Sunday Night Reflections

Four years ago today, I wrote my very first blog post. I've shared with you in the past that it was my acupuncturist who encouraged me to start the blog. She felt that what I do should not be kept for just a few to see. So, I opened a blog account and jumped in with no idea of where it would take me.
Opening the blog was quite an adventure in and of itself. I didn't realize that I had to give it a title!! Naming the blog, "Rhonda's Creative Life" was really more of a declaration than a title. For the first time in my life I was standing up and saying, yes I am creative and yes it fills my life.
Why I chose to write what I wrote that very first day, I really don't know. I felt so vulnerable, so exposed. It took me almost five months to the day before I was able to talk myself into sitting down and writing another post. It's funny to read that post now and to see the words that I wrote, "with whatever it is that you would like to do, don't allow the pitfalls of learning keep you from your ultimate goal. It's always worth the hard work that it takes to achieve any goal." Interesting. 
The blog has been like taking a walk on a winding path. You have no idea of where it will take you, but where you are at the moment is okay, so you keep going. I have found writing a blog to be one of the most frustrating experiences and at the same time one of the most rewarding. Rather than focusing on the frustrating, I would rather focus on the rewarding. I have met so many wonderful people. I hate to even try and name anyone as the list is long and I'm afraid that I would leave someone out. Needless to say, you have enriched my life in so many ways. You've encouraged and cheered me on when I have felt like quitting and for this I am very grateful. Somewhere there is a post where I talk about giving up and closing my blog. At the time I had very few followers but it was as if you magically appeared just when I needed you the most....and I'm still here. 
From time to time, I receive the loveliest letters. Just this week I received one and since this is my anniversary day, I'll share some of it with you.

I am so excited to start sewing.  See my mom bought me a sewing machine when I got married 10 years ago (took me long enough, right!) she wanted to get something for me that I could have for ever.  I was always so interested and impressed because she sewed mine and my brothers clothes when we were babies, my dolls clothes...lots of things!

Now I have 2 little ones, a full time job, lots of interests and reading your blog made me feel like I can do it, why not! I am not sure why but people tend to say 'you don't have the time' or it will take to long to learn (now that I am 37) :)  but creating/making things makes me happy!

I am hoping I can create something I can wear that doesn't look 'home made' if you know what I mean :)

This is a rather long email to say, thank you for blogging, thank you for sharing, and thank you for inspiring me!

Wow, talk about an "It's A Wonderful Life" moment. What a gift! 
I would rather not talk about how many blog posts I've written, how many followers I have or what my stats are like, because in the end, it really doesn't matter. What matters is that you have enriched and inspired me and in turn, I am so happy that in some small way I have been able to add a little something to your life as well.

What is success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people 
     and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
     and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave this world a better place whether by a
     healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.
                                                 Ralph Waldo Emerson