Whatever pace I move at, even if it seems slow, that’s ok. I’m ok with that.”
I see why I would try to rush this, who wants to walk from depression to happiness? I’d sprint if I could! (But I can’t, and that’s ok..) You know though, I really am undergoing a real life transformation right now. I am leaning a lot about the world around me, and discovering so many things about myself too. I know I will never stop changing and growing and getting to know myself better, but I’ll also never be here again either. At times it’s difficult, yes, but other times it can be rewarding; everything feels like a new experience, and once I’ve done all these things I can never experience them again for the first time.. Sometimes, it’s like I can literally feel myself growing as a person. Isn’t that Incredible? That’s not something to run from, or to pass by. That’s something to Feel. Something to Appreciate.
Well that was much longer than I intended it to be. Anyway. I wrote you to say thank you. Thank you for reminding me of so many things.. ^ like that I should be enjoying the *process* instead of racing to the end.. I am so thankful to have come by this article. I was thinking a lot of positive thoughts right before I found it, and it just can’t be coincidence.. I’m really starting to believe in the power our thoughts have in our life! I know you’re talking about blogging but, well, everything you said just resonated perfectly with me. There were actually a lot of things you said that were so well worded, but I have to say that there was one in particular that stood out – and it just.. It spoke perfectly to my heart.
“You’ll get there in your own time.”
You’re right. I will.
Thanks again. I can’t express to you how much I appreciate your words. Words can be so powerful. How wonderful it is that you’ve chosen to use them for kindness, and – perhaps without even knowing it – healing.
Dear K,
I can’t tell you how much it means to me to know that I’ve helped you – even unintentionally. I’m so glad you’re seeing that change and growth take time – and come in their own time according to what’s right for each of us.
I’m glad you’re dealing with your perfectionism too. Perfectionism does hold us back as you say and shows up in your life as procrastination.
Better to be “done” with something that wait until it’s perfect. Every time I reread a post I find things I’d wish I’d said differently, but if I kept rewriting I’d never publish anything, so I’ve learned to say I did my best and it’s good enough!
Don’t give up – just enjoy the process of discovering all the new insights you’re uncovering and before you know it you’ll be over your bouts of depression and perfectionism. I salute your courage! Thanks so much for trusting me with your heartfelt comment.
Hi Angela,
Lori Thiessen shared your article with me, and I thought to drop you a comment to tell you I like this article.
I am also a fellow A-list blogger who just wants to start blogging. There’s nothing much on my site yet, because I am a bit of a perfectionist. I kind of have many ideals to fulfill before I let things rolled out.
I think I am a tortoise who wants to be a hare. And sometimes it does give me stress, trying to get things up faster, while thinking I have not know enough to do well, hence, kept going back into research mode.
After reading your article, I like the way you be completely self-approving, and self-accepting of your style. You are not rushing to get anywhere, and you let yourself go with the flow, and things will come by.
As they said, the advantage of being a tortoise is, you take one step at a time, keeping your target in focus. It is much more sustainable this way. Sometimes the hare might run fast, but it risks losing focus and interest fast too. So there’s always a good flip side of everything.
Thank you for your sharing. Your slow, is the new fast. And I learned a lot from that.
Hi Joseph
I’m so glad you found this article helpful to you. I know what it’s like to feel that you’re behind all your peers. But really when you stop to think about it – who are we really behind? There are so many new blogs started each day that are “behind” us. All we can really do is go at our own pace. I agree that sometimes a hare can run fast but the do risk losing focus and interest too.
I love that my “slow, is the new fast!”
It’s such a pleasure meeting you. Take your time and don’t hesitate to email me if you think I can be of help to you in any way.
Have a great “slow” day!
Hi Angela,
Thank you for your kind reassurance and encouragement. I truly appreciate that.
Its true, the only competition I have, is with myself. And I will strive to make myself feel good along my blogging journey, than to stress myself so badly that I risk burning out myself.
If I am gonna do it, I might as well feel good doing it.
Today, my focus is to try out WordPress themes, and to do case study on a few successful sites. I will enjoy the process of doing these.
Cheers.
Joseph Ch’ng recently posted..Test Post
Hi Joseph,
Oh I loved trying out WordPress themes. That was fun – sort of like trying on clothes without the heartache~!
Have fun trying out themes!
Well I used to be the hare, and I thought I was juggling more balls than I can handle, so we have more in common
Breathe- yes more often
Don’t compare yourself to others-I am moving forward big time with this, plus stick with it
A great thought provoking post
namaste
Suzie
Suzie Cheel recently posted..Angel Whispers Prescription 11
Hi Suzie,
I was never a hare, but I often try to be one and end up way too stressed out.
