Blogging awards usually require the author to create a set of questions for their own nominees, which means they can be nicely tailored to fit the subject of the sites around them. But every now and then one comes along that’s off-topic and asks for something different from its winners; and it’s this type of award which inspires an alternative and important kind of conversation.
Luna from GamersUnitedGG Blog very kindly included Later Levels in her Perfectly Imperfect Tag recently and I’m incredibly grateful. Sometimes we need to step outside our comfort zones, and this award encourages just that by asking things more personal than video game questions. Instead we’re invited to share who inspires us, how we want to make a difference, and offer advice for those who doubt themselves.
The WordPress community is a wonderful one to be a part of. Members come from cities all over the world and we have different backgrounds, cultures and experiences; we’re so far apart in location and each hold our own unique view on life. Yet we have this amazing ability to gather in blog comments, social media responses and collaboration projects, and it feels as though we’re sitting right opposite each other.
We’re a huge, eclectic jigsaw puzzle for which the instruction manual was thrown out long ago. Each part is distinctive and has its own shape, but we come together to create this beautiful picture full of colour, contrast and balance. We no longer want to be constrained by the borders of the original image and so new pieces are added to our form every day, but there’s no danger of a single one of them not finding a place. We just fit.
If being a member of a community like that isn’t inspiring, I don’t know what is.
When one of us isn’t feeling so great, the others send kind words along with a funny GIF or two. When one of us is struggling with an issue, the others offer moral support and practical advice if it’s needed. When one of us needs help with a problem or project, the others are there to jump straight in and lend a hand. And when one of us does something wonderful, we all recognise their effort and celebrate their achievement.
So to the blogger who has just started out on their journey and isn’t sure of their place: you’re more than welcome here and we’ll be patient while you find your feet. Give us a shout if you have any questions or need someone to point you in the right direction. We’re looking forward to getting to know you better.
To the blogger who’s been doing this for a while but feels discouraged: don’t be so hard on yourself because your work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Tell us your opinions, start discussions and share ideas. Give us the chance to collaborate on a project and together we’ll create something amazing.
To the blogger who’s going through a personal issue and needs a break: focus on life and don’t feel guilty about neglecting your blog. Take all the time you need because we’ll still be here when you return and it’ll be like nothing has changed. And if you need any support or advice, we’ve got your back.
And to every single blogger reading this: you’re awesome and you don’t need to be more or less than what you already are. You’re in integral part of the jigsaw that makes our image as special as it is, and you bring a unique quality to the community that nobody else can. It’s great to have you here.
Thank you again to Luna and to others like her, who have been an inspiration over the past year and proven to be much more than simply ‘someone I met on the internet’. You’ve each taught me something new and shown me how I can improve both as a person and a writer. There are great things ahead of us, shining in the distance, and I can’t wait to see what we all achieve together.
They’d better find a bigger box for that jigsaw.
Wow! Wonderfully written
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Thank you for the kind words. 🙂
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Lovely sentiments! Can I be a corner piece though?
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Sky or grass?
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Sky.
Because this jigsaw is of an aeroplane.
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Because we’re going places?
Ok… that was bad. Luke from Hundstrasse would have done a much better job.
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Is that because he’s a high-flyer?
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It could be he’s just winging it.
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Such lovely words and absolutely wonderful sentiments ❤ Glad to be a part of this jigsaw in a tiny way.
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And we’re glad to have you here with us! 😀
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What a lovely, thoughtful read! Made me feel kinda emotional about the whole thing x
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Aw thank you! I wanted to show a little appreciation for all the lovely people I’ve met over the past year. 🙂
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So well said! The video games blogging community on WordPress has been great.
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I’ve met so many great people here, and I’ve learnt so much from them!
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Such kind words. I’m new to video game blogging so its nice to see that there is a community
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There definitely is – the community is one of the best things about blogging. There’s always someone there to get involved, answer a question or give a bit of support if it’s needed. 🙂
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Agreed wholeheartedly! It’s been lovely to meet you and so many others here along the way.
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Likewise! I’ve met some amazing people over the past year, and some very talented writers. 🙂
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I think you are pretty awesome too Kim. I’m getting the hang of this blogging thing. I’m still standing. Anyway thank you for those encouraging words.
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Aw you’re too kind! ❤
It can sometimes feel like a bit of an uphill battle, trying to fit in blogging with work and other responsibilities. But stick with it and you eventually find your flow. And the people you get to meet along the way make it all worthwhile. 😉
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Very inspiring! I’ve been pondering getting out of the blogging thing lately. I guess I’m having trouble writing things and whatnot. I do love the community and reading other blogs though! That’s why I’m still around 🙂
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It would be a shame not to see your posts any longer… but if that’s the right decision for you, then you know we’d all have your back. And if you ever decided to return after taking a break, then it would be as though nothing has changed!
You’ll always be a member of the community. 😊
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Aw, thanks!! 🙂 I’ll still be around to bug people no matter what. I’m hoping it’s just the winter blues and I’ll enjoy writing again soon.
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It wouldn’t be the same without a little lightning in our lives! ⚡
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I really appreciate the support 🙂
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We are all here rooting for whatever decision makes things better for you!
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Thank you! I really appreciate all the kindness from this awesome community 😀
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Fantastic article, as always. You always seem to find the right words to describe exactly what people are going through, don’t you? I’ve gone through nearly all those stages already (it’s been a whirlwind of a year) and you perfectly captured the fears of them all. Well written and well said!
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You certainly get to experience a lot of highs and lows while blogging. Even when you feel at your lowest, there’s always someone where to say a kind word or offer advice or know just what you’re going through; and I guess it’s that support which keeps us coming back. 🙂
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It is. It’s the people we connect with that make it worth it!
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This is a beautiful jigsaw of support and encouragement. I really enjoyed reading your post. The WordPress blogging community is so supportive and such a great thing to be part of, and I think that you and bloggers like you really make it even more incredible.
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That’s very kind of you, thank you. ❤
I’ve had the opportunity to get to know some great people since I started blogging and every one of them has taught me something new. Being able to call a number of them friends in ‘real life’ now is something I wouldn’t change for the world!
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Perfectly imperfect is the way to be, because you know you’ll find some more perfectly imperfect pieces that fit just right ♥
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That’s *such* a perfect way to put it. Don’t be surprised if those words end up being a quote in a future post. 🙂
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Go for it!
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Hi Kim,it’s been a pleasure to have you as a secret valentine as per the community event conducted by Ian.Wordpress jigsaw post was truly inspiring , vivid and honest post.You have penned it beautifully. Happy Valentine’s Day to you in advance. Hope you have a great day today as well as tomorrow.
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You’re too kind, thank you so much! Happy Valentine’s Day right back to you!! ❤
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