It’s often written, when we get married we’ll walk into the sunset and live happily ever after.
That is far from the truth. Even in marriage, a partner cannot fulfill our every need. Guys still want time with the “boys” and women savor friendships with their soul sisters. By cultivating other relationships and pursuing our own goals, we grow as individuals. Respect, admiration and love often builds between the partners as a result.
Today’s Lesson
Having read all of the responses to the question, “What would you do if you weren’t blogging” (from Friday’s post), the answers revealed we may be blogging to fill a void in our lives.
Here’s what was written and by whom.
If I wasn’t blogging, I would be…….
Working on other writing, music or artistic projects : J.D. Meier, Chase March,Space Age Sage, tumblemoose,Jennifer, Writer Dad, Ari Koinuma, Cath Lawson, Blogger Dad
Engaging in or learning more about photography: Scott McIntyre, Ulla Henning,, Dr. Cason
Sleeping: Lance, Vered, Linda Abbit
Slowing down: Mark Salinas
Exercising and/or spending more time outdoors: Betsy, Eric,
Reading: Natural, Vintage Mommy, Patricia, Leanne Magraith
Watching TV : Stacey, Amy Derby
Working on projects around the house: Urban Panther, Annie Anderson
Sailing: Linda,
Flipping houses: John Hoff,
Traveling: Mike Goad,
Spending more time with family: Chris,
Playing video games: Kim Woodbridge,
Working on crafts: Evelyn Lim,
Studying: Lucas
Spending time on the computer: Ajith Edassery,
Marketing a business: Tom Volkar
Other: Pink Ink
The answers got me thinking.
Why do we give up things like sleep, time with our families, and/or other passions in our life, to blog?
Apparently blogging is giving us “something” these other activities or people in our lives, don’t.
To answer my own question, I realize although blogging is allowing me to teach and share that which I’ve learned (and continue to learn), what I’m gaining from it, is much deeper.
Blogging gives me a voice in the form of an uninterrupted conversation with others without being rushed. In the process, it feeds my ego as well as my desire to learn. Blogging allows me build something that is totally “mine”, connects me to like minded people, builds friendships, and gives me an excuse to neglect and/or ignore tedious chores.
In many ways, blogging has made me a more well rounded person.
Today’s Assignment
What is blogging “giving you”, you’re not getting in your everyday life?
Feel free to join in the conversation and let your voice be heard.
.
Photo Credit: mysticchildz’s photostream
I like your recap and reflection.
I agree — working on your blog is working on your life.
I do think it’s important to spread our energy across our key buckets and set boundaries (minimums and maximums):
– body
– career
– emotions
– financial
– fun
– mind
– relationships
For example, I set a max amount of time for career and blogging, a minimum amount for body, fun, relationships … etc. I think of it as investing across my portfolio — and the sum is more than the parts.
I liken blogging to traveling. It opens up my world. Provides thinking triggers and nudges my creative side. It is my window to the world. My blog is a space for my expressions … a part of me that I’d have never known but for my blogs …
It adds yet another, rather surreal aspect to my life … I watch my life from my blog every so often. I truly love that experience. Getting out and watching my own life from afar gives me a new perspective and allows me to further celebrate the wonderful things while setting aside the not so fun parts …
“In many ways, blogging has made me a more well rounded person.”
Exactly. It made me a better writer. And it helps me express my creativity.
It is something that I built all by myself, and it’s thriving! That’s an incredible experience.
It enables me to communicate with a large audience. I enjoy that.
Hi Barbara.
Great question!
Blogging is filling a HUGE void in my life. I’m finding my voice. I communicate easier through writing than speaking. I enjoy writing and value creativity. Blogging gives me the opportunity to immerse myself in this. And, with so many other bloggers and readers to share with, there are endless learning possibilities.
I agree I have often used blogging to fill time. Today I have spent of extraordinary time blogging and creating content for this week as well as visiting other blogs. One day a week doesn’t sound too bad. Every day all day is probably a little unhealthy.
The doctor’s advice? – In moderation everyone!
