“THE PLACE TO IMPROVE THE WORLD IS FIRST IN ONE’S OWN HEART AND HEAD AND HANDS, AND THEN WORK OUTWARD FROM THERE.” Robert Pirsig (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance)
I believe that nothing in this life is random. Everything happens for a reason. And so it was that I found myself feeling a bit down before Thanksgiving. I’ve only been blogging for 7 months before that funk hit me….the one that happens when you begin to get sucked in to focusing more on numbers and statistics and social media, etc. And before you know it, you lose the joy and purpose of why you began blogging in the first place and question why you even started it at all!
And right around this time, I was looking at food related stuff online and by accident (or so it seemed!), came across this article for the Manna Food Center which is actually located in my very own town! I kept it in the back of my mind and began to look at other Food Donation organizations both locally and nationally. A few days later, I got a flyer in the mail from ….Manna! And I thought….wow…what a coincidence! (Or was it???) And on the day that I was making my Poppy Pistachio Wafers, the doorbell rang and there appeared two young high school girls, collecting food for…..yup…..Manna! And then I knew at that moment…..that these encounters were not a coincidence, and they were not random.
And then it hit me. And I suddenly felt ashamed of myself for fretting over how many people might be looking at my cupcakes. When the reality is there are so many children who go to bed hungry at night, who can only dream of eating cupcakes. And there are families who must decide each month between paying for utilities or paying for groceries. Or how about the elderly who must choose between food and medication? And so this is what I decided to do…….
What started out as merely a hobby for me has turned in to so much more. For one reason. And for one reason alone. For the most amazing, caring, inspiring, and giving people I have ever had the pleasure and privilege to meet along the way. I am so appreciative of all the support, encouragement, advice and guidance from all of you. And I am so grateful for the friendships.
I am going to take the advice of everyone I’ve talked to ‘behind the scenes’. Forget about the numbers. Stay true to myself. Create what makes me happy. Put my best work out there. And if I ever forget the joy in what I am doing, go back and look at my post for ‘I Wish It Were My Birthday Cake’. And remember. And in remembering, I will also remind myself how fortunate I am to afford this blog, a computer, a camera, the ingredients to make something that brings me pleasure.
So in honor of my 100th post, I made an ongoing pledge to contribute monthly to the Manna Food Center. And I encourage everyone to pick an anniversary associated with your blog and make a small, simple, even one time contribution to an organization dedicated to ending hunger in this world. I guarantee you, it will be the best slice of humble pie you have ever tasted.
What can I say Anne, other than you’re awesome. You bring so much to the blogging world beyond good food. So yep… stay true to you; screw the numbers. With as good as you are, the numbers will come in time.
Wow! Just what I needed to read at this moment. You are so right about not worrying about the numbers. I started blogging in February as a hobby, but lately, I’m always checking statistics, instead of counting all the new friends I’ve made along the way. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thats a great deed you have done. Yes, I have to agree with you that everything happens for a reason. As for me, the joy of blogging has certainly made my hubby very happy as he gets to taste new recipes and giving that feedback so that I can improve further.
Anne! What a lovely, heartfelt post!! I agree…. we are all very lucky and most of us don’t even know it. What a great idea to give monthly to the food banks. I just recently helped my daughter’s preschool make weekend food packs for children who don’t get food over the weekend because they live in dire circumstances. They are basically only guaranteed food during the school week for breakfast and lunch. Their dinner, weekends and holidays are sometimes hungry times for these children. When I was packing the microwave ready food I realized that some of these kids have to feed themselves because they just don’t have someone to look after them properly. It broke my heart in so many ways. I have been doing a lot of soul searching myself regarding the true meaning of giving and this post just makes me say “Anne, you got it right!” Thank you my friend.
I am always donating food through out the year and it does have its own special rewards. Glad to see that you have gotten into the giving spirit.
