Why Do I Blog?

When I think of this question, I could answer it in an unselfish way. I could say, "I do it because I want my kids to be able to look back at our life and see things that might get missed in all of the chaos." I could say, "I do it for them so that our lives have a place in this world." Both of these are definitely reasons for why I blog but they came to me after I started.

I actually stumbled into blogging. I wanted to see if I could "make it" as a writer so I signed up for a freelance writing site. One of the questions that was repeatedly asked by would-be employers was, "Can you attach a link to your blog?" I didn't have one at the time and while talking to some friends, they suggested that I start one. They graciously said they found my stories funny or at least interesting so with that encouragement (and after realizing I talked their ears off so perhaps I did need a platform), I started this blog.

I can't describe, though I am sure other bloggers that are moms probably know, how unbelievably good it feels to write down your feelings, your world, your opinions...anything and have someone, somewhere say, "Yes! I feel that way, too!" Who do I speak for? Women all over whose lives are chaotic and crazy that don't want to feel alone in the chaos and craziness. It feels better to be crazy with a friend.

I have been writing books for me since I was in high school. I can't imagine a life where I can't write. Something. A journal. A children's story. A romance novel. Women's fiction. A young adult novel. A blog. Something. I have to...I need to write. It keeps me sane. People have said they think it is therapeutic and maybe they are right. The jury is still out on whether something stronger...meds or seeing my old therapist is needed.

I tried to stop. I was only going to do a year. I went a little crazy not being able to so I started back up. Is it my own sort of drug? Maybe. So I did what any other addict does. I fed the addiction. I took a class to grow bigger in doing what I love to do. BEST. MONEY. SPENT. It opened my eyes to a world I didn't know existed and I completely and totally fell in love with every part of it. I was and still am like a kid in a candy store. So many writers...so many thoughts...people that I instantly wanted to be friends with and spend time with. You feel like you know these women and that they "get you" because you are all writing about the same things...muddling through life with the cards you were dealt.

The best part...do I dare say it? I feel like a writer. A real, true writer. The blog gives me an audience. Being a writer is a dream come true. Dreams that come true feel good. So while I have noticed that blogging makes me slow down and notice things and feel things that I'm sure I would have missed otherwise and while I am thrilled that my family will have a little space in this world of things and events recorded and though it might sound selfish...

I blog for me. This blog...my words...they are the only things in this world that are all mine.

Linking up with Galit at These Little Waves and Nicole at Word of Mouth Musings