A To Z Challenge 2016 Theme Reveal
Yes, it’s that time again! The much awaited A to Z April Challenge is just around the corner. And over 1200 bloggers from around the world are gearing up to don their creative hats and are sharpening their writing skills. Yes, we all will be writing posts from A to Z, every day in April except Sundays!
This April, I will be participating in this mega event for a fourth time in a row.
In April 2013, I wrote on random subjects from A to Z.
By April 2014, I got the hang of this challenge and there was quite a buzz about to theme or not to theme. So, I decided to go with the theme of Marriage from A to Z in exactly 55 words!
Loaded with the experience of the earlier 2 years, in 2015, I wrote about Emotions and Feelings from A to Z in 55 Words.
While writing about random subjects leaves with you a lot of choices, writing on a theme keeps you focussed and helps you explore and grow more in the chosen subject.
I loved challenging myself to write in 55 words these last two years, so I had no doubts about the word limit each of my post would have this April. Why just 55 words, you may ask. Well, it’s a win-win situation for both you and me. 55 words are just short enough to grab your attention and time and long enough to cover the subject and as for me, well, it is the perfect way to challenge and kick my dormant muse!
With clarity on that aspect, I moved on to give some thought to the challenging aspect of this challenge and that was, “What theme to pick on?”
I did an extensive 5-minute research (Yeah, I am pretty good at it!) and decided to go for….
Ahem!… Can we have the drum rolls please…
My Theme for April A to Z Challenge 2016 is…
Cultivating Happiness from A to Z in 55 words
“If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!” Remember this rhyme from our school days? From early on, we were taught to recognize and celebrate feelings of happiness! And today, we know that happiness is not only one of the most positive emotions we can experience, but being happy is also the key to a fulfilled, healthy life.
Most of us believe that happiness is a result of some external circumstance, but it doesn’t have to be. Happiness a daily habit and it can be cultivated in our every day life.
So, this April, I am going to explore ways to cultivate happiness and joy in every day life instead of letting it be a product of chance. And I am going to express all that in just 55 words.
I am looking forward to you all joining me in this journey!
And did I tell you that I am in AJ’s team (one of the Co-host for this year’s challenge) as wHooligan and that’s third year in a row!! Joining me are LuAnn Braley (my buddy and we have been together as wHooligans for 3 years now! How cool is that!!), Geetika Gupta and Doreen McGettigan. We will be watching you and of course doing all the ‘hard work’ behind the scenes!
I am very excited about this April challenge. In case this appeals and interests you too, then you must check out the A to Z Challenge website and sign up as a participant! There is still time, and it’s a lot of fun, I promise!
Happy reading, writing and connecting all through the April! Cheers ♥
March 21, 2016 12:09 am|
Wow! That sounds like such a happy, feel-good-about theme. Excited to read through April Shilpa. I remember your posts from last year and they were awesome. See you around!
March 21, 2016 9:03 pm|
Thanks a lot, Parul for your kind words. Love your theme too. Let’s rock this year’s challenge, together! Cheers 🙂
March 21, 2016 1:00 am|
That’s great theme! A daily dose of happiness!
March 21, 2016 9:03 pm|
Thanks Nibha! Looking forward to your stories too 🙂
March 21, 2016 1:59 am|
That’s a wonderful theme! I have never really thought about it, happyness as a daily habit. I can’t wait to read it.
Have a fantastic challenge 🙂
March 21, 2016 9:11 pm|
Thanks Sarah! Oh yes, happiness a daily habit and it can be cultivated in our every day life. 🙂
Looking forward to read your posts on Jazz Age this April. Good luck to you too 🙂
March 21, 2016 3:08 am|
55 words is a huge challenge and you are good at it. Why change a winning formula? I will have no theme to reveal this time but jump straightaway:)
Head on for the challenge.
March 21, 2016 9:05 pm|
Yes, why reinvent the wheel 😀 Thanks for your kind words, Vishal. Looking forward to read you this April too 🙂
March 21, 2016 4:00 am|
I love your theme this year too Shilpa… And I love your 55ers.. Looking forward to your posts… All the best:)
March 21, 2016 9:12 pm|
Thanks for your vote of confidence, Nabanita! Are you participating in this challenge?
