Each week I’ll share 10 things as a woman that I have learned along this blogging journey.
Part One-10 Reasons Why Women Should Blog
1-Blogging can be a creative outlet. There is nothing more rewarding then putting your thoughts, words, recipes, photography, remodels, home improvements, crafts, etc. etc. in a permanent place. It is like a virtual scrapbook where you can chronicle your dreams, aspirations, ideas and deepest thoughts and prayers to share with others and to go back and revisit.
2-Blogging is a way to keep current with technology. Technology can be scary but it should never be feared. I believe that if Christ’s 12 disciples were with us today they would have been bloggers! Actually His disciples are with us today and many our bloggers..spreading the gospel through the internet. Never fear modern technology. Learn to use it to spread your message! Learn to harness the internet. I love to read about women learning .html and CSS coding. I love seeing them feel triumphant when they create a header or a button or learn to change the font on their blog.
4-Blogging can be therapeutic. People spend a lot of money on therapy . Blogging can be a form of therapy and for the most part it’s free. We can spill our heart out onto the screen. We can find encouragement; advise, thoughtful correction, insightful feedback. There is a sense of vulnerability and empowerment interwoven together when we put ourselves out there on our blogs. I have received some of the strongest affirmation in my life through my online relationships.
5-Blogging can be a road to other opportunities. I know of many women who have moved into exciting career opportunities, speaking engagements, book deals and “dream opportunities” because of their blogs. Their talents were recognized through their blogging.
8-Blogging can give you a voice. How often have you thought. No one “hears me”. No one “listens to me.” Blogging is a wonderful way to give voice to your thoughts, ideas and passions. It can be a platform for a cause you care deeply about. A way to rally others. It can connect you with like-minded people who truly are interested in what you have to say. Many women bloggers who we in the blogging community have deemed “successful” have used that success to motivate others to support a cause or a mission. Cancer, Poverty, Hunger, Orphan Care, Sharing the Gospel…just to name a few. Blogging gave voice to the causes and concerns that were near to their heart. Blogging can give YOU a voice when often as women and especially moms we feel no one is really listening to us.
10-Blogging provides community! read the greatest tweet the other day, I wish I could remember who said it. If it was you…let me know!
She stated, “It doesn’t matter how many followers you have if you don’t have community with them!”
That really stuck with me. I love blogging because of the community I feel here. We are all so far flung these days from our families. Many of us move often, leaving behind friends and loved ones. My blogging community goes with me wherever I am. I can be sitting in the doctors office, or grocery shopping, or in the bathtub..yes I said that, or in the dark feeling alone on my journey and can reach out online..thank you iphone…and feel community! If you begin the journey of blogging…find a community, no matter how large or small and connect. It is what moves blogging beyond words on a computer screen and into a relationship.
If you decide to take the plunge and start blogging or if you are a brand new blogger I highly recommend you pay a visit to Debbie over at Debbiedoos Blogging and Babbling. She hosts a party each week for new bloggers where they can link up their blog and meet other new bloggers! Click on this link to visit her new blogger information page: Newbie Party
There is still plenty of time to enter!
I just found your blog (Vanessa visited mine and left the sweetest note, so I had to check you out!) You hit the nail on the head for me with all of these reasons. There are so many benefits to blogging for me!
I especially love the ‘making the world smaller’ point. I completely agree with you and it’s one of the reasons I most love blogging.
I love knowing there are women like me all oer the world.
Like you!!
Sarahx
Cheers to blogging ladies! Cheers to the friendships and connections made because of it. XO
thanks for the shout out…you girls are the sweetest!
Hello Vanessa & Heather,
So true. I have seen blogs with thousands of followers and very few comments on each posting. This tells me they grew their blog too quickly or the wrong way. Blog communities are the best. Great post! Thank you for sharing it.
Warmly, ~Melissa 🙂
So true, so true Heather! I for one agree that the inspiration and community are two of my most favorite reasons!
Great Post! I think you summed it up so well. Very insightful.
