So…there comes a time after blogging for many years you question why you’re doing it? Why did I start? I’m not the best writer, I’m not the most exciting person ever, I don’t have a perfect sense of fashion, or a daily Pinterest worthy post.
Why did I start blogging? Well, I started because I like to write. Writing down my thoughts is easier than actually saying them. My sister and I used to blog together when I lived in Arkansas and we had a lot of fun with it. This was around 7-8 years ago when NOBODY was blogging and it was not for money or free stuff. It was for fun.
I miss that time. When blogging was purely for fun. It was somewhat quiet and you genuinely met people who became real life friends. Some of them I still have today and some have gone on to lead their lives out of the Internet limelight. I used to comment on every single blog I read. I don’t do that anymore….I should but I’m lazy. After being at work all day in front of a computer the last thing I want to do is get back on at home. I read them….but what happened to caring and commenting? I feel guilty sometimes, but people’s lives get busy and that doesn’t mean I don’t care.
In that regard I’m thankful for Instagram. I’m not on Twitter so much. I love Instagram because I’m such a visual person and you can converse and follow people and chit chat back and forth on the spot.
Terence and I were talking the other day about how social media has changed the way we communicate. It changes the way we validate ourselves. The more “likes” or “comments” we get the worthier we feel about what we are doing. What happened to telling those close few friends in real life about the exciting things going on in life? I’ve gotten to where I’ll immediately tell social media things before I’ll tell my closest friends. That pisses me off. Why is that so important??? Why do I feel like I need self-affirmation from people I do like, mind you, but I don’t really know?
I showcase my life for all to see. But you don’t really see ALL of it. You see the good things, the pretty parts, the things I feel worthy of sharing with you. Not everything is neat and tidy. There’s a lot of ugly in life too and I admire those who feel free to share that. People who are honest about themselves and don’t hide behind a computer screen. Sometimes I feel like I’m the one hiding.
I’m so thankful for the friendships blogging has brought me. I have writer’s block a lot. Sometimes I’m not in the mood to share anything. I need to take a step back a re-evaluate myself. At the end of the day I blog for me. I blog to stay in touch with my family who all live out-of-state. I blog to share ideas and things I love. I blog to make a little extra money (judge if you want) but I’m not rich and I know some folks don’t like to read too many reviews. I try to balance it out, but I would never judge anyone trying to monetize their blog.
Be happy for those around you. Support each other & don’t envy. Blog for YOU. Blog because you want to, not for someone else or because you need to feel worthy. You are worth it. You are worth writing, reading, sharing, and being supported by those who love to blog just like you!
You never know when that one post can make a difference in someone’s life. The words you say mean something. They could be the difference between a new mom choosing to give up her child, by sharing God’s word you just might lead another soul to Heaven, your words may change a person’s path forever.
In this world we’re living in it’s so easy to lose your way. To get sucked into the social media whirlwind. You CAN be a part of this….just don’t let anyone else’s opinion of you make you feel less or not worthy. I guarantee someone out there enjoys reading about you and does think your WORTH IT.
