An Open Door & a New World: Motherly Law’s First Anniversary

The First Year

A door opened and I went through it. ~Temple Grandin

One year ago today, I launched Motherly Law. Since that time, many doors have opened, and I have walked through them; each opening up a new world with new opportunities and new friendships.

When I started this site I knew very little about social media. What I did know is that I love to research and write, and I always have a lot to say. In the past year, I have learned so much about social media, relationships, technology, business and myself. I have poured myself into this endeavor by reading, searching, asking questions, listening, trying and failing and trying and getting it right. I have learned that succeeding in social media takes time, effort, risk and a fair share of business savvy.

In preparing to write this post, I read my very 1st Post dated March 1, 2010, for the first time since posting it. While the premise is still true, I write about law-related issues that affect families for the most part, I have allowed myself to write about anything I'm inspired to write. I have also become more comfortable with the writing process. I noticed technical differences too; my sentences are shorter; so are my paragraphs; I now have subtitles; and all is crisper and cleaner.

One year ago today, I hesitated before clicking the "publish" button and worried how this blog would be perceived; wondering what people would think of me, my writing and my ideas. While I now say a little prayer each time I click "publish" in hopes that my points are clear, I said what I meant to say and that at least one person will be aided, inspired or informed by each and every post, I no longer hesitate. I'm confident that this is what I should be doing right now.

All the Years Before

It's no coincidence that I am writing every day; giving my voice a platform. Writing makes sense to me. In fact, I've been writing for years in my head. I just never bothered to put the words down on paper.

I have been talking a lot for a long time; at least around my family. Though as a child, I was painfully shy. A mere question or comment from a stranger could reduce me to tears. I was aware of this shyness, and I hated it. Little by little, I pushed myself to do things outside of my comfort zone.

In 7^th grade I pushed hard. I signed up to take Speech in 8^th grade. My mother nearly fell over when I told her I had registered for this class. I forged ahead and I got through Speech. I had the great fortune of having Mrs. Becky Stout as my teacher. She inspired me beyond words. So, I took Theatre in 9^th grade; again with Mrs. Stout. You could have knocked my mom over with a feather when I made this announcement.

When I got to high school, I enrolled in yearbook class. I had no idea what all that would entail, but it sounded interesting. I very quickly found my stride writing and designing page layouts by hand {no computers in our class until the following year}. By my junior year, I was co-editor and then editor the following year. Again, I had an amazing teacher; Mrs. Cindy Beasley. Yearbook taught me how to write headlines and make a deadline. This class also gave me the fortitude of sticking with a project and getting it done on time; even if it meant staying up most of the night.

Throughout high school, I was fortunate to be taught English and Latin and to be guided through Italy and Greece by a sassy, super smart, bossy teacher; Mrs. Pat Holland. I adored her wit, wisdom and vintage costume jewelry; I lived to please her.

These women helped to shape, strengthen and stretch me into the person I would become. They gave me a love of writing, the ability to use my voice, the understanding of the power of words and the confidence to put all of these things to good use. These women remain in my heart and are reflected in my actions every day.

I continued to write throughout college and law school. I began researching more and more, especially after the dawn of the Internet. I have spent my legal career writing. This is what I do. This is what I love.

Gratitude

I have been blessed with tremendous support and encouragement from readers, fellow online writers, the media, family and friends. It's because of this support that I continue to tackle these issues and work into the wee hours of the night researching and writing. My readership has steadily increased over the year. I have made countless new friendships from the local social media community, blog conferences, Twitter, Facebook, etc. I am so thankful for all of these people who enrich my life every day.

The Scoop

I'm beginning to feel that my hard work is starting to pay off. Just last week, I received two invitations to participate in panel discussions; one on March 7^th in New York on the extremely important issue of distracted driving sponsored by Consumer Reports and the U.S. Department of Transportation; the other on March 18^th in the Twin Cities on social media and the law sponsored by Social Media Breakfast MSP and Thomson Reuters.

I am honored to have been asked to join both of these groups and look forward to these events {And you will be hearing more about both events in the near future}. I have a few other projects in the works, as well.

A door opened, and I went through it. And I will keep walking through each door that opens. Over and out...

Anna

You might also like:

14 Reasons to Read (& Love) Motherly Law

A New Year and A New Set of Goals; Personal and Professional

I Am an Onion....

Comments

[Amy P.]

Congratulations, Anna! It takes dedication and perseverance to continue to blog day after day, and I'm proud that you've stuck with it. You go girl!

[TLM]

Very well done, Anna!! I enjoyed reading this very much!! I look forward with much anticipation to you taking us all, by way of your blog, through the many doors ahead full of adventure, possibilities, and new thoughts and discoveries! As Amy has stated your dedication and perseverance is admirable and obviously has been fruitful!!

[Celeste]

CHEERS to your milestone! Found you on twitter somehow and glad I did. Inspiring post that I plan to share with a good friend who LOVES to blog AND she lives in your neck of the woods. MN.

-Celeste

[nic]

Bravo! So proud of all you've accomplished, and have so enjoyed watching the journey.

[Shannon]

Fantastic post and Happy Anniversary! I love your statement about writing making sense to you... As a writer myself, that toatlly sums it up for me too!

I'm a new follower (blog & Twitter). Have a great day! http://hercuprunsover.blogspot.com

[Anna]

Shannon,

Thanks so much! Isn't this a great outlet for those of us who love to write! I've got to check out your site too! Thanks so much for stopping by & thanks to Celeste for pointing the way!

Anna

[Anna]

Nic,
I could not have done this without your total support. Thank you so much for all the kind words, answered questions, proof reads of the early posts, etc., etc., etc. Thank you, Friend!!
Anna

[Anna]

Celeste,

I'm so glad you found me too!! Glad you enjoyed this post & thanks for passing along my info to your friend, Shannon! Hope you'll stop by again. And I'll be seeing you on Twitter!
Thanks,
Anna

[Anna]

Thanks, TLM! I couldn't have don't it without your support every step of the way! I hope Motherly Law's 2nd year will be even better!

Anna

[Anna]

Thanks, Amy! I appreciate your kind words! The support from readers and other writers has been amazing! I'm so glad to have met you during this journey, as well!!!

Anna