In 2013 I joined up with a large group of bloggers who committed to write on one topic everyday for 31 days in October. It was an amazing experience. I did again last year. So much good has come out of both of these series.
The first was Lots of Hope in a Little Home which was about our family of 5 living in less than 800 square feet.
This series has encouraged and impacted more people than I could have ever possibly imagined! I give glory to God for using what could have been a very rotten time in our life and turning it into something to help so many.
The next series was Teachable Parenting.
Thanks to this series I have been able to connect with many other women for networking, prayer, and encouragement. I still hear wonderful feedback about Teachable Parenting and I plan to make a book based off of it one day.
I know I sound like I am being overly dramatic, but if it were not for the 31 day challenge my blog and therefor my life would be different than what it is today. That’s the truth.
This year I had a topic. I had written down many ideas and started drafting and outlining. I signed up and was ready to go. Then I started to pray and consider whether or not that is what I was supposed to be doing right now. It’s a lot of work you guys! In response I felt like the Lord started leading me in another direction and focus for October and since then I have just had a peace about not participating in 31 Days. So as much as I love everything about 31 Days, I called it quits for this year.
That doesn’t mean that it’s going to be totally quiet around here though . I will be sharing my Bella Gravida maternity outfits for What I Wore Wednesday and I have another really awesome guest post opportunity. I also still plan to share a couple posts about Taming the Sugar Monster (which is what my series would have been) along with a mini series (probably a week long) called Things I Want to Teach My Children Sooner. I am super pumped about that series and I think you’ll be inspired too.
There are still over a thousand women (and maybe a few men) writing for 31 days on some really cool topics. You can see all the categories and bloggers HERE. I encourage you to look around. There really is something for everybody.
Even though I am bowing out this year I am still excited about October and looking forward to these next 31 days!
Hi Natalie,
Your site looks wonderful here and the two series are intriguing. My children are grown but I would have been so thankful to have had this type of inspiration when they were little. Hard to believe w didn’t even have internet. I speak blessings over your family today. I had planned to do the same thing and just read this year, but I jumped in. Have you thought of publishing? Have a wonderful day?
Natalie, I can totally understand taking a break. We will miss you but I have a feeling God still has some really great stuff in store for you. And I totally agree…my blog wouldn’t be what it is without Write 31 Days either. It blessed my socks off last year.
Hi Natalie, it’s so nice to meet you, I love the name of your blog and your books look so interesting!
This is my first year doing #write31 and I’m hoping my first book comes of it as well.
I wanted to say that I admire you for the choice you made this year. After all, we bloggers have many plates in the air and we can’t simply do everything and take good care of our families too – because that’s what it’s all about – family.
So good for you, and congrats on your other opportunities!
You just stay very involved on our survivors’ page and post every single thing you write because cheerleaders cheer cheerleaders on! Love your heart. xo
I think it’s certainly wise to take a year off if you feel you need to spend your energy elsewhere. It is certainly a lot of work! This is my second year participating in the challenge. This year I’m writing about instilling habit of health and hospitality in our kids by inviting them in the work with us in the kitchen. I’m hoping that the hard work pays off for my blog, as well, though even if does not, it is a top I really enjoy writing about.
It’s good that you can enjoy the challenge without having to stress yourself (right before you have a baby probably isn’ the greatest time to feel stress ;)). I look forward to your posts on taming the sugar monster–and who knows, in a couple of years our daughters might be in the market for maternity clothes ;).
So glad we ‘found’ each other last October! I agree that it is a very worthwhile yet extremely draining endeavor. I debated and debated doing it this year. I have a topic I want to write about but I feel like God still wants me to think it through and contribute learning a little more before I share what he’s shown me through it.
I really debated about participating this year, and finally decided to, but you have a LITTLE on your plate, so it seems pretty wise to not add more!
I’m so Grateful you participated, that’s when I first discovered your wonderful blog and met you! Always enjoy reading 31 days but I honestly didn’t connect with anyone else the way I did with your blog. Your writing and thought-provoking, smart and funny. I’m really looking forward to reading your miniseries, especially taming the sugar monster 😉 i’m not dissipating in 31 days either this year, it was a great experience but I just can’t find the time to share. I blame six grade math homework 😉
I should probably join some type of challenge so I post more. I only posted 4 times in September…that’s crazy!!