Why do I blog? I ask myself this question almost every day. With each day that passes, I’m finding more constancy in my answers. So, that’s good news.
I started seriously blogging back in February of this year. Prior to that, I was floundering with what to do with myself. I knew I wanted to write. I knew I wanted to write about things that mattered to me. I even wrote a book on how to eat healthy. But as far as having an online presence, I sucked. I had a lame blog that went nowhere.
Then, one day I had a conversation with fellow blogger and good friend, Kim at Let Me Start By Saying about my lack of direction. I told her about my book. I told her about my lame blog. She asked me all sorts of questions like, “Do you have a Facebook page? Do you have a Twitter account? Have you reached out to any health and wellness bloggers to review your book?”
I looked at her with a blank stare and managed to utter out a simple, “Huh?”
She took me under her wing (and over to her house) and got me started. An awesome blogger herself, Kim had a ton of great advice. Because of her, I now have a blog that I love with about 200 followers, between Facebook, Twitter and blog subscribers. To many, this may not seem like much. But to this new blogger, it’s a significant achievement.
So now that I have a blog that’s up and running, and now that I have some clue as to how to navigate my way around the world of blogging, I thought it time to clearly define the reasons why I blog – if for no other reason than just to put it down in writing so I maintain my focus.
Why do I blog?
Therapy. I write because it is a release for me. Sometimes, I just need to flex my right brain and writing helps me to do that. I’m a bit of an open book. Blogging gives me a forum to share my joys, struggles, concerns, questions, etc…
Connect and relate with others. I have found through blogging that many of us have the same experiences in life. For example, I recently wrote a post about my kid being THAT kid. I was amazed at how many people could relate to my frustrations. I had no idea. I really thought it was just MY kid.
That said, my goal is to write content that others can relate to — to make those of us out there who feel like we’re the only ones going through something feel less alone.
Share my learnings. I like to learn. I’m always trying to better myself. I’m a research junky. If I’m going through something, I research the hell out of it. For example, when I had trouble conceiving, I researched all the potential reasons why I wasn’t getting pregnant and all the possible solutions to my problem.
I do this with everything. So, when I learn something new, I feel this uncontrollable desire to share it with others. That is why I am The Healthy Mom. That is why I wrote my book. I’m always looking for ways to be healthier — physically and emotionally. And if I learn something new, I can’t just stop there. I feel the need to make others aware of my great findings in life.
Make myself laugh. Being a mom has so many sides. It brings out so many emotions — from frustration to pride to confusion to elation and so much more. Through it all, I need to find the humor. I need to laugh. So, once in a while, I feel the need to throw something out there that ignites the funny in me.
So why do I blog? Is it for tons of readers? Money? Fame?
No.
I blog to fill my need to release, connect, share and laugh. If I get readers along the way, that’s a bonus.
Thanks to those of you who read and vote for my blog, I’ve made my way into the top 30 Family Life Blogs on TopMommyBlogs.com! Thank you and please help me keep it going. Click below, please. You ROCK!
If you are new to The Healthy Mom, welcome! I write on all sorts of topics related to my journey towards raising a healthy family. Sometimes, I’m funny, sometimes I’m deep and sometimes I just feel like espousing nutritional advice. It’s pretty much whatever strikes my fancy that day! Have a look around.
All such valid reasons. I share many of the same reasons – desire to share information, therapy, connect with others, etc. I also started blogging as a way to improve my writing skills due to the feedback and public accountability that blogging facilitates. Congrats on your inclusion among the top blogs!
Christine, I also do it to become a better writer. I forgot that one! I love reading your blog. It’s so beautifully written, insightful and thought-provoking!
I had wanted to start a blog way back in 2004 when we moved from Nebraska to New York as a way to stay connected with friends and family back home. But, I don’t think it was as easy then as it is now, plus I was chasing after twin 8 month olds – I used that as my excuse for not figuring it out! After Joey’s illness and writing on Caring Bridge, I realized what great therapy it was for me, and I really enjoyed the feedback I got from people. Now, I do love connecting with people like you, Steph
, and I love it when women tell me how much I have made them feel understood. Like you, I am hoping to help someone or share something I know.
And a woot, woot! about being in the top 30!!
I, for one, am glad you started your blog. I love reading about your craziness with your boys, Kathy!
You are too generous to give me so much credit. You had all this in you, you do such relatable posts here and clean, inspiring Brites on Britely.com…all I did was tell you the obvious: people will want to hear your voice. I bet your following will grow quickly, and your writing opportinities will be aplenty!
See you soon, friend….
Thank you, my friend! What nice words! And your retweet drove a new bunch of folks over here, so thank you once again!
I love your blog! It’s a fresh healthy perspective and I so enjoy following along. So glad that you do it–for all of the reasons you do it!
Thank you, Meredith! That is so nice to hear!
I blog for those reasons too. And I don’t know about you, but I am an introvert. There are risks I will take on the blog that I just would not take in person. The more my “riskiness” (which to the average person is not at all risky!) is reinforced by readers, the more risks I am willing to take. That has moved me forward with my writing in a way nothing else would have. So you nudge me and I will nudge you and together we will grow better!
I think that’s a really good point, May. It is easier to express ourselves in writing than in person. And when you put yourself out there and get a positive response, it’s just a little easier to take the risk the next time. Well said!!
It is not easy to start a blog. Having a will and a friend (who is an expert in this manner) is a good help. Exposure is of the utmost importance to get noticed. So there comes fan page from Facebook for example. It lets you connect to people who are in that platform of social media where people thrive. Having a page though is very tiring. There are people sometimes who just ain’t making any sense. But there are many who might be your loyal friends and subscribers. The challenging part is, how do you make them stay?
Linda Lorens
Just a thought though,