I’m a member of Bliss Connect, and I’m pretty excited about the #6WeeksofBliss contest that just kicked off. It’s a chance for Bliss members to share a little bit about themselves with their readers and also connect with new people…
And it dawned on me — as much as I have shared about my life, I don’t think I’ve ever really addressed why I blog.
I’ve talked about:
And all of those are part of my story.
But what actually keeps me coming back? What motivates me to spend my time and money in publishing posts? Why do I think it’s worth the effort?
In a word: RELEASE.
Blogging releases my creativity — the words and thoughts and opinions that would otherwise be held hostage in my head.
Blogging releases me from feeling alone in the often difficult decision to pursue a healthy lifestyle.
Blogging releases the inner demons that would otherwise tell me I’m fat…I’m lazy…I’m too (fill in the blank) to go to the gym or run a half marathon.
Blogging makes me feel like I have a voice that is worth paying attention to. That my point of view matters, and that I can help people who share my struggles.
Blogging builds community. Many of the people I feel closest to in the world live halfway across the world, but the power of the Internet brings us together.
Blogging helps me remember the great times and document the sucky times (so I can stay humble and always count my blessings).
Blogging helps me become a leader — and allows me to use my skills to make a difference.
But I guess the reason I keep doing this is that when I don’t blog, I feel less than. I feel like there’s something missing, or disconnected. My blog is where I go when I want to celebrate or vent or ask for help.
(Oh…and I don’t blog for the stuff, as cool as it is. I don’t blog for the money, although that’s nice to have. I don’t blog for the fame, although I do enjoy hugs from new blends. And I don’t blog because all the cool kids do. This is hard, emotional work, and as high as the highs are, the lows are pretty dang low. So when I get bummed out, I go back to the WHY. And I just keep writing.)
About Katy
I blog to express myself, share my story, and nurture the creativity that resides deep within.
It has allowed me a platform to speak my truth and step into authenticity. It is a form of yoga that comes from my fingers…corny but true!
Hannah (Balancing on Two Feet) recently posted..This Workout Has Been Preempeted: 8 Things to Do Instead of Working Out
I’m also curious about what Bliss Connect is. I checked out the link and it wouldn’t let me check it out. I’d love an invite!
Hannah (Balancing on Two Feet) recently posted..This Workout Has Been Preempeted: 8 Things to Do Instead of Working Out
Yoga from my fingers — LOVE THIS!
I just asked Bliss for help in letting you in…stand by!
I love this because I feel the exact same way. Blogging is my outlet to all things I am passionate about. Writing, fellowship, speaking, healthy living, etc. It’s a beautiful journal and devotion for me.
Lauren recently posted..Failing the Day Away
That last statement is exactly why I blog too…at the end of the day, when it comes right down to it, I feel a part of me is missing…..I wrote about it in my bliss post but seeing it here is just that plain and simple fact. I took a journalism class what seems like many years ago, and that is when I first discovered blogs – it excited me to surf around, read other blogs, gain insight that was not happening in my day to day. I gave it up when I started a new job and thought that would fulfill me. I wrapped myself up in that job and years later found I had lost me……and during some very deep soul searching I returned to blogging….just as my journaling and my morning pages give me some of those same things, the power of insight from blogging is unmeasurable to me.
jules – big girl bombshell recently posted..Will Blog for Bliss
Thanks for the reminder – I planned on joining this challenge too!!
I blog for so many of the same reasons. It’s definitely an outlet!
Michelle recently posted..Vegas Recap – The Food
oh heck yes you are right about the highs being high and the lows being low … but I wouldn’t have it any other way
Morgan @ Life After Bagels recently posted..Comment on Get Healthy, Start Now – No Seriously RIGHT NOW by Dani @ Body By Nature
Katy,
Thank you for your heartfelt post! The way you broke down your reasons for blogging was beautiful and from the heart! I really felt that there was transparency in your writing and you allow the reader to really see you! Refreshing! Be sure to post your URL on the challenge discussion page: http://bit.ly/tBrrNi!
Thanks, Anna! Just shared it on the discussion page
I started my blog to see if I could stick with it! I hoped it would give me accountability for my training and weight maintenance (and it has); I hoped I’d meet some new people (which I have), but mostly, I really hoped I’d enjoy it enough to keep at it.
Now, almost a year later, I remember why I love to write (although I’m still not sure the blog format is something I love). I have “met” inspirational people, and I realize that yes, my struggles are shared by so many others!
Sometimes, I have nothing to say, and feel I “should” post… but I’ve also learned it’s OK to take a day off if I really feel like it. The best part is when the words flow so easily you don’t even realize how much you’ve written until you hit publish – that’s the best feeling ever.
Kris recently posted..Getting Things Done
YES…I used to be very regimented, and would be mad at myself if I missed a day of blogging. Taking a long vacation rid me of that guilt, though
I blog because I love sharing my passion for food (and zest for life ~ as cliche as that may sound) and I love the connections I’ve made with some really great people that I would never have met otherwise.