Lovely post, Heather. And, I couldn’t agree more — It’s sooo much fun, and everything I undertake I think about blogging 🙂
all 10 are reasons that i blog, but the biggest one for me is the creative outlet…i am so inspired by many talented, fun and creative women out here whose post stretch me every day.
blessings,
alison
stuff and nonsense
Hey Heather…thank you for this post. If it’s OK with you I would like to link it to my “Advice for New Bloggers” page.
I started my blog without knowing what I was getting into. As I slowly found out how big it could be I tried not to panic. Thankfully, when my blog was very new, I found 2 blogger friends who were so helpful and patient. Without them I’m not sure I would have stuck to it…and in the end the reason I did stick to it was because I had found this community of people who were like me. They had the same interests, the same values, the same love of their families. And a few actually share my obsession with pillows!
I can’t wait to read your next post about what you wish you knew…I bet we all can relate.
~Ann
Heather,
This was an excellent post that reminded me of why I love to blog.
I also needed the encouragement… sometimes I feel burned out, other times I feel like I have to go and type a post RIGHT NOW or I’ll burst.
But mostly, I love to blog because of the other ladies (and a few men) who I learn from and get encouraged and blessed by.
You and Vanessa being two of those encouragers and blessings to me 🙂
I related to your #3-Accountability! I am starting a Purge Party next Monday because I so need to free my home and heart from “stuff” and I thought how fun and encouraging it might be for other ladies to know that their efforts are noticed, too!
SO, you have a wonderful day, making your home and blogging!
HUGS!
~me
Heather, this is really a great post. I had some of those very reasons as incentive for blogging and others were byproducts that I didn’t expect, like the community.
I started mine because I wanted an outlet for my mouth. Sounds crazy, but I thought if I had a place to share my random thoughts, I would be less of a chatterbox.
It didn’t work, really. I think I’m as talkative as ever. However, my husband is a huge supporter of it because he thinks the outlet for creativity has been good for me.
And he would know. He’s the one who has to live with me!
I’m looking forward to your other posts on the subject.
Ladies, what a wonderful post! I love love love it. The blogging community is such a wonderful place. When I started blogging I thought it was just going to be for my family and a journal for my daughters. I love the thought of my daughters being grown up and if they want one of mom’s recipes it’s just a click away. I adore the friendships and connections. It drives me and I believe it makes me a better person. Oh yeah, blogging has made my grocery bill…double. HAHA. Have a wonderful evening!! = )))
What a great post. Each and every reason is so true. I had no idea just how amazing blogging would be and how many needs of mine it would meet (needs I didn’t even realize I had). I didn’t even know what a blog was two months before I started my blog. Now it is such an important part of my life. The best part is the community…they are truly a special bunch of people.
Oh my goodness… a couple of nights ago I wrote down the reasons I blog.. it is so much cheaper than therapy… my favorite thing is it has inspired me to be creative and to finsih decorating rooms I would have never finished.. and the bloggers have taught me how to do it using thrift items.. something I never considered before .. Thanks so much I enjoyed reading your reasons for blogging.
These reasons really resonated with me. Thank you!
I wrote a similar post not long ago. I think blogging is just made for women – great eye-candy, daily inspiration, and making connections. Sending your link to a newbie friend now 🙂 XOL
Heather- What a great post…and so many truths in it. I am one of those bloggers that stick my head in the sand and have decided NOT to do it for money…or to post a bunch of give-aways just to get followers. I have had 3 offers now from “sponsors” but haven’t accepted them…that is not what blogging is about for me. It is for the connection I get to other lives…and a recorded history for my grandkids.
Great post!!!! xxoo Diana
Such a wonderful insightful post! You hit everything right on! Thank you so much for sharing all your thoughts with us!
Take care
Kristin
Very inspiring post! I’m continually amazed by how many kind and passionate women blog. It’s such a creative outlet to share and gain ideas. I wasn’t completely sure what I was signing up for when I first started blogging. It’s been a blessing to find other creative souls.
Thank you, Heather!
Michelle 🙂
What a wonderful post! I am new to blogging (well, regular blogging anyways) and am just beginning to discover how rewarding it can be. I have already met so many wonderful people!
Thrilled to discover your site – thank you so much for your insights!
Amy