Challenge #5
(Write about what blogging means to you. Why do you blog? What purpose does it serve you and how have you benefited from sharing a piece of yourself online this way?)
What an odd phenomenon is the blog world. Who are we to think that we have anything to say that anyone would want to hear? Most of the time, I doubt that my own family (i.e. those obligated by blood or marriage to at least pretend to be interested) particularly cares what I have to rant or ramble about. Are we truly a narcissistic society, so caught up in our own opinions and postulations as to believe that others would want to read them, to the tune of thousands of bloggers, publishing thousands upon thousands of posts each week? Clearly, yes, we are. BUT truth be told...I love it! I have always loved discussing, debating, deliberating, conversing, examining, exploring, analyzing and connecting with people. This is a new medium that is all.
I am not so delusional as to think that I ever say anything earth-shattering or even compelling in any way. Most of the time poignant is even beyond my reach, but I do hope to share. Share a little piece of me. This is something that I am actually not particularly good at. Sharing I mean. Well, feelings that is. Toys? Sure. My Halloween candy (except Snickers)? Of course. Clothes, money, friends, recipes, time, talents...anything...but feelings? Uh, No.
I am, by nature, rather private. I am friendly and some would call me outgoing even, but I keep my deepest feelings exactly that...deep. Always have. But I love to write. Always have. I started a journal in the 7th grade. She became my best friend. I "talked" to her at least once a day for the next ten years until I got married. I do not know why I stopped writing everyday. I guess it seemed childish for a grown, married mother to write to an imaginary friend. Hmph! Even saying that makes me sad. Why did I think growing up meant letting go of my imagination?
Truth be told though. It was a piece of me that was important. The writing. I don't make any judgements about whether this is something I am good at or not. It does not really matter. It is a part of who I am. It is a part of what makes me, me. I write. I lost that for so many years. I missed it, but I let it go because...well, I don't know why. But I did.
This blog has, for the last couple of years, given that back to me. All my lovely imaginary friends. A place to share a thought, a feeling, an idea. I don't know who all reads. I usually cannot figure out why anyone does, but I appreciate the place to be me.
I also love the sneak peek into the daily (even if mundane) lives of friends and family. Do I think that it would be better for us to bind these ties face to face? Yes, but that is not the reality of the times we are living in. I live 100's of miles from my "hometown". Also true of my college home. My friends and family are spread literally from border to border and from sea to shining sea. We have, however, this place to converge, to rally, to reunite, to associate, to mingle, to share, to connect and reconnect. So, while there may not always be a lot to say, keep saying it. This is what we talk about around the water cooler now. Real people, real lives. Ordinary and humdrum at times. Remarkable and Amazing at others. Blogging is journalism, poetry, prose, expression, conversation, news and stories. It is whatever you want it to be. So, I say...Blog On!
Quote of the Day: "In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."
~Albert Schweitzer physician and philosopher
Wow, I could have posted most of what you just wrote, Leslie. LOL I've kept a journal from the time I was 14, but I have gotten considerably less dependable about it since I went back to work. I love putting my feelings down on paper because, like you, I'm hesitant about sharing them with real people. I don't really do that, I just get on with life. And I freely admit it's a little lonely sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI also love words and writing and vocabulary and reading, so we have a lot in common there. :) I'm glad you write this blog . . . I really enjoy hearing about your life and vicariously keeping 'in touch.' LOL
Sus...you made my day. Thank you for the validation and encouragement! Do you keep a blog? I do not see one!
ReplyDeleteI just loved reading about why you blog, sounds exactly how I feel, except I was never really into writing until now, not that great at it, but it sure does feel nice to be able to voice my opinion, or just share how I'm feeling or what I've learned.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing why you blog. I love blogging. It's a real outlet for me plus so much more. You've inspired me to write my blogging journey. I guess it will me my next series. Thanks so much. Stopping by from MMB.
ReplyDelete:) I think you're sharing well.
ReplyDeleteOver from MMB
I know...I still can't believe any would be interested in what we get up to in our house but they are and I am having fun sharing it. Keep up the good blogging :) Naomi
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you have written anything earth shattering (but that is probably a good thing) but you have influenced me. I have been going to a yoga class for four weeks now! :-)
ReplyDeleteI also once heard that marriage is a good thing because (besides all the obvious) it gives us a witness to validate our lives. I think in many ways blogging can be the same. Putting it down on paper makes our lives real--and enduring. I am very grateful for ancestors who recorded their lives--even the mundane things. I hope my family will appreciate the things I write.
Also blogging has been a good way to make new friends. I just wish I had more time for it.
Hi, stopping in from the Blog Hop and poked around. I read this entry and felt (like others) that I could have written a lot of this myself. I guess that is why bloggers are out there, doing what they are doing. Keep it up.
ReplyDelete