Friday, 29 June 2018

A new whirl 2018.06 edition


Greetings! Way back in March, I saw this art work that inspired me to try new things and keep track of them. So here are a few of my whirls:
Today I'm joining my blogger friend, Leslie, to share two new activities that I did in June. Leslie wrote that they don't have to be monumental achievements but can be quiet successes. Well said, my friend!

In June, I had my first guest blogger on my blog. I invited my blogger friend, Donna, from Retirement Reflections blog to be my first guest. Since I haven't met Donna IRL, it felt like I was stepping out of my comfort zone. Donna just finished the gruelling A to Z Challenge in April, and was writing several guest posts for other blogs, in addition to maintaining her own popular blog. She promptly accepted my invite, and sent me her guest post before I left for Estonia. So I'm truly grateful for her generosity and friendship. I'd encourage you to visit and subscribe to her blog so you won't miss her post when she returns from her technology break in August.

In June, I was in Poland, exploring Warsaw Old Town with its cobbled streets and historic buildings that were lovingly restored after their destruction during World War II. I used zloty, Polish currency, that I've never used before. I saw street signs in Polish language, ate Polish food in local restaurants, and visited Wilanow Palace built in the late 17th century as a summer residence for King Jan Sobieski III. So many new and splendid experiences on one trip. I'm grateful for having my good health, free time, and financial means to travel. I'm also grateful for having an adventurous spirit that urges me to seize the day and explore the world around me.

Your turn...What new things did you try in June? Have you ever asked another blogger to write a guest post for your blog? What did it feel like for you? I'd love to hear your story.

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40 comments:

  1. Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com30 June 2018 at 21:37

    I think it's always great to stretch ourselves! Good for you for challenging yourself. Although I have written guest posts for others, I am currently running a guest post series on my blog. I have found that if you ask the right people (those that help you feel confident, like Donna), it works great.

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    1. Natalie1 July 2018 at 08:34

      Thank you, Janis, for your comment. I greatly appreciate it. I've been following and enjoying your guest post series. You've built a terrific blogging community.

      Delete
  2. Liesbet1 July 2018 at 02:59

    I haven’t had any guest bloggers on my blog, but I think it’s a perfect way to keep up your blogging “schedule” when you’re absent (traveling or without internet) yourself. Or, if you run out of topics to write about, which I don’t see happening for myself. :-)

    I often try new things and find stepping out of my comfort zone is a step towards adventure and fantastic new experiences. I thrive on them.

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    1. Natalie1 July 2018 at 08:39

      Thank you, Liesbet, for stopping by. Just by reading the excerpts of your memoir, I can't see you run out of topics to write about either :) I'm thrilled to connect with a kindred spirit.

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  3. Jo Tracey1 July 2018 at 18:04

    This post reminds me that since we've been back from France, I've been a tad slack on the trying something new front. I need to rectify that this month. The other thing I need to do this month is to remember to attend some of these linky parties!

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    1. Natalie1 July 2018 at 20:05

      Thank you, Jo, for stopping by. I’m sure you try something new pretty soon. Your month of June was full on. See you at the link ups!

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  4. Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond1 July 2018 at 19:11

    Hi Natalie, I didn't really manage anything out of my comfort zone in June. Unless you count dealing with website problems. I've become great friends with Donna and love her thoughts on life. Have a great week!

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    1. Natalie1 July 2018 at 20:09

      Hi Sue - Your commitment to your blog is impressive. I like your blog new theme. Have a great week!

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    2. Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond3 July 2018 at 19:27

      Thanks Natalie! Great to see you linking up at #MLSTL this week and I'll be sharing on SM. Have a fabulous week! xx

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    3. Natalie3 July 2018 at 19:58

      Thank you, Sue, for hosting MLSTL and sharing. You have a fabulous week, too.

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  5. Unknown1 July 2018 at 20:08

    To be honest June was really just a head down, bum up month for me. I worked and organised and got through some things that had been hanging over my head for a while.

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    1. Natalie1 July 2018 at 20:15

      Thanks, Melissa, for stopping by. Kudos to you for staying organized and getting through things in June. Hope July is a kinder and more enjoyable month for you.

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  6. Sydney Shop Girl1 July 2018 at 20:47

    Not as adventurous as you but this month I took then focus of my fitness program off kilos and centimetres and speeds. Instead I just focussed on the fact that I was out there everyday just doing something and enjoying my good health.

    SSG xxx

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    1. Natalie1 July 2018 at 21:00

      Thanks, SSG, for stopping by. That’s a wise change of focus which leans towards a healthy lifestyle, and not just a phase. Bravos!

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  7. Anne1 July 2018 at 20:53

    I think about asking for a guest blogger but I have not got around to it. June for me was just looking after sick little ones most of the time!

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    1. Natalie1 July 2018 at 21:05

      Thank you, Anne, for stopping by and commenting. I greatly appreciate it. Hope your little ones are back to good health, and July is a kinder and more enjoyable month for you.

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  8. Becky from Becky and James1 July 2018 at 23:27

    I had some guest posters when I had my third baby almost eight years ago now. I really enjoyed it but never branched out and did it again.
    I try new things a bit, they're always tiny because I had a childhood of not being allowed to do things/try things.

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    1. Natalie2 July 2018 at 08:57

      Thanks, Becky, for stopping by. Sounds like you had great guest blogging experience. I’ve been blogging less than two years, still have more to learn. Tiny steps are good foundation, right? We all start with baby steps before we can walk and run.

