Why I Blog

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?

Lately

Notice anything new? Heather, from Life Made Lovely worked her magic!

Lately, I've been thinking about writing with more intention. 

About putting words out there that I can look back on and remember exactly how I felt in a specific moment.

It is a struggle for me to be vulnerable and to share my truth. 

I must admit, I can be rendered paralyzed by the fear of what others think.

It seems impossible to live an earnest and creative life, while seeking approval from others.

I have drawn inspiration from some of the incredible blogger's words that I have read lately.

I want to start honoring where I am, at this juncture in time.

To embrace and celebrate the now, if you will.

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And so I pose these questions to you, bloggers and writers: Do you find it difficult to express yourself in written words? How have you overcome your fear of being wrong?