Why I blog:
Last week, I had lunch with a new friend who also happens to be a new mom. We talked a lot about what motherhood has been like for her. I always have a thousand questions for new moms, since I'm hoping to be one someday.
I was caught off guard when she told me how much one of my blog posts resonated with her. She said that it felt like I was speaking directly to her about something that had been on her heart. I've experienced the same feeling many times after reading my favorite blogs. It was a full circle blogging moment for me.
Blogging has reopened my eyes to the idea that we're all in this together. All of us. The truth is, most of us just want to feel seen and heard -- validated, if you will.
I started blogging mostly to document my daily life and to have a place to share recipes and projects around our home. Maintaining a blog has been a fantastic creative outlet for me. What's kept me blogging though, are the genuine connections I've made. Some with people I've never met. Often though, when I write from the heart, it opens a dialogue with family and old friends.
Why you should too:
While at lunch, my friend mentioned that she has been thinking about starting her own blog.
The advice I gave to her, do it.
Blogging is a great format to share yourself and what you are most passionate about.
I warned my friend against making arbitrary rules for herself. It isn't necessary that you post 5 times a week or that each of your posts are over 300 words with big beautiful photos. What matters most is that you enjoy the process.
I've kept up with this blog for as long as I have because I've made it a laid-back atmosphere. I'm sure that I would have resented this place if it started to feel daunting.
Most important, don't hold back from writing something out of fear of what others might think. You'll find that people relate most to the things that may be hardest for you to share.
I've compiled a list below of some of the blogs that inspired me to create No Place Lyke Home:
E Tells Tales
Take Heart
Story of my Life
Tales of Me and the Husband
Nat The Fat Rat
Lady Lee in Process
Across the Pond
Flower Patch Farm Girl
I have lots of other favorites - but these were the ones that I read pre No Place Lyke Home and continue to read regularly.
If you're a blogger, I'd love to know what got you started. What's been most rewarding about the whole thing for you?
love this! i started as a way to store all my ideas in one place recipes, crafts, and so on ( before the wonderful world of pinterest lol ) and then it really became a form on journal-ing for me and way to keep memories, letter to my kiddos and so on ...
ReplyDeleteI love when favorite bloggers list their favorite blogs. I'm always looking for a new read. I've been blogging for somewhere around 8 years in various formats/styles. Every few years, I change my focus. It's fun when you realize that their are no rules and you can change things up whenever you want to.
ReplyDeleteI hate typos... I meant "It's fun when you realize that there are no rules..." :O)
ReplyDeleteI've been blogging here for going on 4 years and it was just a natural thing for me because I love writing. I've always kept journals online and on paper. I love connecting with others similar and different from myself. I love blogging!!
ReplyDeleteI am so new to this - I have been doing for two months! But I love it already - and yes I will remember not to make arbitrary rules - you do have an easygoing vibe - plus I have already "met" loads of smart funny women I would have otherwise not known about. Plus I have discovered so many more blogs out there - i love having lots to read ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly why I blog + giving myself a creative outlet. I love to connect with others. And get ideas for recipes and projects. Great post.
ReplyDeleteYou are completely right on this, it is really important not to set rules for yourself. With doing that it makes it a lot more complicated and more of a burden rather then something to enjoy. Thanks for the reminder Shauna {www.shaunawyrick.com}
ReplyDeletegreat advice! i love blogging because its a great way to document the little joys of life and to look back on previous posts... ive loved the people ive met too :)
ReplyDeletei nominated you for something on my blog... no pressure to participate, but heres the link if youre interested: http://dressupandtwirl.blogspot.com/2013/02/liebster-blog-award.html