Almost two years ago, I sat down at my desk and started typing. What I didn’t know then, was where those first few posts on a fledgling blog site would take me. And at the time I really didn’t care. I felt that I had things I wanted to say, to express, and to share with others – and wanted to connect with other bloggers as well.
In fact, I didn’t start blogging right away, but spent months discovering and reading other sites before writing my own first tentative posts. My greatest enjoyment about blogging has always been connecting with the blogosphere and with the friends that I’ve made here. It’s all about commiserating when things go wrong – and celebrating when they go right. Because when you get down to it, blogging is all about community, and becoming a part of the blogging community was one of the best decisions of my life.
Oh there are other benefits to blogging as well, of course. Trying out products and sharing my family’s opinion is something I thoroughly enjoy. Entering and winning blog contests and giveaways is always a thrill as well. And the few dollars I make here and there from advertisements certainly don’t hurt either. But even if all of that were to disappear tomorrow – I would continue to blog. Right now, I don’t think I could stop – not only do I consider blogging to be ‘free therapy’, but being able to work out my thoughts and feelings, and to find answers to problems with input from other women and parents, well that is something I just don’t think I could do without anymore.
Without readers and comments, all we bloggers would be doing is talking to ourselves. And while there’s value in that as well, it’s the feedback, the brainstorming, and the knowledge that others are getting some kind of enjoyment or usefulness out of what you have to say that makes the long hours in front of the computer screen trying to think of the exact right words to express yourself, completely worthwhile. And that, in itself, is just priceless. 
This post is a submission into the Mabel’s Labels BlogHer ‘09 Contest. I would love to continue to interact with and expand my blogging community this year by meeting other bloggers and learning valuable tips about blogging in Chicago this July by attending my very first BlogHer Conference!
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February 2nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Here here, very well said.
February 2nd, 2009 at 5:37 pm
… And getting to meet wonderful souls like you
Great post, Deb!
Childlifes last blog post..Read Me A Story… My Top Picks For Contemporary Childrens’ Picture Books
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Beautiful, and wow your going to BlogHer, gosh I am so jealous!
Jenns last blog post..Day 33
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:12 am
Well said! Of course, my family would tell you I talk to myself a lot!
Debbie Yosts last blog post..Articles, Parties, and Giveaways
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Very good post! Blogging is such a beautiful outlet and networking tool!
Nell
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Oh and I’m hoping to go too so maybe we’ll get to meet!
Nell
Nell @ Casual Friday Everydays last blog post..Aint Nothin’ But A Number…?
February 12th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
[...] can read my entry post here, if you haven’t seen it [...]
February 12th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
[...] can read my entry post here, if you haven’t seen it [...]
February 12th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Congratulations on making the final 10, and good luck! I hope to meet you at BlogHer this summer! (Now all I have to do is figure out how to get there…)
bonggamoms last blog post..Monday Mornings: I’m fabulous!
February 12th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Congratulations on being a finalist!
Kim @ What’s That Smell?s last blog post..Military Commissaries SAVE YOU MONEY
February 12th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Congrats on being a finalist! Good luck to to us all
Tanya @ Mommy Goggless last blog post..Vote for ME and win $25.00 Gift Card to Wal-Mart! (Video Plea!)
February 12th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Good luck!!! Love your blog layout!! =)
Julie from Inmatess last blog post..Thursday Thirteen – Things I love about the gym!
February 13th, 2009 at 12:38 am
Congratulations on making the finals. I agree, I’m not sure I could stop now if I tried.
February 14th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Great post! I hope you win!!!
Shanas last blog post..After the Tears – follow up to the passie story!