When I was first asked to start this blog, I didn’t really think of it as “media”, to me it was just a journal. It was something I wanted to write down to share with my kids. Most of the time it was me sitting at my desk looking out the window at the mountains and trying to think about how I would put into words the lessons life has taught me. Not always the BIG and LOUD lessons, but the gentle, quiet ones you learn over time.

Rocky Spirit Homestead was a place to gather my thoughts, the way I gather my chicken’s eggs, one at a time. Sometimes I had lots of thoughts, and sometimes there was nothing. I wasn’t trying to influence anyone, I just wanted to be honest about things I have learned.

Writing this blog made me realize something really important…

Every story I would share wasn’t just there to help shape someone else’s life; it was also shaping mine. It was a time to reflect and see how it has shaped me. My studies in class taught me that things online, no matter where they are, can shape how other people see their world. Because of that, it made me think twice before I hit the “publish” button.

Life has a way of teaching us whether we realize it or not. When you plant a garden things don’t sprout instantly, it takes time and attention. Growth happens quietly most of the time not even noticed until we are given the opportunity to look back and reflect.

That is exactly how my growth in my Media class has gone.

At first, I thought media was the big stuff – News stations, Facebook, viral posts, perfectly edited videos and people with that blue check mark claiming thousands of followers. I didn’t think it would be a quiet blog about how my life has changed over the years.

What I have learned is media is simply sharing a message, and every message can carry influence. Small ones, big ones, quiet ones, even a personal journal of learning to grow.

I’ve learned that media isn’t just information, it’s perspective. It’s choosing what to look at and what to overlook. It’s deciding what stories we tell, and what we leave between the lines.

I have enjoyed watching my own blog grow and change. I found that I like sharing photos and showing the personal insights. Maybe that’s because I enjoy photography and I believe the old saying “a pictures worth a thousand words”. However in showing pictures I have also learned you can’t always believe what you see, whether the face is smiling without truly feeling happy, or maybe AI has adjusted and changed they way things actually are.

Not just watching it evolve in pictures and links but also in thought, many of the topics I was given to write on were not topics I would pick out for myself. As my blog continue to grow and can see it changing slightly on what is shared and what topics I want to cover. I would like a few more light hearted reflections. Life is better when shared with laughable moments, tasty treats, and creative inspiration.

I have learned that keeping things real is priceless. Sometimes the loudest and the most viral posts are not the wisest. Posting isn’t always about the most likes, or a biggest splash in the world. I have noticed that what I see isn’t always about reflecting it is about reacting. When everything feels like late breaking news it’s important to slow down and ask ourselves…

Is this true?

Is this helpful?

Is it kind?

When I write something I double check and ask myself…

Is this something I would still stand by in a year from now?

Because media can last FOREVER.

I have learned that authenticity matters more than being polished and perfect, people value what’s real.

Moving to my little homestead has taught me that what we cultivate grows. In terms of media what we consume also grows whether that’s fear, comparison, anger, or love, reflection, understanding and kindness.  I hope as I continue this journey, I can cultivate happiness, love, and hope.

Just like how my garden is planted with planning and purpose I hope this blog will continue to do the same. Now that my class is finished will I continue to cultivate this blog and update life lessons?

I hope so!

Because learning truly does come from reflection.