I’m so glad you found this helpful to you.
I’ve narrowed by focus to do only two projects at a time. I have my blog to keep up and I’m finishing editing my book – and that’s it.
I vow to start nothing else until I finish the book!
Thanks so much for coming by Suzie.
I am a tortoise. Yes. I can’t do everything I want to do all at the same time. It takes time for me to think of a blog post idea, much less the time it takes to craft the words and find the photo/s. And actually, right now, I’m redoing my website and blog so nothing content-wise has happened in weeks, since working with Dreamweaver takes up all available brainpower.
Oh, and I have a day job and a spouse, cats with health issues and a garden. But it’s spring, and the roses are blooming, and I really love everything I do — even if I can’t do everything as much as I’d like.
Hi Natasha,
Welcome to the club! We love adding new members. Blogging can be a full time job – especially finding the photos! I understand.
I totally hear you about having a job and family responsibilities and cats too. Balance is the key and don’t put pressure on yourself. Take your time blogging – there’s always an audience for your posts~!
What? YOU a tortoise? You’re the one I use as an example of “how does she do all that?” Seriously. If you’re a tortoise, then I’m a three-toed tree sloth (or however many toes they have). All I do is sit around blogging, making jewelry, and talking to my ghost, and that’s enough to make ME tired. You’re an inspiration to us all!
But your message is spot-on for me today, because I’d been catching myself wondering if I’d been making headway fast enough, blah blah etc. I really do think it should be more about enjoying yourself and making spiritual progress more than anything else, because as you say, what else are you doing it for? Thanks for the reminder!
Anna,
You never saw my flippers? There soo cute!
Yes, I’m a tortoise. I don’t like rushing and I’m no good at multi-tasking. It makes me very un-nerved to have too much to do at one time.
I prefer CALM!
Blogging, making jewelry and talking to your ghost. What a perfectly lovely day!
Don’t worry about making headway – it’s all the ego’s fearful mumbo jumbo. I started out posting once per week and after about 4 months went to 2x per week. Sometime I can barely manage that and I wonder – whose making me stick to this schedule? Then I remember it’s me and then I calm down and say, “So What?” Yes, enjoy your life and your jewelry and your ghost!
Dear Angela, I just LOVE this. It is highly relevant for me right now. So much needed. Although I’ve been blogging for 3 1/2 years, at least, I think this STILL applies so strongly to Life in general. SUCH good advice, and soooooo soothing just to read. Bless you for being you. It is so right on! Sending you love and hugs. Thank you for encouraging me to be ME. Robin
Robin Easton recently posted..Shine Your Bright Light
Hi Robin,
Thank you – thank you! I’m so tired of the “race” even though I never signed up to be in one – it feels as if I was drafted anyway!
I guess I want to live happily ever after in my little bubble and post blog posts when I feel like it – not because I’m trying to keep up with anybody. I’m so glad you found it soothing. I write to calm my own frayed nerves and it if helps others – so much the better. My goal is to avoid having a darn nervous breakdown! LOL.
Hi – My name is Lori Thiessen and I am a Tortoise, and a memeber of A-List Blogger Club.
Remember the cartoon scenes, when the slow animal is plodding along, and the fast ones zoom by? After the cloud of dust settles, the slow animal is spinning on it’s back, wondering what hit it. Or remember watching what happens when Tigger from Winnie-the-Pooh bounces someone? I think I feel like that almost daily.
Thank you for the encouragement. I hesitate to even put in my website address, because it has so very little on it yet. The first posts are still in drafts. I’m having trouble with widgets. There are days when I wonder why I am doing this, and think maybe I should leave all my writing in word.docs stuffed in a file on my desktop.
Monday’s are always tough as I look at all that should get done this week. Your message is a comfort to me today.
Hi Lori,
Welcome to the tortoise club! You’re in good company. Ugh – widgets can be soo frustrating. I feel your pain.
Don’t stress – we all wonder why the heck we’re doing this sometimes! Do the best you can. If I can be of help to you please don’t hesitate to email me anytime. I went through exactly what you’re going through. If I can spare you or save you some time – I’d be glad to!
