The Sweet Spot of Your Project (My 15-Year Blogaversary!)

Today’s my 15-year Blogaversary!

I Want To, But . . .

There’s this new thing I want to do.

But I don’t know exactly how.

Unknown variables about the project multiply every time I think about it. I’m not sure how much it will cost (in money, in time, in energy). So many things are out of my control.

I’m not sure I have the stamina for the obstacles.

It’s not too late to turn back now, even though I’ve already begun in a small way.

Is there some project you want or need to start, too?

15 Years Earlier

I remember 15 years ago today. I hit the publish button for the first time on a new project I was beginning: a blog I named “Lisa Notes” (originally at Blogspot until I moved here 10 years ago).

  • I had no collection of topics to write about.
  • I had no followers.
  • I had only minimal knowledge about how to even set up a blog.

And I certainly had no idea I’d still be going 15 years later.

If I’d had to decide then that I’d still be writing now, I might not have started.

But I didn’t need to know that then. All I needed to start was a first idea. Which led to a second, a third, and 3,634 ideas later, I’m still writing.

Today Is Our Sweet Spot

We don’t have to predict the future to begin something today. To reduce overwhelm about a whole project, just focus on today.

That’s how I’m handling the project I want to do. Do I have long-term goals about it? Yes. But I don’t have to carry out all those plans today.

Our sweet spot is to do the work we can control today.

Tomorrow will take care of itself, once it becomes today.

* * *

Read more about blogging:

Why do you read blogs? If you write a blog, why?

61 thoughts on “The Sweet Spot of Your Project (My 15-Year Blogaversary!)

  1. Lisa Blair

    Happy 15th blogaversary, Lisa! I actually found you three years ago when I began thinking about blogging because I wanted to name my blog Lisa Notes, but you already existed. I began following you and met your blogging friends. So thanks for introducing me to this new world of blogging, Lisa!

    Starting a new project can seem overwhelming, but when we work on one step at a time, it all seems to fall into place.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I love this story, Lisa, because the same thing happened to me 15 years ago! I originally wanted to name my blog “Lisa writes” but when I looked it up, another Lisa already had a blog by that name. So I began following her (she’s actually in Alabama like me!) and have ever since. I’m glad we Lisa’s are finding each other. πŸ™‚

  2. Martha J Orlando

    Fifteen years??? Congratulations, Lisa! And I must agree that if I had imagined ahead of time about the amount of work and dedication maintaining a blog would take, I might never have started. The one-day-at-a-time method is truly the best way to go!
    Blessings!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Thanks, Martha. Sometimes it may be best that we don’t know ahead of time how much work will be involved in our projects. πŸ™‚ One day at a time definitely has gotten me through a lot of things too!

  3. Amy L

    “Tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” This verse will stay with me.

    Congratulations on 15 years, Lisa. I found your blog a year or so ago through a link you posted on Modern Mrs. Darcy. I like your voice and style. And I appreciate the narratives in your posts, how they create interest without tons of detail. Less is more.

    May you keep up this writing practice for as long as it suits you (and not a minute more).

    Warmly,
    Amy L.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Thank you so much for your kind encouragement, Amy! So far blogging continues to bring me joy; I’m grateful I have this outlet for writing. I do wonder though what I would do with all the extra time I’d have if I didn’t blog at all! Probably just read more books. πŸ™‚

  4. Ashley

    Congratulations on 15 years! I’m glad you started your blog bc that’s how I first found out more about you and our friendship began!
    I like blogs bc you usually get more of the β€œreal” stuff about a person.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I’m so glad that we connected through the blog and Julie!!! My life would be less rich without the friendship we’ve shared. If I could just get you to write a blog too… πŸ™‚

  5. Joanne Viola

    Congratulations on your 15 years! I read blogs to learn, for encouragement, and because of the connections one can make. I always enjoy your posts, Lisa, and am glad our paths crossed!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I’m glad our paths crossed too, Joanne. Your blog is one that I read regularly. It’s amazing how much we can learn about people through reading their blogs; it’s brought me much joy.

  6. Lory @ Entering the Enchanted Castle

    So glad you are here and still blogging!

    I’m read and write blogs because I’ve made so many connections this way, and I get to have great conversations with interesting people about the things I love most. It gives me a place to share my thoughts, and that motivates me to think more and learn more. I wouldn’t want to be without it, by now.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Yes for me too for all the reasons you give for blogging, Lory. When I first started, I didn’t realize how important the connection piece would be to me, but it’s brought me friendships and encouragement all along the way. I’m so glad you continue to blog too so I can keep up with you. πŸ™‚

  7. Lynn Severance

    Happy Blogging Anniversary, Lisa.
    You’ve touched many lives by taking the ‘next tiny steps’ in this wide world of connecting via social media. You are an encouragement to persevere in whatever it is God calls us to do. We never have the larger picture but we do have a direction and let Him lead. Thanks for answering His call!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Thank you, sweet Lynn. I appreciate that the internet helped me discover you! It’s probably best that we aren’t shown the larger picture from the beginning; I’d probably be too overwhelmed to do anything. πŸ™‚