A very interesting question today, Barbara.
I guess that there are two interlinked reasons why I want to blog: one being to find an audience for my writing and the other being to create a passionate community of readers around the content I write.
I’d also like to reach out to those people who don’t yet know of the dynamic medium of blogs and encourage them to have their say.
I’d be very happy if I could play a part in someone discovering blogs and becoming excited about them- just as I was when I first discovered them.
First blogging for me was a way to overcome the void left by the sudden death of my husband almost one and a half year ago. Then it became the way for me to develop my somehow lost creativity: presenting my photos and commenting on them. And it became a way for me to communicate as a global citizen – getting comments from all over the world is still a fascinating surprise every day!
Barbara,
The big positives I have gained forom blogging include the social networking that’s taking place. I also get some queries from relatively new bloggers and I not only reply on my blog but also send them detailed answers in mails. Another advantage is that, I read a lot on related topics and may be trying to be up to date with the pace at which things happen in the Internet world. So some additional learning is happening as well…
However, I have started some unhealthy habits these days due to blogging. I have been already spending 10-12 hours per day (including my work) on my PC and laptop and now it’s up to 14 hrs on some days 🙁 So it is taking away a couple of hours from family time and/or my sleep which is bad. I am working on this problem 🙂
Regards,
Ajith
Ajith Edassery’s last blog post..I am not John Chow, still…
I like Dr. Cason’s philosophy. I usually post three times a week, and try to make it a quality post each time.
I also can relate to your feeling of “not being rushed”, of being able to express something important, gleaning a nugget of wisdom from life, that can be shared on a blog. It’s wonderful, isn’t it, to have someone’s undivided attention? 🙂
When my readers say, “I can relate…” or when I make them smile, or simply FEEL something, I feel like I have accomplished something meaningful.
As Vered says, blogging lets me hone my creative chops, and prove to myself that I’m a writer!
I love sharing my knowledge with a wider audience than my local friends. It is exciting to see my TLeC blog and community grow little by little, connecting with like-minded people all over the world.
And yes, like you, Barbara, it allows me to put off tedious chores I’d rather not be doing anyway!
“The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” ~ William James
I had written an entirely different post prior to seeing your post today. The more I thought about your question, the more I knew that I needed to answer it for myself. Why do I blog?
I put my prior post on hold and I was inspired to write an entire entry devoted to answering your question.
Thank you for another great and thought provoking post, Barbara!
Blogger Dad’s last blog post..Why do I blog?
Above all the opportunity to go deep in my thoughts and to read some incredibly insightful comments.
(Unlike this one, I’m afraid 🙂 )
I think like others it’s the chance to create, and the chance to connect with like-minded people. It’s easier to find those points of connection on line than it is off – in my experience anyway.
Blogging gives me a way to “write”. And that’s how it started. But more than that, blogging has become a way to share my thoughts, and connect with others on what these thoughts mean (to them and to me). And along this journey, I’m also realizing that blogging is really becoming a way of understanding “me”. It connects me at a deeper level with my soul. And there is much freedom in that. I’m not sure where this is all taking me yet, but it’s a ride I want to be on. And experience deeply…
What is blogging “giving you”, you’re not getting in your everyday life?
Hmm, not enough. 🙂 Not just blogging, but the computer is taking away a little bit of my life because it’s not in its proper place. I love blogging, so I’m not complaining about it at all.
Blogging has given me the feedback I need on my writing. I will be a writer, I am a writer and right now blogging is giving me the chance to practice. I enjoy the response and the reaction in the comments. It tells me if I have conveyed my point well or if I need to tighten up my writing or how to better explain.
Natural’s last blog post..A Million Little Pieces
If I wasn’t blogging I think I would be focusing fully on affiliate marketing, which I do 50% of my time right now. I can’t wait till I’m blogging full-time!