Andrea @ Vegvacious recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday
I just recently started blogging on a regular basis and I think the part I like about it the most is the community aspect. I really enjoyed being a blog reader because I liked learning more about food, fitness, and healthy living. And now that I have my own blog I feel like I can share what I’ve learned while also feel like a part of the group.
Amber K recently posted..Sampling Classes and Candy
I blog because I love sharing recipes and stories from our life. I’ve “met” so many great people through blogging and consider myself lucky to have an outlet for creativity. I told my husband when I started writing my blog that as soon as it felt like a job or was no longer enjoyable, I would stop but I have found that after a year, I am enjoying it more and more. Thanks, Katy, for sharing so much helpful information for blogging–I really appreciate it
Lisa @ The Splattered Apron recently posted..Choosing Childcare
Thank YOU for reading! I am always happy to help…
This is beautiful…thank you for sharing! I find it so easy to forget why I do what I do and sometimes let it becomes more of a “job” than something I enjoy. Thank you for the reminder to step back and refocus.
Emily @ Relishments recently posted..An Explanation
I blog because I got my degree in nutrition in order to learn how to teach people to live healthier lives. My current job is completely unrelated to nutrition, so I blog as my outlet to acheive my goal of educating others. It also inspires me to get creative in the kitchen, and is just a fun hobby for me.
Lindsay Loves Veggies recently posted..Natural Beauty: Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste
Love your posts! Always interesting reads.
As for myself becoming a blogger …. NO! My brain is not professional-thingking enough. You have to do things a certain way. Not my style. Most likely I gab too much about the wrong things. Wah.
It was easy to fall in love with many blogs/bloggers. Firstly, it’s informative. I love reading about your fit lives …. foods ….. recipes. Then there are the weddings and many celebrations throughout the year. It’s fun! Makes me smile and have a better outlook on life.
Just like sports …. there are the players …. and then the spectators. That would be me. Not a bad thing. At all.
You keep posting Katie …. I’ll keep reading!!
FUN HOLIDAYS!
Ha — it’s funny…I used to think that everyone should blog, but the truth is — it’s very hard work and for some, just not rewarding. I LOVE love love having readers, and you are so valuable … you’re the reason we write!
So I guess I’m saying thank you so much for being my spectator
Really enjoyed this post! I don’t blog, although kind of wish I did but I’m really lousy at photography which I think is important for a blog. That said, I really enjoy reading other people’s blogs as motivation to stay healthy, learn new recipes and just read different perspectives on things.
Liz,
You are so sweet…thanks!
I will say that while photography is important, because it helps support the writing, I don’t think that you need to be great at it. Simple photos can go a long way, plus there are so many resources for finding photos and graphics done by others.
But, you do need to be passionate about blogging if you want to do it long-term, so if you enjoy reading, keep it up.
I do it for community. When I was losing my 110 pounds I was pretty alone. I didn’t know the blog world existed and I also didn’t have a close group of friends who were trying to lose weight. I did it on my own, no meetings or clubs. It was pretty lonely sometimes. Having the support of a community going through similar things is nice.
Lisa recently posted..Verbal Vomit
I blog because I needed a place to share my passion. I have spent most of my career helping people when they were sick but I love being able to help people prevent illness. If I get the chance to help one person not have high blood pressure. If I can help just one person who has sleep issues get a good night sleep and feel better than every blog will have been worth it.
Yes! I love that picture of you. You totally look free and joyful.
Laura @ Joyful Shimmy recently posted..Return of Running…
Love this! I started blogging for accountability on what I thought was my “last” diet. I found a community and a “hobby.” I blog because I enjoy it:)
Karen@WaistingTime recently posted..Spa-tacular
I loved reading the reasons why you blog!
As a new blogger, I’m still figuring it all out. I thought about starting a blog for a long time before I did it, and finally I just had to take a leap. I really like having an outlet to write about whatever I’m thinking, to share a recipe, or to reflect on a workout. There’s something so empowering about getting the words out. I might not be super consistent, take great photos, or follow all of the “rules”, but I’m having a good time – I think that’s what blogging should be about.
lauren recently posted..Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run 5K – 2011 (PR)
I blog for the fame and money and stuff, though I’d like more of all of those.
But yeah I guess it’s cool to also tell stories and to have some record of what’s going on in my life. And of course there is the beer. I love learning about and trying new beers and having an opinion to share about those beers with whoever wants to listen (or whoever knows how to use Google).
And the friends, as you mentioned, ones I’ve met in person or very far away, well, they are pretty cool too. Most of them.
Rob recently posted..Heavy Seas Smoke on the Water
I blog for many of the same reasons as everyone above and that you wrote about.
I also want to leave a legacy for someone to read my words and thoughts after I have gone in 30-40 years. Not morbid, but as you get older, those thoughts do cross your mind more what legacy do we leave behind?
Besides where else would I have read so many divergent opinions as I have blogging and ever had anyone read my writing and see what I am thinking about.
H.
Harold recently posted..Choosing a new Running Shoe