As a blogger, I inevitably suffer from a few things, on occasion. If you are a blogger, you can probably relate. If you are not a blogger, you can sit back and laugh at me. This is your time.
1) Moments of panic where you wonder if you are becoming an over-sharer
2) Lots of moments of wondering, "why do I spend so much time doing this?"
3) Over-thinking a post, only to realize no one really cares in the grand scheme of life
4) Wondering if you live through your blog, more than you live in real life
5) Wondering what readers really think
I have spent a few posts talking about the topic of blogging. I try not to do it very often, though, because I find them to verge on tiresome for both bloggers and non-bloggers. However, I do feel a realignment of blogging beliefs, if you will, is sometimes necessary to keep yourself on the track you want to be on.
All those things I listed above are not things that weigh me down. They are fleeting thoughts, but I find myself not resting until I can repeat a sussinct answer to myself for all of them. Why DO I spend so much time blogging? Oh yeah, because I really do love it. I love writing, I love having a place to categorize my ideas and thoughts that would probably stay on sticky notes at the bottom of my purse for eternity otherwise, I love stretching myself creatively, and most of all, I truly love getting to know other writers and bloggers.
Big-time bloggers always advise smaller bloggers to network, network, network. While it might seem like too much trouble in the beginning, it is not just a method of getting your blog's name out there. I am finding, the more I get to know the amazing women behind some of my favorite blogs, that relationships with other people who share your same passions are crucial in keeping sane in this community. If you are not a blogger, you may not realize the "community" that blogging is. It's huge, and it's a lot like high school: full of crazies, with a few good ones. But the good ones make all the difference. The good ones keep me from divulging into my own world which is sometimes terrifying.
Getting to know other people who do this same thing also keeps me from blogging for the sake of blogging. It reminds me that blogging is entirely what you make of it. It may seem like there are rules in the blogging world, but I try really hard not to stick to them. Which is hard for me, I might add. And also good for me, which the previous sentence probably made obvious. Blogging does not have to end with blogging. It is not a dead-end street. That is another thing I love about it. And isn't that exciting?
Oh, and hey, last week was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed discussing food and nutrition with many of you, and I appreciate you letting me talk about that stuff to my heart's content. And, if pageviews are any indicator, I think it may be time to welcome any new readers who have joined in the past few days or so. Hello, and welcome!
Despite all the blogger-love exuding from this post, if you are not a blogger, your presence and feedback are no less appreciated. Writers and readers have a kind of symbiotic relationship, really. Actually, I would say writers may even benefit more from readers. Anyway, I probably shouldn't ever attempt to bring science into a blog post again...all that to say: thanks for reading. Thanks for supporting blogs. Thanks for supporting me. <3
photo: Children watching a puppet theater in Paris, 1963 (does anyone know the original source??) It might be my favorite picture of all time.
8 comments:
Oh man. Me too. Why is it that I feel so much pressure from the blog recently? Because I'm so busy, but I love it. I really do. It's the age old dilemma.
so true!! i am always over thinking my blog and posts and everything. even though i dont have a ton of followers i still feel a crazy amount of pressure for everyone to like my blog. this blog world sure is interesting ;)
You are not alone love! I have these same thoughts flitting through my brain at times. There are for sure days where I wonder what is actually going on in the real world because I feel all consumed by the blog world :)
xo, Courtney
shabbyloveschic
I think we are in the same boat. I seem to go in phases... The whole blogging world is so unique! Keep up the great work though, I enjoy your blog :) Shauna {www.shaunawyrick.com}
Blogging does take a lot of time, but I do love it. I don't think there's any hobby I'd rather spend my time on. Of course when the husband's around, blogging goes out the window. :)
I definitely deal with all of those thoughts! Its taken awhile for me find my way blogging(still am actually) but I am finally starting to make blogger friends and enjoy all the time put into it
yes, yes, and yes. agree with all of the stresses of blogging but i love it all the same :)
I think those are valid questions in order to stop and reevaluate every once in awhile. The other day I had a fleeting thought of 'if I stopped doing this, would it matter?' And the answer was yes. It would matter to me.
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