To unload the weight of my thoughts I carry around all day long. To explore some of the ideas that pop to my mind. Does it worth my time? Is this idea something I could squeeze into our days? Is it a child friendly activity? Could it be done with three little ones at toe? Caring for three kids and being surrounded by not one, but three grown ups, it is easy to just go with the flow. I cannot help, but feel sometimes that I have accomplish nothing. Blogging keeps me accountable in so many levels. It gives me a purpose.
I also fear of old age and the state of my brain ends up in. Ladies in my family end up not knowing much about themselves for the last few years of their lives. It is sad and scary, but I try not to think about it too much by focusing on the present and recording precious memories.
How I Write a Blog Post?
Typing it up and seeing it appear on the screen in front of me makes it a task that needs to be completed one way or another. It switches on my admin mind – thick that box.
Brain Dump
I jot down my thoughts mostly through the jetpack app and save it as a draft, then I move on with my day as if nothing happened. The Jetpack app is truly easy to use, and I don’t have to carry around my beloved diary, which is an extra weight. Unfortunately, I am part of the generation who switched one hand into a mobile, which in this instance is a blessing rather than a curse.
Brain Storming
When time allows, I open up my drafts and read through my rough notes. It’s important that I do this when I have time to think and get into the zone. This is the time when I really feel my creative engine switch on. Then I turn the notes into a draft by expanding them with some extra thoughts. At this point, I am still just dumping ideas down in a mostly unorganised manner.
Approval Process
It is really liberating to unload. It helps the decision making process. Debating if it is something I should spend more time doing, or just to let it go and with that free up some mental space. Either way these random exercise is useful.
Actual writing
Writing happens throughout the day, when I have a few minutes between feeding, nappy changing, cooking, and our outdoor adventures. Often it takes over a week to go around a topic and produce a coherent blog post. This is just life for me at the moment and I wouldn’t change it.
This is not my time to commit to unrealistic schedule. This is not my time to keep up with the latest trends and try to beat the ‘algorithm’. This is my time to be present and respond to little people’s needs. This is my time to work around their schedule and be there for them.
Where Do I See ‘Expat Mom Journal’ in a Years Time?
My ultimate reward would be to grow this platform into a community of like-minded people. Where the blog has multiple voices and not just one and only, like at the moment. I believe that parenting can feel lonely from time to time, especially for those doing it full time. Not necessarily because you are alone. Your other half perhaps at home in the evenings and weekends or on another type of schedule. The point is that you, full time parent, have no schedule, you are available at all times without a break. And for some, or sometimes to all, it can feel like a lot.
Sharing lighthearted stories about the good, the bad, and the ugly, may ease the bourdon of being stuck, being alone in catch twenty two. So if you feel that your situation is similar to mine and would like to join the movement, let me know! Get in touch: via socials, comment or via the contact form.
Expat Mom Journal 