written December 28, 2020

So, I’m a big Seth Godin fan.  I mean big.  (If you don’t know his work, click here).

I read his daily blog, listen to his podcast and read his books.  Most recently, I dove into his newest book, The Practice.  It’s all about shipping your creative work – noticing things, having something to say…and saying it publicly.   

Not for fame or notoriety.  But, as Seth says to put yourself “on the hook” – to show up with consistency and contribute to your community.  I love that notion.  But, wow have I been doing a full-on tango with imposter syndrome getting this going.

Last night I sat for hours brainstorming what to call this.  And after what felt like a funhouse of brick walls, I thought to myself (again), “What are you thinking?  Just stop.  There are hundreds of thousands of blogs…how can I even begin to contribute something different.”

And then I woke up this morning and read Seth’s blog. Here’s what he said:

The most important blog post – It is on the most important blog. Yours. Even if no one but you reads it. The blog you write each day is the blog you need the most. It’s a compass and a mirror, a chance to put a stake in the ground and refine your thoughts. And the most important post? The one you’ll write tomorrow.

-Seth Godin

Okay, okay Seth…I hear you.  I’m here.  I’m writing.  Here goes.

Welcome to _______.  At the time of this writing, I have no idea what to call this blog.  But, Seth says that waiting for the muse to strike is fruitless.  He argues that the best thing to do is just start.  Start, knowing that you’re not going to be good yet.  Start, knowing that with every post you will find your voice, find your style and find the others who might want to share this journey with you.  Just start and keep showing up.  And, the process will lead the way.

So, I’m starting.  I’m drafting the first few posts of this blog with only a vague idea of where this is headed.  That’s not the point.  It’s not about the destination or the goal or the shining achievement.  It’s about the joy in the journey.  And all we will learn along the way.

(Updated – February 2, 2021) Well, you’ve probably guessed it, but I figured out the name of the blog. And, once again Seth was right. I found it once I started writing. (There it is right in the paragraph above – in the italics.) But you’ll notice I changed it just slightly. Two reasons. Number One – I’ve decided that the joy isn’t just in the journey… it IS the journey. And, Number Two – it’s not just any journey…it’s YOUR journey. Because, well…I hope we’re in this together.

So here we go – “The Joy is Your Journey.” Let’s do this.  And if you’re reading this…thanks for coming along with me.

Welp, I think I’m “on the hook” now…see you next time. Until then,

Journey On.