Why I Blog – The 2009 Edition

I started blogging in 2006. It was more of a release than anything else, but quickly evolved into something else. I mean, when others begin reading what you write and leaving their responses there is a lift to the spirit that is indescribable. This blog has had its ups and downs, with me trying hard to define it; I am giving up that attempt.

I am at a point where I am okay with things being as they are…I am alright with things just “being.” The only goal that I have for this space is to air out my thoughts, whatever they may be, whenever I feel like it…no matter the outcome, no matter who reads or doesn’t read. That isn’t why I blog.

Technorati ratings, visitors, the number of commenters…all of those things used to get my chain rattled. I used to have every plug-in imaginable to monitor these things, but then I realized that it really wasn’t important. And as proud as I am of the many readers of this blog, it is still open to anyone who wants to come through and leave something here. Mind you, I still have ways of making sure that the spammers and crud stay out, but other than that…keeping up with stats is not why I blog.

I love receiving recognition from my fellow bloggers. It still boggles my mind on how my little space has affected people, in whatever way that it has. But the awards are not why I blog.

I blog because this is how I hid from the world. Now that hasn’t been a good thing in the past, but sometimes you have to learn how to take something that is negative and turn it into a positive. The difference is that now I’m no longer hiding. I’m ready to come out of my shell once again, and this is the space where I feel most comfortable sharing my exploits and adventures. This blog helped me through my depression, through losing my job, quitting another, finding my purpose, and will help me reveal the new layers of who I am now. I am excited beyond my wildest imagination!

I blog because no matter who visits here, there is constant love and sincerity in the thoughts shared. I’ve had a few bad experiences in the blogosphere; but for the most part, they all have been positive and have helped me to continue this site and want to try new things.

I blog also because my fingertips move me to my keyboard nightly. Sometimes I don’t even know what I’m going to say, but magically a post appears. I love being a part of the duo that introduced everyone to Old School Friday (shout-out to Mrs. Grapevine!), and I love being part of Good News Tuesday (Symphony, I see you!), but most of all, I love visiting all of my favorite blog brothers and sisters and leaving my thoughts there with no fear. No fear of rejection, no fear of dejection, no fear of being labeled…

I am not a deep, critical thinker. I don’t proclaim a college degree that I use to push my opinions on others. What I am is open-minded and free. What I am is caring and imaginative. What I am is soulful and constantly thinking about how I can become better. And how I can make the world around me better. I constantly have my mind open to new things and new ways of thinking, and am willing to consider all sides. I am moody and weep at commercials, certain songs, poetry, books…etc. I am passionate and love hard. I also can be evil as hell, if you cross me. That side, I try to hide.

At the beginning of this new year, I say to each of you: “Thank you.” From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your advice, for your support, for your inspiration…and thank you for your constant presence on my journey. I hope that you will continue to ride with me.