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  9. Unknown1 July 2018 at 23:32

    I haven't tried a lot of new stuff this past month but did pitch to a new publication :) I have had lots of guest bloggers and hope to have many more :)

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    1. Natalie2 July 2018 at 09:02

      Thanks, Amy, for stopping by. A new publication sounds like a big step forward to me. Glad to hear you had positive guest blogging experience.

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  10. Denyse Whelan.3 July 2018 at 02:21

    I think this is food for thought. I have just been dealing with all of the cancer recovery things for the past year but I recently sensed an urge to give something new a try. I am waiting to hear back but I am hoping the local library likes the idea of me doing a Mindful Mandalas session for adults.
    Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week's optional prompt is "My Home Country" 28/52. Denyse x

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    1. Natalie3 July 2018 at 06:45

      Thanks, Denyse, for hosting. I hope the library takes up your idea, which I think will help the participants. If they don’t, you can try recording and posting videos to share your knowledge.

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  11. Leslie Roberts Clingan3 July 2018 at 13:55

    I think I have finally lost my last marble. I know I read this post and wrote a comment but I guess I promptly closed out without sending it.
    You always amaze me with the ways you navigate in other countries. The currency is a huge issue, not to mention language and cultural differences. When I lived in Panama, I was spoiled because they use American currency. Our travels to Germany and France and Mexico have left me relying on my mathematician, left-brained husband to help me with purchases.
    And maneuvering around the country on public transit!? That involves currency and language and possibly customs, too!! Wow.

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    1. Natalie3 July 2018 at 15:00

      Thank you, Leslie, for stopping by and commenting. I greatly appreciate it. I try to prepare as much as I can before each trip to a foreign country. Each new destination makes me step out of my comfort zone and keeps me alert. I like this type of challenge :)

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  12. Pat WD3 July 2018 at 19:10

    After doing so much new stuff in April and May, June was more a back to the basics for me as we spent most of the month at our beach cottage. The basics here are really good - yoga on the beach, beach walks, stand-up paddle boarding, lots of reading, looking for shells on the beach, some dinners out. I was quite active between yoga and walking, but nothing really out of my comfort zone.

    I have done a few guest posts and always enjoy being introduced to other circles of blog readers. I have not (yet) taken the plunge to have guests on my site. Maybe that's a new thing for later this year?

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    1. Natalie3 July 2018 at 20:08

      Thanks, Pat, for stopping by. I greatly appreciate your comment. Sounds like you’re having a terrific summer at your beach cottage. I enjoyed reading your guest posts on a couple of blogs that I follow. It’s a great blogging community that Sue and Leanne have created with the MLSTL link up.

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  13. Molly3 July 2018 at 21:21

    My step was tiny but significant. I ignored the inner voice that said I could not paint and I painted 3 quilt pieces. I had fun and loved bringing color to a blank canvas.

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    1. Natalie4 July 2018 at 06:08

      Thank you, Molly, for your visit and comment. I greatly appreciate it. Bravos for expressing your creativity through painting!

      Delete
  14. csuhpat13 July 2018 at 22:59

    Very nice. I need to really step out of my comfort zone more often. #MLSTL

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    1. Natalie4 July 2018 at 06:16

      Thank you, Patrick, for your comment. I think by visiting new places, you’re stretching your mind. The photos that you share on your blog reflect this.

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  15. Leanne4 July 2018 at 01:57

    Donna is just the best isn't she Natalie? I love reliable bloggers (and reliable people in general!) Glad you also had a favulous time away and got to tick a few new boxes during the month!

    Thanks for linking up with us at #MLSTL and I've shared this on my SM xx
    Leanne | Cresting the Hill

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    1. Natalie4 July 2018 at 06:22

      Thank you, Leanne, for hosting #MLSTL and sharing on your SM. You and Sue have created a wonderful blogging community.

      Delete
  16. amotheradaughterandlife4 July 2018 at 10:29

    Good for you for getting to step out of your comfort zone. I work on stepping out it is not one of my strengths.

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    1. Natalie4 July 2018 at 11:43

      Thank you, Victoria, for your comment. I’m a work in progress when it comes to trying new things, too. Writing about it on my blog makes me more committed to take actions :)

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  17. Donna B. McNicol4 July 2018 at 14:13

    This is something I have difficulty with - stepping outside my comfort zone. But I'm working on it...well, at least when we cruise. I tend to eat the same things, watch the same things, read the same things, wear the same things. On a cruise, it's easier to try new foods (order something else if you don't like it, no extra charge) and wear more outlandish - for me - clothes. LOL!

    #MLSTL visitor (shared on SM)

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    1. Natalie4 July 2018 at 16:12

      Thanks, Donna, for stopping by. From what I read on your Prime years and Airstream blogs, I think you’ve done many interesting things. I made a note to join you for next month check in post. It will be my first time doing it :)

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  18. Christie Hawkes5 July 2018 at 16:45

    I'm impressed by the new things you did in June. Those were both pretty big steps in my estimation. In June, I signed up to work with a life coach. It has been a good thing, but was scary making that call (and writing the check).

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    1. Natalie5 July 2018 at 17:36

      Hi Christie - Signing up to work with a life coach sounds like a big commitment. I hope the results exceed your expectations. Thank you for stopping by.

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  19. One Mother Hen8 July 2018 at 17:44

    I am one of those people who loves to experience new things, but get so comfortable being in familiar surroundings. I wholeheartedly agree that I need to push myself into doing more away from my comforts :)

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    1. Natalie8 July 2018 at 17:56

      Thank you, Alicia, for stopping by. I think subtle or small changes are good stimuli. Plus they make life interesting :)

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