Yesterday my little blog hit 3 months, 83 posts and more than 300 comments. So, how is it growing up? Different from what I thought when I first envisioned it and, frankly, quite better.
- Courtesy MGShelton CC -by
You have been instrumental.
Barbara from Blogging without a blog, Sean from WriterDad, Tammy from A day to share, Leo from Zen Habits, Robin from Let’s life forever and a guy called Charles Dickens from his classic blog novel, Oliver Twist, are among many other who have, by their participation, encouragement and advice -both in and off this blog- are making this blog possible.
My initial idea: GTD + Philosophy, both in English and Spanish.
It was a reaction to what I saw in
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Many churches and among creative and social conscious people. Too much focus in the art, in achieving excellence, perfection, greatness, holiness, “changing the world” and too few in - borrowing from David Allen again - getting things done.
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Many users of productivity methods, who seem a little too focused in getting things done but too few in why, how much and where to find balance in life.
The idea you have helped me to build: Wisdom & Life.
Common Sense Philosophy is what I mean by Wisdom & Life; sharing concepts, pondering about what is good in life, distill it into short posts. I am building on my previous idea, opening the focus a bit; there is much more to productivity than Getting Things Done (which, if you can’t guess it, is my favorite) and wisdom is much more than philosophy or balancing our lives. Even more than defining values and goals of our lives.
It’s probably a bit like Zen Habits, only a bit less practical; or like Writer Dad, just worse written; or like the lost chapters of GTD on how to fill that 50,000 feet (life) goals; or like A day to share a wee less practical; like Let’s life Forever, only a wee less optimistic; like Oliver Twist only a wee better (yeah, sure 
)… or like Blogging without a blog, but with a blog and a whole different subject 
Hi, I am a Christian.
It is not something I want to push or be too over-spoken, but frankly that’s who I am, and what is behind and under much of what I say. Just, so you know.
Last but not least, I refuse to be a ghost priest.
Since I left my religious home as a “wanna-be” priest in a Catholic School. Nothing terribly wrong happened here. I can’t share any lurid story of dark, inquisitorial secrets. (A pity, I could make a fortune). It turned they figured out I was not made to be a priest. It has taken me almost two years to agree.
But I’m afraid I have been acting almost as if I were a priest for these two years. Not any longer. OK, I’m going to say it.
It is OK for me to make money, even to be rich.
Believe it or not, that has taken so long as two years. “Religious” priests have to take a vow of poverty, and even though I have never taken such a vow, my mind setting was quite influenced by that.
What fixed that was Secrets of the Millionaire Mind
“Your programming leads to your thoughts; your thoughts lead to your feelings; your feelings lead to your actions; your actions lead to your results. Therefore, just as is done with a personal computer, by changing your programming, you take the first essential step to changing your results.”
And I was feeling guilty about making money… (still I am, to a point). Not that now I want to be a work slave so I can buy stuff I don’t need. I repeat, money is not going to make me happy, but it will feed some kids, and give me a little stability. It’s all a question of balance, right?
Please do not take that as a critic against the Catholic Church.
Although I am no longer a Catholic -and I’m not going to be more specific than that on this blog- I knew a lot of extraordinary people serving as priests and nuns, doing things than most people will never notice. Maybe because they do what they are expected sure. Surely because they hardly ever complain. If I am not Catholic is for theological and scriptural reasons which do not belong here.
OK; :)?
So happy 3 months, Wisdom & Life!
Tags: blog, friends, getting things done, GTD, oliver, philosophy, productivity, wisdom, zen habits
Hi Miguel - Happy 3 month birthday to you and the blog. It’s an exciting time, isn’t it? Pat yourself on the back for your accomplishments. You’ve come a long way, but the journey ahead is what will be the most exciting.
You’ve built a solid foundation and showed us transparency; two traits that I think are essential for success in blogging.
With regard to making money with a blog; keep in mind your time has value. Using affiliate links to try and generate an income is no different than working for “the man” and expecting to be paid.
I’m wishing you many more milestones in the future.
Thank you for the link love.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog post..NSNBOTWs - 2 Gals From Down Under
Congratulations on 3 months! This place looks great. I look forward to what is to come!
