Hello Everyone~
Today is my first post here on Steemit. I signed up back in May but got sidetracked...more than once. I have spent the past couple of days reading the "Quick Start Guide", several posts from various categories and also watching some You-tube Videos on what Steemit is all about. It seems to be a very diverse, quirky, fun, intriguing and special place to be. To be honest, I'm still trying to figure out the up-voting, re-steeming and all the other jargon associated with it but I'll get that all figured out as time goes along. Ah...the learning curve...ain't it sweet (or a bitch).
A little about me....I call myself "sidewalktraveler" because to me it shows how interesting life can be. I don't have a particular niche, genre or subject I want to write about but see that no matter where I stand on "my sidewalk", I have my point of view. Isn't that what life is about? A point of view that only "we" can see from our perspective?
I've had a blog, or should I say a "space" where I could blog if I wanted to for a while. Seems I would get inspired to write in short spurts and then get overwhelmed with trying to promote it or having those self doubts that no one wants to read what I have to say. When I learned about the community here on Steemit, I thought this could be the place where I would fit in. So, here I am.
So you know it's me: 
Setting the wheels in motion and getting yourself moving in the right direction of your dreams can take a lot of effort. You can come up with all kinds of excuses but the bottom line is...you need to get the lead out. So to speak. There's times I've felt like an old car or truck who can't get quite enough umph to get going. I'd crank up the engine (my laptop), put in a little fuel (thought process) and sit there and idle (draw a blank) until I'd either run out of gas (enthusiasm) or turn off the engine (give up). I ran the old programs of "what do I have to say that hasn't already been said" or "why would people be interested in what I have to say". Who cares! Say it anyway.
Today is the day...seize the moment...set goals...make a list...yawn. We've heard it all before. For me, it's making a promise and a commitment to myself to sit down everyday and write. I've spent more time than you can imagine doing research and reading blogs on learning how to blog. It boils down to this...stop procrastinating and just do it. All the other things will come in time. What a concept. I am not saying learning and researching is not something we should do. What I am saying is you will learn as you go along. With Social Media and all the "HOW TO DO IT" e-books and articles out there, it tends to get a wee bit overwhelming. Well actually it gets a WHOLE LOT overwhelming. Don't worry about what niche you want to be in. That can change and probably will. Finding your passion about what you want to write about was the number one thing for me that was holding me back. Taking the time to sit and think about it is key. Okay, so it's taken a bit longer than I thought it would but it doesnt matter. What matters is I'm doing it NOW.
Getting Inspiration
Inspiration comes at different times. Sometimes in unsuspecting ways. I have learned to keep a notebook and pen handy. I know with the tools we have these days like iPads and iPhones, one can expect to use them in a faster way. Perhaps that is true for some. However, for me, I like writing things down as I experience them. It gives me the opportunity to go back and read them and make additional comments. I find that for me by the time I get my smart devices out and find the app to make the notes on, the moment has passed. I'm faster at writing notes down and then using my phone to snap a picture or two that I can add to my post once I am writing it. That may change as I become more proficient at note taking but for now, I like the way I do it. What works for you?
Say It Anyway You Want
Consistency has been a big challenge for me. Making the promise to yourself is one thing. Being held accountable is another. You are the only one that can hold you accountable. You may think others will hold you accountable but it really is about you. What is your dream? What do you want to say to the world through your posts that will mean something to you? Don't concern yourself with what others think. This is the time for you to be you. Say it anyway you want.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read my first post.
See you next time on "the sidewalk of life".
Credits: My own, Pixabay and Canva Creation