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The number of numbers in the blogging world

The number of numbers in the blogging world

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In April 2017, I took part in my first #AtoZChallenge of blogging. A blogathon of sorts with 26 posts a month going up on the blog in an alphabetical order, one every day barring the weekends. It turned out to be a terrific experience for me. It was the first time I could see an increase in the number of visitors on my blog. I realized the value of regular blogging and the significance of numbers in the blogging world. Number of posts, number of visitors, number of likes, number of comments, number of followers… and then one number that I discovered to be of paramount importance: the Alexa rank of my blog!

Now, I had heard of Alexa before when my siblings spoke of how it was an integral part of their homes with the Amazon Echo. “Alexa, play this song of Ed Sheeran”, “Alexa, what’s the weather like today?”, “Alexa, what’s the time in Washington D.C. right now?” seemed to be an ongoing din in their homes. That’s when it struck me that there was indeed an Alexa  that was ruling over the visibility and popularity of my blog in the big wide web world. As soon as I heard of it, I quickly looked up this all-important number of my website. To tell you the truth, I was aghast.

9, 408,444!

Ouch! Never in my life have I ranked so low in any of my endeavours (ironically, higher the number, lower the ranking in this case).

How painful to know that all my writing is not reaching out to enough readers online. It’s time to make a conscious effort and take the initiative to pump up the numbers in all my blogging efforts. And there comes Blogchatter, the savior for us newbie bloggers, with it’s #MyFriendAlexa campaign. So here I have jumped on to this bandwagon right away – the season Two of My Friend Alexa this September. An interesting period for bloggers to write, read, share, comment and interact. Post September, I am anticipating seeing a better number in all numbers for this blog. And more importantly, I am eager to connect with a lot many who would value what I have to offer here.

I truly hope you are one of them and will stay connected.

[I am taking my Alexa Rank to the next level with #MyFriendAlexa and Blogchatter this September]

 

Also read:

Reflections on my first #AtoZChallenge 2017

Why is Alexa rank important?

 

 

#BookReview 3: A to Z of Healing by Ishieta Chopra #BlogchatterEbooks

#BookReview 3: A to Z of Healing by Ishieta Chopra #BlogchatterEbooks

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This April 2017, I took up my first challenge as a blogger – The A to Z challenge of blogging. Writing 26 posts in a month based on a theme, each post beginning from a letter of the alphabet and a new post to be posted everyday except Sundays. It was indeed an exciting challenge during which I discovered several diverse blogs and connected with many bloggers. At the end of it, I became an author with my first ebook: ‘Small Servings of Wellness’

As a part of the #BlogchatterEBookCarnival, we authors of ebooks have to review at least three books from the carnival. ‘A to Z of Healing’ by Ishieta Chopra is the third book I am reviewing.

Why I chose this ebook for review:

Over the last many years, I have developed a strong affinity towards the spiritual aspects of life, which include various modalities of energy sciences and healing. One of the many blogs that had caught my attention during the A to Z Challenge was ‘isheeriashealingcircles’ by Ishieta Chopra for the sheer similarities of interest. I was instantly attracted to review this ebook of Ishieta’s so that I could read in detail the interesting content all over again. There were also some common practises that we both regularly indulge in, like meditation, writing the swastika symbol at the start of each new book and burning incense at home to name a few!

My views on the ebook:

‘A to Z of healing’ is essentially a compilation of nuggets from the author’s experience of many years as a healer. It encompasses various elements that one would associate with alternative healing, energy sciences, spirituality, promoting positivity and well being. Her knowledge of so many aspects of the ethereal sciences is commendable. This book introduces the readers very subtly to the A to Z of healing subjects, prompting them to explore more.

Though I was blissfully aware of several subjects from this ebook, some of the facts were quite a revelation for me:

  • That we need a Guru to awaken the Kundalini within us.
  • The prayer flags represent sending out prayers to the universe, and when they start tearing off is when our prayers are being answered.
  • I have studied the science of chakras through pranic healing and reiki. Yet I was not aware that each of our chakras is associated with planets and seed mantras.
  • So also essential oils are associated with zodiac and astrology.
  • Hynotherapy was used in childbirth in ancient times to calm the mother in labour.

Very few healers I know cover so many diverse aspects of healing modalities. I congratulate Ishieta on all her healing endeavours and wish her success ahead.

Key takeaways for me:

This book has inspired me further to grow in my spiritual pursuits. Tarot card deck is something I have been meaning to learn, so that is something I will act upon soon. I practice different styles of meditation regularly, so using water images with all our senses for meditation is something to look forward to. I am an advocate of alternative medicines. Having heard of Bach Flower therapy from a friend who practises it, maybe I should explore that a bit more.

