Open to Change

Yes, I have a new look for my blog, but why is it pink?!? I'm not usually crazy about pink; heck it bothers me to no end when marketers think that all they have to do to market to women is to turn something pink...ick! If that's the only real difference between a man's and a woman's product, you can bet I'm choosing the guy's colors.

Anyway, as I was trying out the different backgrounds in Blogger, I came across this pink one that I'm now using for this redesign. Originally I wasn't even going to test it out, but figured, what the heck? Well imagine my surprise...it's a shade of pink I actually like.

It's a lesson I'm reminded of regularly: Even when you think you know, you don't really know. It's always good to test your assumptions, even if they're about yourself. Whether, it's trying out new foods, new experiences, new ideas, or meeting new people, give everything a chance...and even perhaps a second chance. As we get older, everything that came before can change how we perceive what comes after. Tastes change. People change. Experiences change our thinking, our feelings, and the way we do things.

So stay open to change, and you might be pleasantly surprised with what you find. There might even be a wonderful opportunity waiting on the other side. This is where ideas are born and inventions take shape; nothing new comes from accepting the status quo.

Now, I'm not saying to go and throw caution to the wind, especially when giving certain (read: dangerous) things a try or handing out second chances to people. However, no great opportunity comes without a little bit of risk either. Therefore, it's good to be clear what the risks are or what you're trading in return; then make sure you are willing to accept those losses and hope for the best. If things don't go well, all you can do is learn what you can from the experience and move on...don't dwell!

We humans are fairly resilient creatures, and it's probably written into our DNA to embrace change.

Blogging Schedule for March 2009

In order to make a bull’s eye, you must first focus on your target and take aim. Well, I’m hoping that same concept works here.

I thought the best way to get me blogging daily is to give myself a blogging schedule—each day is a different topic (target) to focus on. I don’t know why I didn’t try this before; setting up editorial calendars (same concept) is a no-brainer for me when managing huge company websites.

Anyway, here’s my schedule:

• Monday: Something About Me. A day for memories, self-reflection, or just fun facts.
• Tuesday: Tips & Tricks. Sharing simple and quick tips in a wide range of areas—money, tech, health, relationships, home life, etc.
• Wednesday: Web World. Navigating the online world and pointing out good stuff along the way.
• Thursday: Creative Writing Thru Pictures. Using images as triggers (being a visual person that I am), I’m hoping this will have a cathartic effect and allow me to express myself in creative ways.
• Friday: Fun Day. Taking a moment to laugh, smile, relax, and maybe an idea or two for fun diversions.
• Saturday: Anything Goes. Having some flexibility in any schedule is important, so this is my day to go crazy.
• Sunday: State Of The Blog Address. Reporting on any news or developments regarding this blog. For example, this post ;)

By the way, this month’s NaBloPoMo theme is GIVING (UP). Their newsletter describes it this way:

…you can write about what you give to your friends, your job, your world, or yourself every day. That "up" in parentheses gives you the option to also write about things you're throwing out, quitting, recycling, or eliminating from your life right now.

I don’t know if I’ll stick to this theme all month but it would be a nice challenge to try to incorporate it with the above schedule.

Have you tried a posting schedule? What were your results in using it?

Photo source: "force india" by B. Sandman on Flickr

Knock, Knock…Is this thing on?

Hi there! I’m Neelie Meier and this blog will be my journal, my outlet to share personal thoughts, ideas, memories, and smiles.

I’m not sure who else will care about this stuff (other than my family, of course), but if others get something out of it, all the better. I’d certainly love to hear from my readers; there’s nothing like a good conversation to start new friendships. :)

Ok, that’s it for now. See ya later!

Photo source: "U87" by Tanki on Flickr