Blogging VS Journaling
I have been thinking a lot lately about the difference between
blogging and journaling. To me they are as different as Buffalo, New York and
Melbourne, Australia. Yes they have both
been homes for me but have served extremely different purposes.
Why do I blog?
Honesty is something that did not always come easily.
When you have this desperate need to be liked you wear different
masks. You watch what you say, and try your best to filter or dilute who you are to
suit each crowd like a politician.
If everyone knows your true-self, then you may not be
everyone’s cup of tea. I always wished I gave less of a shit about popular opinion. My brother lives that way and I've always
envied and admired him for it.
I’m not sure why I grew up to be so needy-perhaps that's a
topic for my therapist (see I don’t share EVERYTHING on here.)
When I started blogging years ago I gave up on it because I
felt that I had nothing to say, like I was being narcissistic talking about
myself all the time. I think the real problem was that I was scared. Scared and worried about what people
would think of me. When I wrote it fell flat because I chose safe subjects.
After offending more than one person here and there with
my writing I started to realize that some people will still have to love me, even
if I disappoint them. And if they don’t-
I’m going to have to learn to be okay with that because my words are my truth. I don’t mean this in an
arrogant way but in a self-survival kind of way.
Not everyone will like you but everything is going to be okay.
I realize I didn’t answer my own question: Why do I blog?
I blog because I believe in the power of a story. Relating to someone else through the written
word is as close as you will get to experiencing it for yourself. I’m giving my
stories to the Internet because I believe that they will resonate with some
people, perhaps people beyond my own circle. And if a few of you, dear
readers, are touched, moved or shown a glimpse of familiarity in my words then
I am beyond satisfied. In rare instances
I would like to be able to help, support, inspire or genuinely encourage some
of you. I want to show you; that everything is going to be okay.
I am not an expert on anything, but as my husband says, “Sometimes
people aren't looking for expert advice.” And you know what? He is absolutely correct. I know when I walk away from a good chat with
a friend I often feel better than I do when leaving my shrink’s office. I hope that when you guys read my posts that you get that sense, that we've just had a good rap sesh over a cup of tea. Sometimes we just need to know that we are not alone in this.
What a blessing it is to live in an age where we don’t need
publishers to distribute our words. It changes the whole concept of what it means to be an author. As if getting paid for my writing would somehow make it more valuable and me legitimate. Google Analytics
tell me that I have an audience of 400 readers who look at my blog over 1,300 times per month
and that number is climbing.
Even better than statistics, which can be misleading, is that I have personally heard from many of you. Stories of camaraderie, commisery, and joy. Those stories are what create true connections. I believe in those connections so much that I've started a group so you can branch beyond just me.
So to the 400 souls who care enough to look at my
humble words, I thank you. Thank you for
showing me that as long as I remain honest, everything is going to be okay.
posted by Unknown @ 11:11 AM
4 Comments
4 Comments:
Beautiful, honest writing is why I read blogs (and I like posts that make me laugh too). It's a rich tradition, telling our stories and converting - blogging is just another way to do it with a much wider audience. I think that's pretty wonderful. Thank you for sharing your words here.
Thank you Robyna- I read this quote recently "Every mother's experience is both universal and unique," and I think this applies to everyone's journey through life. The whole point of being human is that we can empathize with one another. I also love reading honest words from other writers. The medium is unimportant. Thank you so much for reading mine.
I like you - if that counts for anything. I love this post, too, and I hope that you'll keep digging deep and sharing more. I can't believe anyone would be offended by those 2 posts you shared, btw! Send them to me and I'll take care of 'em! ;)
Thanks Rachael! I do try and keep my comments vague on the rare occasion I write negatively about someone else. I only include details that are important to my story, it's never out of spite or revenge. What I've learned that sometimes people react when they have their own guilt or insecurity about things which may or may not have anything to do with me. I'm sure I do it (it's not always about you Dawn!) we are all human. Big lessons for this little gal! xo
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