It’s February 1st, and you know what that means … it’s time to begin my quest and rediscover my voice in the Ultimate Blog Challenge. (UBC for short.) Those of you who have read my blog for a while now know that I attempt this challenge quarterly. But, really… what is this challenge? Let me break it down for you.
Ultimate
There are two definitions for this word. It can be used as an adjective, like the ultimate – or final – goal. It can also be a noun – like this blog challenge is the ultimate – or the best of its kind. For me, both of these definitions are true. My ultimate goal is to post a blog 31 times throughout the month. Ideally, I will wake up each day and prioritize writing over everything else. As you may guess, life will get in the way at times, but I will do what it takes to reach the end successfully.
It’s also the “ultimate” because it is one of the best writing challenges I’ve participated in. This is thanks to our fearless leader, Paul, and all of the bloggers who write posts and offer praise and comments. Any writer will tell you that they need a community to lift them up and support them. When I write and post, the ultimate compliment is when someone comments with their own stories and thoughts. And I encourage you, dear reader, to do so.
Blog
This blog is important to me. It’s an extension of who I am as a writer and a person. I keep saying that someday I will string these blogs together into a book of essays. Creative nonfiction and essays are big sellers right now. We all want to connect, and I believe that these types of posts and books create community. I just need a little more confidence and a big push to turn this dream into a reality.
Writing also helps me think. Some people like to run great distances to clear their heads. Others like to take long showers and sort out their problems. I write.
Challenge
While I’ve been writing for years, the process does not come naturally to me. It can take me half an hour to write a post, or it can take days. Sometimes, I wake up and think I have nothing to say. Years ago, my writing coach taught me when that happens, I should put pen to paper anyway and start writing – “I don’t know what to write.” over and over again. And guess what, it works every time! Eventually, a topic will come to me out of nowhere. Like magic.
Speaking of magic, there was an article in the latest issue of Poets and Writers called “The Button Chair.” In it, the author writes about a workshop she attended with this title. She wondered what this magical chair was and did it have superpowers that enticed the right words to come out on paper. Spoiler alert – it wasn’t that at all. There is no such thing as a button chair. There is only “butt in chair.” Meaning, sit down and do the work. Don’t be distracted by laundry, dishes, and errands. Put your butt in your chair and start writing.
This is exactly why I need UBC in my life. It is where the magic happens. UBC gives me a place and a purpose to discipline myself. I’m held accountable by my fellow writers and readers. And in time, I establish a regular writing habit.
So, I’m ready. I have everything I could ever need – my favorite pens, pristine notebooks, a good laptop, my button chair, and you.
Brenda Fluharty
February 1, 2021 at 9:45 pm (3 years ago)I love this post. I for one have changed the way I do things. I am writing every day now. I feel I own it to myself. I have a passion for writing and helping people. I took years of self discovery to figure out what works best for me.
Elisa Heisman
February 2, 2021 at 3:27 pm (3 years ago)Thanks, Brenda! I am doing my best to write every day even though I don’t always post. Although this month, I’ll have to write and post to get through this challenge. LOL.
Crystal Green
February 1, 2021 at 8:38 pm (3 years ago)Writing used to be as natural as breathing to me for a long time. However, I got away from writing daily. Now it’s slowly coming back to me, but it’s still not natural feeling yet.
I’m glad to be taking part in this UBC this time around because I’m hoping it will help me to break out of this shell and get back into the rhythm of writing with ease.
Angie Vallejo
February 1, 2021 at 8:36 pm (3 years ago)Great way to look at the challenge! And yes, colorful pens are definitely necessary.
Glenda Cates
February 1, 2021 at 7:06 pm (3 years ago)I love the tip of I have nothing to write I wonder if this would work with my son who is Homeschooled. As more times than not I hear this…
Martha
February 1, 2021 at 5:45 pm (3 years ago)What a great explanation of the UBC!! One thing you said, “someday you want to write a book of essays.” I just completed a 5 day destress your mess challenge and the host said there is no “someday” in the week. So get started now or you may end up putting it off!!! Glad you see you back in the challenge!
Elisa Heisman
February 1, 2021 at 9:12 pm (3 years ago)You are so right. Thank you for the extra push. Good to see you too!
Di
February 1, 2021 at 4:57 pm (3 years ago)A little smile from me. Yes, get your butt into the chair and write. Ignore the housework. (Wish I could!)
Roy A Ackerman, PhD, EA
February 1, 2021 at 4:45 pm (3 years ago)Interesting thoughts on the challenge…
Stacy Russell
February 1, 2021 at 3:57 pm (3 years ago)Yep getting our butt in the chair puts us in the right place to take action. I’m ready for the challenge!
Francine
February 1, 2021 at 3:53 pm (3 years ago)I absolutely love this! It will definitely help me to stick with the challenge this month.
Elisa Heisman
February 1, 2021 at 3:55 pm (3 years ago)I’m glad!
Kate Loving Shenk
February 1, 2021 at 3:17 pm (3 years ago)Ha Ha!! I like that explanation!! Onward!!