Six Months of Fierce

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I begin with a confession. 

I’m not really all that “fierce.”

I am the woman behind the curtain, a diminutive woman, at
that, who from time to time, speaks loud enough into the blogosphere to capture
your attention.

My beliefs are fierce. 
My attitude is fierce.  But that
bad-ass, ninja, anarchist?  She’s a
projection on a wall.   Sorry, guys, but if
you need someone powerful enough to transport you back to Kansas from some far
away land, you are going to have to seek help from someone else.

I fumble constantly. 
With the confidence in my own abilities, with my self- image.  With my faith and my ability to face life on
life’s terms.  But I keep working at this
stuff, diving into the mess, cleaning up what I can, and trying to accept the
rest.  I learn as I go. And as I learn, I
share these lessons with you.

Six months ago today, when I pressed “publish” for the first
time on this blog, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  All I knew was that I felt like I had
“something to say.” I was a brand new yoga teacher, who, through the demands of
teacher training, went through a grueling process of self- discovery.  It’s almost as if I had to unlearn and relearn
everything about myself, and while this process will continue as long as I am
alive, the insights I was given were astounding, and I thought they were worth
a share.

So here I am.

I came into this space six months ago with a message, but I
have learned so very much in return.   Below,
are the top six lessons I have learned thus far through blogging:

1)     
The blogosphere is a friendly and supportive
place.   I have met some of the greatest
people imaginable through my blog.  Your
friendship is a gift within itself.

2)     
Having a mission statement is important. I have
a mission statement, and I review it often. 
Not only does it help me stay on course with the focus of this blog, but
it reminds me to remain consistent in my work.  However, this blog will evolve as I evolve, so
I need to allow things to shift as I go, even if that means one day the mission
changes.

3)     
Before I write a post, I need to check in with
my intentions.  I can write about my
experiences and certainly, write about the hurtful ones, however, snark and finger
pointing do not belong here.  When I have
to let the snark out, I write in my journal. 
I have taken down posts and altered others, that looking back, contained
snark. Having the mission statement has allowed me to identify and remove it
more willingly.  

4)     
While consistency is important, I also need to keep
the blog in perspective. This blog is completely intertwined with my life,
because that’s what I write about.  But
like with everything else, I need to find the balance.  When blogging feels like one more thing that
I am trying to “juggle,” it’s time to walk away for a few days. 

5)     
For everything that I have shared with you about
my experiences, my growth lessons, and wisdom from my teachers, I have learned
tenfold from all of you.  Blogging has
allowed me to find new mentors in addition to the ones I already have.  It takes a village to raise a Fierce Diva!

6)     
In my earlier posts, I was bossier than I am
now.  I was quite adept in telling my
readers what to do.  I don’t know what’s
best for you.  I can only share my own
experiences and tell you what has worked for me.

I’m sorry I can’t get you back to Kansas.  But here’s the thing. You are strong.  Stronger than you think you are.  As much as we look for those external
reinforcements and crutches, they’re not necessary.  Besides, if we’re looking “out there,” we’re
looking in the wrong place.   

Take a look in the mirror, and say “hello” to your
wizard. 

Thank you for a wonderful six months!

Below are a few of my favorite early posts you may have
missed:

Back in the days I was bossy:  The Fierce Diva Guide to Gift Giving – where I
tell you exactly how I feel about how society measures how to give a gift.

Skip this post if you are offended by foul language! This is
my unapologetic rant about a decision made by my town’s Board of Education
about the principal of our local elementary school.

Balthazar, the Coolest Guy on Facebook:  living vicariously through one of my jet
setting friends.    

Love to all..xo 

© 2012 Ilene Evans 

Comments

Six Months of Fierce — 19 Comments

  2. I don’t have a mission statement. Maybe I should think about that. I have learned that I always have to check some things and leave them at the door and not put them on the blog. I’ve only written one post that hurt someone and it was actually just read the wrong way. Words are hard to figure out without the tone of a voice behind them.
    Happy 6 months! Can’t wait to continue along with you!!

  3. Happy anniversary! Since we’re taking a jog down memory lane, I remember seeing a reply to a post that you had written on SITS girls, and the what did the COMMENT LOVE read? GREEN SMOOTHIE CHALLENGE! I was like, “I’m going to show this girl what a green smoothie is all about!” But, I didn’t show you. You showed me! The camaraderie that came from that challenge changed everything for me. From your simple challenge I was introduced to bloggers that I can share with, train with and talk with. It’s been amazing. I originally wanted to post about getting my sh!t together, but everything changed with the Green Smoothie Challenge. I didn’t want to write about my green drink obsessions, or my training, or the difficulties that I have with asthma, but your one simple little challenge allowed me to find a group of people that made feel comfortable enough to do just that.
    So, long post short, I’m glad you’re here!

  4. I can so relate to the grueling process of self-discovery during yoga-teacher training. A life changing experience. And – once thru – there’s no way to return thru that back door. The Kansas that was…is on longer!
    Beautiful and inspiring post…and congrats on your first six months. Nice to meet you here!

  6. You continue to wow me with your writing and your insights! I’m so lucky that I found you (or you found me or whatever)! Happy, happy anniversary. A truly beautiful, inspiring post. And you’re pretty damn fierce to me (in all the best ways!).

  8. Thank you for the anniversary wishes! 6 months is a milestone for me, because when I began the blog, I said I would “give it 6 months..”
    Clearly, I am not going anywhere 🙂
    I have a mission statement, and although it’s very broad, it reminds me of “who I am and what I want to be.” It provides that little bit of focus to keep me on course.

  9. I am so glad you are here, too, and I still remember those “early days” of knowing you, and being so happy that I had made a kind, spirited, adventurous friend on the blogosphere. I love these connections that I have made, and they made blogging all well worth it. It was the unexpected gift of sharing my musings with the “world.” xo

  13. You are amazing and I am looking forward to being here with you for a long time. I love your insights and your mission. I am thankful to call you friend.