“Blogging gives me a voice in the form of an uninterrupted conversation with others without being rushed. In the process, it feeds my ego as well as my desire to learn. Blogging allows me build something that is totally “mine”, connects me to like minded people, builds friendships,…”
“In many ways, blogging has made me a more well rounded person. ”
This may sound like a cop out, but Barbara’s answer pretty much hit it on the head for me; minus the chores part. 🙂
The only thing I would add is that blogging gives me a kind of community connection that I can’t get otherwise; a world wide connection.
You did say it very well Barbara.
Blogging may be the most leveraged activity in the history of the modern world. Because of blogging I get to write more often, and work on marketing less often, so it’s first a very fulfilling business activity. It’s research, validation and development all in one.
But beyond that is the many countless connections that are valuable beyond their potential business value.
Blogging gives me this feeling that I’ve caught something very good while its still on its way up. I sense that we haven’t seen the best of blogging yet. Let’s enjoy the ride and look forward to the peak!
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work’s last blog post..Spirit and Business
Oh, I’m the only one who would study if there were no internet!
I didn’t see Friday’s post, but my answer two weeks would have been “everything I know I’m supposed to be doing.” Today, however, my answer is, “nothing” because the only reason I’m online this morning is because everything else is done and I wanted something relaxing to pass the time.
Blogging doesn’t always have to be a vice to fill a void. Maybe people just enjoy blogging, as they enjoy other hobbies.
Blogging is giving me a way to connect to other people who share a lot of the same interests as me. Not only that, but it is sort of what I do for a living- helping to provide me with an income doing what I love. In many ways, it is therapeutic and allows for immediate feedback from other readers. But like anything else, it’s best if you do it in moderation. After all, if I wasn’t blogging, I’d definitely be out horseback riding, running, playing soccer and/or learning improving my photography skills 🙂
Hi Barbara,
Very astute observation. Indeed, I am blogging to fill a void — music being an activity that needs proper tools and environment (instruments, a room where I can get noisy in without disturbing others), in my current life situation I haven’t created abundance of access to it.
So it’s conceivable that I will stop or reduce blogging when I create a situation where I have plenty of time to do my first love.
That said, I don’t really think it’s likely for me to stop blogging entirely, as it does engage me in a way differently than my music does. Music, to me, is an intuitive outlet. Blogging is a more logical and linguistic challenge. I need both in my life at this point. I’m hooked! 😉
ari
Blogging gives me the creativity that I need to fulfill my passions. I’ve always loved writing. Stringing words together to influence others is a noble cause.
My blog helps me release these thoughts and share them with the world. It has helped me connect with so many great people. I feel so lucky to have grown up in this time. Just twenty years ago we wouldn’t have such an amazing platform to reach out to others.
Wow! I almost feel kinda cyber geeky after reading that. *chuckle* I love to tell stories. Love it, love it, love it. I also fundamentally believe that we all share the same life events, but sometimes think we are the only ones. So, blogging allows me to tell my stories, while at the same time connecting with a global community. And you know what? Fundamentally we do all share the same life events!
Urban Panther’s last blog post..Hey! Pay attention!
Blogging makes me think more. I think about things I might be writing about and, eventually, I write about some of them. Since I have started writing outside of my comfort zone, some of the things I’ve been thinking about include politics, the war, abortion, my childhood and the things I didn’t have because of poverty and a broken home, the economy, climate change, and more. Whether or not I write about these things doesn’t matter in the long run. Thinking about them helps me understand why I believe as I do and, if I do write about them, Ill be able to express myself better.
Immediate feedback. I couldn’t get anything like it anywhere else.
I feel like a voyeur reading all of these comments! We learn things about each other that we would normally never hear. why? this is cyberspace not your local street. We are neighbors and friends via blogging. You are right, Barbara, uninterrupted conversation with time to say what we want when we want.
Thanks for the link love, Barbara!
Blogging has provided me a channel to crystallize many of my inner thoughts, gained as a result of my self discovery journey. Additionally, it allows me to explore my creativity not just in writing but in artistic expressions, with some of the images that I put up alongside my posts. I definitely feel very stimulated by the mental challenges that blogging has provided to my otherwise dull life.
