This is part two of my deep thoughts:
Soon after I wrote that “If you knew me” list a friend seemed aghast at how much I had revealed. They would never want someone to know their business like that. I was left stuttering with no response. So, it got me to thinking about why we bloggers blog. Sirdar recently posted a similar question on his blog, but what I want to know is why some of us (because we don’t all do this) feel compelled to air our emotional laundry. In fact when I first started my blog, many of my friends asked me that question. At the time, I said it’s just a way to keep track of our homeschooling activities and that it’d be nice for the relatives in England to see what we’re up to. Since then I sometimes feel compelled to write stuff that’s more personal. Perhaps it goes back to that “I’m on a journey” stuff. There is something liberating about letting those worries and feelings out. Why isn’t a journal enough, though? I’ve always journalled, but not with real consistency. Since, I’ve started a blog, however, I’m on here almost everyday. Okay, I’ll just say it. It’s exciting to know that someone is actually reading my words. I enjoy the feedback. I love expressing myself in this way. Perhaps it’s similar to someone who writes an autobiography. Something drives them to share their story with the world.
When a friend or family member asks you why you blog, what is your answer to them?
7 comments:
Last Spring I started reading a friends blog...I loved seeing pictures and hearing updates on this friend that I didn't get to see iin real life very often.....she suggested I start one and I thought it was a great idea - like you, to keep in touch with family and friends in England...and it was also a way of me showing people what homeschooling was all about on a day to day basis...I wanted them to see that it isn't just being sat at the table doing school work and having the children sheltered from the real world....I am proud to say that several people who have read my blog have said they now see homeschooling ina totally different light and would consider it!
I have always been myself online - on parenting forums and in my blog...what you see is what you get and as its MY blog I see no problem with writing what I want to say in it :) I love to read other blogs but only find the 'real' ones interesting...like yours Debbie...because I find the ones that are not too personal boring and false...I like to feel I am getting to know a person through their writing...
At the end of the day Debbie don't worry what others think - its YOUR blog and you enjoy it and its helping you so don't stop! I love reading here :)
I have friends who have two blogs - one public where they hardly write a thing...and one private that has their TRUE feelings in it.....I know which one I prefer to read!
I started a blog so I could have something to look back onto with what we were doing as a family ...my blog is slowly getting a little more personal. Like yesterday I blogged about my laziness...and I did the "If you really knew me..." I've tried not to get too personal though for fear of hurting someone's feelings in my family...I could go on and on about my dysfunctional family and it'd probably be good if I did so I didn't have to go on and on with it with my poor dh!! Only a handful of people who know me IRL read my blog and most people I know don't even know I have a blog. It's been about a year since I started my blog and now it seems weird to start telling everyone about it. I guess if I really want to get personal I'd have to start another blog. A secret blog lol! (But then what fun would that be??) I actually tried starting a personal journal this past year and couldn't keep up with it. The computer is so much easier! So...I started a journal in Word...not the same as the blog...you are right there is something exciting about other people reading your words...but it is also really comforting to have friends in the blogosphere that you can connect with from time to time....BTW I usually don't comment this much!!!!
Since Jane just commented when I did...I need to comment on Jane...Is this legal commenting on a comment? Anyways...I agree with Jane on being yourself it makes a blog more interesting. I prefer the more personal ones too... I just started reading yours Debbie and I really like how your personality shines through on your blog... Like I could totally understand how you felt when your crockpot got chipped...and your "If You Really Knew Me" was great....
Jane - It was your's that introduced me to blogging. I love reading about your experiences. And thanks for the encouragement. :)
Heather - Sometimes I regret telling everyone I know about my blog. I love that my close friends read, but beyond that...I don't know. It does limit me sometimes, I think. On the other hand, some people have told me that they feel like they're getting to know me better. I HAVE started a secret blog, but actually have barely written in it. Go figure.
I love long comments!! And there is definitely no law against commenting on other people's comments. Go for it. :)
That is a good question. Most don't even know what a blog is. After I tell them they always comment "Who had time for that?" Well...I make time for that instead of sitting my butt on the couch to watch TV. My vice I guess.
My dad, who is pretty computer illiterate, reads my blog pretty much everyday. My other relatives don't. Some I tell just say thanks, come once, and never return. Too busy I guess.
I also like blogs that have some human side to them I would check out Jane's but I don't use a Atom reader nor do I RSS.
I read yours mostly because I know you and you reciprocate by visiting my blog. And of course we both know how much we appreciate comments.
I blog, therefore I am!!
Debbie - do you have the book 'Simple Abundance' by Sarah Ban Breathnach? If not then I have a spare copy that I have been waiting to give to the 'right' person......I'd love to give it to you. Its my favourite book. Of course you may already have it, but if not then how about coming over for lunch when I get back from Florida? The book is all about finding your 'Authentic Self'......
Sirdar - I've gotten the "I don't have time for that" comment as well. I just shrug. Who has time for anything unless you make it? I enjoy it so I make time.
And how 'bout that? I read yours because I know you. Your comments can be very insightful and helpful. Thank-you.
Jane - I have heard of the book, but don't have it or have read it. I'm all about the "authentic self". I'd love to come over sometime, hang out, and get to know you better (face to face). Now, I don't want to make this yet another invite that I never take up (re:http://a-step-at-a-time.blogspot.com/2007/01/resolutions-revisited.html). So, have a wonderful trip and I'll talk to you when you get back.
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