Each moment, awake and asleep, our minds are busy processing our thoughts. I quick AI search estimates our daily thoughts vary widely, from 6,000 to over 60,000. A study by The American Journal of Medicine shares according to the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging at the University of Southern California, the average brain generates 48.6 thoughts per minute—amounting to about 70,000 thoughts per day. And as a woman with an overactive imagination I am sure to rank higher on the spectrum, which gives me just one more thought to ponder.

What do I do with all these ideas? And where do I go with them?

The Content Creator

Each day, home or away, I am busy experiencing life. I tuck away each experience and when my memory serves I decide to write about the impact each experience has on my life. I then curate a post to help process my thoughts and to share how the experiences impact my well-being.

Just a thought to ponder… Am I being effective at getting my content seen?

While I am successfully creating content on two individual platforms, WordPress and Substack, my struggle is getting my content to my potential audience. I have maintained a subscriber list and a constant stream of followers but with the everchanging algorithms I feel as if I am getting lost within the worldwide web of information that people are inundated with.

The algorithms have changed the way people do Facebook. My feed is 75% full of marketing and influencers I don’t care to follow. Unless I am intentional about seeing each post shared by a Facebook friend I will miss their thoughtful shares.

It’s a waste of my precious time to chase the algorithm and, quite frankly, I find social media scrolling a drain of my creative energy. I do not spend enough time on the platform to thrive among all of the other active content creators.

My choice is to use my Facebook as a landing spot for my writing. It’s the most effective way to have my writing viewed.

My Audience

Each person, a believer of Christ or not and searching or in denial, is bombarded with daily life struggles. If they do not have the proper coping skills the result leads to unhealthy alternatives and living life without peace.

Just another thought to ponder… Who is interested in what I write?

The general theme that the majority of my posts share is recovery. Recovery is more than addiction or healing from an illness but from life. Life happens everyday and each day has it’s own set of challenges. Learning the tools of recovery and developing a relationship with my higher power provides healthy solutions and helps to maintain my peace.

We humans share the same struggles so my audience is vast but my writing isn’t for everyone. It’s for the person who is looking for change. I cater to the person who is ready and willing.

When I make my content available on Facebook it is a reminder for those who wish to remain in denial. When they are ready I am available.

My Content

Each year, over the last five years, I have been writing and sharing my daily struggles. The content I create has evolved with my growth journey. By being open with my struggles I am inviting others on the path to heal.

One more thing to consider… Am I creating relevant content?

Recently, I published a book–Swallow Your Pride, A Writer’s Guide for Recovery and am struggling with marketing. It sits on Amazon, among a sea of books each yearning to be viewed. Which makes me question, “Is my writing relevant?”

While my book sits idle, waiting to be read, my blog posts are reaching their intended target. Through the use of WordPress and proper keywords the topics that are relevant are found. And when I remain patient (a Fruit of the Spirit obtained through successful recovery) my audience shows up and reads my content.

Creating content and sharing to Facebook takes perseverance. It’s not easy to share when you think others don’t care.

Is My Content for You?

Each post, either from my grow-together blog on WordPress or Purpose Within Darkness Substack, I make available to subscribers. Although I am having slow and steady growth, Google offers me forward momentum when I publish to the web. Everyday people across the world view my writing.

My most read post is Beverly Aikins Represents Hope and is the Belle of the Ball. Beverly Aikins is the mother of JD Vance and a character in Hillbilly Elegy. This post shares the story of her recovery and living in a country in need of recovery.

The Content I Avoid

I do not write political posts. Political posts are polarizing and create division. I see mainstream media and other news outlets as a necessity for sharing news, but too much news contributes to poor mental health. The unhealthy person acts out of anger when threatened by news they do not agree with.

Examples of My Content

Mutual Respect the Foundation of Healthy Relationships – A gift of implementing the tools of recovery is healthy relationships. Relationships ebb and flow through out our lives. Depending on the status of our mental health, relationships are always being challenged.

Embracing the Imperfections of the Family Five years ago my family was very fractured, due to not having healthy coping skills. Instead of letting my poor choices destroy our family I chose change. Today my family is thriving but we remain imperfect.

Sober Sex: Taking Control I don’t shy away from taboo subjects. Shame and sinful behavior are at the center of who we are as humans. I have even lost subscribers due to offensive content. I write about the discussions that we need to have and as a society ignore.

Regifted With A Purpose The purpose behind my writing is to provide a place to welcome growth. We each have special gifts and I encourage others to be vulnerable by writing their stories.

As a woman with a background as a casework designer (cabinets) and always up for a good home remodel I share current projects. I am a work in progress as is my home.

A final thought to ponder… How do you respond to the daily struggles in your life?

Prior to introspecting my own life and accepting that I am the only one who can make true change I lived a very unhealthy lifestyle. News consumed my day and alcohol is what I used for coping.

I didn’t have the patience or compassion to deal with a life I have no control over. In recovery I am acquiring the tools needed to live a contented life.

What do you have in your toolbelt?

Author Karen Esbenshade

My personal Facebook page is not just for my existing community but public for all to view my writing. The majority of my Facebook friends I have known for decades, while others I met within the last five years. Each acquaintance is as diverse as the material I write.

Not every post will speak to each person, a few posts might even be ignored. But when I have a home to share my writing, it will always be available for those who are interested. By maintaining that platform, even when the algorithms change, I can be present for the person who is in need.