One of the many wonderful things about the passage of time is that you can look back at your life and see how all the little pieces fall into place like a puzzle. You may not realize it as it is happening but when you look back, it is easy to recognize how everything just came together. Events that seemed to occurr without any meaning are viewed as having served a purpose with the passage of time. This realization has nothing to do with religion or what you may believe, it is just one of those things that is true about life.
The initial idea for the Happy Lotus Blog came in 2006. My aunt suggested that I write a blog about politics since I had spent many years working behind the scenes. I did not want to write about politics but the idea of a blog felt right. I went about doing some research on starting a blog but I just did not feel that it was the right time to embark on such a project. My hunch was that I would have a blog one day but it was not supposed to be in 2006.
Pieces Falling Into Place
In the winter of 2008, I realized that the time had come to start working on the blog. All the pieces fell into place and I launched Happy Lotus on August 16, 2008. I only told my family and friends about it. The original vision for this site was to write about health and food. Due to my mom’s cancer, I became consumed with knowing more about food and the production of it. I learned so much about food and health that I wanted to share the knowledge with everyone else. Spirituality and happiness are so much a part of my life, I figured that everyone else knew all about it and so I decided to only write about those topics occasionally.
As life would have it, all my friends wanted me to write more about happiness and spirituality. They did not care to know about food and health; they wanted to know how to feel better, to know more about the spirit and how to make the most out of life. I was shocked. To me, those things were so obvious, why write about them? I then realized that what is obvious to one, may not be for another. So I started to write about spirituality, life and happiness all the time.
By the end of February, I was ready to face the world so I went public with my blog and it has been a dream come true. I love every aspect of running my blog. I truly do not have any complaints about it. It is sheer joy to have this blog and to have such wonderful readers.
Listening To My Inner Voice
Recently, I started to become more and more aware of the responsibility that comes with blogging. I never really thought about it before. I write whatever my heart feels like sharing but I never really considered the impact that a post could have on a person.
I have been on my spiritual journey for 18 years now. It has been really intense for the last 12 of those 18 years. When I was initiated into a Buddhist Order, I seriously considered going all the way, including taking the final vows. However, I knew that it was not the path for me because I really wanted to experience being married and being in the world. On so many levels, I knew that spirituality would always be a part of my life though.
Turns out that my hunch was right. Spirituality and happiness have become so much a part of my being, I just don’t consciously think about them on a regular basis. As a result of blogging, I have realized that what is so familiar to me, may not be as familiar to everyone else. You would think I should have figured this out earlier, considering my day job but I didn’t.
Sometimes, when I am writing, I want to get into all the little details and so easily could but since I publish posts six days a week and have so many other things happening in my life, I just haven’t had the time. I often wake up in the middle of the night with the concern that the post for the day ahead is not as good because I did not go into specifics. This started to really bother me about a month ago. I became aware that I am never concerned about what to write, I am more concerned with how much to write.
With anything that bothers me, I meditate on it. Two weeks ago, I was in class doing a meditation with patients who are learning to meditate for the first time, when I finally got the answer. It was simply: “If you want to write more detailed posts, just post less frequently.”
I didn’t immediately heed the advice and figured I would think about it some more and then decide.
Well, I thought about it some more and I am going to follow my intuition. So instead of posting six days a week, I am going to post four days a week. The extra time will allow me to really explore an issue/topic and hopefully be of greater assistance to the readers of this blog. The new schedule will go into effect starting this week.
Thank you so much for reading my blog. I hope you will continue to support it and share the journey.
{ 46 comments }
Hi Nadia,
I want you to know just how much of a joy it is to be here, and to read your words. You are a very gifted and special lady – and that you’re sharing that gift here with the world is such a wonderful thing. You have certainly been a blessing in my life, in just the short while I’ve known you. Continue to write from the heart, and about that which moves you. It’s beautiful – you give life to ordinary words.
And it’s so much fun reading this post, and hearing about your journey here to where you are today with your blog. I believe it’s a continuing journey for all of us – as we travel down the paths our lives take – and how we change as we travel down that path – or take new paths along the way. I’m so glad you’re writing about happiness and spirituality – you have such a passion for this!
Nadia, thank you for sharing this story – and how you’ve gotten to where you are today with your blog. And I look forward to the new changes as they unfold…
Lance’s most recent blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
Hi Lance,
You are a very kind and generous person which is evident by both your comment and your blog. The blessings go both ways, my friend.
