Friday 19 April 2013

O is for.. Obstacles

O is for Obstacles.

Some days I just don't know what to write about. Some letters are easy, and I know exactly what I'm going to say. Some other letters, however, I really have to think about. That's probably one of the reasons I'm a few letters behind - that and some days I don't find the time.
So, this challenge has brought a little obstacle each day. I have to think of a topic, think of something worthwhile to write about, and try to create something well written which is worthy of your time to read. I don't want to write for the sake of writing, and I don't want it to be a waste of your time. I want to write something rich and meaningful.  There is so much literature out there in the form of books, blog posts, articles, news etc that it's impossible to read it all. You have to pick and choose which ones you want spend your time reading. You want to pick the ones which are interesting to you. There are many articles, books and blogs which I have just scanned through, trying to work out if I want to spend my time reading to the end. Others, I start and discontinue after a few pages or paragraphs. Others I read with intent the whole way through.

Back to obstacles.  I remember when I was a child doing those obstacle courses with some others, and even though I loved the team camaraderie, the thought of jumping and crawling and who remembers what else scared me. I remember the adult leaders saying you don't finish by yourself, you finish as a team. So, the strong must help the weak. If you leave one behind, when that person finishes, that's when your team finishes. Most of those doing this were boys, so me being the girl, I was probably one of the weak ones at the back. Of course they helped me along, they helped me get over the wall and under the nets and whatever else. And sometimes that help came from the one you hardly speak to, or hardly know. You develop team spirit, even if as a team you don't come first. You know that you as a team overcame all the obstacles and did the best you could.
You and your team, you're in this together, you are overcoming all the obstacles - together. You are stronger together than alone. Your team is always there for you - even the ones who may seem distant, the ones you don't know so well, or hardly speak to. They too may be searching for someone to lean on, for someone to give them a leg up, for support and encouragement or someone to just listen. Your team could be your family, work, soccer team, church, or even just you and a friend. The size and shape doesn't matter.
With regards to A-Z challenge, you guys are my team. We read each others' blogs, share our stories, gather ideas and inspiration, encourage each other, and then write some more.






17 comments:

  1. This is so true. I often feel overwhelmed by the amount of information out there. I guess you just take it one step at a time. I think I've learned through this a to z challenge that I can't write something rich and meaningful every day, but by writing every day, I do sometimes stumble upon something rich and meaningful? I hope so anyway! :)
    Nice post...

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  2. "There is no "I" in TEAM" - I saw that somwehere... can't remember.... The feeling of being part of something and sharing the same goal is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experience for a humain being, aside from accomplishing the goal. Actually, when you start, you aim for something but in the end it's the transformation of oneself that is the true goal (and gold).
    Have fun for the rest of the A to Z challenge!
    With great respect!
    A.

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  3. Really liked this post. You made some great points here. I am a brand new follower, and I'm happy to have found you in this years A-Z challenge!
    Shawn at Reading Practice

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  4. I enjoyed your post. Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day.
    I LOVED obstacle courses when I got the chance to do it. You made some great points--thanks for sharing.
    Kids Math Teacher

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  5. I really enjoyed this message! What a great observation and description of the value of teams and support systems. I'm happy to discover your blog through the A to Z Challenge and I look forward to reading more!

    -Cristyl @ www.mychillthoughts.com

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  6. Hi, Stephanie,

    True that obstacles are part of life. Our challenges become easier when we can share them with others.

    J.L. Campbell writes Jamaican Kid Lit

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  7. Hello, Stephanie! Obstacles will always be in the way. The trick is to know that so you're already a step ahead in overcoming them!

    Happy A to Z-ing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

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  8. Hi, Stephanie! This is a great O post. People are definitely stronger as a team. I've met so many great people through this Challenge. All the encouragement and support has really helped me too. Have a lovely weekend.

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  9. Don't be discouraged. I have less than 200 followers, but many hits from all over the world. I am content. There are a few very special people that I follow. This is not a contest, but a way to make a connection with people.

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  10. Hang in there! I only have ten followers, but I'm gonna keep on truckin.' My approach to Challenge subjects is to fine something I'm really interested in or passionate about. It helps if it's something I've put a lot of thought into over a long time. Even if my enthusiasm isn't contagious, some people learn a thing or two they didn't know before and appreciate it. Worst case scenario, they move on and don't come back. But I say, write for yourself. Of course, you might want to keep in mind that this is coming from someone with ten followers...

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  11. Hey Stephanie, loved the encouraging tone of your post. It's really true when they say that in a TEAM, Together Each Achieves More.

    Yes, I'm in your team as a fellow blogger in the A to Z Challenge. Together, each one of us will achieve more.

    Cheers

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  12. Obstacles is a great topic. I think I'm my biggest obstacle in everything. This A to Z challenge has been a lot of fun though. Nice to meet you!

    My Writing Journey

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  13. There are so many obstacles, aren't there. I am a new follower. Please come visit me at

    Paula's Place

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  14. Ah, yes, there are obstacles but I have learned so much from my fellow bloggers. They give awesome tips and feedback. Good Luck making it to Z, not that far away now, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel :)

    Lucy from Lucy's Reality
    (thanks to a nice bloggy friend my link now works, couldn't do it without bloggy buddies)

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  15. Here is another 'O' for you: Overcome for getting over those obstacles! We're more than A to Z bloggers, we're also your cheering squad. Keep it up you can do it!

    Mel at Writings Musings and Other Such Nonsense

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  16. I so hear you with the whole obstacles thing. constantly coming across obstacles (well not obstacles per se) to getting things done - more like constant distractions (ohhh the joys of being a wife & mom with a demanding (not in the way it sounds) husband with SCI.

    Finding time to read all the blogs, emails, etc that come across my "desk" (if you count computer & phone a desk) is a constant challenge for me. Heck I don't have any sort of job (see earlier comment about hubby) and I still can't find time to keep up with everything... But I sure like to try :-)

    I'e enjoyed perusing what I've seen so far on your blog... Keep up the good work :-)

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  17. It is great to have a team to get over obstacles. I know what you mean about struggling to come up with topics! I have been posting everyday this year for a 365 challenge...some days I really don't know what to write! Inspirefly

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