Jennifer´s last blog post..Come and Share in My Misery
Thanks Miguel! Your new theme is really beautiful - it’s so elegant!
I really like your description of what your blog is about - I’m really keen on making things happen too i.e. inspired action (not that I’m a master of it yet). Laughed out loud at your inference my blog is a little optimistic - I don’t know WHAT you mean!
Robin´s last blog post..How To Find Happiness
Congratulations! I know I will be proud if I make it to the three-month mark. I seriously doubt if I’ll be as accomplished as you, even if I do keep posting for three months.
Hi Barbara,
Patting myself on the back, thanks.
I like those words coming from you; solid fundation and transparency. To be honest, I did not do the “transparent” thing because I knew about blogging, but just so another newbie could watch and learn from my mistakes.
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks a lot
I also look forward at your blog.
Please, everybody else, wait a bit, OK? I want to answer you as you deserve, but please know I have read you
Congratulations on the landmark! Well done, you’ve reached a real milestone… I hope the next three boost your blog to a whole new level! All the best…
Ross´s last blog post..How to stay inspired in tough times
Hi Robin,
I don’t know but maybe those trees on your road and how you reacted gave me a hint… http://letsliveforever.net/200.....-my-plans/
That’s optimism.
Hi Aylad
Actually, I don’t feel that accomplished, the wind has been pushing me nicely along the seas, and I have been able to learn a few things along the way. Like writing posts in advance, imitating the pros, just things like that.
Miguel de Luis´s last blog post..Eldietario is 3 months old (and got a new name)
Hi Ross,
Thanks for your compliments and, prophecy, I hope
Hey Miguel de Luis,
I feel like I have known you for years and it has just been three months. As you know, my lengthy comments started up a conversation that we have had going on for some time now. I am so glad you have no word limits in you comment section. I have enjoyed every “opinion” you have given me. Of course, Dylan (my son for those of you that don’t know him by now) has gotten to know you through “Call it Freedom.” You have shared so much with us in such a short time. I reflect back on the book review, the roots article, my trying to read Spanish again and failing, the sharing of wings, and the list goes on and on.
You have taught me so much in such a short period of time about just how small this world really is. Even though you sit on a tiny island far away I feel as though you live next door. You have taken the time to be honest with your readers by not always agreeing with them. You have probably sat back in amazement as some of us have shared our inner most “self” right on a blog. As far as your spiritual beliefs…you could not have said it better. I have said before, you are blessed to have the knowledge on both the Catholic faith and Christian faith(comment on Kindle a Light-Accepting My Protestanship), and I am sure your knowledge does not stop at just those two. You are truly a blessed person.
Now, what am I leaving out. Oh, you can make money and support the children that you care so much about. They are part of your very being and I am sure you will support them for the rest of your life no matter where you life leads you. Balance is the key here. You can be rich. I have never read the book you mentioned but I have read “The Millionaire Mind” by Thomas J. Stanley…it is really a great book.
I wish you much success with this blog and much success with your writing career. I am still brushing up on my Spanish so that I can follow you on your journey.
It is a huge honor to be placed in the header of this post. I will say thank you and leave it at that. (Well, maybe not….you put me up there with some good bloggers ya know….)
Hugs to you! (now if I were creative I would play you some beautiful music like you always do)(I told you that you were gifted)
Tammy
Tammy Warren´s last blog post..The Troubles with Goals
Wow Tammy,
I don’t know what to say, but thanks. I have to say that every single time I go to your blog I expect something unique and deep: you examine your day to day life and then extract from it universal truth.
As for the children, yes the idea has crossed my mind
On the words limits for comments… I just did not know I could do that.
Hugging back >O<
Miguel de Luis´s last blog post..Eldietario is 3 months old (and got a new name)
Congratulations–it looks you’re only picking up steam as you continue! It was really enjoyable to hear such a detailed explanation of the “why” behind your writing, not just the “what.” I think you’ve got a great attitude about your writing and about your profitability!
Sara at On Simplicity´s last blog post..Handling Feedback Elegantly and Easily
Hi Sara,
Thanks a lot for your kind words. To be honest, right now, with the pressures of the end of the year at work, I feel under a heavy stone, but thanks again. I’m trying to do my best here!