By the way, I look forward to the road ahead for all of us too.
Ooooo! That’s great news for me Nadia as it means I have more chance of keeping up with your wonderful blog! Also great news that you go with your intuition rather than logic!
Ian | Quantum Learning’s most recent blog post..Life: powerful and fragile
Hi Ian,
Going with logic has never worked with me. Every time I went with logic, I ended up in trouble. So I learned intuition is the way to go…at least for me.
Good for you. I did the same thing. I had been writing three very long posts per week, and now I’ve dropped it to two, with the occasional short post in addition. I had felt overextended by the amount of time I had to spend writing and editing each week, and I really feel a lot better about it the way I’m doing it now.
David Cain’s most recent blog post..And My Destination Is…
Hi David,
Yes, I do remember you posting about that and when I read that post I was in the middle of my whole debate. It is interesting how sometimes we are all dealing with the same issues but are unaware of it.
Nadia,
I think posting less frequently, but longer posts is a great idea! I only write two posts per week so you’ll still be publishing twice as much as I do.
You mentioned that you wanted to get married as one of the reason you didn’t take final vows. Zen Buddhism is a little different because you can be married in Zen Buddhism. In fact, some Zen Sensei sand Roshis are husband and wife teams. I just thought you might find this interesting.
Roger – A Content Life’s most recent blog post..My First Zen Experience
Hi Roger,
Thank you for the support.
That is cool about how in Zen Buddhism you can be married. The order I was in was totally different. A nun could not be married or be in the world. It was much more strict.
I’ve found your writing to be inspired from the first day I read it (I think I started reading a month ago). Anyhow, you write beautifully, with meaning, and I have to laugh that you’d think your posts were anything but perfectly composed. Whatever you choose to do, as long as it’s done with love, I’ll continue to read. You make my own light brighter in the process.
Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord’s most recent blog post..Don’t Be Afraid To See
Hi Megan,
Thank you, thank you and thank you! Words cannot describe the gratitude for all that you wrote. And to quote you, “you made my own light brighter today”.
Hi, Nadia… I’m glad you are going with your intuition, and what feels right in your heart. I think all of our blogs will go through phases, depending on what we have going on in our non-blog lives, and what sort of posts we feel like writing. On several occasions I’ve considered posting only ONCE per week, which would be a drastic change from my current six. But I think, “What would happen if I put ALL my time, energy, inspiration, thought, heart and soul into ONE really good post each week?”
Who knows? I may test that system one of these days.
Lisis’s most recent blog post..Adventure: What About the Children?
Hi Lisis,
As I told Ian, going with logic has never worked for me. I have learned that following my intuition leads to much better results. I think many times people are afraid to go follow a hunch due to what will result but if something feels right, you have to go for it.
As for testing your idea of one post a week, just listen to your heart and do what speaks to your soul. I have no doubt you will.
I know your instincts are sound and I think this is a smart move, especially as you now have your new column, too. From a selfish point of view, it also means I won’t have to do a big catch up on Mondays
(I try not to log on at weekends.) You have so much to offer the world, Nadia, so many books in you. Do what you need to to recharge and stay true to your calling – for it is a calling.
Hi Janice,
Only you can write a a comment that is poignant and yet funny at the same time.
Thank you so much for being such a wonderful friend and for all the support. Like I told Megan, words cannot adequately describe the gratitude I feel.
I’m happy for you that you’re making this change. And I’m very much looking forward to your more in-depth posts. They will be a treat.
Chania Girl’s most recent blog post..Footsteps in the Dark
Hi Chania Girl,
Apologies on not getting to your comment earlier. For some reason, it was hidden with all the others. However, better late than never, right?
Thank you so much for all that you wrote. Even though I know for a fact that I am making the right decision regarding posting only 4 days a week as opposed to 6, I was not sure of the feedback I would get. So it is wonderful to get such amazing feedback. Hope all is well.
This is where I’m at currently…learning to trust my intuition and listen to it more. I’ve been doing this consciously for a few months now, and it has really paid off! I’ve been party to so many things I would have missed before starting to listen, and I’ve noticesd things that would have escaped my attention before. Truly, our intuition is one of the best gifts given to us. I love mine!
Jay Schryer’s most recent blog post..Mindful Meditation Monday, Week 4
Hi Jay,
Good for you on recognizing and discovering the power of intuition! I have noticed, in my journey, the more that I pay attention to it, the louder it becomes. Sounds kind of weird but it is the only way to describe it. I guess it is like a muscle, the more you use it , the more powerful it becomes.
