Why do you bother blogging?

Why do you bother blogging?

This is a question I have been getting a lot lately. Some ask it wondering why I blog. Some ask it because they see no point to it. It being blogging. Some ask because they are inquiring about something. The list of why goes on, and on. It’s a question that has had me thinking, why do I blog? 

I ended up taking a break from the blog over the weekend, and I pondered about this very question I have heard so often. To be honest, it was so lovely to not feel inundated with social media, and due dates for certain posts, ideas I have, and so much more. Instead, I was completely focused on my family. I loved it!

So, why do I blog? I started this blog shortly after Evie was born. I was encouraged to do so as a way of processing my emotions from having had a miscarriage before Evie, and to then document life as we knew it with becoming parents. I really enjoy having a place where I can write things down. To record something that has happened. To ask others for help, encouragement, suggestions, and so much more.

One thing I promised myself early on was that blogging must always be something that brings joy to me. Unfortunately, there have been several distinctive moments where it has not.  I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to blogs. From it all, I have found myself processing things. There has been one moment in time where I almost stopped it all, without warning. With the encouragement of those around me, I didn’t, and I am so thankful I didn’t.
 This is a precious space to me. Filled with a glimpse at my life for family, friends, and all of you. With it being a public blog I do try to be careful in what I share. Some things are just meant to be kept private. Here though, you will find memories. Moments in time that mean everything to me.

This is my journal of the girls, of my family, my time spent with my husband and so much more. It is already incredible to me to look back at some of the first posts from when Evie was just a baby. She has changed so much. Then welcoming Addie, it really hit how Evie wasn’t a little baby anymore. She was a preschooler. In our eyes until that moment she had been so small. My little family is why I started blogging. I love the thought that we will all be able to look back at this together.

Writing is therapeutic at times. There is just something about being able to write out a moment that has happened, maybe something that has challenged me. It can be a huge help to me in processing my thoughts, and emotions by writing it down. Sometimes it is just needed. I need to write. 

There has been so many incredible blessings that have come from blogging. I have gotten to know other bloggers, and some I call dear friends. Some people I have met who read my blog, and have become friends with them. I mean, how amazing is it to have an “it’s a small world moment” when you realize your nurse helping deliver your baby reads your blog! She even went above and beyond by picking up the camera and taking photos of our newborn for us. Or you stay in contact with a contest winner after realizing you have lots in common, and you feel like your walking on the same path in life. It’s unbelievable!

With blogging, we have been blessed with several different opportunities, and I am so incredibly thankful for them. Without blogging, we probably wouldn’t do half the things we do. The blog has opened doors for my family, and for me to bless others. I love being able to do giveaways and have someone receive a prize that they so hoped they would win. 

That being said, what some do not realize is that some posts, or giveaways, and this blog itself at times is more like work. No we are not getting things for free all the time. I put a whole lot of heart, time, energy, and much more into all my posts. It was hard when a comment was directed my way recently that someone felt the blog had become like an advertisement. It was a big fear of mine that people would feel like I had “sold out” by doing posts like that. What I hope those who read this blog will understand is that I do not share about something unless I want to. I do not do a featured post unless I want to. Any post of that nature I will be 100% honest about, you get my full opinion and thoughts. I am doing my best to also make sure you see how it connects into our lives. Does that make sense? I sure hope it does. I am never going to be someone who has “blogging” as their only career. The probability of my turning this into a career is slim, to none. I will forever be grateful for what it does provide my family though. 

Blogging can take some time. I am thankful for my husband allowing me the time that is needed to do a post. I sometimes have a very hard time getting the words I want out, and it can take me a bit longer to put together a post. Editing photos can be challenging, and time-consuming. I don’t know how photographers do it, and find a balance. Please teach me! It’s why I sometimes love just doing a wordless post with just photos. 

With going back to work in the fall things will be changing, and I am trying to start putting those changes into effect now. I am not going to be able to go full tilt all the time. I am not going to have 5 blog posts a week. I might be lucky if I get two out a week. What I am hoping to share maybe every Tuesday, and Thursday. We will see though. Connected to all of this is also the sharing on social media, I am trying to cut back. I want to break up with my phone, and computer during the day. It is so easy to become addicted to social media. I am making sure my family is first, and foremost each and every day. There is no need to be flipping through Instagram when my daughters are playing. I should be on the ground and playing with them.

I’m sure this post may seem a bit all over the place, but I hope everyone can see where I am coming from. Why do I bother blogging? I love it, and it does bring me joy. So long as I continue to love it, and it is a thing that brings me joy I will not be stopping. If those things change, then I know it’s time to either take a step back and reevaluate, or it’s time to stop. 

Thank you to all of you who continue to follow my blog, and follow this journey with me. It means a lot.