It’s a big achievement or a miniscule one depending on the way you look at it.
This is my 200th post.
200 days of pouring my heart out, debating, questioning, musing, and venting.
200 days of support from all you readers who make this enterprise so much fun.
I started writing on a daily basis because I didn’t want my writing skills to rust.
I, also, wanted a forum from where I could express my opinions without any marketing or educational agenda attached to it — that’s what I do 9-5 every day.
With your help I have been able to rediscover my voice, remain honest in my writings, and renew my faith in the concept of the public square.
It isn’t easy to write every day — to think of something meaningful to share with a wide variety of readers from different countries, backgrounds, ethnicities, age groups, and cultural beliefs. Being a writer by profession makes it a tad easier, but nevertheless it can be daunting sometimes to wake up in the mornings and have my mind go blank.
No inspiring thoughts, no raging debates in my head, no points of contention to be made. During the course of the day, though, I’ve found that someone says something or I observe/read something that triggers a train of thoughts — some “normal” life event that helps keep the momentum going.
And before I know it, I find myself typing furiously. It is for that reason, that I think reaching this milestone is a big achievement.
On the other hand, there are so many bloggers out there who have five-six years’ worth of rich content, thoughtfully presented in little daily doses of inspiring prose … in front of them, this is but a minor accomplishment.
Big or small, it has been a fruitful enterprise.
In the course of my blogging I have discovered many thinkers — some of whom I agree with, others that challenge my belief system.
It has, indeed, been a pleasure making the acquaintance of my readers, many of whom are bloggers like me, and others who stop by to share their insights when they get a chance.
All of you have enriched my life in a way that I hadn’t thought of when committing myself to this blog.
When I reached the century mark a couple of months ago, I instituted the Photoblogger of the Month award that was embraced with open arms by all of you.
To commemorate this milestone, I will introduce “Mansi asks:” a bi-monthly series that will present a probing question.
When I was on Facebook, I used to ask a question daily — sometimes intentionally provocative, other times innocently so. Not all the questions were deeply philosophical — some were just for fun.
The one thing they all had in common was that they invited engagement.
Even if I asked something as inconsequential as “What did you have for breakfast?” I’d have people volunteering information about muffins, parathas, toasts, and multigrain cereal.
I chose not to respond to any of the questions I asked, unless someone specifically called me out for an opinion.
Now, it’s time to change that.
I will dive in head first and postulate but what will make this series effective is your participation.
So, look out for the “Mansi asks:” series and be sure to chime in.
In the meantime, here’s to big and little things that make one happy.
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You might also enjoy:
Now I’m 201 – congrats on your followers….I’m trying to do the same so if you could follow me as well –
http://www.vegas365review.blogspot.com
If you’d read the post carefully, DJ — or even skimmed through the first part, you’d know it wasn’t about amassing 200 followers. Thanks for stopping by anyhow.
It has been my pleasure, Mansi, to read what you write. I commend you for your dedication to your commitment. Or, should that be for your commitment to your dedication?? Either way, the result is that I get to enjoy a brief but well-thought-out and presented essay. I’ve taken to reading every one of them, although not necessarily on an every day basis. Sometimes I catch up by reading 2or 3 at a time. And, on occasion, I feel the need to add my two cents. So, congratulations and keep ‘em coming. Better you than me. I don’t think I could do it on a daily basis. They are greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Ronnie. Your encouragement means a lot. I credit you and our afternoon walk conversations for a lot of my blog posts. You keep me thinking
I was naive when I started blogging and I included the word “daily” in my title. Oh, regret. There’s no way I can write daily and even at that I recognize the times that my posts are devoid of substance because I can think of nothing meaningful to write.
You, on the other hand, have rich substance and great flow to your writing – always. I enjoy it and hope you keep on writing.
Congratulations on your 200.
Thanks, Myrna. I appreciate your kind words. I’m realizing that I don’t just blog for myself anymore … my posts have got a lot to do with engaging my readers, making them think, and having a dialogue with them. Thank you so much for helping with that.
Love your posts….always thought provoking. Kudos and keep the momentum going
Looking forward to Mansi asks:!
Thanks, Shachi. I’ll look forward to your insights when “Mansi asks:” is let loose
Congrats!
It is a big achievement…and best part is, as you say, rediscovering yourself.
I came here for the first time and wish to keep coming to read your future posts.
Thank you, Shiv. I truly appreciate the encouragement.
Hi,
This is my first time here, andI’m totally inspired. 200 posts! That is one hell of an achievement.
I’m definitely coming back for more.
All the best!
Thank you so much, Pooja, and welcome aboard! I hope to be able to continue engaging you with my posts.
I tried writing one every day, and I might eventually do that again. But right now, I just don’t have it in me.
Part of me feels bad about that, but not as bad as I felt the first time I didn’t do it.
Anyway, happy 200!! Here’s to 200 more, and even more beyond that!
Thanks, Dave! It’s hard some days but I feel I am up for the challenge. Writing something meaningful daily makes my neurons tick in a way they haven’t ever before.