FROG FINALE
As of this post, my online FROG Blog completes its 9-year literary journey on the lily pad of life.
I’ll enter the still backwaters with less words, more quiet; from technological presence to in-person communication. Real-time. No screen required. No passwords to remember. Less reliance on electronic devices.
There’s relief in the grief as I say goodbye to a world of accelerated speed. I choose to pump the brakes and downshift.
In 2017, when I exposed the FROG Blog to online presence, my sole purpose was, and still is, to offer soul and spirit care. FROG represents Fully Relying On God (and Generosity and Goodness). I live to be kind, encouraging, and promote a gentler approach to a sometimes-harsh world.
I support EI over AI. Emotional Intelligence. Empathetic Integrity. Nothing artificial or seemingly intelligent. I’d rather have mass reduction over mass production.
Since 2017, as communication methods and standards shifted, I jumped onto the popular algorithm train and slowly derailed myself. Quotas, sales, frequency of book tours, and reviews. Tracking numbers of likes and dislikes according to people I couldn’t even see.
I typically found extreme joy in writing, teaching workshops, and mentoring aspiring creatives, but eventually these pleasures became pressure. Some days, I felt like I played a solo game of leap FROG, jumping over myself to compete with unseen, artificial forces.
Fast forward through my intense swampy waters of this decision process….
I want to reflect and respond to the spirit-nourishing materials that add value to my spirit. To appreciate what’s already been written or spoken. My world doesn’t have room for another TikTok video or podcast.
I’ll always write. My DNA requires paper and pen to survive. My health depends on literary therapy, so I’ll remain open to invitations for writing assignments, life coaching clients, facilitating retreats, and teaching workshops. I’ll be available through in-person, organic, word-of-mouth marketing.
So, for what I know today, “Hip Waders: A Naked View of a Soul” will be the last book I’ll publish. This vulnerable collection is from my handwritten journal entries and contemplative musings from these past 3 years. Please read it gently. Review it kindly.
I may not leave this world with a bang, but I step back with a sense of resolution, steadiness, calm, and grace. I jump off this lily pad and leave you with my 8-word brand of core values: “She smiles. She writes. She encourages. She believes.”
Less is more, and even less is even more.
For those who’ve been part of this FROG journey:
What’s one post, story, or moment from the FROG Blog that stayed with you?
I’d love to hear your reflections as we close this chapter together.
Keep FROGGIN’,
Christina,
Spreading sunshine one smile at a time (in person 😊)
Hi Christina,
I had a feeling this would be the final post on your blog, and on the internet overall.
I totally understand all of the reasons for taking this step.
In all honesty, I’ve had many such feelings over the years since I started writing on Facebook, and my blog, Walking by Inner Vision (December 2009 to the present time.) What you have said is so true, and you describe it all so well. You are a master with words, no doubt about that. They flow forth from you, while I am quietly weighing out each word.
While this year, working on my 7th and 8th books, I often have these thoughts as well.
Yet, the artist in me, sees the art experience in the writing process, and the completed book is like the completion of a painting to me, also.
I’ve been creating art and doing gallery exhiitrions since 1985. I often ask myself, “how do you know when to quit?”
I’ll talk to you soon! No worries, I am usually at home, and I’ll be glad to hear your voice again soon. This is really very exciting, to make this decision. There is more ahead for you, and I want to be present to see the new path unfolding and the destination…up ahead.
:pts pf :pve. :umda