As most of you know, I’ve been absent from my own pages for quite some time. Sometimes life gets in the way, especially when you are a full-time caregiver with a full-time life. Your world gets shuffled around as if thrown in a clothes dryer where the heavier, clunkier items fall to the bottom. When you are involved in a tragedy sometimes the words get lost in the sorrow and grief. I can’t say I haven’t written, but most of it wasn’t fit for human consumption. I have several drafts where I have spewed out my anger across the page like venom from a snake. When I saw that nothing good would come from it I just shut it down and avoided writing about anything personal for awhile.
I also can’t say that it’s been all bad. Losing my brother helped me to realize that life is short as if I needed a reminder and that I had better get my ass in gear if I didn’t want to leave this world with a whole list of regrets. I love my little corner of the blogosphere, but it still wasn’t all that I really wanted to be or do. I knew that if I did what I was thinking about it could be a life changer so I did what I do best and I ignored those feelings that I had been having for the last year. That’s when Julie Stoian entered the picture.
Well, technically she didn’t enter the picture she’s always been here in the background teaching me how to take care of my site and turn it into something that I could be proud of. I’ve always had this inherent need to take things apart and put them back together. I’m adult enough to admit that it hasn’t always worked out well, but in the end, I usually figure it out. I know this comes from my father.
There was nothing I loved better than tinkering in the garage with my dad when I was a kid. I mean with 5 kids you couldn’t go around replacing all the things that got broken or stopped working around the house. It may be a toaster or child’s toy, even a lawnmower or pool filter. Whatever it was, I was his assistant who handed him the right tools at the right time. All the while soaking up his attention and his knowledge like the little sponge that I was.
Julie became my teacher and I learned everything that she put in front of me. I couldn’t get enough so when she started her school with courses designed to help you turn your blog into a business, of course, I signed up! I knew I would learn so much from her, but I had no idea when I began just how much it would change my life.
Maybe it was the timing, but I happen to think it is her teaching style. I’ve always been able to learn from her and that is not always easy for me. This course was different from all of the others I had signed up for. This wasn’t just a series of webinars that you sign up for and that’s it. This is real one-on-one help that allows you to see where your talents are and how to market those talents to become a success. It doesn’t stop there. She also guides you step by step through the setup process. Everything from marketing and Facebook ads to making an ebook or setting up your own courses. The sky is the limit.
When we started out with our first phone session we talked about T.D.A.C. and what I saw for its future. While I love this site and writing here I don’t see it as a lifetime commitment. I don’t know if 10 years from now if I will still want to talk about Alzheimer’s and Caregiving. I’m not saying I won’t, I’m just not as clear on that. She picked up on my lack of direction immediately and finally I broke down and explained that while I love to write and shine a light on Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers everywhere it isn’t my first love.
My first love is the nitty-gritty technical part of blogging. I love to do design work (notice the constant changes in design that goes on around here every few weeks!). I love to migrate blogs from Blogger or WordPress.com, I love coding and I love putting a package together that is going to help someone achieve their own goals. It is like I signed up for a foreign language and understood what the people around me were saying when I walked in the door. It hasn’t been easy of course, there have been lots and lots of hard work, but nothing good ever comes easy. I’ve put in that work and with the guidance I’ve received every step of the way I have the confidence to go out in the world as a determined successful business woman.
You see, she not only taught me the nuts and bolts of Technical V.A. work she also taught me to believe in myself like nobody else ever has. She not only made me believe in myself she showed me that she believed in me by becoming my very first client. Whatever niche you are in if you feel like you are at a crossroads this could be your answer to the questions that you may or may not have even asked yourself yet. I know of a few of you who would truly benefit from these courses. Even if you never open your own business there is so much valuable information taught that you will see the benefits no matter where you want to take it
I have opened my Technical V.A. Services business (The Blogging 911) and I’ve never been happier. I feel like I’ve finally found what I have been looking for. It fits into my life like a glove. I am not a person who is upfront and comfortable with it. I would rather work in the background. It is something that I can do and still take care of my mother, write here, and it doesn’t amp my anxiety up like going outside my home would cause. It fits my hermit lifestyle perfectly because everything that I need to be a success is right inside these four walls! I’ll keep you posted and if you’re a blogger sign up for your 15-minute blog checkup!
Remember to:
Appreciate the good, laugh at the crazy, and deal with the rest!
I love you momma!
Just so you know I ha
Dear Rena,
First congratulations on starting your business The Blogging 911! Thank you for sharing the journey you have been on and your honesty. What a beautiful thing to re-discover your first love.
And keep writing the venom and anger, I know it might seem counter-intuitive – but it helps. I found not just anger, but rage inside me after our son, Justin, died. Writing moved that rage around in safe ways, some days I truly wanted to throw things through windows. I am here if you ever want to write or talk. My brother, Vincent, died in 2005 and I am still sorting through his death.
Wishing you great success and looking forward to watching your business grow! May you and your house experience a peace-filled day and week.
Love, Terri
Thank you so much, Terri! I really appreciate you very kind words.