Most worth mentioning is the fact that blogging has allowed me a window to connect with the rest of the world, through my study here in Singapore. It feels awesome to know several friends, including yourself, from so many countries!! Now that I have become “addicted” to my blogging life, I don’t know what else to do without it.
Evelyn Lim’s last blog post..Attract Our Travel Dreams
Uh-oh, does your husband know you’re not walking off into the sunset with him? 🙂
For me it’s pretty simple. Some things can provide loads of entertainment. Some things can help pay the bills. But blogging does both.
Hunter Nuttall’s last blog post..Best Blogging Interview Of The Century
Blogging unleashes my creative juices, introduces me to extraordinary individuals, and provides me with an opportunity to write and communicate my dreams. Blogging also allows me to share my story and journey with the rest of the world. It gives me a sense that I am part of something bigger and greater than myself.
Stacey / CreateaBalance’s last blog post..Bingo! Embracing Money
blogging gives you the pleasure to do something of your own, the way you want it, when you want and how you want it.
Blogging is a way to communicate with many people without washing my hair, or even brushing my teeth. I can maybe do some good in the world, without feeling exhausted from the effort. I am privileged to connect with the world from my couch corner.
Harmony’s last blog post..The Art Of BEING in My Own Business – Part 1
Well, I definitely think blogging is better than watching television!
For me, blogging is very addicting. But it’s a good addiction. 🙂
It’s also a great way for me to meet new people (for fun) and to network (for business). I’m more shy about approaching new people in person than I am online, so I think that’s where a lot of the appeal is for me.
I enjoyed reading the long list of what everyone else would be doing too. 🙂
Amy Derby’s last blog post..I’m Me. Who Are You?
Hi Vered – Blogging does make us better writers, doesn’t it? That’s something that we can use in our real lives, as well.
Hi Davina – Yes, blogging does help us to find our voice. We can “practice” on our online audience and then take that same voice and use it in our daily lives.
Hi Dr. Cason – Coming from a doctor, that’s great advice – “in moderation”.
Hi J.D. – I like how you put that, and you’re right. We do need to spread our energy across our key buckets. Without that, imbalance is sure to result.
Hi Ulla – I totally understand what you”re saying about blogging filling a void after the loss of a loved one. It’s great to hear by writing and sharing you’ve found your creativity.
Hi Ajith – It’s often been discussed how blogging becomes addictive, and that seems to be the case for you. Knowing a change is in order is half the battle. Good luck on the other half.
Hi Pink Ink – That is a wonderful feeling, isn’t it, when our words move others? Their words give us validation that we’re helping by sharing.
Hi Linda Abbit – I love the quote you included, ““The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” ~ William James” That says it all, doesn’t it?
Hi Maya – “I liken blogging to traveling”. **smiles**. It is like that, isn’t it? It’s on our blogging travels we get to learn, observe and share.
Hi Blogger Dad – I’ve read your post and it’s certainly moving. As I told you on your blog, it thrills me to know my words/questions inspired you to take this topic further and share with your community why you blog. Your honesty shines through.
Hi Miguel – Other peoples comments also make us think, don’t they?
Hi Joanna – I agree, we have a much bigger audience online than we do in real life. Isn’t it great when we connect to like minded people?
Hi Scott – Teaching others how discovering blogs and the hidden “power” behind them is a great mission to have. As you know, when communities grow and we our reach expands, we’re able to share with others that which touches our soul.
Hi Natural – Isn’t it great how we can get feedback on what we write? Like you said, our readers will tell us if we need to “tighten up” or “better explain”.
Hi Lance – Blogging does that, doesn’t it – “It connects me at a deeper level with my soul.”. We often do “find ourselves” through blogging.
Hi Glen – Welcome to the BWAB community. I wish you much success on your affiliate marketing endeavors. Hopefully you’ll share with others what you’ve learned.
Hi Eric – Isn’t the world wide community connection great? Where else can we find that?
Hi Tom – I totally agree. Blogging is in its infancy. How exciting it is to be on the ground floor. It also give us the opportunity to spread the word and show others how blogging can change a persons life.
