Otherwise known as, the obligatory blogging about blogging post. This is inspired by Sarah's recent post reflecting on her nearly-decade old (!!!) blog, which just happened to come at a time when I've been similarly weighing the pros and cons of continuing to spend my time and energy here and contemplating new ways to keep it fresh and interesting.
When I took my recent unintended "break", it did occur to me that this could be permanent. I didn't have to muster up the motivation to generate new content. Its a hobby I'm doing solely for myself, not a commitment I've made to anyone. It wasn't that I didn't want to keep writing. I'm just a generally…lazy type of person. An object at rest and all that. The longer I go without doing something, even something I really enjoy, the more motivation and energy it takes for me to get back into the habit (see: exercise. also…sex). Sometimes I do have to push myself over the hump, and then I'm good to go.
Why do I enjoy blogging? Mainly its the sense of community. I like virtually discussing things with you guys, getting your thoughts on my little dilemmas, weighing in on yours. A comment on Sarah's post (by OMDG) brought up the question of whether having this virtual community takes away from the desire/motivation to find and nurture off-line friendships. To some extent, this may be true. But mostly I feel that the relationships I've developed here are more of a complement than a substitute to real-life social interactions. And, as I've mentioned before, there really are some topics that are off-limits in many of my IRL friendships. Its not that I'm talking about it here instead of with non-blog friends---I'm talking about it here instead of not talking about it at all.
I also find it therapeutic to write things out, it helps me process and confront my issues. I'm extremely conflict-averse, and prone to avoid even thinking about upsetting topics, but having to write about what's going on in my life---and striving to be honest about it---pushes me to unearth things I would've left buried. I honestly don't think I'd have started actively working on my marriage (and we're already seeing rewards!) if I hadn't been blogging.
So, yes, I plan to continue blogging. And I'll probably spend the bulk of my time here on the same old topics of work, marriage, motherhood. Maybe I'll throw in some more diverse topics---I do think about other stuff, like politics, feminism, TV, fashion, etc… Given that I can and do often discuss those things with friends, acquaintances, my husband, they are less critical to delve into here---but I'm also interested to hear your take on those things.
Ha! You're stuck with me, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon!!!
Green!
ReplyDeleteGlad we discovered you. :)
Wonderful, I love your blog and your honesty.
ReplyDeleteYour children are so adorable. :-) I love reading about what they do as well. Mainly because I love reading about children that are the age of mine, and compare. And I love it when out of this comparison, no one comes out 'loser'. Yeah, I know. I shouldn't compare, blahblah, but I do it and so far, the perspective has helped me not sink into 'woe is me' quagmire. Hope you're well. :-)
I'm so glad you're sticking around! I debated stopping recently, too, but opted instead to just write what I want, and see what happens. Our blogs are really for us, anyway- write about what interests you, and your readers will follow!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are sticking around.
ReplyDeleteAnd I think it's true that so many things follow a "blank begets blank" model, including blogging. Write frequently and the writing is easy. Take long breaks and it's hard -- as you say -- to get over that hump.
So glad you are going to continue to write. So many of us have grappled with whether to continue or not and how, but, honesty and sharing your life and dilemmas from your perspective is all you need for content.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I haven't found my blogging community to be a substitute to, but, rather, and enhancement to my IRL relationships. Even if I stopped writing, I'd have a hard time leaving my url friends.
i have found 2 IRL friends through my blog (who live in NC but who i used to get to see frequently and who i consider to be true IRL friends).
ReplyDeletealso, i am thrilled you will be continuing to write in this space :)
Aww, what a great post! I missed it somehow. I certainly agree that once you lose momentum it's hard to regain it, and with my semester-based schedule, it's hard for me not to. And then I look at the whole thing and wonder what is the point of this activity?
ReplyDeleteBut what you say about having a place for the "off limits" stuff really resonates for me. I love the way so many of my struggles are so normal. I could never get together with a group of 15 or so smart women in real life, so this is a conversation that can only happen in the interwebs for me. I am glad you are going to continue--I'd miss your voice.