My life in tags

As I posted this morning, I was taking a look at the overall presence of my blog. It has definitely evolved over time, and I've evolved with it. Or it has evolved with me, right? That would be more accurate. Anyway ... I digress...

I try to consistently tag my posts with their main focus and themes. I keep them organized in the left-hand column, the largest is the most used and the smallest is the least. I remember looking at my blog about two or so years ago and noticed that the biggest tag on the list was "this is how life blows" or something like it. While I've certainly had my fair share of hardship and trial, I was uncomfortable with the world seeing my blog as a place for complaining and whining. I realize that it happens though. Bad and difficult stuff happens to all of us, and I choose to use my blog as a way of processing and getting through al that life throws at me, the good and the bad. But, even still, the idea that the most common thing I was doing on my blog was complaining made me uncomfortable.

Fast forward to today ...

Today, the largest tags on my blog are much more representative of where I am in life and what I value. The largest tags are "photos" and "photography," two things that make my life happier and more enjoyable. Next largest is "my life as it is," which, in all honesty, is sometimes a complainy tag, but, more often than not, it is simply the ins and outs  my life. Which is what this whole blogging thing is all about. Also high on the list is "travelogue" and "proud moments for me." Both of these say a lot about where I am in life. I'm having a lot more proud moments that not these days, and I've learned to celebrate the little stuff. I'm finding that is the key to happiness for me. As well as traveling. The more I get out and move around the world, the happier I am. Even if they are just small trips to Annapolis or home to NY or to the beach for a day, getting out into the world makes me happy and relaxed. And, interestingly, the next largest tag is "relaxation techniques." I'm finding in my old age how to relax. It's still very hard for me to just stop and be (I'm definitely a mover and a shaker who finds comfort in constant movement), but I'm discovering little things that bring me peace. Like potting flowers or walking with The Beast or simply drinking some tea while laying in my hammock. I try to make time for these things, and I do a very bad job at it. But at least I'm trying.

By no means is my blog simply all happy sunshine and puppy dogs. I don't hide the bad stuff and only share the good to make myself appear different to the world. I'm still real and honest and as raw as need be. But I think I've achieved a much better balance here between sharing the heartbreak and the happiness. And I think that is reflective of my real life. I've learned to see all the goodness and joy in my life instead of all the struggle and challenge. Even those challenges and struggles allow me to see growth and good.

Taking digital stock of my life has helped me to realize that I'm really happy with where I am in life. Not my geographic location (although I'm pretty happy with that!) but with my emotional stability and well-being. I'm happier now overall than I have ever been, and the current state of my blog reflects this. So, in honor of that, this post is definitely getting a "proud moments for me" tag. :)