When launching into any goal, I typically visualize myself accomplishing the desired outcome. As an athlete, I visualized my wins. As a sales representative and manager, I visualized my quota attainment. As a business owner, I set monthly income goals and pictured myself making the deposits.

Oddly, when NaBloPoMo rolled around this year, I jumped in without much thought and certainly no visualization of a finish line. I did recall how much I enjoyed participating last year because of the group I teamed up with, so when the offer came to join up again, it was a no-brainer for me.

No finish line considered, no days between the starting line and the finish line pondered, no strategy set out, I jumped in. And, I learned a very valuable lesson; it’s OK to post without perfection. Perhaps because I didn’t set a strategy, I frequently posted later in the day than I usually do (when not trying to post daily.) More often than not, I was writing in the hour right before bed with eyes only half-open (as I am right now.) Just as it isn’t safe to drive when tired, it’s not the best idea to write and, more importantly, post when tired. However, unlike tired driving, I discovered there is no risk of life when a comma goes rogue or a spelling mistake goes uncorrected before the “publish” button is clicked. Life doesn’t stop. Hate mail doesn’t fill my mailbox. My husband still loves me and laundry still needs to be folded.

I don’t know if the “powers that be” behind NaBloPoMo set out to teach life lessons through the challenge of daily writing and posting. I sort of doubt they did. However, it’s often been said that if you want to be a writer, just write, write, write. So, this month, I wrote. Some days, I pushed myself, and other days, I pushed it out so that I could crawl into bed. There were several mornings I cringed at the typos I saw in the previous evening’s post. But, life moved on and my posse of NaBloPoMo partners kept shining the light into the dark tunnel, encouraging me to keep moving forward, and for that I am so grateful!

With eyes only half-open, I am crossing the finish line tonight. Another November has come to a close and with it, another NaBloPoMo. Among my blogging buddies, there’s been discussion about re-upping for December. I don’t know that I am ready to wade into those waters, but I don’t want to lose the momentum I’ve gained. I’m thinking I may commit to 3 posts per week, but I want to spend some time visualizing that one first.

Thank you, all, for joining me in this ride once again, and an extra special thank you for quietly forgiving all the typos!