March 21, 2016 5:48 am|
Good luck with the challenge, Shilpa! I’ll be looking forward to articles from this theme 🙂
March 21, 2016 9:13 pm|
Thank you, Kajal. I am hoping you will join in too 🙂
March 21, 2016 6:22 am|
Super topic Shilpa….eagerly looking forward to it…. 🙂
March 21, 2016 9:14 pm|
Thanks a lot, Jayashree! 🙂
See you around.
March 21, 2016 8:01 am|
All the best, Shilpa 🙂 As always I know you will rock the challenge 🙂
March 21, 2016 9:14 pm|
Thank you, Shailaja. Wish you were participating this year too! Loved your short stories last year!
March 21, 2016 9:07 am|
Salute Shilpa ! hope to learn from your extensive experience here.
March 21, 2016 9:15 pm|
Thanks Pooja and looking forward to learn from your life lessons too 🙂
March 21, 2016 9:39 am|
You are teh queen of 55ers, Shilpa. I am so looking forward to your posts, this year too. Let’s have a rocking April 🙂
*Something’s Cooking is also signed up for #AtoZ*
March 21, 2016 9:16 pm|
You are so generous, Shalini. Thanks a lot!
Love your theme this year. Looking forward to read some interesting stories about your life as an army wife. Yes, lets rock this challenge. Cheers 🙂
March 21, 2016 9:57 am|
That is a great idea, Shilpa. Happiness is something we all can learn about. Often we take if for granted. All the best. Your 55 words are just too good.
March 21, 2016 9:17 pm|
Thank you, Inderpreet. I am remembering your last year posts on authors from A to Z. Looking forward to read your stories in 100 words this year. Cheers 🙂
March 21, 2016 10:11 am|
Super! Your posts should be a great inspiration.. Looking forward 🙂
March 21, 2016 9:18 pm|
Thanks Archana. Looking forward to your posts on Herbs too 🙂
March 21, 2016 10:24 am|
Wonderful.*claps* 😀
March 21, 2016 9:19 pm|
Thanks Ruchi. Arent you participating this year? I am remembering your fantastic stories of last year!
March 22, 2016 10:28 am|
Yes, I will. Am still undecided about the theme. But I will.
March 21, 2016 10:52 am|
Terrific Shilpa!
March 21, 2016 9:20 pm|
Thanks Susan. It was around this time, last year that we had met. And I glad that we did. Are you participating this year? Couldn’t see your theme reveal post on your blog!
March 21, 2016 11:47 am|
You pull off the 55 words so well. Good luck with the challenge, Shilpa. I’ll be cheering from the sidelines.
March 21, 2016 9:21 pm|
Thank you for your kind words and support, Corinne. Wish you were joining us too!
March 21, 2016 1:06 pm|
This is such a positive theme! Just the ray of sunshine to brighten the April skies! Looking forward to your lovely posts Shilpa!
March 21, 2016 9:22 pm|
Thanks Kala. Am looking forward to your home and interior decoration tips and suggestions too 🙂
March 21, 2016 1:22 pm|
Loved the theme, totally my kind….bring it on! I am waiting…..
March 21, 2016 9:22 pm|
Thanks for your support, Asha! Why dont you join us this April. It would be fun, believe me! 🙂
March 21, 2016 1:26 pm|
Wow ! what an energising theme shilpa, would love to stay in touch 🙂
March 21, 2016 9:24 pm|
Thank you, Genevive. Are you joining us this year too? I am remembering your last year’s theme of travel and places, which was wonderful with your pics and anecdotes!
March 21, 2016 1:40 pm|
Short and sweet, but with depth – I look forward to your posts. Everyone can do with more happiness in their lives.
Tasha
Tasha’s Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)
March 21, 2016 9:25 pm|
Oh yes, we all need more happiness in our lives. Thanks Tasha. Looking forward to know and read about the various monsters and ghosts on your blog too 🙂
March 21, 2016 3:18 pm|
The world can always use some more happiness, and 55 word posts will surely bring a much-needed smile to our faces everyday!