Your posts are always so thought-provoking that I spend ages thinking about them. Having a little break in-between will give us more time to ponder. Wonderful for us and for you:)
Paisley’s most recent blog post..What Makes Review Writing Ethical? A Real Experience
Hi Paisley,
My husband said the same thing too. He said that by having a break, it will not only allow me to write more but give more time for people to think about stuff. I thought he had a point and it is great to see how you felt the same thing. Thank you so much for being supportive. I really appreciate it.
Nadia, you have a wonderful talent for articulation. Your writing always resonate because it touches the truth in us.
My experience is the same. The online writing came about as a series of happy accidents. I wrote books, about awakening–I don’t know why I started a website but it was the right move. It took some learning to trust intuition–what intuition wanted me to do was so different and scary. Quit a lucrative VP position to travel and write? It was insane.
I agree about posting less frequently to find depth. It goes against the internet guru advice–but that’s what awakening is all about: turn over the conventional wisdom!
Thanks again for the insights.
Kaushik’s most recent blog post..Acceptance – 7th Awakening is Simple book excerpt
Hi Kaushik,
Thank you so much for the kind words and more importantly, the support. I really appreciate it.
One of the many amazings about life is that there is no set path as to how to achieve our goals. Each person has to do what feels right to them and this course of action is what feels right. The concept of doing the conventional thing is safe but safe does not always guarantee success and/or happiness.
I like reading longer posts that have stayed up for a while and have attracted many comments. When the topic is specific and many voices have weighed in on it, the view can be quite comprehensive. You’ve covered so many topics already and have had such success that it’s hard to believe you’ve only been ‘public’ for three months. It’s exciting to consider the future of blogging and know that the future is being created right now by wonderful writers like you and your supporters. Count me as one of those supporters. I like the way you attract an equal number of male and female voices. That feels right to me. Best of everything.
Hi Brenda,
Thank you so much for your support and for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it.
It will be interesting to see what the road ahead holds for all of us. I am sure it is going to be awesome.
Just thought I’d throw my 3 cents in…! Seems many take the weekend off— where as, I would love to read your blogs like the Sunday newspaper (which I don’t get, maybe I should) but I encourage any change that instinctively comes to you— and if you find you like it better the way it was before then by all means, you’ll follow what’s in your heart and mind. The ‘depths’ of writing can hit you in one sentence—long short matter not to this reader, I enjoy all of it that I can get to in a day— and look forward to more!!
Hi Molly,
Thank you so much for your thoughts, which btw are worth more than three cents!
I will just see what feels right and just go with the flow. Your support is much appreciated. 
Honestly, I have found it hard to keep up with your blog. You have a lot to share. It will be nice to be able to read all your posts.
I’m glad that you have decided to post less frequently. I used to publish more frequently too but even with twice a week now, I can barely manage. Accepting more offline work has been keeping me busy lately.
I look forward to reading more of your detailed posts!
Evelyn
Evelyn Lim’s most recent blog post..No Such Thing as Failure; Only Feedback
Hi Evelyn,
I appreciate the honesty and I am sure you are not alone in having difficulty with keeping up with my posts. Please know that your support is much appreciated. I am enthusiastic about the road ahead.
I am happy you are thinking about posting less. It is hard to find the right balance, but so much more worth it to fit the blog to your needs and most often get better writing results.
I started at 7 days a week and now I write 3 days on one blog and 2 on another. My writing is improving much more with the new schedule and I have more time to edit, check my facts and sources, and learn more things.
I wish you well and hope this works the best for you.
Patricia’s most recent blog post..How We Met Entry #4
Hi Patricia,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your experience with blogging. I am not surprised that with the extra time, you have found the writing improves. I have found since I started blogging that my writing has gotten much better too. I think we each have to do what feels right and this new schedule feels right for me. Should be fun and thank you so much for your support.
One of the reasons I like journaling is that you can look back and reflect. It’s a wonderful tool for reflection and fitting those pieces together.
Annaly’s most recent blog post..“Positive” Prejudice: Killing With Kindness? (Part Two)
Hi Annaly,
Welcome to Happy Lotus! Thank you for sharing your thoughts about journaling and how it helps you to see how all the pieces fall into place. Life is truly an amazing journey.
