![A-to-Z Reflection [2016]](https://i0.wp.com/mysoultalks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/a-to-z-reflection-2016.jpg?resize=520%2C247&ssl=1)
Last year, it was around this time, that I first came across the #A-Z Challenge. I was busy taking my baby steps as a blogger then, hoping to get a grip on the writing schedule, which was such a herculean task. Obviously, therefore, the last thing on my mind would have been a daily blogging challenge. But, then I read a few posts and I found it rather interesting. As a matter of fact, I got lured by it, to the point that I quietly resolved to take it up, even if only to test the waters…and find out if it was as exciting as everyone made it out to be! I am so glad I did!
Overall, it was an experience that I truly enjoyed, even if it drove me insane at times and utterly breathless, as I juggled, home, work, a 11 year-old on vacation and elderly parents who needed attention and care all at the same time. To add to it, my home help was also away for almost a week leaving me wondering why I was so foolhardy not to have anticipated all this (How could I forget there’s Murphy’s Law always at work, at times like this!!!) But, I had signed up and had committed to the challenge and my resolve was not to be shaken so easily. I persisted. Thankfully, better sense prevailed and I stuck to it.
The month of April went by like a roller-coaster, with my thoughts and emotions taking me for a ride, and me, all the while, waiting for something exciting to show up. Since I had not scheduled many posts in advance, after the smooth sailing ended by the first week, I was only able to take my posts two at a time, occasionally posting a day later. Did I tell you, I absolutely loved my theme – Pins on the Map of my Memory, which was about places with a special connect taking me through my personal journeys. I loved recounting the incidents associated with each of the places, where I had once lived or had the opportunity to travel to. Going down memory lane, more like!
And for being able to do this, a huge credit goes out to my mom to whom I remain eternally grateful. Her unflinching support and help that came in handy throughout the month to ensure that I could tap into my keyboard, undisturbed, at a stretch to get those posts out on time. As always, a zillion things to be thankful for, where mom is concerned! She has always been my anchor and refuge in crises!
When I had initially set off at the beginning of April, I had no clue how I was going to keep up with so much reading and commenting every day for an entire month!!! But, that’s why this challenge was so interesting because it made me push my boundaries and re-prioritise my work schedule to make sure that deadlines were met and eventually, I came out of it alive!
As a final note, I must admit, that I had an amazing journey during this time discovering new blogger friends and their awesome blogs. I enjoyed the great time, followed on adventures, read many exciting and engaging stories, and, most of all, made many new friends. Not bad at all for a first-time experience. My only regret: I wish I had more time to read many more blogs! But, I am now catching up on my reading as I take a month-long break to attend to my offline duties and the growing demands of family.
Blogging is great but life is way bigger than that. This moment will pass by but the memories will egg me on…another year…and another challenge…I am ready for the next one 🙂
Congratulations on your A to Z success! I too found that I had to reprioritize so that I could complete posts, but it was a great challenge. It’s wonderful that your mother was able to support you through the challenge so that you could keep on track! I’m glad I found your blog, and I look forward to reading more from you ^^
Kei, so good to hear from you! Thanks and congratulations to you as well, for surviving the challenge! Glad I found your blog…so many of your posts resonate with my experiences. Look forward to reading more from you in the coming days and staying connected 🙂
I guess all we first-timers had a gruelling time though one that was definitely memorable. I loved your posts and it was indeed wonderful connecting with you! Glad you made it through the challenge, wasn’t the feeling so utterly exhausting yet fulfilling?! All the best, see you around 🙂
Thanks for dropping by, Kala. Yes, the fun was in the challenge and we all made it to the end so we all deserve a pat in the back! I am glad we connected and I guess your blog was one of the few that I visited the most! Kudos for doing so well with the challenge and more so, for being there to boost my morale at the time I needed it the most. Would love to visit your blog as before and surely keep in touch 🙂
I loved your theme and read out almost all of your posts. This was my second time in the challenge and I love how this one stretches me so much. It’s not just about writing but so much variety to read, share and build new connections. Congrats for completing the challenge.
Thanks for the love you showed my posts by reading, commenting and sharing them, Parul! I was almost giving up after week 1 but was hugely encouraged by the fact that the posts were being recieved well, which was a big thing for me to go on. I’m so glad I found so much information through your posts about things going on all around us in this world! Congrats to you as well for completing the challenge!!! That was no mean feat!!
I know what you mean . Well congratulations for sticking on and providing me with a wonderfully relaxing travelogue all through April!
Thanks a ton Sunita! Glad to have your presence during the challenge through comments and shares. It really made my journey so much more pleasant knowing there were people who were constantly supporting me..and you were certainly one of them, so thanks again 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the Challenge and that everything worked out.
Yes, agree! I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would, so a big Thumbs up to it 🙂
Glad that you took a chance on A to Z and it worked out for you. It’s a great way to sharpen ones blogging skills.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Absolutely…nothing quite like that seen or done before, so definitely a lot of learning happened 🙂