Hi Lucas – Yes, you’re our resident “student”. 🙂
Hi Sue – You’re right, for some, blogging is simply a relaxing hobby.
Hi Karl – This is a great time to be “growing up”, isn’t it? The opportunities blogging gives us is amazing.
Hi Urban Panther – You’re right, “Fundamentally we do all share the same life events!”. Isn’t it great when we read what others write, nod our heads in agreement and say “Me, too.” Many of your stories have me doing that.
Hi Mike – **smiles**. I hear you. Isn’t it great when we read a blog post and it gets us thinking, and like you said, about things we normally wouldn’t think about. There’s never a dull moment in the blogosphere.
Hi Writer Dad – Your comment echoes what Blogger Dad wrote. The immediate feedback is awesome, isn’t it?
Hi Linda – Yes, we are neighbors and friends in cyberspace. It makes for a great community, doesn’t it?
Hi Janelle – I agree, blogging can be very therapeutic. If we have a concern or want to share an exciting life event, our cyberfriends are just a click away.
Hi Evelyn – You’re welcome. I like how you put that, “Blogging has provided me a channel to crystallize many of my inner thoughts…”.
Hi Hunter – Leave it to you to come up with that. 🙂 Yes, done correctly, blogging can be profitable and entertaining.
Hi Stacey – You’re right – blogging does make us a part of something bigger and greater than ourselves.
Hi Ari – I love how that works. Like with you, music is your first passion, but it’s not feasible to pursue it at this point in your life. You turned to blogging, found a second passion, and are hooked. Then, when you are able to dive into your music, you’ll have your blog on which you can promote it. It’s a win-win.
Hi Myln – Welcome to the BWAB community. Well said. Our blogs are ours, to do with that which we want.
Hi Harmony – LOL – I like that, “…without washing my hair or even brushing my teeth…”. So true, and whose to know?
Hi Amy – We do “meet” wonderful people online, don’t we? For those who are shy, blogging gives us time to think of what we’ll say without having someone staring at us, waiting, and intimidating us to speak.
Hi Kim – You’re welcome. Your story makes me wonder. If you hadn’t been blogging, would your “recovery time”, been slower? I’m thinking it might have been. Hearing encouragement from our online friends is often just what we need to embrace opportunities that come our way.
Hi Eric- Thanks for the return visit. That’s interesting that by blogging you’re able to stay more focused, thus helping your ADHD. And like you said, writing about positive things is the “icing on the cake”.
Hi Jennifer – I agree. We can make a difference in other lives with our blogs. In the real world people are often so busy they don’t take time to listen, but like you said, if someone takes time to sit and read what we wrote, it’s can be beneficial.
Thanks for the link, Barbara. I’m not surprised that I’m the only one who answered ‘playing video games’ 🙂
I’ve blogging casually for years – I started one for my daughter to keep family members updated and I have one that compiles news about elephants. But I didn’t take it seriously with my current site until the beginning of summer.
At the beginning of the year my life and marriage fell apart. After I got myself together, I decided I wanted to find a way to earn a living doing what I love so I started the blog as a way of showing those skills. I never intended to earn money blogging but was hoping that I could utilize it as part of my resume when I started looking for the work I wanted to do.
But, it has ended up being something else entirely. Blogging gave me back my confidence and I have started freelancing based on what I write about on my site and am hoping to leave my job by the end of the year. And through blogging and the use of twitter I have made wonderful connections with people from all over that I probably would have never met. Encouraging, supportive people who believe I’m good at what I do. I’m not an outgoing person and this whole new community of online friends is amazing to me.
So, I guess I could have made this a lot shorter by saying that blogging has given me confidence and a community. 🙂
Kim Woodbridge’s last blog post..(Anti) Social-Lists – 9/21/08
Another thing that blogging gives me is stimulation.
I’m very ADHD and have never taken medication for it. I learned out to stay stimulated on my own through natural means. But I thrive off of doing 10 things at once. Multitasking is something I just naturally do (though I do force myself to single task when I need do. You often times get more done this way.)