Hey Angela, I’m definitely a tortoise with my blog but I’ve got lots of other stuff going on too, and the blog ranks pretty low when I have other work happening and bills to pay! With spring here, I’m enjoying time spent in my yard, watching tulips and daffies bloom, digging flower beds, taking the dogs for long walks, and keeping up with all sorts of other stuff. I have long-range goals with the blog but it’s fine as it is (and it’s been growing subscriber-wise!). When I have time for a big push (like a new ebook coming along soon) then things will have a growth spurt but I’m not in any hurry. Now if that were the only thing going on, sure, it would be the focus. But there’s so much other stuff to do!
Leah McClellan recently posted..Got voices in your head Me too
Hi Leah,
I know I think tortoises are more big picture thinkers than hares. I have long range goals too. Gardening sounds wonderful!
Blogging can consume your life if you let it! My inner tortoise is not going to let that happen. There are so many other things to do as you say!
If you’re a tortoise Angela, I’m a turtle. Because I turtelly love slowing it down, taking my time, smelling the roses and basking on the beach, and watching all the humans who live up to their name as fast paced, helter skelter, speed freak maniacs at work and play, trying to beat everyone else – the human race. Funny thing is us turtles know that’s there’s never ever a winner so we just chill out and take a dive to feel alive in oceans of fun. Yea baby!
John Sherry recently posted..Why Life Changing Inspiration Happens When You Least Expect
Hi John,
Turtles are welcomed in the Tortoise club! I love taking life slow too. I get so darn stressed out when I have too many things going on at once.
I don’t want to beat anyone else either. I just want to enjoy what I’m doing and love my life. Yea baby!
Sounds to me that your life is well balanced and you are participating fully in life. If that means being a Tortoise than I say congratulations on your Turtledom! The greatest thing to learn is to trust ourselves. When we learn to trust ourselves we receive wisdom from much deeper dimensions of our mind. Without this wisdom our minds are neither tortoises or hares but rather a frightened, jumping monkey with an unpredictable future.
rob white recently posted..The Smartest Task You Can Take On
Rob,
Thanks for congratulating me on my “turtledom!”
I am learning to trust myself more and more. I know when I feel resistant to something it’s time to slow down and receive wisdom.
Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom with us here.
Hi Angela,
I’m a recovering hare so does that make me a tortoise? I’m in MI with my daughter and grandson. Hubs is joining us and other family members will meet us at our cottage in Northern MI. this weekend. Remember when I said hubs has no interest in NYC? That same evening he told me he wanted to go see a broadway play…Lombardi. Leave it to football to get him there. LOL We’re leaving from MI on the 27th to celebrate his 60th birthday. I took myself out of the bloggin race but sometimes relapse. Going to a coffee shop to catch up today. But won’t be sprinting!
Tess The Bold Life recently posted..Un-Procrastination- Interview with Leo Babauta
Hi Tess,
I guess we can let a “hare in recovery” into the tortoise club! LOL!
You’re kidding – now he wants to come to NYC? When? We’ll have to talk.
I know – I took myself out of the blogging race and I still feel myself chomping at the bit at times to get back in. Hold me back please!
I need to finish editing this darn book. It’s just too much to focus on so many things.
No sprinting allowed!
Hi Angela,
Thanks so much for dropping by my blog. I am very slow in developing it as it is such a personal blog, but now I feel ready to get the information out to those it may help. So many children suffer and battle cancer.
Glad to ‘meet’ you and will happily follow your blog.
Katy
Katy recently posted..You Can Tell Things Are Getting Better When
Hi Katy,
Welcome! It’s a pleasure meeting you. I think your blog can help many parents and children. You’re doing great work and a great service for the world!
Thanks for subscribing too.
Life is not a race, but you do need to plan where you want to go, and make steps to reach that goal. Being complacent is not the answer.
Henway recently posted..Nutrisystem Tips
Hi Henway,
I agree that being complacent is not the answer.
Thanks for adding to the conversation here.
Hi Angela ~ Thank you!! Yes, we should all stop feeling bad for not constantly running a race. I live in LA where over-achieving, multi-tasking and life in the fast lane is so prevalent. I’ve down shifted this last year, and much prefer the slow and steady pace. When I embrace the journey over the destination I’m much more at peace with myself. :~)
Sue Alexander recently posted..Your Smile makes any day Brighter
Hi Sue,
I’m so glad you’ve slowed down. I think we don’t appreciate the slower life style until we’ve almost burned out!
A lot of us are over-achieving and multi-tasking because we’re afraid we’ll miss out on something, but really it’s the other way around. I found out how much I miss my regular little life. I’m so glad to hear you’re more at peace with yourself~!
Hiya Angela
I’m with Wendy – I’d never have guessed you were a tortoise with all that you accomplish. I guess I just proved your point – right?