Regarding the whole numbering system and blogging, sometimes it does get to be too much. Those days leave me pondering on what changes I should make so it does not get to that point. There is a lot of food blogging communities out there that focuses on food without numbers. However, my blog is an infant (blogging publicly for 6 months) so for now I am just dealing with the ups and downs. This was a very good read, glad I stopped by.
Oh Anne, you are so inspirational. I know it’s so easy to get caught up in numbers, I do it too. Posts like this bring me back to earth though. You are wonderful, my friend!
Anne, you have so hit that chord and it’s singing out loud. Bravo to you. Great idea on the Manna Food Center – need to look this out, and indeed equivalents in Europe. It’s so true that we can get wrapped up in something that we love and often we ask ourselves why we continue for no remuneration and often I don’t focus enough on the family as a result. But looking at ourselves at another angle and realising what we have and being thankful pulls on the brakes. Something that we need now and again. Great post!
So beautifully written Anne! It is SO easy to lose track of purpose – both in blogging and in life. I try hard to focus each day on finding that joy and passion and if people join me along the way, that’s great. But if I only do it for me, well, that’s okay too. And as you so eloquently wrote, it’s all about perspective and gratitude. Happy 100th post! May you be blessed with many, many more!
Oh, Anne – that is the most inspiring post. A beautiful sentiment and beautifully written! Congratulations on your 100th post and here’s to many more amazing recipes! You are a terrific bloggy friend!
It’s a little scary how easily we can loose track of why we begin doing things in the first place. Usually because we love it and things done with love always satisfy. Thanks so much for this wonderful and inspiring post; we all need reminding of why we do what we do from time to time. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Anne, this post is the definition of inspiring.
I couldn’t agree with you more. There is no such thing as coincidence. Sometimes things have to float before us more than once before we become aware of them but how beautiful that Manna seeped in to your consciousness and you decided to act on it. You know, there is only one piece of advice I share with my boys when it comes to ‘career planning’ and that is: Do what you love and the rest will sort itself out. I think you are absolutely on the right track Anne – it’s hard not to be distracted by the ‘stuff’ that surrounds us but when we stay true to ourselves – peace and happiness follows. Blessings to you Anne.
Anne, such a beautiful and inspirational post! I helped my youngest with a neighborhood food drive this fall…and it IS a blessing to be able to give to those in need. I love your plan to donate every month. You are a gem…
Wonderful post, Anne! What a wonderful cause to donate to. And you are right, I think we all get caught up in the numbers and other things like photography and it makes us forget why we started our blogs in the first place! Glad you have reminded us of this, especially during this time of year!
A beautifully written and meaningful post. I like numbers, but not crazy about them at all. Congratulations on your 100th post, Anne, and I am glad that I have you as my friend.
Happy Holidays!
Angie
Great post Anne! I started my blog in March and I told my husband that I would never get wrapped up in the stats. I love food and just wanted to do it for fun and so far that has worked out. I find that I read more post from wonderful people like you who I have met through blogging than actually posting these days lol. As a family we always try and volunteer and give back it is so important, and we managed to find a organization that specializes partnering non profits with children here in Seattle. Julian has been able to help prepare food for the homeless and hand food out and do arts and crafts with children that live in a shelter. We try and teach him that what you have doesn’t define you, your character and what you do does.
Congrats on your 100th post I can’t wait to read the next 100.
“Without a rich heart wealth is an ugly beggar.” Emerson
Humble Pie never tasted so good. Amazing friends like you are the best part of blogging. Thank you for bringing us back to square one and have a peaceful and blessed Christmas and New Year.
What a great idea and a great post! I love and agree with everything you said! We are so blessed to have so much more than so many other people. It’s very important to share and stay an active part of your community. That is so cool that Manna ended up being in your home town! Thank you for your words, your support, and your friendship! Keep blogging Darlin! Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!
Hey thanks everyone! Your words make me want to cry right now! Somehow…this just felt like the right thing to do! : )