Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Why do YOU blog?

I was recently thinking about WHY I blog. It started out to be a way to for me to sort through my thoughts as we were entering a stressful stage in life (moving last year). I was also hoping to stay connected with friends and family who live miles away. I hate the idea of only getting a Christmas card once a year to hear how people are doing. I like to feel more connected to those I love.

Blogging has turned out to so much more than what I thought. Not only have I stayed connected with my dear old friends...I have made MANY new ones. I have found friendships (kindred spirits if you will). Almost like present day pen pals. People that I care about, pray for, banter with. One of the biggest blessing about my blogging friends, it that these are friends that I can take with me when we move again.

I have also found it to be an opportunity of influence. Not only have I been able to influence others, I have been influenced. I have shared my passions (ie: composting) and life interests. I have also grown in my thoughts and ideas in many areas (adoption just to name one - I would link you to all my adoption friend's blogs but there are too many {and I love that there are too many}).

Not to mention accountability. I know that you all out there in blogville will keep me accountable. I often blog what is going on or what is taking place in our life. It keeps me accountable to stay positive. To do what is right. To be a better me.

These are just a few reasons of why I have come to LOVE blogging. These don't even mention encouragement, support, ideas...the list could go on. So, why do YOU blog?

15 comments:

junglemama said...

Probably the same reasons. Good post.

Red said...

Wow, I never really gave it much thought as to why I blog. It was actually on my doctors advice that I begin a blog. (She actually got tired of me being anomymous)

But I love to write and would love to publish a childrens book before I leave this world.

I love being able to vent and not have anyone tell me to be quiet. And it is nice to know there are others who sympathize with my ramblings or are even going through exactly what I am.

It is a comradery that I never thought possible. Needless to say I plan on blogging for a long time to come.

Annie said...

I love how thoughtful you are...and how you invite thoughtfulness in others. I will blog on this topic myself!

Andrea said...

I love blogging for many reasons!

Initially it was a way to keep in touch with family and friends when I moved to Kansas City. (Hence the name andreainkc) It quickly became something much more...a creative outlet for me to explore my love of writing, photography, music and etc. I eventually moved and now the blog title doesn't apply...but I think it's a reminder for me to not dig roots too deep and to be willing to be moved!

I now live my life with a "blog filter." Sometimes I can't wait to come home and blog about something that happened!

I feel so comfortable expressing an opinion or a view because it's my blog and peole don't have to continue reading it if they disagree!

Sometimes I think that I'm not very transparent, but there has to be some boundaries right?

Christy said...

Can I just say that you are the one who got me into this blog-world. I love being able to connect with people, to read what is happening in their lives, to see many of us moms struggle with the same things, and to share our lives with others. Our family enjoys the updates and going-ons in our lives. Thanks!

Denise Punger MD IBCLC said...

I've added a response to the top of my blog!

Denise

Rachel said...

the release...

and people like you =)

Salzwedel Family said...

I started blogging as a way to keep our family & friends updated on the adoption process. I've ended up making lots of connections with people I've never met, but have become a part of my world.

I find blogging to be a great way to put my feelings down & share about my day. It's also great to be encouraged by others who share your values & beliefs & to be able to lift them up when they need it.

Lee and Bev said...

I need to do more personal blogging than I do - but my life isn't nearly as interesting as yours! Seriously - thanks for bringing me - somewhat kicking and screaming - into this world! I find myself looking forward each day to your new entry! Bless you for your vulnerability, witness thoughtfulness, and loving concern for all of us out here in cyber space. We love you!

Sean and Lisa said...

Originally, I started a blog for our friends and family but they hardly read it! Actually, their friends call them and say "hey, I hear Gabriella is sick" and THEN my family will read the blog. LOL!

But truly, I LOVE words. I have always journaled my thoughts and prayers to God and this is another type of that for me. I also love the connection I feel with so many I never would have crossed paths with thru the blogging world.

You, and all my blogging friends, encourage me, make me laugh, make me cry, make me think and lift my spirits. Isn't that what community and friendship is all about?! LOVE IT!

A Girl, her God, and a Gift! said...

I will answer Why I blog on my blog... check it out soon.

Anonymous said...

It is an outlet for me. It started out as a way to share our adoption journey and now it has become more to me. I also see it as an awesome way to share information on adoption as well as a witnessing tool to the lost.

Rachael said...

I have a half-finished post in my cue on this very topic! I will have to work on finishing that up now that you reminded me.

I too love the sense of friendship and community gained through blogging. That was an unexpected perk.

Crystal said...

It is very multi purpose for me. We have family and friends all over the country and the world to keep in touch with, I like to write and I enjoy the fellowship. I all is going well for you guys with the move : )

Tim and Susan said...

I started Blogging to connect with my dear sister who is "the Blogger queen". The technology and computer stuff overwhelmed me a bit...now, though...I have grown to love it and started my second blog (first one for family and close friends with pics and family updated news) about our missionary life in Japan...so I write that one to help me remeber events, feelings, thoughts about our missionary life AND to help others understand it more. Maybe I'll turn it into a books someday....also, I love taking pictures...I too see life through a blog filter and am always thinking, "Wouldn't that make a great blog post??!!" about stuff. It is really fun. You got me hooked Cris.