I have been extremely quiet here, I know. Oh! I have missed it, truly, madly, deeply. This is the space where I am unashamedly myself, tend to share a bit too much and then wonder… Should I have included that? Does it make sense? Is it well-written?
Even with all my trepidation, I hit the post button. I have been hitting the post button for exactly seven years now. Yes, today is my blog anniversary!
Grateful. That’s how I feel. Grateful for every person who has taken the time to read my blogs. Grateful for the likes, shares and comments. Grateful to have some of my blogs published in mainstream media. Grateful to pen my life experiences that capture the mood of a particular period in my life, and life in South Africa.
I must dispel some misconceptions about writing. Okay, not misconceptions, but rather romanticised impressions of a writer’s work. Ideally, I would love to be sitting in a quiet room, writing in the early hours of the morning, sipping my coffee as the sun rises. But that’s not possible for a few reasons. I’m a typical Durbanite who feels it’s freezing in winter and uses too many layers. My friend and I bought thermal vests at the start of winter! Amidst the morning routine of a toddler and teenager, the school run and then off to work, time really isn’t on my side. I have evolved into the coffee-on-the-go working mum.
When do I write then? The reality is; I’m always writing. Sometimes, I’m writing in my head. Sometimes on a piece of paper. Sometimes on my cellphone with 2% battery life like I did last night when I started this post. It’s about when the ideas start to flow, and that cannot be forced, no matter how beautiful the setting. Writing for me is about my state of mind, about being so passionate or angry about a particular topic or issue that I need to write to channel my emotions. Sometimes ideas spring to my mind after a power walk, or in the shower, that’s when I’m fortunate enough to be able to take a shower, given the water shedding we experience. Cue, the bucket bath!
Writing will always be my calm amid the chaos. Take this post as your reminder to find your calm, and give it your best. Perhaps, seven years later, you too will be celebrating, just like me.