March 21, 2016 9:45 pm|
Agree completely! Thanks, will have to work hard on it… but am all charged up for that! Good luck to Mithila. Looking forward to read your weird words posts 🙂
March 21, 2016 3:48 pm|
Cool theme. Sounds like you’ll bring many smiles to the readers. 😀
March 21, 2016 9:45 pm|
Fingers crossed, Jamie 🙂
March 21, 2016 5:03 pm|
Sound very good to me! Look forward to seeing you around.
My A-Z theme 2016
March 21, 2016 9:46 pm|
Thanks Keith. Looking forward to your stories and learn new words too 🙂
March 21, 2016 5:06 pm|
Wonderful idea for a theme. I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
March 21, 2016 9:47 pm|
Thanks Misha! Would love to see you around 🙂
March 21, 2016 5:53 pm|
Wow, 55 words is a great thing, especially with so many blogs to read and comment on. Thank you! 😀
March 21, 2016 9:49 pm|
Yeah, that was the idea. With so many blogs to visit in a day, long posts will be a bit tiresome. See you around, Yolanda 🙂
March 21, 2016 5:58 pm|
Happiness – a good goal for A to Z 🙂
See you in April,
Sophie
Sophie’s Thoughts & Fumbles | Wittegen Press | FB3X
March 21, 2016 9:49 pm|
Thanks Sophie. Yes, see you in April. Cheers 🙂
March 21, 2016 6:27 pm|
Given the state of the world, we need all the help we can get on cultivating happiness for sure. Awesome theme. Good luck with the A-Z
Best wishes.
Nilanjana.
March 21, 2016 9:50 pm|
Thanks Nilanjana.
Looking forward to your lovely limericks too 🙂
March 21, 2016 6:36 pm|
Ooh, fun! 55 words sounds like a challenge (I could never be that concise…XD ). Sounds like a very cheerful theme! See you in April! 🙂
@TarkabarkaHolgy from
The Multicolored Diary
MopDog
March 21, 2016 9:54 pm|
Yes, 55 words fiction is challenging. Hope am able to do justice to the theme. Thanks Zalka. Yes, see you in April 🙂
March 21, 2016 6:37 pm|
We have chosen the same topic, Shilpa! Mine will be simple reflective posts though. Looking forward to your 55ers once again! All the best!
– Chicky Kadambari @ http://www.mysteriouskaddu.com
Twitter | Facebook | Google+
March 21, 2016 9:52 pm|
Aha! That’s wonderful.Looking forward to read your take on the theme, Kadambari. Thanks and good luck to you too 🙂
March 21, 2016 6:38 pm|
Wow – I love the idea of 55 words! I tend to ramble on in my blog posts, so doing 55 words would be a big challenge for me 🙂 And you’ve picked a great theme! Looking forward to checking back in next month.
March 21, 2016 9:58 pm|
Thanks Ellen. Fingers crossed… hope am able to do justice to the theme. You know, I love your theme. Nancy Drew was my fav in school days. It’s been ages since I read her mysteries. Looking forward to read her sleuthing stories in April. Cheers 🙂
March 21, 2016 7:10 pm|
Now that’s a great topic many people can benefit from! Good luck with your theme.
Stephen Tremp
http://www.stephentremp.com
March 21, 2016 9:55 pm|
Thank you Stephen and good luck to you too. Looking forward to know a lot more about dreams and their interpretation from you. 🙂
March 21, 2016 8:22 pm|
Sounds like a great theme. A state of happiness is really up to the individual. 🙂
March 21, 2016 9:58 pm|
True that, Teresa! Thank you and all the best to you for your theme 🙂
March 21, 2016 9:26 pm|
What a great, positive choice. There’s so much negativity in this world, I love anything that encourages us to look at the bright side.
March 21, 2016 9:59 pm|
Thank you Stephanie. Glad you liked this theme. See you around in April. Cheers 🙂
March 21, 2016 9:42 pm|
Wow..!! Your theme looks wonderful and intriguing! And man! You’re a true veteran Shilpa.. Glad to have you onboard.. 🙂
Any tips?
