When I reflect on my experiences during the 2016 and the 2019 A to Z Challenge I’m struck by the difference the second time around. In 2016 I was a newbie to blogging and very unnerved by the intensity of the build-up to A to Z Challenge 2016. There was so much to learn and others seemed to know so much more about the whole experience. I scheduled ahead some of my posts but, for the most part, prescheduling was random. I was very ambitious in what I wanted to do. I wanted my theme ‘Lessons Learned’ to reflect my life journey and what I’d learned looking back. When the Challenge ended I put it in book form through Blogger to share with my family.
In the 2019 A to Z Challenge, my approach was much less intense and stressful. I planned ahead and I prescheduled my posts. This time I chose a theme less ambitious yet very interesting for myself and others. There wasn’t as much anxiety and worry about making a mistake. My theme was April World Holidays and I learned a lot:
Sketch by Mary Lou
I realized that this is LIFE also. Having a vision. Preparing ahead. Not worrying about mistakes. Do what you can. Be open to learning and, most of all, have fun!
Here are a few of my A to Z Blogger Friends that I met along the Challenge 2019 road:
9) The Sound of One Hand Typing
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Here are my STATS for April 2019. Much less than the 2016 Stats. And that’s okay! I tried to focus on those blogs that fit best into my own website theme which is supporting a positive healthy aging in midlife and beyond. 🙂
Well done Mary Lou – I had the same approach to 2017/18’s AtoZ challenges – prepared ahead, scheduled and stayed on top of things. My problem was trying to visit, read, comment and engage with so many different blogs – to the point that last year I didn’t reply to the comments on my own posts because I just couldn’t keep up with it all. I must say it was a relief to not do it this year – but who knows what 2020 holds?
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
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I don’t think I’m going to do it again though I never say never. The list didn’t work to well for me. Too many were inactive when I checked thee link and some weren’t topics I wanted to read. I stuck with those who specified Midlife and also with those that I’ve already followed. I can imagine that you had tons of comments Leanne! It does get draining. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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Thank you for the glowing report! This was good to hear and in many ways you tapped into my own feelings about the Challenge. I like that life philosophy comparison.
Congratulations on finishing!
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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It’s the best Challenge I’ve seen so far Arlee. Thanks to you and the A to Z Team for everything!
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Congratulations on another year of AtoZ, Mary Lou and whilst I didn’t read all of your posts, I enjoyed your theme and learned a few things along the way. Are you now preparing your theme for 2020?? Have a great week and thanks for sharing at #MLSTL. xx
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I’ll never say never Sue. It would need to be a great idea for a theme to get me to do it again. 😉
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Congratulations! Sounds like this paid off in a number of ways.
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Thank you Shari! It did! I learned a lot along the way. 🙂
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Congratulations on finishing the challenge. I enjoyed your posts when I visited. It’s so true that the challenges of AtoZ are just like real life challenges. I hadn’t thought of that. #MLSTL Will share on SM
Thanks for mentioning my other blog -https://bestbookishblog.com/
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Thank you Jennifer! It was fun this time around and I enjoyed reading your posts too. Thanks for the share! ❤
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Congratulations on the finish! Great accomplishment 🙂
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Thank you! You too! I just added the link to your blog to my list of A to Z Bloggers. 🙂
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