So blogging is a perfect outlet for me. Between the posting, comments, social media, emails, etc… I really feel in my own element. And the fact that I get to blog about positive things is just icing on the cake! 🙂
“Motivate Thyself”‘s last blog post..The Strongest Desire Always Wins
Blogging gives me a way to make a bigger difference in people’s lives than I often feel like I am making in the “real” world with the people around me. It often isn’t a great idea to just go up to people and say the things I write about. Through writing, the people who want to hear what I have to say find me and read my words. Since I’m a bit shy, it’s often much easier to write it than speak it. Although if someone wants to physically hear what I have to say, I’m more than happy to share it.. Also, blogging provides a great way to make friends with like minded people.
Jennifer’s last blog post..Are you in Balance?
It gives me a chance to practice my writing in front a real audience. Also it lets me share my passion for simplicity with the world.
Yes there are a lot of blogs about simple living, green living, and frugal spending, but each blog has it’s own value. If you can phrase something a different way or take a whole new approach on simplicity that hasn’t been done before, than it is worth blogging. Even if it only resonates with a handful readers, it is still worth it.
Blogging gives me a voice.
– Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien
Hi Simple Sapien – Welcome to the BWAB community. Blogging does give us a voice, doesn’t it? I agree with your statement about there being a lot of blogs about simple living, etc, and you giving your blog, your own voice. It’s much the same how I give mine on blogging.
Hi Marelisa – Yes, blogging does give us a chance to meet others whom we probably wouldn’t have met in our everyday travels.
Hi Vintage Mommy – Isn’t it great how blogging fills the need to create? We can be creative in our daily lives, but then we can write about it and help others.
Hi John – You’re right. We can (and do) learn from others via blogging. The learning process helps us become better people, and for those in business, it helps in our business dealings.
I guess I’ve always enjoyed learning new things and blogging gives me an excuse to organize what I learn in a useful way. It also allows me to connect with people whom I feel are more similar to me than those I meet here in Panama.
I started my first blog (one bag nation) as a way to motivate myself to get some organizing done and manage my time more effectively. I also thought that others who struggled with advice from the “experts” might enjoy reading about my journey.
I started Vintage Mommy to process my thoughts and feelings about being an older adoptive mom and I hope to connect with others in similar circumstances.
Both blogs are helping to fill a need I have to create. And if I do touch someone else with my writing and offer comfort, advice, friendship, community, etc. that means the world to me.
This is something I’ve been asking myself a lot lately. To be honest, Barbara, I’m not a full time blogger nor do I aspire to be one. My blog is a tool and I use it as such.
Maybe it’s the hard core entrepreneur in me, but my passion is more in the entrepreneurial spirit. Kind of like how Donald Trump says it’s not making money that he likes, it’s the creative ways to succeed in business which is fun.
My blog is just a tool I use to help my business grow and build wealth for myself. I’d love a community as lively as yours, but I’m not certain my passion is there enough in blogging to get it there.
Am I sounding harsh?
What I do like about blogging is it pushes me to learn more and make new connections and learn from others and it’s because of that I’m sure I will not give it up.
John Hoff – eVentureBiz’s last blog post..General Partnerships: A Not-So-Great Business Structure
I definitely agree blogging fills a void. For me, it provides a sense of connectedness that has been reduced in my life since I moved areas and now live far from my closest friends. I have also given up teaching to be a stay at home mom and writer so I get lonely more often, and blogging makes me feel less lonely. I feel like I am a part of a community of like minded people and I get to hear fascinating perspectives on life and share mine as well.
Blogging has also been great for my writing routine and for building confidence in my creative writers voice.
Kelly
Kelly@SHE-POWER’s last blog post..Hell Is Buying A Bathing Suit
Hi Barbara,
Blogging fills my travel fix. If I can’t get on a plane and visit other countries, other places, at least I can feel like I’m expanding beyond my community, my own little box.
I like to get on Google Analytics and find people, say, in Egypt, who are reading my blog. I wonder what they are thinking. I wonder who they are.