Cheers
March 21, 2016 10:00 pm|
Thanks Geetika. Glad that we are in the same team. Looking forward to rock this challenge with you. Cheers 🙂
March 21, 2016 10:51 pm|
I’m very happy, so you should be hearing that clapping sound by now. As to those 5 minute, intensive searches, I love those the best. See you more in April.
March 22, 2016 11:11 pm|
I heard that C. Thank you for cheering me! 🙂
Oh yes, I like quick decisions and one can make them with 5 min research 😀 I’ll be seeing you in April. Cheers!
March 21, 2016 11:11 pm|
I love the idea of doing it in 55 words or less. I don’t think I would be able to keep the posts under 55 words, but can’t wait to see how you do it!
March 22, 2016 10:59 pm|
Glad you liked my plan of writing in 55 words. Would love to see you around and looking forward to know from you the various species of frogs from A to Z 🙂
March 22, 2016 12:31 am|
That’s an awesome theme, we always need reminding about happiness! And to do it in 55 words? Well done
Andrea, volunteer in co-host Damyanti’s fab D Company
March 22, 2016 11:18 pm|
Thanks Andrea. Looking forward to know about 30 bands in 30 days from you too! 🙂
March 22, 2016 3:27 am|
Have a great time, Shilpa!
Jemima Pett
March 22, 2016 11:20 pm|
Thanks Jemima. Wishing you the very best too 🙂
March 22, 2016 4:37 am|
I love the sound of this – we can all use a little extra positivity. 55 words sounds like a major challenge. I am doing 100 words and editing my posts down in hard!
Debbie
March 22, 2016 11:30 pm|
You know what I love about the micro fiction the most… it’s the challenge of nipping and editing to perfect 55 or 100. 🙂
Thanks and looking forward to read your dark stories in 100 words, Debbie. Cheers 🙂
March 22, 2016 6:06 am|
I’m already looking forward to following along for my daily dose of happiness.
Blessings~
March 22, 2016 9:46 am|
Towards more happiness smiles and joy Shilpa!!! Looking forward to reading each one of them.
March 22, 2016 11:33 pm|
Thanks for your support, Ramya. Looking forward to explore India with you this April too. Cheers 🙂
March 22, 2016 10:39 am|
That’s a great theme and an interesting way to present it in only 55 words. We could all use a little more happiness 🙂
March 22, 2016 11:36 pm|
Thanks Elizabeth. See you around and I’ll be visiting you to know all about classical music, this April. 🙂
March 22, 2016 11:36 am|
Sounds great especially the 55 words part. You really do well with that. Good luck. 🙂 I will surely read when free.
March 22, 2016 11:35 pm|
Thanks a lot, Rachna. See you around 🙂
March 22, 2016 7:43 pm|
Wonderful theme! and very thoughtful too, keeping it short and sweet! I’ll try to keep it short too!
March 22, 2016 11:38 pm|
Thanks Shubhangi. Short (less) is more in April, actually.
Looking forward to your posts in April 🙂
March 23, 2016 2:53 am|
Sounds great! Who doesn’t need more happiness? A-to-Z-er Jetgirl visiting via Forty, c’est Fantastique 🙂
March 31, 2016 12:23 am|
You bet… we all need large doses of happiness in our life. Looking forward to read you too, this April, Jetgirl 🙂
Cheers!
March 23, 2016 10:43 am|
Awesome theme and so great that you can keep it with so short words! I think it takes me more than 55 words just to say hello sometimes 🙂 Have fun with the challenge!
betty
March 31, 2016 12:26 am|
LOL 😀 I know what you mean, Betty. 55 words is a challenge which I am hoping to chase and conquer. Thanks and good luck to you too! See you around 🙂
March 23, 2016 8:00 pm|
Sure to be short and sweet. 🙂 We could all use more happiness in our lives. Great theme, Shilpa!
