How Blogging Has Helped Me (and Others)
I love my blog! When my husband first told me that I should start a blog, I looked at him and said “A what?” I thought he said a blah or blob – what the heck is a blog? We have a family blog that we started back in July of last year and that I slowly update. I decided that I really wanted my own blog to post my own feelings about life. Come to find out….there are many other moms that face the same frustrations and deal with the same challenges I do. Go figure! I’m not the only sleep-deprived, emotional, imperfect mom out there. I’m not the only one whose heart breaks when my child says he hates me. I’m not the only one dealing with the frustrations of potty training. I am also not the only one whose heart melts when my boys hug me and say that I am a great mommy. Sorry, getting a little emotional here. Um hum…..
When I’m feeling down and worthless….like I just can’t get anything right, I turn to my blog. I turn to my blogging friends, such as Kailani, Caryn, Cat, Tanya, Shauna, Jennifer, Lorie, Kayla, and so many more! I try to be real on my blog. I am not perfect! I have a hard time keeping up with the laundry (when isn’t there a pile to fold?). I feel overwhelmed by the noise coming out of my kids at times. I feel like I can never get my house clean enough and keep it that way. I feel at times like I am cooking the same meals over and over again. I struggle with balancing my job as a mother and my job as a blogger. I struggle balancing my husband and my kids. I struggle just like everyone else!
However, one thing I have found I have control over is my blog. I have control over what I review and what I post, as well as when I post it. I’ve had the opportunity to work with several different companies and share my thoughts on how the products really are. And guess what? People actually care what I think! They enjoy my posts! Talk about a self-esteem booster.
Some people increase their self-esteem through exercise, others by wearing fashionable clothes. Some get their hair done, wear tons of makeup, or have a high paying position at an important company. I BLOG! I have learned more about myself in these past few months through my blog and feel like I actually have more people I know through my blog than in the town I live in.
I was even invited to attend the Smucker’s event in Ohio next week. There are only 9 of us bloggers. Talk about emotional. They chose me as one of their invites – wow!!
I also believe that blogging has helped others. Whether it was through someone winning a giveaway that they really needed at the time or leaving comment love or linky love for other bloggers. Tell me, how has blogging helped you?
Yeah, you go Shannon. I definitely enjoy reading your blog and entering your giveaways. Secretly, I’m a blabber mouth(that is in written word only) and like to write so I have found an outlet in blogging. I have also found that I learn lots of new things and meet all sorts of people with all sorts of interests in all parts of the country. This blogging stuff kind of helps you feel more connected to others.
I enjoy reading your blog too. We stay at home most days because one of my toddlers has a chronic illness. I can definitely see how blogging can make you feel more connected. For me, I just would not get the time to do it, but it is something I have always wanted to do.
denise_22315 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I’m someone who heals by talking it out, by sharing with others. My blog has really helped me find a good way to share some things that I’ve learned and struggled with as a mom of a child with some special needs as well as an angel baby. Blogging gives me the outlet I need sometimes, too, to dote (maybe brag is a better word) on my kid, too.
Blogging gives me an outlet. Something that I do for me. With so much time during every day that is dedicated to my children and my husband, there rarely is time left over for just me. It’s pretty pathetic when I plead to leave the girls with my hubs so that I can just go to the grocery store by myself. THAT’S my time alone. Running an errand. But it is so peaceful and take about 1/2 the time then when I have to drag both girls along.
In addition, I’ve found so many more like-minded folks online than I have geographically close to me. I have a quirky personality and I fully admit that. Also, I’m old enough now that I say screw with trying to fit in just to be part of a group. So that leaves me with relatively few friends at home. I’ve never been great with befriending other women. They tend to be either too touchy-feely for my tastes or too back stabby, if you get my drift. Our neighbors are great and they have kids close to the ages of our own kids. We invite each other over for dinner a few times a year and we hang out on occasion. I have two best friends. One is my husband and the other is also my husband’s best friend. We have another close friend that we’ve known for 10+ years. I’ve never met him. But we communicate practically every day. My husband was lucky enough to be able to meet this friend this past year when he had to travel for work. He says it was great finally meeting him face-to-face. So other than individuals that live nearby, most of my friends are online. Crazy? Yeah maybe. But it’s a crazy world.
Life is crazy and wonderful and horrible and sometimes you just need to know there are people who feel the same way you do or who are going through the same thing-That’s why I know so many Lymies; after year 3 when I got out of the hospital, I just HAD to find people who I could talk to otherwise I would have gone nuts(and Ironically ended myself back in the loony bin).
I’m SO happy that you have this support system and that your succeeding! One day I hope I’ll be invited to a seminar or blogging event =]
Congrats by the way! That’s amazing!!
I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t found blogging. I was very depressed and so emotional. I was on the verge of post partem after having my 4th child. SO over whelmed.
BLogging has helped me to pull my self up out of the horrible funk I was in. And I feel alive now and so much better to have found wonderful friendships in other bloggers. Congrats on your invites. I hope to make it to that status that one.
I don’t think my blogging helps others, but I definitely learn from everyone’s blogs and enjoy my blogosphere friends. You ROCK!! I always say that I know, but glad I found your blog.
Oh, Shannon, you are so sweet… you are the one who makes my days! With your joke of the day, and your new Tell Your Good News Tuesday, plus all the other things you write about and the wonderful pictures of your family, I am the one who is so lucky to be able to visit your blog every day.
I enjoy blogging so much because I get to meet so many wonderful people like you and all the lovely ladies you mentioned. Plus, just as you have said, when you are having a particularly bad day, there are so many people out there who are ready with a kind word, or just a virtual hug. It’s great to meet people who are in similar situations, and be able to give each other support.
Blogging is my lifeline – it really is. I have met so many wonderful people – you included. Thank you for mentioning me in your post – I am flattered! It’s nice to have those blogging friends that will help no matter what – I hold them dear.
Beautifully written!