I’m not sure what I am. I’ve been away for a while in a sort of retreat and forced to rest and not even look at my computer. It was freeing in a way but I missed the people and I missed the blogging. I actually do love writing about my experiences in the spiritual realm.
Anyhow, thanks for the great article. Everyone seems to admire hares because they appear to get so much done, but they also burn out faster. Okay – I just figured out what I am: a burned-out hare lol I’m back now and will keep on keeping on. It’s real healing to know I can slow down and not be a slacker.
The main thing for me isn’t a drive to get a whole lot done – it’s a fear that if I don’t hurry, I’ll miss out on something. I guess that’s what I’m working on – reaching for tortoisedom
angel-in-training recently posted..Jake and I – Death on Memorial Drive
Hi Gail,
Taking a break from blogging is a good thing once in a while. We all need to rejuvenate and take a break from all the electronics in our lives. Yes, it’s true the hares do burn our faster. I’ve seen it happen on more than one occasion in the last year. Yes, we tortoises aren’t slackers! We’re just “slower” at choosing the projects we plan to work on! LOL. I can understand your fear too about feeling you’ll miss out on something, but really what will you miss out on? Everyday millions of new blogs are started so there’s always someone behind you thinking the same thing. What would you tell them? “Hey dude – you’ve not missed out on a thing. Prepare yourself for a lot of work ahead – that’s about all you’ve missed!”
Hi Angela!
I am a tortoise too! Even in real life I am a tortoise. Well, not literally. A tortoise blogging about spiritual topics. Now that’d be something. I’m sure I’d be famous in a flash.
I have to thank you for the post. I stress too much when it comes to blogging. I feel that if I haven’t posted in 3 days, I’ll never ‘get’ somewhere, but at the same time I’ve realized that stressing and rushing prevents me from being creative. It’s good to get a remindser to take it easy once in a while.
Oh, and I’ve also joined the A List Blogging Club! I’m looking to spend more time on there, but it’s a little intimidating. Ah well, all things in time!
Thanks for the article and have a good day!
Sol recently posted..Channeling – The Experience
Hi Sol,
Don’t stress so much. Posting every 3 or 4 days is enough! I try to post 2x per week – sometimes I can’t though. I have other things that require my attention. I used to feel bad in the beginning that I wasn’t posting 4 or 5x, but to tell you the truth most people don’t want that many posts from any one blogger. They don’t have the time to read all of it anyway! I’m glad you joined the club. Go to the forums and introduce yourself and you’ll meet a lot of helpful people – I promise~!
Oh, thank you for the response, Angela!
I’ve already introduced myself, but it seems things got a little lost in the endless interwebs. It feels kind of strange to just walk into a group of people, the way I see it, and say “Hi! I’m new!”. Oh well, guess that’s something you have to get used to. It just feels like I’m a guppy in a betta aquarium!
Thank you for helping me with my ‘posting problem’. It’s been gnawing on me. Pressure, you know!
Sol recently posted..Channeling – The Experience
Hi Sol,
I know what you mean about the club. It’s gotten pretty huge. When I joined we only had 50 members! Just keep going back and clicking on the threads that interest you and comment once in a while and you’ll soon be meeting people!
I’m so glad I could be of help to you with your posting problem – I have the same problem. I should be writing a new one – but I’m soooo tired and have editing to do on my book.
I am a tortoise, who at times wishes I were a hare, at least in the blogosphere. I never would have thought you were a tortoise. You post once or two times a week consistently and have an established blog. To me, ever blogger looks like a hare and I am the sole tortoise watching them all fly by.
I have learned to accept my slow pace at blogging. While I don’t intend to stay as slow as I have been, I am working on finding the balance in blogging and feeling more comfortable with my writing.
Hi Wendy,
I know what it’s like to wish you were a hare too! Wendy don’t compare yourself to others. That’s what makes us feel bad. You’re making progress in the way that’s right for you. If you’re consistent with your blog and take small actions you’ll get there!
Finding a balance with blogging is important – it can consume your life if you let it.
ah, this was so good to read today! I find I’m more of the hare in most of my endeavors … but in starting physical training with Crossfit a few months back, found that I am a tortoise when it comes to training (how fast my body isn’t and how long it takes me to develop muscle memory if I compare myself to others in the class) – so your words of wisdom really struck a chord with me (there is no finish line, keep positive, don’t compare yourself to others – stick with it!). Thanks Angela!
HI CC,
I’m so glad my words struck a chord with you. If I can help one person feel less pressured I’m happy!
