Seeking Structure.

Throughout my life, I have struggled with "structure." That is not to say that I don't get things done - I do. Maybe I even get too much done. My mind is always roaming ... I never sleep ... and I am always starting on new ventures in crafting, photography, homeschooling, business, blogging, charity, family projects, farm additions, etc. I have this one life (so far as I know) and I want to fill it with everything that interests me --- all the time. And for the most part, my lack of "structure" suits me. It keeps me jumping from venture to venture without worry for failure ... because I know that my mind works in a circular direction ... and that I will always come back to the places that I have "left off".

BUT --- I do crave structure. Always have. And since lack-of-structure seems to work for me --- I am not certain why.

So, here is my "structure-situation" as it pertains to this blog. I want to give it a schedule of sorts --- something for readers to rely on. I have seen other blogs do this effectively and wonder whether it can work here.

First, the premise of this blog maybe somewhat vague --- but the content contained within is meant to assist & inspire every reader to create their unique, authentic, HANDMADE LIFE. And by handmade, I don't necessarily mean "arts & crafts" ... more along the lines of YOU are the CREATOR of your life (with the assistance of your maker :) . And it is my contention that trying to live YOUR MOST AUTHENTIC LIFE may require any number of the following:

* living outside the "box" a.k.a. the "norm" - avoiding society's pressures on what our lives should be

* getting back to basics - living more simply

* creating abundance all around you in whatever forms you wish

* finding & creating supportive communities of people who live lives by their own design as well

* nurturing ourselves and our families so that we may each live our best life - in support of one another

* expressing ourselves through various forms of art, music and sports

* supporting others in their unique ventures - and learning from their triumphs and setbacks

* sharing our talents (& generosity) with the world

* teaching our children to think outside the box as well - nurturing everything they are and want to become

* creating our own home-based, creative economies - supporting the trades of others while extending our own talents for profit as well

* appreciating all that we are, all that we have --- and all the beauty that others bring into our lives

* seeking out and nurturing our spiritual growth --- collectively or separately

* working to fulfill our every dream & desire

How is that for starters?

Those are the things I think about when I share on this blog. These are the avenues in which I hope to better explore and share. However, I feel a nudge to incorporate some structure to the presentation of the notions expressed above. For example, could each day of the week speak to a different way in which to live "This Handmade Life"?

Would a schedule similar to the following be a way in which to reign in my thoughts / shares / etc? Would it be welcome by my readers? What do you think:

Make-it Monday

(tutorials, recipes, crafts, etc for creating your own)

Thoughtful Tuesday

(reflections on life, parenting, farming, etc)

Wordless Wednesday

(sharing photographs or art to inspire - my own & that of others)

Thrifty Thursday

(frugal ideas, thrifty finds, ways to create something from nothing, etc)

Funny Friday

(videos & stories to make you smile and or crack up laughing)

Shopping Saturday

(sales pitches & reviews for products made by others who are creating their own home-based, environmentally friendly businesses to support their own Handmade Lives)

Inspirational Sunday

(stories, photographs & videos to inspire your own spiritual path)

And as for ways to give to your greater community (and thus give more to yourself than you could have previously imagined) ... I long ago created a website called Give to Begin to Live that will be associated with this blog. I have yet to "put it out into the Universe" ... but please feel free to check it out (please start by reading the Mission Statement") and let me know what you think - or better yet - what you would like to add to it.

Pretty wordy post - I know. Perhaps some pretty lofty ideas too. But I Believe. And I would like to see this blog become a base for some real lively discussion on many of the ideas I have presented ... as well as a place for people to come to for inspiration and sharing.

Please let me know what you think via Blog Comments.

Thank you so much for being part of this blog ... and of my life :)

Love,

Jodi