As any blogger knows, once a post is complete, it can be a little unnerving to hit “publish” and watch as our private words become public. Whether we’ve written something we hope will make people smile, or make them think, or we’ve shared an event or an adventure, we always pour at least a bit of ourselves into what we write. When we send a post off into the blogosphere, we never know for sure what will come of it. It’s the likes and comments we receive in return that help us know that our words are being read and appreciated.
Because of this, I want you to know how grateful I am to you for visiting, reading, liking, and (hopefully) following RetirementallyChallenged. I know that there are many, many millions of blogs to choose from, and I am beyond thankful that you have found and spent a moment with mine.
My deepest gratitude goes to those of you who take the time to leave such positive, insightful, and interesting comments – they are often the best part of each post. For the generosity of those who share their thoughts by commenting, I am more grateful than words can express.
Retirementally Challenged 
I thank you back for creating such wonderful and diverse blog posts and for following my blog, Janis. You put that feeling of gratitude in perfect words! Cheers to many more blogs, likes, followers and comments!
Absolutely: Cheers to our future blog posts… and great adventures!
Back at you Janis. I appreciate your reading and commenting. Happy New Year, my friend. Keith
Happy New Year to you also! Although your year ended on a sad note, I wish you many joyful occasions in 2017!
I only “discovered” you a couple of months ago, but I’ve really enjoyed your blog and getting to know you. I’m looking forward to more great posts in 2017. Wishing you the best in the new year.
Thank you, Donna! I was happy to be introduced to your blog too – I love the positive tone. Seeing your comment made me realize that I’m not getting emails alerting me to your posts so I’ll have to try following again. Have a wonderful New Year!
Oh wow! Heartfelt.
I love my readers!
Once again, you have so eloquently got to the heart of the matter. It’s the interaction that blogging is all about!
That is so true, Donna. I can still remember doing a happy dance when I received my first like and comment.
What a lovely post. Yes, you definitely nailed it. I sometimes wonder whether I am blThering on about myself, being too “show-offey” talking about my travels. Not my intent, but you never know how your words might be perceived.
I’m so glad to have you as a virtual pen pal! I remain impressed by your dedication to posting. Keep going, girl!
I really enjoy reading about your adventures, and those of other bloggers. I guess it comes down to how the posts are written and the intent. Yours are always so interesting and well-intentioned – and I get to learn about areas of the world I’m unfamiliar with. As you know, you were my first real follower, and so I owe you an even bigger THANK YOU! 💕
Thank you for thanking us! 🙂
You are welcome!
Like you said there are a gazillion blogs out there. The fact that we find other blogger with the same interests and values is amazing. We live on opposite coasts and I always enjoy the conversations.
So do I, Kate! Hopefully one of these days we can have a conversation face-to-face, over a couple of Starbucks coffees.
Yes, in warm SoCal.
😎
So grateful to have met you, Janis, through blogging! I’m grateful for friendships that have developed as a result, and the face-to-face relationships that many of us share! See you at lunch in a few hours (don’t get to say that to most bloggers I know)!
Lunch was good and the conversation was even better! Thanks for making the time to get together.
Any time! Wish I lived closer!
Janis – right back at you :))
I hope to see you around these parts a bit more. Enjoy your holiday!
So well said, Janis! … and I say thank you back to you ❤
Have a wonderful New Year, Joanne! I look forward to connecting across the blogosphere in 2017.
Back at you!! 🙂
Hope 2017 is more generous and kind to us all.
I agree wholeheartedly. I enjoy the conversations your posts generate. Thanks for continuing to share little pieces of yourself with all of us. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Pat. Happy New Year to you also!
I look forward to more posts from you in 2017. Your blog is one of the better ones! – Marty
Awww… So sweet. Thanks Marty!
I enjoy reading your blog. I am sure lots of us bloggers wonder if it is worth our time, but I so enjoy the fact that so many of you take the time to write. Have a Happy New Year and ‘write-on’.
Thank you, Denise! It does take a certain amount of determination to maintain a blog but I so enjoy the community and connections. Best wishes for a wonderful New Year to you too!
A heartfelt post! Be assured, your readers are grateful for you and your work! This is a marvelous online community which gives so much to all of its members!
The community is what keeps us going! Have a joyful New Year!
Love the name of your blog (just found you) and yes, we all want others to read what we write (isnt that why we blog) but there is an inner satisfaction with putting our words out there also – just to get our thoughts and feelings off our chest – so enlightening sometimes….have a great 2017.
It’s funny: when I started to blog it was mostly to give me an excuse to write (something I did a lot of at work and knew that I would miss). Now, although I still enjoy writing, I have discovered this whole blogging community that I had no idea was out there. Have a wonderful New Year – and thanks so much for commenting and following!
Yes! Thank you:)
🙂