I thought I’d try your edit button out.
If I’m not working on blogging stuff (writing posts, posting comments, or the the blah blah of blogging) I’m usually reading or working on my business. If not doing family stuff or house stuff or all that kind of stuff.
After reading the comments above I must say I feel all the above. Each day is different for me. I have really enjoyed getting to know many of my readers. Many I feel like I have known all of my life. I am not about the numbers. I am about relating my life with others that share their lives. I do visit blogs to learn about blogging itself. I am very new to this even though I started a blog last year. I began a blog for a 1st grade class. It turned into something I have really enjoyed. I guess I have been a true blogger for three months. I am still learning what it is all about and I enjoy floating around. I guess it fills a void in my life. It seems to be the only “me” time I get these days.
Tammy Warren’s last blog post..Was that a compliment? Think about it.
“it feeds my ego as well as my desire to learn.”
You made me chuckle with the ego reference.
Part of why I blog, is to sharpen my writing ability.
If I wasn’t blogging, I’m not sure what I would be using that time for. Maybe I would read more.
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..Some Bits About Me
Barbara,
I integrate ideas in a fashion that people can understand what I am trying to convey when I write. My mind integrates ideas at such a rate that I confuse linear thinkers by racing so far ahead of them in my speech. Every college class I have ever taught, a student has emerged to assist the other students in understanding what I am trying to say when I get a question and I move off the written lecture material.
I wanted to be an Opera Singer and that ability left me after tumors on my vocal cords were removed. I wanted to be a “Futurist”(Branch of Philosophy) but I could not pass the mathmatics (Dyscalcula).
When I write I can connect.
I wish I had had blogging when I was out of the world taking care of a special needs child and then three years of intensive caregiving for my mum.
In person, I listen with great alertness and understanding…blogging is my turn to share.
I am attempting to take the “never” out of the phrase “never make any money” These are the voids I am attempting to fill
Patricia’s last blog post..PTSD Part 5: My Conclusions
Hi Ellen – Aren’t those maps on Google Analytics amazing? I do agree, it is fun to wonder what others really are thinking and who they are. Hopefully they’ll comment and share a little of their lives.
Hi Kelly – I hear you. Like you, I am working from a home office. Connecting with the outside world doesn’t happen as often as it would if we were working outside the home. Blogging is great for filling that void, and like you said, connecting with like minded people.
Hi Tammy – Blogging is definitely “me” time. We can connect with our cyber friends and “see” what’s going on in their world. Then when they come and visit us, it’s fun to swing open the door and say “Hello”.
Hi Bamboo – Blogging does work great for improving our writing. We can test our skills on our readers and often in subtle ways they let us know if it’s good or not.
Hi Patricia – We can connect with others via blogging, and as others said, we often get an instant response. I can see how blogging would have helped you when you were taking care of a special needs child and providing intensive care giving for your mum. It’s great when we can find someone in the same situation to bounce ideas off of.
Hi Dr. Nicole – Isn’t it fun to use a blog as a teaching medium? For you, writing about health, nutrition, exercise, etc, each post has value. I agree, what we get from blogging is not something we can find in the real world.
I can agree with so many of the comments here. I also like what Barbara said in the article. Blogging, for me, is about writing, creativity, having a voice, reaching out to others, and so much more. Blogging fulfills my desire to write and gives me a way to talk to others on a much wider scale. It is awesome to me to think about how many people read my blog from around the world. The internet really does make Earth a much smaller place.
Blogging fills my heart and mind with something I can’t quite find anywhere else in this world…the ability to quickly and efficiently exchange a variety of ideas with like minded individuals. I have always been a reader, and love to read so it just saves that many more trees I guess. I took an oath to educate people every single day and blogging gives me a chance to fulfill my teaching duties while sounding off about things in health that I think are stupid, ridiculous, or even better yet…HELPFUL!!