March 31, 2016 12:27 am|
Thanks Debbie. Did I tell you that I ♥ your theme. Looking forward to read all fun and wonderful dog tales 🙂
March 23, 2016 8:10 pm|
I love the theme, and as always, look forward to your 55ers. All the best. 🙂
March 31, 2016 12:28 am|
Thanks Shantala. 🙂
March 23, 2016 8:48 pm|
I love your 55-word theme, Shilpa. This is my first A-Z challenge and I’m happy to have chanced upon your blog. It’ll be wonderful to check in on your posts during April 🙂
March 31, 2016 12:29 am|
Glad you liked the theme. Thanks Sudha. Good luck to you for your first A to Z challenge. See you around 🙂
March 24, 2016 5:00 am|
Shilpa thanks for visiting and introducing yourself. It is my first year participating so I am just feeling my way. I don’t have a theme but can see it would be good. Next year! I like the 55 words challenge for yourself – I guess this year will be all about visiting and learning and I look forward to it.
March 31, 2016 12:30 am|
A no theme works great too, Kathryn, for you get a lot of creative freedom on your expression and subjects too. Looking forward to read you too this April. Cheers 🙂
March 24, 2016 6:31 am|
What a great theme! I love how you phrased it, too: “Cultivating Happiness.” So often I see advertisements that seem to say, “Buy this product and you’ll be happy.” But happiness can’t be bought. It must be cultivated. 🙂
March 31, 2016 12:32 am|
You are spot on. With a right approach, attitude and outlook, we can certainly cultivate happiness in our lives. Thanks Jen, glad you liked this theme. Looking forward to read you too. Cheers 🙂
March 24, 2016 11:52 pm|
Oh wow Shilpa.
I love short blogs and I’m doing a 55’er too.
Will visit your space soon. 🙂
Good to see you back after a long time 🙂
March 31, 2016 12:33 am|
Aha! That’s so cool, Stephen. Looking forward to read your 55ers too! Cheers 🙂
March 25, 2016 3:28 pm|
Just the sort of theme I need this month! Enjoy being a Whooligan
March 31, 2016 12:33 am|
Thanks a lot, Damyanti. Good luck to you and your team too! Cheers 🙂
March 28, 2016 2:21 am|
What a rocking theme, Shilpa! Look forward to the posts in April. 🙂
March 31, 2016 12:34 am|
Thanks Monica. I’ll be around to read and learn your recipes too 🙂
March 29, 2016 1:17 am|
Wow, great theme! This is my first year participating, and I have a goal of visiting every blog on the list (big ambitions, and the reason I am starting early). I have to say, I am interested in seeing your posts, so I will be visiting several times to look through your posts! Thanks for sharing! Cassie from Mommy, RN
March 31, 2016 12:36 am|
Aha! That’s an ambitious goal indeed, Cassandra. Looking forward to read you too, this April. Cheers 🙂
March 29, 2016 7:06 am|
Wow! love your positive theme and so looking forward to inspiration as I’m doing this challenge for the first time 😀
March 31, 2016 12:38 am|
That’s awesome, ME! Good luck for the challenge and see you around. Cheers 🙂
March 30, 2016 5:33 am|
I always enjoy your AZPosts. There is something different in them 🙂
All the best. I too have just signed up for it. Will be hopping around !!! 😀
March 31, 2016 12:38 am|
Thanks Shesha. And it’s good to see you joining in too. Yes, see you around. Cheers 🙂
March 31, 2016 11:59 am|
Wow! the theme is fantastic. Looking forward to reading it.
March 31, 2016 10:17 pm|
Thanks Paromita. Looking forward to read you too!
March 31, 2016 3:18 pm|
Grate theme Shilpa….
Keep it up..
Loosing patience when i will read that..
March 31, 2016 10:19 pm|
Thanks Aniket!
March 31, 2016 10:03 pm|
Daily dose of happiness…great theme…looking forward to it…
https://doc2poet.wordpress.com/
🙂
March 31, 2016 10:21 pm|
Thanks Amit. Will read your posts for the challenge too!
April 2, 2016 5:28 am|
55 words! Quite a challenge. I’m looking forward to seeing what you have to say!