I’m No Good at Long Goodbyes

30 Minus 2 Days of Writing (2013)
Day 28: “Is That All?”

Here we are on the final day of the month-long writing challenge for February 2013, “30 Minus 2 Days of Writing”. Frankly, this whole challenge was a massive pain in the ass. I have to admit, though, I loved nearly every minute of it. If you ask me, this challenge should have been called, “How to Not Be a Lazy, Insular, Self-Centered, Selfish Bastard of a Blogger”. For one thing, my title is much catchier than Nicky and Mike’s. For another thing, this writing challenge really motivated me to step out of my comfort zone and to consistently read and comment on a wide variety of blogs that I might have otherwise gone on to ignore for one selfish reason or another.

Every blogger gets into the game for his or her own particular set of reasons, but the single unifying quality that all bloggers share is that we all feel a need to be heard, understood, and validated. I guess that’s more of a basic human quality than anything else, but we bloggers belong to a particular breed of people who feel a pressing need for self expression. Throughout the course of this long and tiring month, I have gained a completely new appreciation for blogging, and the art of creative writing. For the first time in years, I know what it feels like to be a part of a community of creative people.

I’ve been a blogger for nearly eleven years now, and I admit to having developed some very bad habits over time. Prior to this February, I hardly ever made the time to write anymore. I think I posted no more than twenty entries on my blog in 2012. My other writing projects had been completely set aside in favor of paintball, video games, and plain old, not-giving-a-crap. To make matters worse, I almost never made the time to visit my friends’ blogs anymore.

I’m fortunate that Nicky and Mike didn’t simply write me off as a lost cause, because then I would have never heard about this writing challenge. I’ve taken my writing to strange and better places this February, and I’ve met so many talented and thoughtful bloggers along the way. After reading nearly every entry submitted by the numerous other challenge participants over the past twenty-eight days, I feel an odd sort of kinship with all of these online strangers. For my part, I would like to think that I’m walking away from this challenge having formed some new, genuine friendships. There’s also been a couple renewed friendships thrown into the mix.

I’ve learned so much by watching how different writers tackle a daily deadline. I complained and whined just like a lot of the other participants, but this was honestly some of the most fun I’ve ever had. Sad, I know.

Thank you all, challenge participants, for showing me how it’s done, and for making me feel welcome. For the first time in ages, I feel like I’ve found my writer’s mojo again. In the coming months ahead, I intend to make the most of the momentum I’ve gained in February. I also pledge to do my best to drop in on all of you from time to time to see what you’re up to on your respective blogs. Before I get any of that started, though, please allow me to take a quick nap to catch up on some lost sleep.

Wake me up in four days, would you?

30 Minus 2 Days of Writing (2013)
A painful exercise in forced inspiration brought to you by
“We Work for Cheese“