Hello sweetheart, welcome back! 💜
If you are reading this, I first want to thank you for finding your way to my blog. It doesn’t matter if you are new to this lovely place, or if you sneaked in from time to time. I’m happy to read you here.
It’s been a while since I last posted something here. Last year I promised a comeback with my re:Invent Diaries. But it was left at that. I wasn’t even going further. Because, well… first-time Vegas, first-time re:Invent. It was an amazing experience, but I was both so overwhelmed and stressed out during that time. So there was no energy left to update the blog regularly.
Posting this today, marks a special date to me. On November 28th 2023 was the day I stood on the stage at the DevLounge at re:Invent 2023. This was truly a magic and unforgettable moment. But honestly, I couldn’t really celebrate it. Not because I didn’t find the time, but because to me at this point it was just another achievement on my pile. “Something will come next. No time for breaks.” And even at this point, I thought I wasn’t good enough. That I need to invest more time, do more, speak at more events, learn more. Because to me, it seemed, everybody else is doing so much more than I do and will ever do. So, I didn’t gave myself permission to take a step back and enjoy this moment. Instead, I forced myself and stressed out to become even a more functioning and productive version of myself. But my body didn’t let me do this anymore, thankfully.
By the end of 2023, I came to realise that things haven’t been working the good way both physically and mentally for such a long time. I realised that I need some rest. I took it. And eventually, I’m back again. In a more sustainable way. I’m now able to listen to myself. Listen to my intuition, and be mindful with my energy. 😌
So, now truly a comeback? Yes, why not?!
Bit by bit, I’m getting back. Back to my job as a Cloud Consultant and back as an active member of the AWS community. But this will be happening step-by-step. Nobody wants back the stressed out Nora. Well, me neither 🤷🏻♀️
I want to start with blogging regularly again. Something I did for years on my former creative blog, but kinda averted when it came to my activities in the tech community. It truly transformed to yet another chore I had on my to-do list. I don’t adore chores. Honestly, somehow everything I had to do during the last year more and more felt like a not so adorable chore.
Thoughts about the future
I can’t foresee if I will blog constantly, but I try.
Another thing I want to do: Combining both my tech content and my art content in this place. One thing I learned the hard way during the last months: There is not only working Nora who should be visible. There is so much more I can show to the world. It was not so long ago, I thought doing Manga art make me appear less professional. But, I don’t care anymore what maybe seems to appear less professional. It belongs to me. Like crocheting now does. And honestly, I don’t want to operate multiple personal websites anymore. 😂
If you book me, you get both tech and creativity. And a good portion of feminism, too. I hope it decreases the obstacles to blog. Sometimes I want to blog tech-savvy content, and on other days I just want to brighten up your day with a new drawing or comic. Let’s see how this will work out in the long run.
For the next blog posts I already have some topics in mind. In 2024, I got my renewal for the AWS Community Builders Program (yeah! second year) 🥳 So this means my AWS community mission won’t stop. Besides all the art and tech stuff, I want to focus on feminist topics regarding my professional career, as well. Let’s see how I can combine all this. I might also release some tech-related comics. But I still don’t know if I want to make it happen soon. Foremost, I want to create what sparks joy to me - for what I am in the mood to do. ✨
The blog will get a re-design, as well. As you are reading this post, I’m working towards the new setup. I switched from Hugo to Astro with the lovely Aria theme by Kai. I really love it so far. 💜
At the end, a little shout-out
To all those people who were thinking about me during this hard time, even if I didn’t let them know what was happening: I’m very very thankful for you! 🫶🏻 Getting back to the AWS community was like I’ve never been away. I truly, truly appreciated it!
I’m looking forward to my next chapter ✨ Let’s see what 2025 will bring!
Have a great day 💜 Nora