Nadia:
Good for you. I have obsessed about my own blog (Is my blog subject too broad? Do I post often enough? Why didn’t I get a comment on my last post? If I put this music video on my blog, will people still take me seriously?) and have come to realize that we should not feel like we are in competition with anything. The fact that you post six days a week (with great content), hold down a real job and you’re married blows me away!!
Tim’s most recent blog post..RIP Koko Taylor
Hi Tim,
I totally agree that we should not feel like we are in a competition when it comes to blogging. Actually, I would say that holds true for anything in life. Each one of us has our special skills and talents. We each are unique and our blogs should reflect that uniqueness. I think when we are true to who we are, things have a better way of fallling into place because there just isn’t any resistance. I hope that makes sense.
So I am just doing what feels right to me and I look forward to the road ahead. Should be fun and please know that your support is much appreciated. 
Hi Nadia
When I saw the title of this post. It speaks to me very clearly. I love the message of listening to intuition, because when we are in touch with our intuition. We are in touch with our heart and that is when magic happen.
Congratulations on your decision to post 4 days a week
Thanks for sharing.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Giovanna Garcia’s most recent blog post..Remember the Apple commercial, “Here’s to the Crazy Ones”?
Hi Giovanna,
I love your description of intuition. I could not agree more!
Thank you, too, for the support. It is much appreciated.
Your journey sounds like it’s going to be more exciting. We will be discovering even more gems in your updates as the result of the depth of your articles. I’m feeling excited.
Looking forward to your upcoming posts Nadia.
Grace’s most recent blog post..Do your goals come with excess baggage?
Hi Grace,
Thank you so much for such a kind and sweet comment.
I really appreciate it. Just so you know, I am excited too. I have no idea why but I am. It is nice to feel this way. 
Nadia,
I will always be a reader, no matter how many times a week you post. Your posts are always filled with such wisdom and inspiration. I totally understand how much time bloggin requires, and am trying to find that balance myself.
kirwin’s most recent blog post..My Green Project
Hi Kirwn,
You are so kind, thank you!
I hope you find a balance too. It is hard when you have so much going on offline but there is a way. Just listen to your heart and you will know what to do. I am sure of it. 
So I am not the only one who wakes up in the middle of the night concerning a blog post!?!
Yes, I think of this length issue from time to time. I have been told that long posts will scare people away (usually by people who normally do not enjoy reading or have very short attention spans). I have decided I will go with how I feel at the time, mixing things up a bit depending on the day. I don’t want to cut myself off if I feel like I am in the zone and want to make a longer post, yet I don’t always feel like a long post suits the topic either- so I have decided to go with the happy medium and just do what feels right , or ”go with my intuition’.
I do believe what we put out there makes a difference in this world, even if it is only one person.
I love your blog and your writing. I know it has effected me, given me a new perspective, motivated me, inspired me, sparked new ideas, made my eyes well up with tears because I could relate so…
Angie’s most recent blog post..0711ddebe7fd2b92.jpg
Hi Angie,
You are not alone in waking up in the middle of night thinking about a blog post! Actually, thank you for letting me know that I am not alone on that one either.
There is so much advice out there as to what makes a great blog post and some of it is contradictory. So going with what feels right, is the way to go. I really believe in that and you are right, even if it touches only one person, it is worth it.
Please know that it means so much to me to know that my writing has had such an effect on you. To read such comments is so humbling and so amazing to me, I could just cry. Thank you, thank you and thank you! (That does not just mean for Angie but for all of you too.)
Nadia,
Your writing/blog is inspirational and warm. Thanks for writing!! The topics/thoughts you touch upon in your blog resonate a lot with me! On several days, reading your blog gives me the thoughts and inspiration to turn my day around! I am a frequent visitor to your site and will continue to do so! Hope you are having a blessed day!
Hi Lotus,
You are most welcome and thank you so much for all your support.
I am so fortunate to have such wonderful readers, I don’t think there are any words that could adequately describe the gratitude that I feel. 
May you have a blessed day too!
Hi Nadia,
I’m glad you’ve made this decision, and will reach a balance that feels good for you. And also for my own selfish reasons! Cos like many of your other readers I love your warm posts but can’t keep up with them all. This way I’ll miss less of them
.-= Hilda´s last blog ..Change your world =-.
Hi Hilda,
Thank you so much for your support and for calling my posts warm. I really appreciate it and as for the selfish reasons, I have no problem with them!
I hope all is awesome with you!
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