It is six years since I developed Simply Shanah. In a generation and
era where everything is about commercialization and making a profit, the reasons
as to why I created this space continue to hold water and are unlikely to change.
When I started Simply Shanah; I had no illusions of grandeur whatsoever of
ever making a living off of it.If anything, I was after the space - somewhere
I can write and let go of the myriad of thoughts that bog me down,
not because writing is my passion but more of therapy to me. And as such,
never was perturbed over it’s dismal performance. The knowledge that readers
find it relatable now, and think me good enough to turn it into a money-making
entity are all unexpected feathers in my cap.
People write for all sorts of reasons most of which is passion for the
majority. All of them will say it is hard, more so for those seeking to earn a
living from it. Blogging is just as hard if not harder. Setting up a blog with the intent to earn off of
it soon as it is up and running is an endeavor doomed to fail. It’s success
relies solely on nurturing and time which are infinite factors.
What our generation has failed to understand is; success takes time and
nurturing. In the blogsphere: you need to have good content, time to build up a
readership or following and also social media reach. All of which do not happen
in a day let alone months. And for those seeking to earn from it; they need to
put something down twice or thrice a week to maintain their reach which makes
the output of good content and spread extra hard because tastes and opinions
differ when it comes to topical issues.
I always encourage friends of mine who are better writers than I, to go into
blogging just to nurture and grow their writing skills while at the same time
build an audience because they go hand-in-hand. You need to have a solid
audience before you can seek to earn from blogging for it is this audience that
will pay to read your material and recommend to friends thus spreading your
readership. When that happens; your writing skills would have vastly improved. It is
the same piece of advice I am extending to all budding bloggers and
writers along with; write because you need to and not have to.
"Speak your heart. If they don't understand, the message was never meant for them anyway."- Yasmin Mogahed
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Thursday, November 10, 2016
The Guest House
I came across this poem from Rumi whilst going through feed from +Ideapod and simply had to share because it resonates and sums up all the feelings we have to deal with as humans on a daily basis. You never know what mood is going to keep you company when you wake up nor spend the day with.
“The Guest House ~
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.”
Rumi
It's main message is to embrace it all, no matter what. However much it hurts, at the bottom of it all comes relief as long as you immerse yourself in the feelings and not fight them.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Write!
Write until the pain lessens
The memories fade
The thoughts stop running.
Write until it no longer hurts
Till you're able to catch that weightless sigh.
Write until there's nothing to write about
Till the thoughts stop feeding your pen.
Write until it is OK!
Shanah
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
The Disability Lane
Simply Shanah harbors both professional and personal milestones. In 2019; I made the decision to separate the professional and individual ex...
-
There are moments when he looks at her, Seeking the love that shone brilliantly with each gaze. Searching for the little smile that crosse...
-
There is this website I found about further learning that is totally free of tuition fees. How great is that? I want to learn a few mor...
-
I did not think I would write about this but it has occupied my mind so much that writing about it is the only way I can get my mind back ...