I started my first journal when I was 14 years old, and haven’t stopped journaling since. I love to write and share my thoughts. I keep all of my journals from over the years in a large black trunk. From time to time I will randomly pull one out to read. It’s interesting to see how far I’ve come, what challenges I still grapple with, and how much more I still have to learn about life and living on purpose.

When I write in my journal, sometimes I write to myself, other times I write to God, and there are even times I write to the people whom I don’t have the courage to say all that I want to say face to face. No matter what I’m writing or to whom, the process is one that I greatly enjoy because it connects me, cleanses me, and allows me to be me.

So it would seem natural. A no brainier really – that I would be a great blogger.

Well, that logic has not proven true.

I’ve resisted blogging regularly for a long time. There are many excuses I can give for why I’ve not done it – but  if I am to be completely honest with myself its because the idea and  the pressure of always having something clever, witty, relevant, beneficial, or even interesting to say was just way too daunting.

I’ve owned the domain name Sanyika.com for years. It has been a source of  pride to have my name (both literally and figuratively) and also a cause of great debate about how to best use it.

The origin of my name is Swahili where Sanyika – means,  “the gatherer,” “to gather,” “the gatherer of the people.”

I enjoy connecting with and gathering people, and I believe my mission in life is to:

1. Build sustainable relationships – people don’t want to know how much you know until they know how much you care

2. Be a resource – people need tangible support to reach their next level in all areas of their business and lives

Through my books, products, coaching services and TV appearances I strive to live my mission and build a strong foundation for my business one meaningful relationship at a time.

But despite the meaning of my name, my good intentions and even after reading books on blogging, researching other peoples blogs, and attempting to blog on topics that I’m familiar with – the love just wasn’t there. The passion to be consistent alluded me and every valiant attempt seemed to fall woefully short of my expectations and capability.

So as 2008 (one of my hardest years yet) draws to a close and 2009 quickly approaches I think once again about the blog, about “needing”  one; yet honestly not knowing how this attempt will be any different than the many other failed attempts.

As a new year dawns with all its possibilities, I have decided to take a BIG and BOLD stance toward blogging – at least with this one.

I am moving past the “analysis paralysis” of needing a blog. I am choosing to ignore some of the rules about blogging.  And I am embracing the freedom of treating this very much like I have approached journaling.

This blog will not be for everyone, or actually for anyone in particular. (I know all you staunch believers in picking a niche are cringing right now – but I cannot be concerned about  that right now)

This blog is about proving to myself that I can do it. It will be for me. But not because I’m a narcissist or don’ t care about others.In fact the opposite is true. This blog will be about the journey of life. Raw and transparent, difficult and disappointing, encouraging and energetic. I believe that it is the human experience, the sharing of ideas, life lessons, challenges and triumphs that connect us deeply.

If my thoughts and ideas about the lessons I’ve learned, am learning, and have yet to learn intrigue you, touch you, encourage you, endear or inspire you in any way I am very pleased and would be honored if you would share your thoughts and life lessons with me also.

My pursuit of my purpose is often a study in contradictions, an ungraceful dance between what my flesh wants and God requires, and a truly sincere attempt to be the best me that I can be – which is questionable how well I reach the mark.

Why we blog …the reasons are as vast as the people who put finger to keyboard and hand to mouse. Why I blog … well because I believe much of my experiences, challenges, thoughts and ideas are shared by more people than I know. Because I want to liberate others by freeing myself.

For the first time I am charging myself with the task of “just doing it.” Without any agenda, intention or outcome in mind other than proving to myself that I can.

Sanyika, The gatherer

http://www.Sanyika.com