Focus and changes

Welcome back! Coffee's always on around here. Pull up your favorite chair and a grab a cup. Enjoy your visit today! And don't forget to stop back by again soon.

Lately I have been doing a lot of thinking on what direction I see this blog going. I’ve written a variety of things here – from business to design to music and politics to real estate and even recipes – and I’ve never claimed it to be of any one “genre” per se or about really anything in particular. It’s simply things from my life, both personal and business related. I see no division between the two.

When I first began blogging way back in 2004 (wow! That’s been 5 YEARS!), someone told me I should have to 2 blogs and to separate my business life from my personal life. While I considered their advice, I decided ultimately not to follow it and I don’t regret that choice. For me, it was – and is – because I believe that there should be a human behind every business. I think it makes us better business managers if we are seen as a person and not simply as a business entity.

But there are many things I have not shared here. Yes, I have hinted at things. Like my 11 year old son has autism. That I survived an abusive relationship. And how I have a kidney disease. But I have never really opened up about these things.

So a few days ago, I began to really think about the fact that one of my missions on this earth is to help people. I know that one way I’ve been blessed to do that is by experiencing some not-so-cool things. I believe I am to be an advocate for people who need a shoulder, a hug, a friend. I believe I am to stand up for those who are pushed down.

And now . . . I have another vision to fulfill that mission . . .

I will be writing about and sharing my experiences about living with an autistic child and how we help him through his daily life. I will begin sharing about my past experiences living with an abusive man and how I risked my life to leave, to provide a better life for my family. I will begin sharing what it’s like to have a kidney disease that dictates many of my decisions as to what I cook, what my family eats and how I have managed to stay out of the hospital now for 9 years after having come within inches of death.

It won’t be easy, baring my heart and soul like this. It may make me a target for the malicious, sometimes heartless cowards who hide behind their computer screens and shout insults at those of whom they are jealous.

But if I can help even one person, one family, one friend, it will be worth it.

In addition to that, of course, I will continue to write in my current “style” – that won’t change. I will write about what strikes my fancy and not be worried about “telling” you something too personal. I hope you get as much out of my writing as I do so please let me know what you think. Ask questions, make comments, be open, be real, be yourself!

Her am I . . .

In the arena,

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I’m calling,
Lord, you catch me when I’m falling,
And you’ve told me who I am. ~ Who Am I? by Casting Crowns

Annie Anderson is a freelance copywriter and graphic designer specializing in the small business and real estate markets. Her tagline “Making your business, my business” means that she’ll take the utmost care when creating words and images for your business – just as if it were her own.