Neglect, Perseverance, and Starting Again

These three things seem to characterize most of my projects -- as evidenced here by my blog (sigh). For some reason, once I've let something lapse, it's diffiult for me to go back and start it again.

Like writing here. I think, "How can I post now after it's been nine months since my last one?" (Especially because my neglect is out there for all the world to see!) Facing the music is not my strong suit. It's hard for me to pick up where I left off when there's such a gap between now and what happened then. I am aware I've linked starting again with negativity, as if another start means something went wrong with the first one.

I've come to realize though, that is not true. The dictionary says perseverance is "continuing in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or despite delay in achieving success." Starting again, despite how hard it may be for us, is persevering. Acknowledging our shortcomings that contributed to the delay can help us determine that course of action. It can be a good thing. Instead of carrying the baggage from trying to keep "then" and "now" connected, all we need to do is let it be part of what went before and begin again with today.

Like putting a period at the end of the last sentence and starting the new one with a capital letter -- it's just the way the story goes.

Having a relationship with anything (even a blog!) requires something of us. There will be times of both flourishing and neglect because as human beings we can't sustain everything in our lives to the highest level every moment. The key is to not get stuck in that place where more work is required just because we misjudged what the relationship was going to need.

Moving forward means we're trying to improve, we're trying to be better at doing something, or caring for something. It means that no matter how long the neglect has been, the relationship still matters to us, and that, my friend, is something significant. 

Well, it is what it is. For me and my blog, this is how my life has gone these past nine months. Now I'd like to start again -- from this point in time -- and see what the next nine months bring. The good news is, I know that's absolutely fine!

Here's to your 'starting again' whenever you need to -- with a smile! 

Kay
www.confidentconflict.com