Let me start this post with one of my favorite Charles Bukowski quotes:
nobody can save you but yourself
and you’re worth saving.
it’s a war not easily won
but if anything is worth winning then
this is it!
Some of us are fighting to survive, some to grow, but we all have our platter of battles to choose from.
My blog started as something to save myself but as the sands of time slid, it has turned into a part of my life, a ladder I use to grow and navigate in life.
A part of this was my book, and I can proudly say it has completed a full circle; from and idea to getting paid for that idea.
Even after publishing I kept reviewing it and kept making changes where required. Yesterday I have updated it the last time after reviewing it under a microscope.
Here’s the truth, a huge part of self-publishing is marketing your book and trying your best to make sure it lands in the hands of your readers. Yes, even regular readers can skip the update. Therefore, it takes constant work. Then you are looking for new readers as well.
Your creativity shifts from creating something to marketing, and trust me it does great job keeping you on your toes.
So right now after this 1 full cycle my brain looks like this.
And all the thoughts and ideas are bumping into each other like this..
I need to take a step back and breathe. To save myself from losing my own balance.
Everything comes to saturation point and I feel my blog has suffered last year because of jobs and all, I was extremely busy!
I have hundreds of incomplete posts, So that’s where I need to direct my focus on now. And some new ventures on the cards. I just designed my first t-shirt. Can’t take 100% credit for it as it’s a combination of different readily available ideas.
If you want it let me know I will email you the file (only this one!). It’s my first experiment with merchandise designing so I don’t mind sharing it.
There’s a lot to experiment and learn.
My bags are packed and I’m waiting for repatriation flights to resume. I have to start over with more than what I’m ready for. But one thing I know, the new world will have tighter competition.
Sadly, things aren’t looking good. If you know how to monetize your skill you might have an edge and a better chance with opportunities.
Life was hard before covid, I don’t know what hell is it already running into.
Even in quarantine I kept pushing myself 1 step at a time. Kept myself as busy as I could, or I would hate myself later for wasting time.
Btw, I still should be having 3 days more to run free promotion I have to look into that too.
But now I’m at a saturation point, along with stress of traveling during these times.
Well. Let me get to the point.
If you have a dream pursue it, or you will regret not doing it when you had the chance.
A lot of what I do now are crazy experiments.
But if not now, then when?
NOW is always the best time.
I made a little investment (not my book) last year when nobody had the slightest clue of pandemic. That appreciated when everything is falling apart and I got my royalties during this time.
I might come of as a selfish person but I can’t see people around me (including you all) to emotionally fall apart and lose hope.
I care about you guys. Please do not lose hope.
Things will get better, they always do.
Take care of yourself and don’t give up on your dreams!
…
Copyright © 2020 stoneronarollercoaster – All rights reserved
Sometimes I go through dry periods on my blog (like now). I’m haven’t written new, just posting pre-scheduled things. But I find that sometimes it’s good to take a break. I come back with fresh perspective and go in a new direction.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I agree. I have a lot to align. Everything is posted sporadically and if I look from a distance, I think it was better in early days. Need to put myself back on track 🙂
LikeLike
Same. How is life over there right now?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not looking good. A lot of people having it around us. It’s scary.
LikeLike
Up and up …be well and stay safe
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. And you be well too 🙂
LikeLike
All the best for going back. Take care and stay safe
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know when I will be able to travel things are looking really bad it’s spreading everywhere. I’m trying to stay safe but feels like circle is getting closer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, but flights to and from Pakistan have started.
LikeLike
Pakistan to UAE haven’t. In news it should have started from 8th. You need permission from UAE government which nobody has gotten yet. Most of flights are from UAE to pakistan carrying people who got stuck or lost job. Just waiting and hoping I go at the right time everything is so complicated right now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that is a problem. I hope with time, the issues are sorted out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really hope so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Insha’Allah
LikeLiked by 1 person
InshaAllah 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍👍👍
LikeLike
wow! did not realise it was so bad in pakistan! Good luck hope you can travel back home soon. xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadly it is bad here but there are other problems outside Pakistan, not a good time for whole world guess. Just trying to stay busy and positive xoxo
LikeLike
Thanks Mirza for the Bukowski quote, so apt. Have an inspiring month of writing. You should check out the IWSG website and maybe sign up. It helped my blog and writing grow immensely in the last year.
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Susan for always sharing something valuable. I will definitely check this link. 🙂
LikeLike
Yeah…
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Best of luck. This is a tough time for everyone, but I agree about learning to monetize as much as possible. We all need multiple streams of income.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Exactly. Things are not going to be the same, this is one thing I know.
And thanks 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
best of luck!
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful quote, what else is there but to look after our souls in the furnace of modern life..
LikeLike
It’s hard to do it without guilting yourself for being selfish, but you have to.
Thanks for reading 🙂
LikeLike
Sometimes looking after yourself spiritually means looking after others too. The joy is in the giving kind of thing..
LikeLiked by 1 person
True that 🙂
LikeLike