Thursday, April 3, 2014

“C” is for Challenges

C

Right now, hundreds of bloggers from around the world, myself included, are involved in a month-long blogging challenge which involves writing twenty-six blogs in twenty-six days, one day for each letter of the alphabet. I’m really excited about it this year; I meant to register last year, but forgot until it was too late. I tried to do it unofficially, but life had a tendency to get in the way, so I wasn’t very regular in my writing. this year, though, I’m more organized and come what may, I’m determined to get through this challenge.

Another one of the activities that I enjoy doing (but haven’t had a lot of time for, unfortunately) is quilting. Quilting groups also have challenges, several of which I have enjoyed participating in. I never won a prize, but I did improve my techniques. There are also a number of jewelry challenges in which I might participate someday.

The above mentioned challenges are created to entice us to improve ourselves and to have fun while doing it. They also encourage us to learn how to do new things. A year ago, although I had already had quite a bit of writing experience, from writing my own book (which was a challenge in itself, with all the obstacles put in my way) to writing for an online magazine (also a challenge), I was a completely inexperienced blogger, so of course, I learned new things and greatly improved (at least, I hope) that ability.

Everyday, though, life brings all of us new challenges, giving us the chance to grow and to improve ourselves. If we don’t quite meet the challenge, this in itself should encourage us to try harder and to improve so that next time we will be able to do a better job.

I was born with only one fully developed hand, which is quite a challenge in itself, especially if you consider that Imary and JoAnne doing homework old mcdonald video was born left-handed with very little use of my left hand. I was a very determined child, however, and with the greatest mother a child in my position could desire, I was truly not allowed to rest on what you could call a good excuse to not try, to give up. I was also very stubborn and when someone said “You can’t do that; you only have one hand…” that was the biggest challenge anyone could hand me, and there I would go. A lot of the stuff I did then, like climb trees, play tetherball, switch hit in baseball, play volleyball, play the trumpet, knit, crochet and quilt, were all the result of being told I couldn’t do them. (I guess I showed them! Winking smile)

Today, I’m facing other, equally difficult challenges. Since my dearest friend died in December just getting up to face a new day is a challenge. As I lay in bed I sometimes ask myself, “Why bother? There’s nobody there who cares what you do, so just stay where you are…” Then, I hear Mr. Cardinal singing his beautiful song and I look up to see if I can find him, and behold! there is that silly little black feral cat doing her gymnastics routine next to my American flag in the window outdoors (she earns her keep by entertaining me) and I know there is a reason to get up, and once again that daily challenge is overcome. And I’m getting a little better everyday.

And of course, if I don’t get up, how can I meet the A-Z Blogging Challenge? Open-mouthed smile

 

©2014 Mary Purpari

12 comments:

  1. Mary, I've always admired how you manage everything, despite some physical limitations, like when your knees were so bad you had to use crutches to walk. It didn't ever seem to get you down. Same with the hand. :) Life has dealt you the harshest of blows now, but I know you will get through this as well. Glad to know it's getting better! ☺
    The Doglady's Den

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    1. Thank you, Debbie. I will admit that some days are better than others. I do find that my mental clock is all screwed up, which is why my articles have been coming out so early. Oh well.

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  2. Nice blog piece. If you hadn't bothered to get up I woudl never have been able to read this and the world wouldn't be as rich a place.

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    1. Thank you, you are very nice to say that. If my writing can be found useful in any way and someone tells me, it makes me smile.

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  3. Challenges come in all forms and flavors. They can knock us down or make us stronger; they can make life bleak or give it new, deeper, color. Good for you on facing these head-on. I hope the A-to-Z helps you find new energy after your friend's death (and I'm so sorry for your loss).
    Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

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    1. Thank you for coming by, Guilie. You're so right, the way we meet our challenges determines the end result in our minds. By nature, I am a very cheerful person; Russ' death was very hard on me, and there are times I wonder how I will ever survive, especially if I have the same longevity as most of my family members. But, I will survive and better, I will live and overcome...

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  4. I'm so sorry for your loss. I too am glad you are doing this challenge you are like a star in my distant horizon.
    Dragon Hugzzzzz

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    1. Thank you. Right now, that star is a little opaque, but soon, hopefully, it will start to twinkle merrily until someone is blinded by the light.

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  5. I am sorry for your loss. I appreciate you writing about it. I know how difficult it is to write abt it.

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  6. Still trying to wrap my head around the irony of your limited-use left hand and being "left-handed." Wow. The Universe can send out challenging trials. It sounds like you have been equal to that challenge and many more. I look forward to returning and reading your A-Z posts.!

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  7. Good for you for accepting a challenge.

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

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  8. Thank you Joyce. I hope I'm a better person for the challenges I've accepted and met.

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I would really love to read your thoughts, so leave a comment so we can all converse. Thanks.