Happy Birthday Sofa and the City!

This week Sofa and the City has reached the grand old age of one!

Until I started blogging, the only writing I had done was a few articles for the local ME group's newsletter, and I was surpised to discover I liked writing. So I had a plan that once my health was stronger I would explore writing; as I lay on my sofa I fantasised about sitting in coffee shops with my laptop writing my weekly column for Grazia. And as time on the sofa was getting less I knew I was ready to take my first step.

When I started blogging a year ago it was an experiment; a blog seemed a good way of having a go at writing – albeit a rather public way. I wanted to see if I enjoyed writing on a regular basis; if I was any good at it; if I could come up with things to say every week (really not sure why I was worried about this one!); and to see if anyone would actually read what I had to say.

And what an experiment it has been. There is so much of blogging that has been unexpected: the level of interaction with readers, the amazing comments and emails (and of course, the not so amazing!), the wonderful people I have met, the cathartic process of writing, the way it has become an important part of my life - and of my recovery.

I can honestly say I have never run out of writing material (now whether you find what I say interesting or not is a different matter). To be honest I always have about ten blog posts running round my head but many don't come to fruition because life gets in the way - so count yourself lucky I say.

In the early days I would be shaking as I pressed publish and my thoughts trundled off into cyberspace. The shaking has stopped but I still get nervous about putting myself out there. But I keep doing it because I have discovered that I LOVE writing and by writing regularly I have improved my writing style and my confidence as a writer has grown.

And the most exciting part of all of this to me is that I have found a passion; I've always wanted a passion but despite extensive looking could never seem to find one. I was envious of people who have something that makes their heart sing: my hairdresser who is not just a hairdresser but IS a hairdresser; my husband who has a love affair with food and cooking; the artist who is not complete if she cannot paint. But not anymore - my heart can join in with the best of them.

So, not sure how to break this to you: I am not going anywhere; I fully intend to carry on with my writing apprenticeship. The goal has always been to use the blog as a stepping stone to other writing opportunities, a way of building a CV - from nothing - at the age of 40. (Yup, mid life reinvention...)

So I want to say a BIG thank you: firstly, to all the fabulous Sofa and the City readers. You have turned this into an amazing journey. Any time someone reads what I have written it makes me smile. And I love you whatever type of reader you are - some people like to comment and others just like to read. Some of you visit for a short time and some of you are regular readers. Whichever type of reader you are you will always be welcome here.

My second thank you goes to CFS. Excuse my stroll into cliche land, but many good things have come out of CFS, many unexpected things - and writing is most definitely one of them. Would I have ever gone down this path in my previous life? I very much doubt it. The opportunity to try and learn something new has been a wonderful gift.

Am I getting too cheesy? Probably! I think I may have started heading into cringe worthy acceptance speech territory. So, I will stop. Well, after one last smidge of mushiness: from the bottom of my singing heart thank you for being part of my blogging adventure.