why i blog
Jennifer has invited fellow writers to answer the question: “Why do we blog?”
It’s a good question. When people ask me what I’ve been up to, It’s difficult to explain why I spend hours every week surfing the blogosphere, dodging my family, gathering ideas, crafting these posts, hitting that “publish” button and wondering what might happen. I have to admit — it’s a little weird.
My gut answer is that I feel strangely drawn, perhaps called, to do this. It’s sort of a mystery to me. I feel like I’m wandering down a dimly lit path with a tiny flashlight at my feet. I’m not sure where it’s leading, but I know I need to keep working my way down the path.
I started get myself into the writing habit. I’ve been told writing a book is the best way to boost my parenting/speaking business, but I wasn’t sure how to begin. My journal-writing discipline stinks, but I’m addicted to email, so I knew an online blog would keep me going. With real people reading, I feel more accountable, and the feedback keeps me going. It’s a personal challenge for me.
I’ve discovered that the blogging world is so much more. I’ve discovered an amazing, supportive community containing all the positive elements of the internet. The blogging community connects people, such as isolated moms, through shared experience. I’ve laughed, cried, learned new things and made real friends I can’t wait to meet in person. I’ve been inspired by so many with awesome faith. I’ve found people who understand me, as well as people who challenge my views, and I look forward to what they write next.
It’s also changed how I perceive the world. I notice more details in my own life. I try to capture the moment and look for everyday lessons. I laugh more at the little things. I will admit the draw to the laptop can be distracting– I’m working on that– but on the balance, I’m more tuned into the here and now.
So why did I begin? I started to develop my writing, to challenge myself, and to connect with people beyond my neighborhood. Why do I continue? Because the community I’ve discovered helps me grow into a better person.
And that book? Sure, I’ll get that started sometime. But right now I’m having too much fun blogging.
Pam –
You and I have similar reasons for blogging…but you’ve captured the essence of them in better words than I have found so far! Thanks for boiling it down into an “explainable” format.
I really enjoy visiting your site. Your insights (usually sprinkled with humor) are always thought provoking and fun to read. You tap into the challenges and struggles of parenthood, and connect us all to a larger community. Thanks for sharing! (Also, I wish I could write as elegantly and succinctly as you.)
I think you hit the nail on the head when you touched on how blogging connects isolated moms who are home with their kids. With so few SAHMS in my own neighborhood, 20 years go, I would have enjoyed blogging even more than I do now. While I enjoy blogging now, in midlife, I find that I am finding it a challenge to balance time on my computer with life in the “3-D” world.
Cindy L’s last blog post..If I could do it over…
Kent and Alison, thanks so much for the words of encouragement!
. That’s definitely a temptation I need to address sooner than later.
Cindy, I always enjoy your perspective a few seasons down the road from me. I was hoping you’d say it’s easier to balance the computer time later
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So fun to read your reasons for blogging.
You write: “It’s also changed how I perceive the world. I notice more details in my own life.”
Yes, Pam, me, too. This has been an unexpected blessing of blogging.
Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer’s last blog post..Ideal Community
[...] journey has been amazing for me, with many beautiful rewards I never anticipated. You’ve been so supportive and encouraging. You’ve inspired me, riled me up and [...]