Rating: 4/5. What could have been better in this ebook is consistency in text formatting for flawless reading,

About the author:

Ishieta Chopra was introduced to the world of Healing, Numerology, and Magick by the oldest school of education and learning –her mother! She has been practicing alternative methods of healing for over a decade and a half. She is the Co-Author of the eBook: “Numerology – The Power of Numbers” (available on Amazon.in.) A practicing Numerologist, Tarot Reader & Reiki Healer & Master, she has set up Isheeria’s Healing Circles to help people Learn, Heal & (Re) Design their lives through the Esoteric Arts and Healing Methods.

You can reach Ishieta on:

Twitter: @Isheeria1

Facebook: IsheeriasHealingCircles

Instagram: 1.isheeria

You can contact her at: team@isheeriashealingcircles.com for personalised readings and predictions.

 

#BookReview 2: Off Beats by Gayatri Gadre #BlogchatterEbooks

#BookReview 2: Off Beats by Gayatri Gadre #BlogchatterEbooks

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Writing our first book can be such a pleasure, what with having earned the label of becoming an author! As a part of the #BlogchatterEBookCarnival, each of us authors have to pick 3 ebooks for reviews on our blog. My first review was of the eBook ‘Writing Tools’ by Cheryl Sterling: #EBook Review

Here’s presenting my second review for the #BlogchatterEBookCarnival with the ebook ‘Off Beats’ by Gayatri Gadre.

Why I chose this ebook for review:

Travel is one of my strong passions. To pick a book on offbeat travel destinations to review – I knew that would be something to look forward to. It’s always interesting to read on varied travel stories. Every traveler has their own experience of looking at a place and describing the details from their lens. I was curious to know of Gayatri’s perspective of travel as well as her style of writing. Another reason why I picked her book – she was the only blogger from the A to Z Challenge 2017 I had the privilege to meet offline.

My views on the ebook: 

Gayatri shares an honest account of her travel tales in a simple, conversational – like informal tone. She writes about a variety of places – from the countryside of Bath in UK to our very own Elephanta caves in Mumbai. Her interests as a tourist reflect diversity – whether enjoying the museums in London to paragliding in Kamshet; from spotting a unique orchestra on a railway station to camping under the stars.

Gayatri shares important information out of her own learning from different places. Travel tips like how to best reach the destination, what not to wear, what to avoid, what is a must-do and sharing important info links all serve as handy tips for passionate travelers.

How I wish I had the luxury and time to travel like her, with long road trips and unplanned stopovers. Like she rightly says, we live multiple lives while traveling! What stands out is her vivid expressions of the places. What also strikes out is her own personal connect with the place, for e.g. when she describes the Stonehenge or shares the poignant message of the Corpus clock at Cambridge.

Key takeaways for me:

The lesser-explored places have their own charm, each place speaks its own story to each traveler. Anne Frank’s museum will definitely be on my list when I visit Amsterdam. ‘Off Beats’ is a recommended read for those who like to take the untrodded travel path.

My rating: 4/5

Connect with the author:

Gayatri Gadre likes to call herself an explorer than an author. She offers digital marketing services to companies worldwide and in her free time she pursues various hobbies such as Latin ballroom dancing, Pottery, Origami and craft. Watch out for her soon to release debut novel.

Connect with Gayatri:

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Goodreads

 

#BookReview 1: Writing Tools by Cheryl Sterling #BlogchatterEbook

#BookReview 1: Writing Tools by Cheryl Sterling #BlogchatterEbook

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The A to Z Blogging Challenge in April saw many bloggers like me transform into authors with their first eBook. The Blogchatter platform was instrumental in encouraging this transition. As a part of the #BlogchatterEBookCarnival, each of us have to pick 3 ebooks for reviews on our blog. So here I am with my first eBook review:

Why I chose this ebook for review:

During the challenge, I got to know of so many bloggers blogging about various things across a whole lot of topics. Some of the bloggers did leave an impact, whether through their content or comments or connection – Cheryl Sterling was one of them. I enjoyed reading her posts, though couldn’t read them all in detail and told myself – I would like to revisit her blog. Her eBook ‘Writing Tools’ with 26 tips for improved writing and marketing surely seemed very appealing to the newbie blogger in me. Thus this first pick for my reviews.

My take on the ebook:

Cheryl has been an author with a career spanning eighteen years. Her experience and professionalism is very evident in her writing, an essential aspect of the book that first came through. The ebook encompasses essential tips required for writers to learn and market their content. The language is simple even for the non tech-savvy to comprehend and the content flows well.

While the author impresses upon us what one should do during the process, she is also candid in expressing what did not work for her so that we do not pursue the same thing. The author’s personal learning experience with certain tools acts as a foolproof testimony.

