Thursday, July 9, 2009

A New Beginning

In recent months, I have been quite sporadic about writing posts for my blog. Partly because my life has been crazy with the move and a new job, but mostly because I've reached a fork in the road with my blogging. When I first began, I wrote for myself and for my children. It was an outlet for my creative side, a place to vent and a place to record the everyday happenings in my life.

Over time I began to make friends through my blog. Friends who encouraged me, friends who made me laugh and friends who sometimes admonished me in Christ through a more private venue such as email when I needed it. I loved reading their blogs, and began to look forward to my daily reading.

But something else happened along the way. I started writing for my friends instead of for myself. I would begin each post with the expectation that others would read it and I hid my true feelings about things as to not offend, and began to be overly critical of my writing. Sitting down to blog became a chore instead of a pleasure. What should I write about? Will they think I'm boring? Is this post too long? Should I add pictures to break it up visually?

I also stopped writing so much about the every day details of my life, because let's be honest. I care about how many times Gracie wakes up with a dry Pull-up (and probably my mom and a handful of other relatives), but who else in the blogosphere really cares about that stuff? Part of what I enjoyed about my earlier writing was the fact that I was recording in great detail the events of my children's lives. not just the big milestones, but the crazy quotes, quirky little habits and day to day happenings. I love going back and reading about all that stuff that only a mother could genuinely care about.

I read a post this morning that was written by my friend Maff at Girl with a 'Fro, and it really got me thinking about my blogging and why I am doing it. I don't think I'm ready to disable comments yet, but I do think that I am going to start writing for myself again. I love your comments and subsequent emails and chit chat, but it's okay if you don't feel like commenting on a post about the number of friends Nathan has made in the neighborhood, my insomnia or the obvious flaws in our highway patrol system.

Please feel free to come here and read (or see the topic and decide you're not interested), and leave a comment (or not). Whatever you decide, I'm going to keep on writing about stuff that I care about. I will be really pleased to see the familiar names on my comments list, but will not be offended if there are none. Of course, I've never been one to care about the number of comments per post (although I know many who do), so don't feel like you are going to be hurting my feelings if you don't leave your mark every time.

As for me, expect to see a drop in the number of comments I leave for you. Some of my friends write in volume, and I have a hard time keeping up with the commenting. I always read each post, but then feel guilty if I don't leave some sort of comment like "Great post!" or "Good point!". But really, other than affirming that I agree with what was said, did I really say anything of value? Nope. I have made this vow before that I would stop commenting unless I really had something to say, but very quickly broke it because I tend to be a people pleaser.

However, this time I plan to stick to my guns. I may roll on the floor laughing at the antics of your children, or at your adventures the last time you visited Walmart, but I probably won't comment on it. For all of my friends (and you know who you are), I will still be reading every single word you write, I just may not be commenting on it.

So in conclusion:

1. I still love all my bloggy friends.
2. I will still be reading all that you write.
3. I will still be blogging, but it will be for me.
4. I do not expect comments every time I post.
5. I still love all my bloggy friends.

10 comments:

Mocha with Linda said...

I love all the mundane family details! Glad you're still blogging. I've missed you - it's been far too quiet over here.

Glad you still love us, 'cause this bloggy friend loves you!

Kate said...

You have your priorities in the right place. Stick to your guns.

Kate

Mel said...

I love your idea to blog for you, because well it is YOUR BLOG and it gives a peek inside your life...see that is the draw of blogs for me at least.

Keep blogging from your heart!!!

luvmy4sons said...

Too funny. I have often had many of the same thoughts. I have often thought about stopping my blogging then I will get a comment that tells me how much my post helped them and I continue on. I too blog for a outlet...I tend to be too brutally honest in my posts though like the one this week on Monday about what my son said to me...so I blog and do not worry about the number of comments and just give it over to God that He might use me..and since I enjoy writing and write only when inspired I do not worry about it! I bet I am one who writes volumes that are hard to read...aren't I? I am quite chatty. Hugs to you. You are on my googlereader and I will keep stopping by each time and I tend to leave comments...did you notice? LOL!

Buffi Young said...

way to go girl!! I feel the same way. I don't have as much time as I used to...and i hate that...but I do still read my blogs...I don't get to post as much as i'd like...but I still love blogging!!! I think blogs are better when you just blog for yourself...and you aren't thinking about everyone else. You're more real...not just YOU...but everyone is! Thanks for doing that.

Hope you're settling in good in your new home!!! Have a great weekend!
Blessings,
Buffi

Anonymous said...

Isn't it funny how so many of us go through the same journey with our blogging. Makes me feel 'normal' hearing your thoughts and some of the other comments just now.

You can be sure I'll still be visiting...I do love hearing about your family :)

xMaff

Anonymous said...

Haha - I totally caved! Lasted only a week (if that even?) with the comments disabled :)

A Stone Gatherer said...

Oh I so understand! I have had to evaluate my blogging to and have cut way down! I have struggled with desiring comments too or to see how many people would visit. I knew and know that is wrong. God is doing a work in me where he is helping me not to care, and to write what he gives me to write. I want this to be a pleasure not a chore. Thanks for putting words to my thoughts too!

Alana said...

I am with you 100%! Love ya!

Karen said...

I feel the same way. It was liberating to be on vacation and use my blog for a journal, the way I originally intended it. I love comments, so I don't see myself disconnecting that part. And I do like to comment on other people's blogs, too. But, it was nice to blog just to blog, and now I've given myself permission to do what you're doing. I'll still be reading you!, and I'll comment now and again. But no pressure either way:)