Everyone has a different reason for becoming a parent – and I think that a blog is the same exact thing. What spurred you to become a parent?
For example was it a form of self-expression? A way of leaving a mark on the world? A calling or a duty thrust upon you? Sometimes the motivation to blog comes before the blog idea is conceived – and sometimes after.
Blogging as a Form of Self-Expression
Haven’t you heard parents who talk about their Mini-Me’s? Their little clones? Their ways of sharing with more of the world a part of who they are? Of reliving parts of their lives and exploring more of who they are?
Blogging is no different. Many bloggers begin blogging to explore additional facets of their being. To somehow find a way of bringing out more of what is hidden inside.
Blogging as an Unexpected Duty
Sometimes it’s not expected. It’s something that happens “by accident” so to speak. I talked to one blogger at Blissdom Blogging Conference who shared that her original blog was a job she was given by her boss and not something she ever intended to do at all. But sometimes, those unexpected blessings become true joys and we suddenly find our lives would not be complete without them.
Blogging as a Lasting Legacy
For me this was probably a driving force. The idea of leaving an indelible mark on the world that would last far beyond my OWN life and my own existance was appealing. As it for many parents – a way to shape future generations that we will never see. Something permanent in a world where so much else is quickly undone and forgotten.
Blogging as a Sacred Calling
Sometimes we are passionate about providing a service or resources to a community and feel called to empower others through our blog with the things that we have to offer. As with parenting – this sacred duty is something we take very seriously and are willing to sacrifice other pursuits to achieve.
Blogging As Part of a Community
Sometimes it seems that some people begin blogging because others in their peer group are blogging. The “everyone is doing it” mentality can be very appealing. They have a secret language. A code. Inside jokes. Special events. The allure is powerful. And so we jump into the blogging waters and find ourselves one of “them” and finally on the inside.
What is your motivation for blogging? Do any of these seem to resonate with your reasons for blogging? Often bloggers find a little of each or perhaps none of these fit you at all. I’d love to hear what you think and more about your reason for starting a blog.
Blogging as as a form of Therapy
Absolutely! It certainly changes you and forces you to look more accurately at yourself. As do children – they become a mirror that reflects you back on yourself more accurately than you may wish sometimes. Great comment!
I definitely blog as o form of self-expression. When I write things down I see my own thought more clearly. I’m guessing this is the same with my kids. They are certainly a form of expression for me. I’ve been interacting with my children for 24 years…and I understand myself all the better for it.
I started blogging because I wanted a journal that i was happy to have the family read. Then I got addicted. 🙂 I started one to share my photography. I started one to share my recipes. I quit the photography one and the recipe one because it was just too much. Now, I have my family blog and my blog about balance. I spend the most time on my blog about balance. I feel like it is my way to give back. My husband thought it would be a good idea to share how I balance family, work, religion and still manage to have fun.
I am almost under the unexpected duty and self expression in that I just wanted to express myself but it’s turned into something I can’t live without now.
I fought it – the urge to start a blog – for about 6 months to a year. Then I felt like I was not sharing; just reading others and not participating. Plus, the words started building up inside of me.
I gave in and the rest is history.
Mine is definitely a calling, but also a little bit of community and self-expression mixed in. I have gone through a lot of difficult things in my short life (relatively speaking – about 30 years) and I want to share what God has taught me through my continuing journey. Plus I want to be used by God in whatever way He sees fit so that I can help others.
I’ve started a new blog as a form of self-expression, and also to try a flex my writing muscles, as it’s taking a lot longer to find a teaching gig than it has in previous years.
Most of my life is on the internet — I met my husband on line! — so I wanted a new, public persona would tie together my twitter, my tumblr and a blog together. Doing this hands-on myself would also improve my social media skills, which might make me more marketable in the RL workplace.
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