Today’s prompt was to talk about something or someone who inspires me…
I have participated in the Ultimate Blogging Challenge for at least ten years now, and I have learned so much about blogging, creativity, and myself along the way. This challenge has been such a gift to me. I have never really talked about the challenge itself in my posts, but, today, that’s what I want to do.
When I first started participating, there were two women who organized and ran the challenge. Not long after I started, one man took over, and he has been running the challenge ever since. He runs it by himself. He does it to share his gifts and to teach bloggers how to be more effective and to reach bigger audiences. He puts so much time and effort into this challenge that he runs four times a year. He never asks for payment for participation. He truly gives from his heart. He is very present in the blogging challenge, from sending emails with the prompt of the day to making kind and insightful comments on blog posts. He also offers free trainings.
This wonderful man’s name is Paul Taubman.
Without Paul, there would be no Bearnacle Bear stories. I would not have the blogger friends that I have now if the Ultimate Blogging Challenge didn’t exist. I would not have the confidence in blogging that I have now. Paul’s encouragement and support led me to having my own website.
I can’t say enough about Paul. What a kind and generous human being you are, Paul. You have given me so much happiness.
Paul, you are my inspiration.
Thank you for being you.
You are very much appreciated.
I absolutely agree! It’s wonderful to see how one person’s generosity and encouragement can make such a meaningful difference in a community. Thank you, Paul, for the time, care, and heart you pour into bringing bloggers together and helping us grow. 💜
He’s done such a great job!!!
I agree! Paul is wonderful and does so much for us to inspire us to show up each day for the challenge. That is great you have been doing it for 10 years! I started doing it in July 2025 and have evolved so much from it. It’s helped me in so many ways!
This has been an incredible challenge! I look forward to it every three months!
I agree, Alice. I am very grateful for Paul and the UBC. I remember those days you speak of. It is really amazing that we are still here.
Being here is wonderful, and I am so happy that you are here with me, Lily.
Well timed, we usually acknowledge Paul at the end of the challenge but why not in the middle of the challenge.
I think Paul may have been looking after the challenge since April 2016, over 10 years. (Maybe more.)
Do you remeber #UBC or [UBC]? It got confused with many other UBC entities like University of British Columbia.
I don’t really remember #UBC but that happened before I started using hash tags. I am so happy to acknowledge Paul with this prompt. He has done such an amazing job here.