This first year of my 30's has been a year of complete and total change. I began working from home, my baby turned into a toddler, I lost a pregnancy, I let go of some old habits and I picked up some new ones. One of those new habits is blogging. I dove into it. Head first. Blogging? Really? I realize blogging is "so 2001", but it's not about popularity. It's about What's Working For Me, regardless if it's "in" or "out". A boatload of people are still doing it (and doing it very well), so it's not completely dead yet, I don't think.
I love to write. Blogging is new to me, but writing is definitely not. I've always kept random journals. I have gobs of articles and essays that I've written out of pure pleasure. I've always looked at everyday situtations and thought to myself, "I've got to write about this when I get home." I carry a journal in my car or in my bag for all those moments, thoughts, or stories I didn't want to forget to write about. I always have a notebook with me. Always. Usually spiral bound, tattered, and full of the most random thoughts you could possibly imagine. Blogging didn't make me want to WRITE. I've always wanted to do that. It DID make me want to take more pictures in the process, though! That's for sure.
Are you THAT into yourself? A lot of people say that blogging is narcissistic. I do sort of get that. I guess the truth is, I am sort of consumed with myself right now. I'm 30. Scared to death about it. Who am I? Who I want to become? What is my calling? What kind of wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend do I want to be? Frankly, it does sound like I'm a bit self-absorbed. I guess there's a season for everything. My season right now happens to pretty much be about me. Narcissitic or not, I think my heart's in the right place. I think everybody needs a good self-examination every now and then. I'm just in an especially messie state, so the process is taking a lot longer than I anticipated.
Why? It takes little effort for me blog because I love to write, but I don't actually blog about the stuff I usually write about (religion, politics, love, letters, articles, journals). I REALLY BLOG to make myself ACCOUNTABLE. One of my goals for turning 30 was getting out of my messie-ness. I want to work through these issues I have before my child is old enough to remember the slob version of his mama. I also want to be sure he doesn't turn into a slob because of my influence.
Blogging & Blog Following...
What I've Learned.
It's addictive.
It's time consuming.
It's motivating.
It's encouraging.
It's inspiring.
Comments are like drugs. :-)
I am the WORST photographer.
How It's Improved Me.
I'm more aware of my time.
I see the junk around me in an entirely different light.
I'm becoming more frugal by the minute.
My goals are becoming more tangible.
My Goals. (A Very Broad Version.)
To make my home a sanctuary.
To finish our home renovation.
To decorate my home beautifully and frugally.
To buy less STUFF. Period.
To be more organized.
To have the family on a schedule, not just my child.
Why do you blog? I'd love to hear about it.
Posts
6 comments:
In the interest of feeding your [comment] addiction (which I happen to share, so I appreciate), I'm going to tell you that I don't have time to properly answer your question, but I relate to SO much of this post! Can't wait to see what others have to say.
And I'll be back later to properly respond!
Here is another drug, LOL....I totally agree with everything you said. I just wish I was a better writer.
The truth is, I started blogging as a distraction and a way to keep myself busy when my Kiddo left for college. I've always loved writing, and now I do it because I really want to be an inspiration and a support to other women. We carry so much weight on our shoulders, and at times I know we all feel alone and like "no one understands". But that's not true, and I hope that in some small way, people can find acceptance and comfort on my blog.
And if not, hey, maybe I'll get a book deal. Lol. ;)
I appreciate this post. It's all so spot on. I feel narcissistic about it as well and in fact have recently been convicted about whether I'm "idolizing" Twitter, my blog, etc. It's a tough slap in the face and I'm hoping w/ some prayer to find the balance. :) It's so much fun but SO very time consuming. Because no one JUST blogs, you visit others, you comment, you have to wait for word verifications on comments, you link up to parties, you try to get the word out about your blog etc etc. Enough rambling....ha! Have a great week!
Blogging is "new" to me too. Back when myspace was the latest thing, I utilized the blog on there from time to time, and that's when I realized there is something therapeutic and fulfilling about the written word, for me.
When I write, whether I'm keeping my family up-to-date on going's on, lamenting the joys of parenting, bragging on my kids, trying to keep myself accountable, or trying to solve the world's problems, it helps to know that even ONE person can relate to what I'm thinking or feeling.
I've learned through blog hopping that there are SO very many women out there in my shoes, or at least (probably smaller but still) similar ones. It helps alleviate the pressure to be perfect. Because none of us are. And it's SO refreshing to see that.
Does that even answer the question? Ha! ;)
Oh, WOW. I could have written EXACTLY what you just said. :) I, personally, love your blog. Comments ARE like drugs...especially if they're positive.
Why do I blog? Well, like you said, to make myself accountable, but also to see how far I've come. I'm not the same person I was as when I started my blog 5 years ago. I am documenting how I am evolving. It's been quite the journey. So while, yeah, it is a little narcissistic, I think some self love is necessary in life.
Thanks for this post...I really appreciated what you said.
Hugs....
C.A.
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