Our last assignment for my online class, Blogging Your Way, is to write about what we learned during our time in class, what blogging means to us and why we blog in the first place.
BYW promises to help you ‘tap into your passions, carve out a unique, personal voice for your site, and inspire you to get out and make it happen!’ I’m happy to say Holly Becker’s class did not disappoint. With millions of blogs out there in the blogosphere, it’s easy to feel like a small fish in a big pond. Who am I kidding? A tadpole is more like it. But I learned the one thing that can set my blog apart from everyone else’s. Me. It’s that simple. There is no other ‘me’ out there, and writing from the heart about things I care about is what is most important and what will ultimately bring me the most satisfaction and fulfillment in this journey.
About 15 years ago, I was involved with an active on line discussion forum where participants talked about anything and everything, and genuine friendships were formed. It was great getting almost instantaneous feedback if you had a question or support if you were going through a tough time or needed an objective opinion about a circumstance occurring in your life. Whether it was something as lighthearted as ‘what dress do you think I should wear to my daughter’s wedding, or as serious as talking about what it feels like to be dying from cancer, it was a supportive, meaningful group of women that few could understand without experiencing it first hand. It was like having a cyber tea party!
The forums were disbanded and for years I really didn’t give it much thought, but lately I had begun to miss that on line connection, which got me to thinking about blogging. There is a blog for every subject imaginable, and I was always getting my hands dirty in one project or another around the house, so blogging seemed like a perfect fit. I could connect with others, share my ideas and thoughts, and learn a great deal in the process.
Blogging is something I believe everyone should do. Whether you blog to record your life’s special moments, to promote your business, to connect with other like minded individuals or to learn and share your knowledge with others, it will bring out your creativity.
You remember creativity, don’t you? When you were a child, you were your most creative self. I believe I read somewhere that sometime around the age of 9, we start caring what other’s think about us. Our creativity is slowly somehow buried, maybe never again to be revitalized. Whether you chose to take a photography class, a dance class, cooking, writing or a myriad of other creative pursuits, blogging can help you pursue these things with greater vision and focus.
Blogging has proven to be everything I had hoped and so much more. Guess you could say I’m a late bloomer, but I’m having such a good time and I’m so grateful that I finally figured out what I want to do when I grow up ;).
Anna says
Brilliant! Really well written Doreen and says exactly how I feel about the course too. Great you are enjoying what you are doing. Long may it continue!
Mel says
Great honest post from the heart:) Good on you, never too late to bloom! Mel (BYW2)
misssrobin says
Beautiful post. We all have something to share, a piece of the world to offer. Isn’t it wonderful how blogging lets that happen?
Stopping by from SITS. Have a great weekend.
Yasmin says
Loved your post and your point about “me” was right on the mark. I often get caught up thinking that my blog is insignificant. But this point will now be my way to remind myself every time that my blog is unique. Thank you!
Elaine says
Yay! For late bloomers, me too! It doesn’t matter if anyone is looking [or reading] sometimes we have to do what is right for us. Thanks Doreen for saying it so well. From BYW2.0, Elaine
Meli says
I really relate to your take on blogging, especially the part about doing so many projects and wanting to share what I’m learning with others. Also, the opportunities for community and making connections with like-minded souls! The concepts I took to heart from Blogging Your Way will definitely influence how I approach my blog, the little corner of the Internet that I get to create and share! Meli,
Peggy @The Decorating Files says
Wonderful Doreen! Your post was so eloquently written. I think you’ve captured what many of us are experiencing. Thank you for sharing from the heart. Here’s to all of us “late bloomers”. You know what they say, “as long as you’re green you’ll grow, it’s when you’re ripe you rot.” I hope to always be green!
The Honeys says
Thanks so much everyone for your kind and thoughtful comments! It means a lot to me.
And Miss Peggy, if you’re a late bloomer, can I have the name of the skin care you use and/or your plastic surgeon? Fess up. You look sooooo young!
Mosaic Mum says
Hi Doreen,
You are never too old to learn, and that goes for most of us. A very well thought out and written post about ‘Why blog’. After BYW, I think its time now for me to think about what we learnt and to put it practice, like you’ve just done. Thanks for sharing. Best Wishes!