Congratulations on undertaking the Crossfit. It sounds very strenuous. Give yourself a pat on the back for starting it and for every sign of progress you’ve made so far. You deserve it!
Thank you for coming by and making my day.
Thank you for this reminder and confirmation, Angela, that is OK to slow down. I, too, am finding I am a tortoise, and that it is not a bad thing. Whenever I find that I am putting pressure on myself to produce, I remind myself that I am focusing on the results and not the process. I think we do have to slow down and let the process unfold and reveal it learning therein.
Debbie Hampton recently posted..Are Smart Drugs Smart
Hi Debbie,
It is okay to slow down and take your time getting there – wherever there is for you.
So true – I’m glad you reminded us that when we put too much pressure on ourselves we’re putting to much emphasis on the results and not the process. Great point!
Thank you so much for sharing that here with us.
Hello fellow tortoise; I’m a tortoise, too Angela.
My goal isn’t to set the world on fire of make six figures with my blog. God has blessed me with the means to support my family in other ways. So, my blog is my gift to the world for those who want to receive it.
With that acceptance, I’ll be blogging for a long time to come.
See you at the finishing line in about 25 or 30 years.
Alex
Hi Alex,
I’m elated to count you among my other tortoise friends!
We are all so privileged to receive the gift of your blog.
I’m happy to hear you’re going to be blogging for many years to come!
I’ll meet you at the finish line then.
Hi Angela,
I am a tortoise..but I’ve been reflecting on this lately and I feel it is a blessing..I am grateful to be a tortoise..because some moments that others rush through, I am experiencing fully! As far as this online forums, I may not know *everyone* but those that I do know are heart connections that inspire me and allow me to consider new and different and enrich my life. I may not have the quantity that others have online or in life, but I have a quality that is genuine and fulfilling..and I wouldn’t trade that for anything! So, a great big tortoise hug..full of the magic of the moonbeams..oh, and my intuition guides me, but I cannot access it fully if I am spread too thin amongst projects..:) I’m not in a rush, because I am already *there*!
Joy recently posted..Passion Series- Moments of Pure Bliss…
Hi Joy,
I’m so glad you to have you in the “Tortoise club!” I am putting my little green flippers around you now and sending back a big tortoise hug! I have a feeling we tortoises are slower ’cause we think very deeply about things before we act. I’m not the sort, like you, to jump on the bandwagon. I need to feel comfortable with what I’m doing and why I’m doing it first.
As far as knowing “everyone,” who’s everyone? I know you and you know me and that’s everyone to me! LOL.
I love what you say: I’m not in a “rush” ’cause I’m already there. That is profound!!! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Hi Angela,
Although I am naturally impulsive by nature due to my Aries Sun, over the years, I have come to value patience and prudence. I definitely like the approach where things unfold at their own time and place. The key is to put in the necessary effort to lay the foundation and if there are times where we cannot rush things, so be it. I think it was Confucius who said it matters not how slowly you are going as long as you don’t stop moving forward.
Looking at all that you have accomplished and what you are currently juggling, I don’t think you are a tortoise. Those really are a lot of balls you have to deal with and I doubt others might have managed it as well as you do. Where do you find all that energy?
I would say I am a tortoise like you. Need to get up my facebook page, ebook and then maybe write a full length book. At the same time there are quite a few other projects on the side that are taking up my time as well. But slow and steady wins the race. I know I will get there one step at a time. The important thing is not to stop.
Thank you for sharing this lovely article!
Irving the Vizier
The Vizier recently posted..Rise Up and Live Your Life
Hi Irving,
So nice to know you’re a fellow tortoise! I so agree that slow and steady wins the race. I’ve been a slow and steady type all my life.
I loved the quote from Confucious too: It’s the how fast you go – the only thing that counts is that you keep going. Wonderful.
I know you’ll get to all those projects you mentioned in due time too. The problem and stress arises when we compare ourselves to others.
Thank you so much for your wonderful support. If I can ever be of help to you – please just wag your little tortoise tail at me to give me the sign and I’ll be there for you. (do tortoises have tails?LOL)
Hello fellow tortoise
I was just feeling entangled in the frustrations of the tortoise pace when I landed on this fabulous post.
Not comparing is a huge key to keeping inner peace
Aileen | Kaizen Vision recently posted..Stumble… Fall… Breathe…
Hello fellow tortoise. Welcome to the club! I think we have the nicest membership!
Yeah, that’s the key. Not comparing ourselves to others is key here, you’re right.