Rena McDaniel recently posted…The Path To Personal Success Looks Different For Everyone
It’s a great goal and you’re perfect for it.
Some of us need a tech person who is also a friend because our blogs personify us and friends get that. Also we can whine to them. Kinda kidding.
Break a leg!
pia recently posted…Let me never end up….
You crack me up Pia! I have to get started on yours. Right now I am down with the flu, so anything other than sneezing or coughing seems to be too much today.
Rena McDaniel recently posted…The Path To Personal Success Looks Different For Everyone
<3 <3
I think it is great that you embraced one opportunity from another! None of us know our future and you taking a hold of setting up your own destiny is terrific.
Haralee recently posted…Conveyer Belt Sushi/Mobile Buffet of Dim Sum
So true Haralee. Your life can look like one thing and then all of a sudden it looks like something unrecognizable. Life is about changing and if you don’t keep up you get left behind. Thank you for commenting Haralee!
Rena McDaniel recently posted…The Path To Personal Success Looks Different For Everyone
Congratulations on starting your new business! I’m so happy for you. I do love to play with technical things on my blog, but like to leave the heavy lifting to the experts. Like you!
Thank you Jennifer! I’m here when you need me!
Rena McDaniel recently posted…The Path To Personal Success Looks Different For Everyone
Nothing warms my heart and restores my faith in life more than to see a woman over forty diving into tech. And coming up for air and then diving deeper!
Mithra Ballesteros recently posted…What Not to Buy New: Collectible Chickens
I love it Mithra! I love anything to do with WordPress these days.
Rena McDaniel recently posted…The Path To Personal Success Looks Different For Everyone
I’m so glad you went ahead and started the business, Rena.
“No regrets” is a good motto to live by.
Karen @BakingInATornado recently posted…Funny Friday: Shopping Lessons
You always have terrific words of wisdom Karen. Thanks for always being there.
Rena McDaniel recently posted…The Path To Personal Success Looks Different For Everyone
I agree with Terri — write from that place of anger. Many will relate with you and it could be a help to them. Writing is healing and I know that you are still writing but sharing is even greater healing.
I was so pleased to see your new business idea and am following it closely, as you know.
Carol Graham recently posted…Can You Solve Any of These 9 Mysteries?
Thanks Carol! I may post them. I haven’t decided yet.
Rena McDaniel recently posted…The Path To Personal Success Looks Different For Everyone
Hi Rena, “When I saw that nothing good would come from it I just shut it down and avoided writing about anything personal for awhile.” Wow, can I relate — that’s exactly where I’ve been for much of the last 9 months. Too much going on, too personal, too many other people involved to share. But I am slowly coming out of the mist to start writing again. Glad you are as well. I’m just thrilled about your new business venture. When I need some blogging tech support, I’d love to work with you as I trust you so much. All my best xoxo
Claudia Schmidt recently posted…Time To Throw Away the College Guides
Thank you, Claudia! It makes me heart heavy to know that you have been suffering. You deserve only happiness and light. I hope that mist goes away for good dear friend. I would love to help you with all of your technical problems.
Rena McDaniel recently posted…The Path To Personal Success Looks Different For Everyone
I’m always amazed by what and how much you handle. So glad you have something of your own that makes you happy
Thank you so much, Kimberly! It feels just like that. My own little thing that I can take out and play with when times get hard. It’s that place where I can go when life gets to be too much.
Rena McDaniel recently posted…The Path To Personal Success Looks Different For Everyone
Oh Rena, I’m so happy for you. And you know I’ll be calling you soon to help me with my blog. Just need to get through a few things first!
Lana recently posted…Motivational Monday XLI
Thanks so much Lana! I’m so thrilled about it. I’ve really been working hard for a long time.
One of my friends asked me why I blogged because I’m not a very social “out there” person and I think it’s what you said about being able to do it from your comfort zone and in your own home. Meeting fabulous people but not having to put yourself out front – I’m so glad you’re finding your niche and a new direction Rena – I’m following your journey every step of the way xx
Leanne@crestingthehill recently posted…loving the journey
I know that is it for me. I’ve pretty much become that hermit I talk about. I only leave the house for very short periods of time. When I am out my anxiety is through the roof.
I am so happy that you have found something that fits your life and personality perfectly! Congratulations.
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love!
Thank Kathy, it’s been hard but with each day comes healing.
Julie is fantastic and so are you, Rena. Love you and wish you the very best in this new journey! Hugs.
Thank you so much Corinne! You are always one of my biggest supporters.
Hmm. I think I am your client! Congratulations on your business. Of course, Julie is amazing and it doesn’t surprise me that she’s been such a help. Love the new blog look you have too!
Carol Cassara recently posted…Forgiving the unforgivable
Yes you are and I really appreciate that Carol. You can count on me.
I am so thrilled that you have really found your calling Rena! I know that The Blogging 911 will be a huge success, just as TDAC has been. Don’t ignore your writing, though – you are a hugely talented story-teller as well! Looking forward to learning more from you!
SusanF – ofeverymoment recently posted…A Simple Trick for Hanging Up a Sweater