I love blogging, but sleep would never take the backseat to it. I need my sleep. As for other things like television or computer games I think that blogging is much healthier than that…but still we all do need to spend more time outside. I know when I have been inside all day, that I am spending too much time reading on the computer. Tough though in Seattle- especially because the rainy season is coming.
Hi Patricia – You nailed it with your last sentence. “The internet really does make Earth a much smaller place.” No truer words were spoken.
Hi Barbara – blogging has helped me to write more. It’s made me think, which is a really important part of the writing process – it makes our brains get used to coming up with things to write about.
Also, it’s helped me connect with people – which is good when you live in the sticks.
It’s helping me teach others what I know & also I’m learning a lot about myself.
I’m planning an Internet business and blogging is helping me research, also it’s an excellent marketing tool.
I guess I should have said I would have read more, cooked more and watched tv more if I wasn’t blogging for a day or two. Since I anyways do these activities on a regular basis.
Blogging is my lifeline these days. It doesn’t fill just a void, you can say it fills multiple voids in my life. Right from doing something creative, having an identity, interacting with people, developing skills etc etc.
Had I not been blogging at all, I would be searching for that magical something which met all these needs. God knows what I would have found 🙂
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For me, blogging is a lot about the other blogs I get to read. I like to write, I like blogging, but what often inspires me to do both is someone else’s writing. If I weren’t blogging, I wouldn’t go to other people’s blogs and would miss out on that.
Hi Barbara –
A void? I don’t know – more like an outlet for me, I think. A way to share and learn. I suppose when I’m in the “learning mode” it’s filling the void of lack of knowledge about that particular thing.
Blogging goes a long way in creating connections, both personal and business wise. I think it’s so much more than filling a void, though. It’s like an ever-expanding body of knowledge that changes and grows as we change and grow.
I like how Cath said it’s a thinking tool – makes you think a little beyond what our daily lives bring. It challenges us to continue learning and sharing.
I think with the fast pace of life, it’s easy to lose touch with some of the things our ancestors held so dear – a life of simpleness, calm and quiet. A place where one could reflect and be still. We still need that – modern gadgets haven’t changed that but we’ve lost touch with it.
And I think for me, blogging allows me to reflect on things around me and stay close to that stillness.
~ Annie
Hi Catherine – Yes, blogging does make us think. That and getting more practice writing is a big benefit. With you living in a remote area, blogging has undoubtedly exposed you to a new “world”.
Hi Avain – I like how you worded that, “Had I not been blogging at all, I would be searching for that magical something which met all these needs.”. That’s so true.
Hi Annie – Blogging is definitely an outlet, as well as a learning too. Isn’t it great how we can click on a link and read an article on a subject we wouldn’t normally think about? Like you, I love that it’s an ever expanding body of knowledge. That’s something no one can ever take away from us.
Hi Sarah – I hear you. Before blogging, I only used my computer for research. If I landed on a blog I didn’t know it. Like you, I’m now inspired by what others write. Isn’t blogging great?
This is the first time I have arrived at this blog and found links to several other blogs of likeminded people here. Congratulations to this beautiful community. A sense of being a part of one is what makes blogging so special to me. I try and live what I write, and I write so that they form gentle reminders to me of the way I should live. And now here I have found many more.
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Hi Deepu – Welcome to the BWAB community. Thank you for your kind words. You’re right, this is a community of wonderful, helpful, kind and generous people who have great blogs.
I’m headed over to your blog to read some of your work.
Blogging has given me the ability to connect with others. I have the ability to discuss important issues and heal. It’s pretty amazing actually. I used to watch a lot of TV…but I feel that I am learning and being more productive. However…one must be careful! I make sure I get all my housework done before I get on the computer…or else it could be trouble! Moderation is key!
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Hi Caroline – Oh yes, with blogging moderation is definitely the key. But, it’s it amazing how just by blogging, we feel better. It’s quite therapeutic.
So true, so true. Sometimes I wonder how I got to where I am today – everyday hunched over the keyboard, typing typing typing. I hope you keep up the blogging though – its easy to forget about your readers…but we love it
.-= Check out Skip´s awesome post: Highway to Hate =-.