I was amazed with the depth she goes into for certain aspects of writing. For example, developing her fictional characters using Myers-Briggs personality test and Numerology. Her analysis across comparative tools (e.g. Draft2Digital vs Smashwords) is well-articulated. The book highlights the various social media channels and how to use them optimally including networking, importance of groups, scheduling, etc.

The ebook indicates the author’s passion as well as expertise in the field. I only wish that the related links were highlighted in a separate colour or underlined for a quick reference/click.

Ebook recommended for:

‘Writing Tools’ by Cheryl Sterling is a valuable collection of tips for all aspiring authors, content writers, digital marketing students and anyone who wants to know the precious tools in the content marketing world.

My rating: 4.5/5

About the author:

Cheryl Sterling is an American author of several paranormal and contemporary romance novels and short stories. Her first novel, What Do You Say to a Naked Elf?, was a finalist in the TARA contest and was later sold to Leisure Books, an imprint of Dorchester Publishing. Cheryl is a co-founder and past president of Grand Rapids Region Writers Group in Grand Rapids, MI. She has conducted several workshops that focused on the writing craft and co-chaired their first “I’ve Always Wanted to Write a Book” regional conference. Her passion is learning and improving her craft, but mostly, she is a teacher. Cheryl currently lives in Phoenix with her husband and their cat, Coco Xena.

Connect with her:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

 

Read more about Blogchatter: https://www.theblogchatter.com/

 

E – ‘Eat Pray Love’ by Elizabeth Gilbert #AtoZChallenge

E – ‘Eat Pray Love’ by Elizabeth Gilbert #AtoZChallenge

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“You cannot see your reflection in running water, only in still water.” ~Elizabeth Gilbert

‘Liberating’ – this was one of the most profound emotions felt after I read the novel ‘Eat Pray Love’. The timing of the book coincided with my separation and with the reality of being on my own. Author Elizabeth Gilbert’s own story of self-discovery across three countries, this book was a revelation of sorts for me….

…That of several possibilities a newly divorced single woman can experience in her life:

  • She steps out of a situation that is toxic and does not serve any purpose
  • She is okay to not feel guilty while looking for pleasure (read food) in another country
  • She travels to India (like many foreigners do) in pursuit of devotion, in search of a Guru

If you yearn sincerely enough for a Guru, you will find one. The universe will shift, destiny’s molecules will get themselves organized and your path will soon intersect with the path of the master you need.

  • She can surrender to her new reality and make peace with it
  • It is possible for her to forgive her ex-husband and more importantly, forgive herself
  • She must learn to control her mind when everything else around her seems out of control
  • She finds herself and then finds love again

The movie based on this book had Julia Roberts playing Elizabeth. She was good as always, but movies hardly ever come close to the magic of reading the books!


Key Highlights:

‘Look for God like a man with his head on fire looks for water.’

‘When the karma of a relationship is done, only love remains. Its safe. Let go.’

‘The hub of calmness- that’s your heart. That’s where God lives within you. So stop looking for answers in the world. Just keep coming back to that centre and you will always find peace.”

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from AtoZ: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Have you read the previous ones?

A: A New Earth 

B: Brahma Kumaris

C: Chicken Soup for the Soul

D: Dialogue with Death 

 

Image courtesy: http://www.studio-t.it/en/

A to Z Blogging Challenge April 2017: Theme reveal

A to Z Blogging Challenge April 2017: Theme reveal

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“Challenges are what makes life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” ~Joshua Marine

When I first read about the #AtoZChallenge for bloggers, of churning out a blog post in an alphabetical chronology almost every single day for 26 days in a month (except Sundays), I said to myself, ‘I cant do it. Its hard enough finding time writing a post every week, every day seems way too daunting!’ But then me and my affinity towards challenges got me pondering…at all the possibilities of participating. What it would mean to be a part of joining so many bloggers in this online event. What a wonderful platform it could be to reach out to more readers. How exciting it would be to have accomplished a difficult feat.

I am plunging in. No looking back now.

The next question – My theme! What do I give my readers that which is valuable to take away? In an alphabetical chronology? Thankfully, it didn’t take too long to figure.

One thing that has been constant in my life is my love for reading. And particularly during crisis moments in life, I read everything I could get my hand on about surviving, healing, self-help, parenting, single-parenting, personal growth…the list goes on. The process opened me to seek a deeper connection with the divine forces of the universe. Unlocking my channels for spiritual growth. Leading me on to a path of self-discovery, in a quest for life’s true purpose.

I would love to share with you- all the learning that has touched my soul and built me into who I am. Of positive inspirations and influences. The books, the authors, the experiences – everything that has enriched my journey so far. And while I do so, I am excited to revisit all of that and perhaps take away something valuable again.

Join in. Stay connected for a fast-paced alphabetical blogging month ahead!

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