300…not the movie…
Author: thenicknick
Today is my 300th post.
I look back with pride at how the blog has evolved over the last seven months. And I look back at how my life has evolved over the last seven months and I’m completely awed. We’ve really grown, me and the blog.
Yeah, I used to post a monthly State of the Blog address and couple it with a lovely picture of a fireplace, but somehow that doesn’t seem so important anymore. I was focused on the numbers, focused on growth because that’s what my literary agent told me I needed. Now, the blog is bigger than that. It isn’t about numbers anymore…although big numbers are good and will ultimately help me achieve bigger goals. And the growth that has become most important to me is my own. I’m growing as an individual. I’m getting to know me. I’m focusing on being the best mom I can be, although I’m already out of the running for Mother of the Year in 2010.
The blog has taken on a life of its own, much like my life has taken on a life of its own. I wrote, at the beginning, these happy somewhat strained posts about living with HIM and trying to build a life/family/home with HIM. And it was what I wanted more than anything. Only after a time, you come to realize that what you want isn’t always what you need. And sometimes you discover that while it hurts to lose everything and hit the proverbial rock bottom, sometimes you need to dust yourself off, see what’s left, assess the damage and your assets, build from there. Sometimes, when you think you’ve lost everything, you discover you have so much more than you thought you did.
And sometimes to be truly happy, you need to remember to stop focusing on what you’ve lost and revel in what you have. You need to learn to live in the moment instead of yearning for what you’re missing. Though these lessons are a challenge to accept, the truth is that in doing so…everything you need will be found.
See, I’m still a diamond in the rough. Really. Now, I may not be as rough as I was a few months ago. I’ve made progress. Lots of progress. And it made me start to think about diamonds…the analogies about them, the one I thought HE was gearing up to give me, what makes diamonds so special.
These gemstones have an amazing story. See, diamonds are the only the only gem composed of a single element: carbon. They are practically indestructible, as indicated by the origin of their name: from the Greek “adamas,” which means indestructible. Diamonds are formed under the most stressful of conditions…a combination of pressure, chemistry, and temperature. After they are formed, it takes thousands of years for them to get close enough to the surface to be mined. And given the conditions diamonds are formed in, few are flawless. Instead, in order to create a quality gemstone, sometimes as much as 60% has to be chipped away.
Somehow I find that to be very reassuring. So, I’m just going to keep puttering away, chipping away at my flaws to have that quality life. And apparently there’s no rushing these things. If it takes thousands of years for diamonds to become a cherished gem, what makes me think that I should be there already. As for the pressure, the chemistry…that’s when the biggest changes in my life take place. Big risks. Big rewards.
So, for now I’ll remember that the journey is the destination.
Quick Karma:
- know how precious and sweet life is






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February 2nd, 2010 at 8:50 am
Happy 300th post Nicki…and many more!
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:08 am
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February 2nd, 2010 at 10:14 am
From one diamond in the making to another; great post. Love it.
Happy 300!
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Congrats!! Amazing to look back at all of your posts, isn’t it?! I can relate – my blog turns 1 at the end of February, and I’m so proud! Congrats on the blog, the journey, and the destination
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:28 pm
300 posts? You don’t like a post older than 250!
Er.
Isn’t it interesting, though, to see how far you’ve come in such a short amount of time? And look how far your reach is extending!
Congratulations on having come this far, and on the promise of what lies ahead. As Jolene notes above… here’s to the journey and the destination, and thanks for including us in your travels!
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:01 pm
The diamond in the rough reference reminds me of Disney’s Aladin — you can bust out into song any time now.
Happy 300th post! And thanks for the reminding to live in the moment. =)
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:08 pm
Meredith, I hadn’t thought of that before, but now…
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:08 pm
Rain, I can’t think of a better group of people to travel with!
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Jolene, thanks for finding me! I’m really glad we ‘met.’ And I look forward to reading a big anniversary post in the near future.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Mindy, we all have room for improvement, right?
Glad to be getting to know you!
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Pippi, so glad you’ve joined the blog family. Can’t wait to keep reading your milestones.
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:59 pm
happy 300th post day! If I had some confetti, I’d throw it at you. =) I may have missed the first 290 posts of so, but, I’m glad to celebrating with you now. I can’t help but wonder where I’ll be in 7 months… and hope it’s a good place.
in the mean time.. thanks for the reminder to try to enjoy the ride…
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Well, now there’s the pressure – to have a wonderfully, superb post for my year anniversary
I have some time to think on it! ha! And yes, I agree, so glad we have found each other, I love your posts!