  8. Jennifer Wise

    I love this! Happy blogiversary! In my experience, your “sweet spot” and flexibility in seeing where things take you is the key to success. You just never know. πŸ™‚ I’ll be celebrating my 14 year blogiversary in November. I write a photo-preserving and memory-keeping blog with photo solutions, inspiration, ideas, etc. I write because I know the power behind recording our stories and spending time with our photos, both for us as individuals and for our families. I think it’s easy to write when you love what you do and it has so much meaning to others. πŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing, and congratulations. Visiting from The Happy Now Blog Link-Up.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Thanks, Jennifer! We started blogging at almost the same time. I’ve been going through digital photos this summer from the past 7 years because they have gotten WAY out of hand. So I’m reading through your 10 Tips for Happy Memory-Keeping tonight. πŸ™‚

  9. Susan M.

    Happy anniversary!
    I cannot remember how I first found youβ€”but it has probably been at least ten years ago. You have been a blessingβ€”I am so glad God prompted you to start writing!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Maybe it was through Hide His Word? I can’t remember how we found each other either, Susan, but I’m glad we did. πŸ™‚ Thank you for your encouragement.

  10. Lois Flowers

    Fifteen years! That’s amazing, Lisa. I can’t remember when our paths first crossed, but I’m so glad they did. The interaction part of blogging is my favorite, so I suppose it’s no surprise that I’m drawn to bloggers who do that well. It also helps when they have a clear, concise voice and include a lot of stories in their writing. πŸ™‚ I’m with you 100 percent when it comes to your feelings about doing a new thing. I’ll be reminding myself of this: “Tomorrow will take care of itself, once it becomes today.”

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I feel like it’s been several years that I’ve been following you, Lois. I agree that the interaction part of blogging is a favorite for me, too. It’s made blogging personal. I like having company out here instead of just writing into the void. πŸ™‚ I’m glad you started a new thing with your Instagram account, and I hope you’ll get word back soon about other new things too. You’re about to step into a new season of life too with both your girls in college!

  11. Lynn

    Congratulations on 15 years of blogging. Gosh, I’m not sure how long I have been blogging (I think since 2011) – at times consistently, and at other times (like currently), not so consistently. But tomorrow is another day to start that goal again. Thank you for being faithful to your blogging goal. And, yes, one small step at a time gets on moving onto our new goals that God has planted in our hearts. It is all about the journey, isn’t it?

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      It’s definitely about the journey, Lynn. I listened to a lesson today that said something like this: “The goal isn’t to get somewhere else. It’s to be at home where you are.” Of course we do also want to get somewhere. πŸ™‚ But I want to enjoy the step I’m on too. You’ve had a lot going on so I understand you only blogging sporadically; blogging has to take a backseat to “real” life. Glad you’re able to keep your priorities in order.

  12. Kathleen C

    Lisa, congratulations on 15 years of writing and sharing! Wow, that is a lot of messages…pointing us to Him. I am a newer friend and newer reader of your blog, so I have a lot of catching up to do. One day, one blog at a time. I am learning to live and do and be and create in the moment. Right now it’s through art projects. Some day I may return to writing poetry. Thank you for being such a good example to us of the verses we’ve been learning!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Thanks, friend! I really can’t believe I’ve been doing this for 15 years. There are a lot of posts I’m sure I would delete if I went back and read them all, so tread carefully if you head into the archives. πŸ™‚ I hope you’ll share some of your poetry with me sometimes. I’d love to read it!

  13. David

    Congratulations, and Happy Blogiversary! I must have started reading Lisa Notes shortly after you moved from Blogger. Your writing is at least as fresh now as it was in 2013 and of course I hope you continue writing as beautifully for another 15 years (but don’t think about that! Matthew 6:34 is right).

    > Why do you read blogs?

    There’s probably only 3-4 blogs I follow regularly. I like listening to people’s voices β€” some voices are really beautiful and soulful and inspiring β€” and blog writing seems to be very close to a person’s personality/voice (ofc I wouldn’t know, never having met any of the bloggers I read)

    > If you write a blog, why?

    Our son has just started writing a blog linked to his work, and I think what a good writing practice it is. That idea might motivate need to start writing again. Otherwise blogging has been a kind of testament to internal struggle.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      You’ve been such a source of encouragement ever since we connected, David. Thanks so much. Yeah, I won’t look ahead to the next 15 years just yet. πŸ™‚ How cool that your son is writing a blog now. I hope you will continue your writing too; you are one of those authentic and intelligent voices that we need out here.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I totally agree with you, Donna! I try to keep up with the technology somewhat, but it doesn’t take long to get behind again so it almost feels like a losing battle. πŸ™‚

  14. Paula

    Oh my gosh Lisa, 15 years! Happy Blogaversery! I’m always sure to find tenderhearted encouragement here at your place. And I’m so happy God brought us together. Happy Blogaversery to you, Happy Blogaversery to you, Happy Blogaversery my dear Lisa, Happy Blogaversery to you!!! ?β˜•???

