I’m totally behind on, well, everything this week…and if you look around this little space, you might understand why. The ol’ blog has gotten a major facelift…okay, pretty much a full-body lift! I switched platforms from Blogger to WordPress, which has meant lots of troubleshooting and countless phone calls to my pals at GoDaddy. Sidenote–have you ever talked to their support people? I don’t know if it’s because I was deliriously tired every time I called, but every one of them totally cracked me up. I’m pretty sure they’re comedians who moonlight as tech support. Anywayyyy…most importantly, they were super helpful and managed to get this thing up and running again. There is still a lot I want to add and tweak, but–baby steps!
So now that I have this new fandangled site thingy, I thought I’d finally write about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately.
Why I blog.
Six years ago I had no idea what a blog was or why anyone would want to put their writing out on the internet. Then my college friends and I all moved to different cities and a few of them talked me into starting a blog like they were. It was a way for us to share our lives–funny stories and random thoughts–with each other and our families back home. I instantly realized that I have a bit of a passion for putting my thoughts into writing. (I’m not saying I’m good at it, but I like it!) At that time though, no one outside of my small group of friends and family even knew I had a blog–and I didn’t read any blogs outside of that circle either. Then one day I realized there was a big old blogging world out there…and I knew I wanted to be a part of it! That’s when I started finding new blogs (of people I didn’t actually know–gasp!), which introduced me to other new and wonderful blogs, which even led me to a few real-life friendships as well. Friendships that I cherish and I know will last for a long long time!
Now…6 years, 3 states, and 2 kids later…I’m still blogging and I still love it.
Here’s why…
1. It’s my journal. Confession: I’ve never actually written in a journal (unless you’re counting my Casio Magic Diary from 5th grade). However, blogging has been that for me. The one consistent place that I go to share our life…the good, the bad, and the sometimes ridiculous. That place that I know I’m going to love so much in years to come. What a treasure it will be to be able to time-warp back to different stages of life and motherhood. Maybe the kids will even appreciate a look back into the times they were too young to remember. That totally justifies those over-the-top 1st birthday parties…right?!
2. The community is amazing. When you think the world is a mean and scary place, go read some “mom blogs”. Seriously though! You’ll find encouragement, inspiration, and positivity in the comments…and a bunch of women who find comfort in being able to relate to each other’s situations. I never would’ve imagined that I’d find so many real and rewarding friendships through something like blogging.
3. I love to share. Whether it’s an easy, delicious recipe (heavy emphasis on the easy), a deal on a great pair of jeans, or the fact that a grocery store in town DELIVERS (can I get a hallelujah?!)…I love to pass along good info, and of course, that’s one of my favorite things about reading blogs too. My bank account doesn’t always benefit from this transfer of knowledge, but what are you gonna do?
4. It gives me something to work towards. I adore my job as a stay-at-home mom, and for me, there’s nothing else I’d rather do. However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t still have a desire to set objectives, work towards goals, and learn new things. Although it means extra “work” at naptime and bedtime, I look forward to the structure, the challenge, and most of all, being able to flex my creative muscles. Or at least stretch them a bit.
5. It brings me joy. When I lost my brother, blogging seemed trivial. I didn’t know how I could write about birthday parties and home decor when my heart was in pieces. I kept posting but it didn’t feel right. Then one night at a grief support group, the leader encouraged us all to find something that brought us joy and start doing it. I knew instantly that this blog was it for me and I wanted to pour my heart (back) into it. Now when I’m sad I usually do one of three things. 1. Pray. 2. Call my mom. 3. Blog. And you know what? They all help.
So just in case you’ve ever wondered…that’s why I blog. Thanks so much for reading and being a part of my journey.
Love this! 🙂
Also, I guess WordPress is using my gravatar from when I first got set up with KCMB which is why I look all business-professional in my picture.. LOL!
LOL, love it!!!! Are you saying you don’t normally wear a blazer around the house?!? 😉
Love the new blog!
Thanks friend!! Hope to see you guys soon!
I love everything about your blog and the glimpses into your world (and your A-DORable kids)!
Thanks Leslie!!! The feelings are mutual! 🙂
Blog looks great and I love following along!
I love the face-lift! and love that you always blog from our heart 🙂
This sounds so very familiar to my own ‘why I blog’ story. I have come to love it and it one of my happy places. I’m so glad I found your blog and am able to follow along and “get to know you” a little better 🙂 Also, love the new look!
First of all, the new digs look great! Second, love reading about your blogging journey. I’ve really enjoyed reading about you and your sweet family. I’m so glad you DO blog and I’m so glad that I’m along for the journey 😉
I love that you blog! I always enjoy reading reading what you have to say. I really wish I would have started a blog when I asked you about it a few years ago. Great way to document your life. I know your kids will enjoy reading it when they get older.
Yes, yes, and yes to everything here! It’s definitely a hobby and a passion for me and I love having something other than my job, my husband, and my kids…something that’s my own. I also like having real-life blogger friends who understand this weird world. 😉 Oh, and I love your new design!
I am loving your new look! It is beautiful. And I blog for mostly all the same reasons. The community can’t be beat!
Love this, friend! And am so grateful we were able to meet in this big ol blog world you are still such a treasure in my life! Love the new blog it looks so clean and professional! Because were such professionals, right?! HA I can relate with every single point here! Love you to pieces. XO
Love the new look!! And love your reasons…I think we can all relate, in one way or another! Some of my friends/family think I’m weird, but it’s my little slice of “me” time. I love looking back on blog posts…it’s totally my diary, family photo album and baby books!
Congrats on a successful transfer; everything looks great! And I love this post. Those who don’t blog, don’t get the community, but it really is incredible! I have loved getting to know you & your family more lately!
Love this Vanessa! That’s exactly why I blog as well! It’s a great outlet for my thougts and I have made some pretty great friends!!
Agree with all of these! I miss blogging so much and I really really want to get back into it. I kind of feel like I finally have a handle on our new normal after two kids, job changes, etc. So thankful for this community and for IG without which I would feel like a lost soul 🙂
And I’m so glad you do!!
OH MY GOSH. how did i forgot about my casio magic diary?! and how can i get another one?!
Number 2 all the way! It is amazing finding that group of blog buddies and having that wonderful support system!
I love the new look sweet friend – and some great reasons why you blog! They are exactly why I blog too 🙂
x
YES YES and YES. I so agree with all of this! I never ever in my wildest dreams though I would want to share my life on the internet. I started the blog after Mason was born to be able to keep family and friends updated on what was happening with him and it just grew and I loved it. I especially love the community, which was definitely something I never thought about. But now, I have all these friends all over the US (and Canada!) who just get me. It’s so hard to explain to people who don’t blog but for those who do, totally get it! So happy we “met” through blogging!
Love this post! And your full body lift on the blog looks fantastic 🙂