Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: blogging

  • The Unseen Beauty of a Truly Crappy First Draft

    The Unseen Beauty of a Truly Crappy First Draft



    My Love-Hate Relationship with First Drafts

    Oh, first drafts. We’ve had a tumultuous relationship, you and I. It usually starts with such promise, a spark of an idea, a blank page full of hope. Then, somewhere between the second paragraph and the sudden urge to reorganize my sock drawer, things go downhill. Fast.

    I’m talking about those drafts where the sentences stumble around like toddlers after a sugar rush. Where the plot resembles a tangled ball of Christmas lights after a particularly enthusiastic unpacking. The ones that make you question your sanity, your talent, your very existence as a writer.

    first drafts: they’re supposed to be crappy. It’s like giving yourself permission to be bad, to suck, to write without the pressure of perfection. And in that freedom, something magical happens.

    Suddenly, it’s not about crafting beautiful sentences or intricate plot twists. It’s about getting the story out of your head and onto the page, no matter how messy or chaotic it may be. It’s about silencing that inner critic and letting the words flow freely, without judgment.

    Finding the Diamonds in Your First Draft

    Now, I’m not saying that every crappy first draft is a masterpiece in disguise. Some are just plain bad. But within that mess, hidden amongst the awkward phrasing and plot holes the size of Texas, are little gems of brilliance.

    It might be a particularly poignant sentence, a character interaction that crackles with energy, or a plot twist that even you didn’t see coming. These are the diamonds in the rough, the nuggets of gold that make sifting through the muck worthwhile.

  • The Ultimate Guide to Building a Successful Side Hustle in the Digital Age

    The Ultimate Guide to Building a Successful Side Hustle in the Digital Age




    The Ultimate Guide to Building a Successful Side Hustle in the Digital Age


    Introduction

    The digital age has ushered in unprecedented opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. With a laptop and an internet connection, almost anyone can launch a side hustle and join the growing gig economy. Whether you’re looking to earn extra income, explore a passion, or build a business empire, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to succeed.

    Choosing Your Niche: Finding the Perfect Side Hustle Idea

    The first step to building a successful side hustle is identifying a profitable niche that aligns with your skills and interests. Consider the following factors:

    • Skills and Expertise: What are you good at? What skills have you acquired through your education, career, or hobbies?
    • Passion and Interest: What are you passionate about? What topics genuinely excite you?
    • Market Demand: Is there a demand for your skills or services? Research online marketplaces, freelance platforms, and social media to gauge interest.

    Here are a few examples of popular and profitable side hustle ideas in the digital age:

    1. Freelancing: Offer your skills as a writer, editor, graphic designer, web developer, virtual assistant, or social media manager.
    2. Online Teaching and Coaching: Share your knowledge and expertise through online courses, webinars, or one-on-one coaching sessions.
    3. E-commerce: Start an online store selling physical or digital products through platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon.
    4. Content Creation: Build an audience and generate income through blogging, vlogging, podcasting, or social media influencing.
    A graph showing the growth of a side hustle's online traffic over time.
  • My Phone Charger: A Modern Greek Tragedy (and Other Tales of Tech Treachery)

    My Phone Charger: A Modern Greek Tragedy (and Other Tales of Tech Treachery)

    My Phone Charger: A Modern Greek Tragedy (and Other Tales of Tech Treachery)

    phone chargers to outsmarting autocorrect’s questionable vocabulary.

    The Neverending Struggle with Phone Chargers

    We’ve all been there. That moment of panic when your phone screen dims to black, displaying the dreaded low battery symbol. You frantically search for your charger, only to find it tangled in a knot worthy of Houdini himself.

    Just me? Okay, maybe it’s not a universal experience, but my phone charger and I have a love-hate relationship that would make even the most dramatic reality show jealous. It’s a constant battle of wills, and let’s just say, the charger usually wins.

    The Case of the Vanishing Wifi

    Of course, my technological woes don’t stop at a tangled charger. Oh no, that would be far too simple. There’s also the mysterious case of the vanishing wifi. You know what I’m talking about. You’re in the middle of something incredibly important – an online meeting, a tense game of Wordscapes, watching the climax of your favorite show – and BAM! The internet decides to take an unannounced vacation.

    Cue the frantic restarting of the router, the desperate pleas to the wifi gods, and the inevitable descent into mild panic. And then, just as suddenly as it disappeared, the internet returns, leaving you blinking at the screen in disbelief, wondering if it was all a strange dream.

    Autocorrect: Friend or Foe?

    And let’s not forget everyone’s favorite technological frenemy: autocorrect. This little feature is like that well-meaning but slightly clueless friend who always manages to say the wrong thing at the wrong time.

    I’m sure we all have a collection of hilarious autocorrect fails. Like the time I tried to text my friend “I’m on my way!” but autocorrect, in its infinite wisdom, decided “I’m on my walrus!” was a more appropriate message.

    Or the time it changed “Let’s grab coffee” to “Let’s grab crocodiles.” (Honestly, who even talks about crocodiles that much?)

    Autocorrect, I appreciate the effort, but sometimes you’re just making things weird.

    The Tech Struggle Is Real, But So Is the Laughter

    So, there you have it, a glimpse into the chaotic world of my technological misadventures. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels like they’re engaged in a constant battle with their devices. But you know what? As frustrating as these tech fails can be, they also provide endless fodder for laughter and stories to tell.

    What about you? What’s your most hilarious tale of technology gone rogue? Share your stories in the comments below because misery loves company, and laughter is always the best tech support!