Why am I here?

So.  I thought I'd start a blog.  But why...?  Hmm.  Good question.  

Everything I read about starting up your own business, writing a blog, or even getting out of bed, implores me to understand my 'why'.  Apparently understanding my 'why' (yes, I will be putting it in quotation marks every time I use  the interrogative adverb as a noun) is fundamental to pointing my efforts in the right direction, maintaining momentum, embracing change, eliminating cellulite and even tidying my kitchen cupboards.  I think you can guess from my tone that I'm not used to this kind of self-interrogation.  But, hey, if I'm going to start, why not do so on a public forum where I can be open to ridicule?  Sounds fabulous.  So introspection here I come....

1. Because I'm too scared to start a physical, in-person, actually putting myself out there proper business.

Yup.  I've got a killer idea for a real life side-hustle.  I've built the website.  I've designed the logo.  I've even done the cash flows for heaven's sake.  And it all seems to be Definitely Achievable.  And Probably Worthwhile.  Buuuuuuut.  

• When would I find time to actually meet clients?  

• My 'test trading' with friends has been, ahem, shaky in its outputs....

• I've got to go back to working full-time to be able to afford ever going on holiday again

• I'm chicken

2.  To be an accountable part of the simplification community

The one hobby that really makes me feel good, and keeps me going, is simplifying my life.  Probably not a hobby that gets much press, alongside, say, knitting or trail running.  But it's my favourite hobby.  A few minutes or a wonderful afternoon of curating, organising, tidying, cleaning, planning my stuff makes me a very, very happy human.  To see order and beauty coming out of piles and lists is just the best kick ever.  And living with less stuff is wonderful.  And I love that there is a whole bunch of other freaks out there like me holding true to the concept that a life with LESS is super-awesome.  And so I want to do something that lets me stand up and be counted among them.  

3.  So that I'm doing something creative

Yeah - I knit.  And crochet.  And occasionally sew.  And I scroll through pages and pages of beautiful pictures on Pinterest, or on lovely people's websites.  And I'm pretty good at arranging stuff on shelves to make them look good.  But I'd like to generate something creative - does that make sense?  Not just following a pattern or tittering with stuff I already have.  Actually require myself to be articulate and original and Out There.  Don't expect miracles straight away - but getting good at being creative takes practice, right?  So here I am, practising...

4.  As part of my simplification hobby

I'll admit it - all of these whys are pretty selfish.  Because I'm answering the 'why am I doing this' questions.  So a key one of those reasons is because 'doing this' is actually part of my simplification journey.  I hope it's going to help me get my hopes and beliefs and priorities in order.  I've got another half of my life to live, and I'd like it to be simpler and clearer and just, well, easier.  Hopefully writing about the challenges of achieving that simple, easy life will help it come into being.

5.  Because I like writing

I like putting thoughts into words.  And words into sentences.  And hopefully making something fun and satisfying and attractive to read.  I even like the action of holding a pen in my hand and causing all those scratchy little symbols on the paper.  But typing is even better - it's nearly possible to type at the speed of thought, you know.  Well, if you have short thoughts.  Anyway, it seems nearly possible to capture the thoughts as they spin around when you're typing.  And with the perfect keyboard, the gentle tap of my fingers across the keyboard even feels meditative.  Mmmmm......

6.  Because I want to learn new things and go to new places

Maybe one day this blog will be all lovely and designery and gorgeous.  Just once I've mastered the new skill of web design, obvs.  But this blogging project thing gives me the impetus and opportunity to roam the web looking for inspiration and education and advice.  Like sightseeing for my mind.  A reason to move beyond the search for the definitive video of the sewn bind-off.  Or shouting at ChatGPT becuase it doesn't get me.  I could learn new things and meet new people and find new places.  Without leaving the house (see number 1.....).