The Finish Line (and a Write 31 Days Link Up!)

We did it. 31 posts in 31 days in October. I’m virtually passing cupcakes and coffee and giving you a big “high five” because this writing thing? I’m learning it’s a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, perseverance, commitment, and training. Think of the Write 31 Days challenge like a blogging boot camp, building up that muscle memory your mind & body need to just sit in the chair and DO THE THING.

Write the words.

Create the graphics.

Hit publish.

Share with your friends.

That’s what we did this month, and I never expected to be so blessed as the host of this challenge. God knew, long before Nester ever asked me if I would take it over, that I would say “yes.” And He didn’t waste one moment of the last several years preparing me to do it. If you’re in a season where you can’t quite see the next turn you’re supposed to take, rest knowing that where God has you might just be a training ground to get you ready. 

I learned this month that I love writing about faith and fitness and favorites. I’ve learned that God has built in me a desire to see women encouraged, free, and strong – and He’s using all kinds of crazy things to help me share those messages. I’ve learned that I love teaching others about social media and blogging, and that collaborating with some of my favorite bloggers and companies has led to beautiful friendships.

I learned that I love designing shirts! If you missed the latest “writers gonna write” shirt, you can still shop here (once it hits 10 orders the sale will reopen. Your card won’t be charged until your shirt ships).

I’ve learned that there are thousands of positive, helpful, generous, encouraging, talented writers on the internet. I’ve learned the importance of taking time to build a trustworthy and transparent community, because those are the people who will have your back and say “yes” when you need help.

I’ve learned that writing is hard, and publishing is brave. I’ve learned that God will often interrupt our best intentions with a different direction, and that grace is the most beautiful gift you can give someone. I’ve learned that success is not about finishing a challenge perfectly, but in being obedient to our season.

I learned that a kind word can build someone up, and a critical word can tear someone down. I’ve received both in the last month because of this challenge, and I wouldn’t change a single interaction. It was the reminder I needed that our words truly do matter, and how we treat others can impact someone’s entire day. Words are powerful. And so many of us have spent the last month writing more of them than we ever thought we could.

As we go into November, what do you want to do with your words? You might be wondering, “What’s next?” Watch this replay of Friday’s Periscope for a few suggestions.

Thank you to the wonderful companies who provided gifts and encouragement to the Write 31 Days community:

• Persimmon Prints
• Kristin Schmucker Shop
• Pretty Darn Cute Designs
• DaySpring

Didn’t win one of the weekly DaySpring prizes for our writers? You can purchase them here:

• You’re Loved Canvas Block
• Shine Your Light Pennant
• Words Can Go Journal
• Shine Candle Holder

And congratulations to the winner of the $500 DaySpring shopping spree: Sarah (scdamm@___.com) Check your email Monday information on how to claim your prize!

Now it’s your turn to share your “What I Learned” recap post! What lessons did you learn as you wrote (or attempted to write) this month? How will what you learned this month shape how you blog the rest of the year? Did you have a favorite moment from the challenge? I can’t wait to read them! Use the link-up tool (you’ll have until November 14th) to share your recap post so we can see what you’ve been up to this month (and no, this isn’t just for writers who wrote for all 31 days – if you tried it & learned a lesson, let us know!).

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