January 1, 2026. A new day, a new year. It’s the first day of the Ultimate Blog Challenge. The challenge comes 4 times a year. I’m not a new comer. I’ve been participating in them for a number of years. The challenge ask us to or try to write a post a day for the month, publish it on our own websites, then share it on the UBC page. There are a few rules. We’re to read the 2 posts above our own and comment on them. It’s a good rule, exposing us to different interests/viewpoints and helps to build community. I like it ,too, that no promoting of products are allowed.
I enjoy being in a challenge. I enjoy writing. It’s how I inhale and exhale, and releasing stress. Otherwise, obnoxious thoughts go round and round in my head like a frog in a blender. It would be very messy and hurtful. This challenge sets up a routine. I come here every day, tap out a post and share. Somehow it gives me an extra incentive to show up and write. There is an audience (I hope so,anyways). I have no set plan. I just show up and hope for the best. Mostly I just mutter and stutter about the mundaneness of everyday life. I do try not to be too gloomy.
I hope you will come along and cheer me on.
onethousandandtwo 
Happy New Year Lily! I also love reading your posts! I am looking forward to reading what you share this month.
Thank you, Jennifer.
Hi Lily, and blessings in the year ahead!
I like grounding in with yhe challange as well – and look forward to your posts & comments!
Nadya
Thank you, Nadya.
Happy new year, Lily! Great to see you again – I always enjoy your showing up 🙂
Thank you, Tamara.
That’s why challenges like Paul’s UBC matter. I love your feeling of writing as breathing… it shows how important it is for staying grounded. The routine, the community, and just showing up really come through. I hope you have a great start, and I’ll be cheering you on as you share the small, everyday moments along the way. I hope I stick with the challenge until the 31st!
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’ll cheer you on as well.
Happy New Year Lily and glad to see you back. Like you, I just putter on day by day. Never have a plan in place but always seems to come up with a topic.
It’s good to putter together, Martha.