  15. Carol

    Congratulations on 15 years! Blogging has been a way of expressing my thoughts and improving my writing skills. I enjoy reading blogs to learn from the perspectives of others.

  16. Tea With Jennifer

    ohhhh I understand Lisa, I started a Scrapbooking project when my first two granddaughters were born, an album each filled with what they have done with hubby & I for their first 18 years as a gift for their 18th birthday.

    As more grandchildren arrived I added an album each….7 grandchildren later = 7 albums!

    And Congratulations on blogging for 15 years!!! Wow that is encouraging!
    blessings, Jennifer

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      That’s a lot of scrapbooks, Jennifer. What an amazing gift to pass along to your grandchildren! I made a scrapbook for my daughters every school year and while it felt very daunting each summer, I was SO happy to have done them. πŸ™‚

  17. Joanne

    Happy anniversary for your blog! I remember hitting publish on my first post too and thinking I was really writing it for myself as a sort of online diary of our homeschooling life and now my blog has evolved so much through the years that I hardly recognize it at all! I blog and read other blogs for the community it gives me. I have made so many wonderful “friends” that I check in with weekly.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Isn’t it amazing how much our blogs (and we!) have changed over the years! Sometimes I’ll look back at my first couple of years of blog posts and hardly recognize what I wrote. ha. I don’t have the energy, time, or motivation to go delete some of those older posts, but they probably don’t need to be hanging out in the blogosphere anymore. lol.

  18. Lisa Brittain

    Hi! I love your points about starting a project. Early in life I was usually too afraid to try something new. I wanted the adventure, but wasn’t willing to pay the price of possible failure. I missed many opportunities. Once I hit 50 that changed. I learned to sew, reupholster, weave cane, and play pickleball. It’s a beautiful thing simply to try.
    Congratulations ? on your 15 years of blogging!!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      How encouraging to hear all the things you began at 50! You’re setting a great example for those in your life. I’m glad that it’s never too late to start new things, no matter how young or old we are. And no matter if we succeed or “fail” (I put it in quotes because just trying is a success!).

  19. Lesley

    Congratulations on 15 years of blogging, Lisa! Tomorrow is marks 8 years of blogging for me, and I’ve been blessed to read your posts for most of that time – I can’t remember exactly when we connected.
    Like you, I had no idea what I was doing when I started, but I have been incredibly blessed by this journey and the people I’ve connected with along the way.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Congratulations on your 8 year blogaversary, Lesley! I can’t remember how we connected either, but I know I’ve been following your blog for several years and have every intention to continue doing so!

  20. Heather Edwards

    15 years of Blogging….Congratulations. I just found you and your blog a year ago, but have enjoyed it immensely. Thanks for all you do and God Bless you and your work.

  21. Lynn D. Morrissey

    I read blogs if they are well written, interesting, have something important to say, if they pique my curiousity, if they are nicely presented (they don’t need bells, whistles, and gorgeous photos for me, though I do love beauty), but rather so I can actually have a pleasant reading experience. In fact, I just used your blog as an example to a brand-new 20-ish blogger whom I know, encouraging her to darken her type face, make bold headings, make sentence-or-two paragraphs (I don’t need the latter, b/c I’m old school, but I realize that this is en vogue as a “blogger thing”), etc. I have no clue how God linked me to your blog. I did not know that it and you existed, much less for the past 15 years! BUT I’m so glad he did. I keep coming back, so obviously I think you are doing it extremely well! Onward. Here is to the next 15, more sweet spots, more sweet surprises!
    xo
    Lynn

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Thank you, my precious friend Lynn. I always appreciate seeing your face and name show up in my comments because I know your words will be full of grace and wisdom. I don’t know that I’ll make it another 15 years of blogging, but we’ll see! As long as we’re alive, we are seeing and learning new things all the time. πŸ™‚

  22. Ashley Rowland | HISsparrowBlog

    Congratulations, Lisa! I love what you said about taking it one day at a time. I could relate in more than one way. I am so glad you began blogging those fifteen years ago. I’ve been following your work for as long as I’ve been blogging (seven years), and your fresh perspective always draws my mouse pointer to click on your posts. My favorite posts, by the way, were from your mantra series. So good. Here’s to starting that big thing one step at a time.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Thank you, sweet Ashley! I’m so glad that we connected through blogging and now through our writing community. I am so blessed by your kind demeanor via zoom and by your words on your blog. I’m glad you liked the mantra series; it’s one of my all-time favorites too! I still refer back to them myself when I need one. πŸ™‚

  23. Jean Wise

    Congrats on 15 years! I have read your writing for a long time and always learn something and leave more inspired and encouraged. Thank you for serving God and all of us so consistently. Love you!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Ditto to you, too, Jean! I’ve learned so much from you and the wisdom you share from your own growth. You’ve one of the special ones that I love to read and glean from. Love you too!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      You’re so kind, April. Thank you for being so encouraging! And for being such a gracious host for the Hearth and Soul Community. Your sweet spirit is always a joy.

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