Autumn Reflections

/ November 12, 2019

Autumn Reflections

Autumn seems to be the time of year I become more reflective.

The reflectiveness builds as we move into winter with longer and colder nights. Despite my urban ways, I’m grateful to still be tuned to the rhythms of nature. As a side note, I just lost my full-time job. The company has offered part-time work, but I’m not sure it will be enough work or income. I’ve enjoyed having a fulltime income to help rebuild my savings. Conversely, I’ve missed having more time to relax, read, write, and reflect. So this is a good opportunity to decide what mix of work and play I really want.

Meanwhile, today I had fun diving into my site stats for the first time in a while. It’s amazing to me how much has transpired on this blogging journey. I’m surprised to realize that I’ve been blogging for over 8 years! I’m grateful for the growth in subscribers, views, posts, etc. Those aren’t the ultimate measure of my success and yet, I find satisfaction in seeing the growth in my blog.

In case you’re wondering, I started my blog in October 2011 with an average of 6 views per day. As of November 2019, my site averages 60 views a day. It’s been higher in years when I posted 2-3 times a week. Even posting just once a week, I’m delighted to see my blog is still growing. I have about 5160 subscribers, 1034 posts, and 125,555 views overall. These aren’t rockstar stats, but they’re fine by me. For a guy who never aspired to write or blog, I’m amazed at the growth of this blog.

And more importantly, I’ve made some wonderful connections here on WordPress. I’ve had people who burst onto my blog and life and then just as quickly disappear. And I’ve had other people stay for the long haul. It’s intriguing to see these comings and goings. Eight years is longer than any romantic relationship or job I’ve had. So for a guy who has been hesitant to commit, this blog is a sign of personal growth, commitment, and reward.

Thank you again for being part of my blog, growth, and life. I sincerely appreciate each of you and am grateful that you find value in my blog.

May we continue to grow in our capacity to connect and to love. 

Blessings, Brad

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62 thoughts on “Autumn Reflections”

  3. Hi Brad sometimes the Universe delivers our wishes and I know you were not feeling comfortable within your new job, so maybe it’s giving you another doorway and opportunities to set your compass to the heading your heart is in.
    Beautiful image and wow to your stats, seems we both arrived at WP in the autumn, mine was Oct 2010😲 where has that time gone??
    I’m still taking time out a little but will be popping back in to catch up with friends
    Much love to you Brad 🤗 💕 take care of you and congratulations on your successful blog. 💚

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  5. This is full of all sorts of beautiful things, Brad. On to the next exciting adventure while reflecting on the blessings of your past- something so many of us forget to do. You brighten people’s day with your beautiful photos, perspectives, and reflections about nature and life. Even when your musings have a twinge of somberness, they reflect your humanity and the ebb and flow of the highs and lows we all experience. I’m glad to be a part of your growing fan base, and I intend to continue to do so for as long as our paths allow. 🙂

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    • What a kind and perceptive comment Brooke. I’m glad I remembered to pause and enjoy the progress. I like being real and vulnerable without turning my blog into a diary or pity party. 🙂 I’m grateful to share the journey with you and hope it’s a long ride. Hugs and stuff! ❤

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  6. 8 years is a long time, Brad. I’m glad your blog has been a fulfilling experience for you. And though you downplay the number of followers and visits, it’s not too shabby at all! Visiting your place is always a treat, a retreat into serenity. Congrats. I enjoyed your reflections. 😀

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    • Yes Diana, 8 years is a long time, especially for me. I’m very grateful for the growth and meeting wonderful people like you. I love your writing, appreciate your kind words, and am humbled that you find terats on your visits. Hugs and stuff, ❤

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  9. so wonderful to see the growth since the start! thank you for sharing your journey so that we may celebrate with you, as one person’s accomplishments are all of ours! at least in my opinion. interesting i started my blog in february of 2011. 2011 seems to be a year for several of us. i didn’t really do much with my blog for the first year or so at all. anyway, it’s wonderful to reflect on it all and autumn is so perfect that into the more wintery inner months. beautiful photos! i love the one of the leaves on the water especially. a myriad of colors floating together and creating a beautiful painting….kind of like the shifting colors of your journey that are weaving together some new work of life’s art for you. i’m interested to see what the changes entail. lots of fun options! hugs to the adventure ahead!

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  12. Right on Brad! Glad to see you are still with us and doing well. It’s amazing how long we have all been blogging together, since 2012 really when it all really began…Stay warm, stay happy and stay well…Wishing you happy holidays ahead and peace within….Blessings…VK ❤

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  14. Congratulations on your commitment, Brad! I think you’ve done beautifully. I’ve been blogging for as long as you and barely have 1/5 of your stats! I am satisfied with the connections I have made blogging – and the way it’s gone so far. I’ve had 3 big commitments all happening at the same time. I seem to keep growing in commitments, so grateful you are blogging beside – and – that you are seeing your growth! 🙂 Sometimes we can lose sight of the fact that we are progressing.

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      • I am with you. Locally is where my heart is 💗 and well, I guess I keep stretching myself. I’m at the gym now and I’m really winding down. Being able and willing is such a good thing! I am gonna celebrate that about you! Best wishes with your job! I know I struggle with things like income but I’m hoping when I work with my business coach (if I can get there – she seems to stick around until I am ready) I can improve my ability to earn. It would serve my family well, and be a good example to my daughter’s future if her mother can improve. Also with my lines of work, I have to put people in front of income. I believe that anyways. To be of service…. so then the only obvious thing is my skills have to improve – so there’s a lot of internal pressure, which exercise helps… and you have it, full circle ⭕️! I will continue to keep reading your blog as best I can.

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  16. What a lovely post that gives, and gives some more. First, congrats on blogging for 8 years. Isn’t it amazing, all we have learned by connecting and being connected with others? It’s a wonderful (and unexpected) gift. And I feel the same way you do – some follow and comment on our blogs (as we do with them) for a long time, and then suddenly they’re not there. I miss them! But each to their own time and blog, I suppose.
    I don’t know whether to be glad or sad that your full time position has gone away, since it seems that you’re enjoying the extra time for reflection and calm.

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  19. I love it, Brad! And I resonate with all of it…the comings and goings and the relationships that will last forever. I wonder sometimes how we lose touch with people we really felt a connection.
    Keep on keeping on! The world is a better place for those who visit your blog 😉

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  21. Life is never easy, Brad, and is certainly full of change and surprises. I had resigned two years ago and had planned to write full time. On my last day, a huge event happened at the firm and I decided to stay on until it was through the storm. I am still there 2 years later and still wondering if I should go or stay.

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  22. Great job of taking time to celebrate your commitment, the wondrous journey, and what you have created here. ❤️Sometimes people only look at what is not happening or where they failed. I am glad to see you are noticing what you have accomplished. Do you have a lot to celebrate.

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