Sweaty of Do Sweat the Small Stuff and a bunch of her blog friends are hosting linkups this week to celebrate their blog anniversaries.
I hate to miss a party…so I’m donning my favorite little black dress (or my flannel pjs) and using my freshly manicured (I wish!) fingers to elegantly craft a blog post (or write until I hit 400 words or so) to honor the anniversarians.
Truly, though, I’m thrilled that It Builds Character, The Woven Moments , The Adventures of Daddy Runs A Lot, Do Sweat the Small Stuff, and Literal Mom have graciously invited us to their party.
While I knew of a couple of these blogs, and a couple of these peeps on Twitter, this anniversary week gives me a chance to get to know them better and a chance to link up so they get to know me. Sounds like a win-win to me!
Therefore, because the human network is the most amazing thing about blogging, allow me the next couple hundred words to share with you my thoughts on the idea that the blogging community improves life.
When I first started, I was definitely a little newbie on the block. Not to be confused with the New Kids on the Block. Who really aren’t new. In fact, they’re getting a bit old. But that’s another post.
I was a little unsure. A little excited. A little over the top.
But lots of bloggers knew just where I was coming from because it was just where they had been. They accepted me for who I was and where I had been.
Relationships sparked with common denominators of kids, divorce, being back in the Hellstorm we call online dating. We connected. We bonded.
We began to be there for each other.
I am an extroverted problem solver; I am also a single parent.
Having online friends with whom I could brainstorm parenting brilliance was an immeasurable gift.
The blogging community became my sounding board. I sent out to the Universe (or the Internet — aren’t they the same thing?) my thoughts, feelings and frustrations and received back astronomical amounts of wisdom, love and understanding.
They opened their arms to me. They opened their eyes to my words. In the end, by opening up to me, they actually opened ME.
I dug deeper into my thoughts and feelings and actions. I looked hard at my life, my loves, my failures. I began to treasure my children more each day because there were bloggers out there reminding me through their lives to do so.
These bloggers made me laugh harder, love more deeply and live more fully.
Simply through their words.
And my life is all the better for it.
{ 63 comments… read them below or add one }
Who knew blogging could be so…. much?
So glad you found your voice, your community in blogging.
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..So Far
A year ago, I’d have thought this idea was whacked out crazy. Now, I know how powerful the Internet and the relationships someone can cultivate there can be. Thanks for being one of those who helped me find my voice. xoxo
They are fabulous, and so are you!
SMOOCHES.
Thank you, Lady E. You know you’re one of those who helped me open my world, right? xoxo
Kimberly, thank you SO much for linking up with the Great Blogging Anniversary Linkup and for writing such a great shout out to all of us! A lot of what you wrote here resonated in my own blogging experience; in particular, how reading and relating to others’ stories has helped you discover more about yourself too.
Glad to have ‘met’ you! I can’t say enough how much the blogging community has helped me through my own divorce and some of the lowest points in my life.
xx
Sweaty recently posted..The Great Blogging Anniversary Linkup Starts Now!
It amazes me how my world has changed in just a little over a year of blogging. So many amazing people. So many new ideas. Thanks for hosting the linkup so that I could articulate that nugget
Love this line most of all – They opened their arms to me. They opened their eyes to my words. In the end, by opening up to me, they actually opened ME.
So powerful. I’m so happy you linked up. And for some reason I wasn’t following you on Facebook. No worries – I fixed that now.
Missy | The Literal Mom recently posted..The Great Blogging Anniversary Linkup Starts NOW
I cannot say enough how positive blogging has been for my state of mind as a woman, as a mother and as a writer. So glad to have an opportunity to articulate that
Glad to see you on FB too!
Sob, sniffle.
I love this, and could;t agree more.
This community? Is breath taking!
Galit Breen recently posted..Inspired
I’m so honored to be a part of it!
I couldn’t agree more!!! Only your words said it perfectly. This place… Universe is absolutely amazing and consistently astounds me. To top it all I got to meet, get to know you and now think I am lucky enough to call you a friend! To many more years and inspired memories! MWAH -LV
KindredAdventures recently posted..It Has Changed Me…
What really astounds me is all the “warnings” I got when I started this project– warnings about unhelpful bloggers, hateful comments, competitiveness and negativity. Oh, sure, I’ve seen a bit of that…but the vast majority of bloggers are kind, generous, helpful people
We will have coffee. One day!
Well put! It’s amazing there was this world out there we knew nothing about until we ventured into the blogosphere.
Wombat Central recently posted..Five Ways the Blogging Community Improves Life
Amen on all of this – and I believe that blogging has made me appreciate my children more as well. I can see it in the way my content has changed – I used to spend so much time writing about the disasters. They still happen and I still write about them, but the tone and perspective has evolved.
chimomwriter recently posted..6 Blogs That Have Influenced My Journey
So true! The same stressful parenting events take place, but my interpretation and perspective on them have changed dramatically in the past year. Good point
I agree with everything you said, and you said it so beautifully! PLUS a NKOTB reference – what more could I ask for?
hollow tree ventures recently posted..Battery Operated Toys Can Go Suck an Egg
Glad you liked it! Thank you so much for visiting the madness
I totally agree. We all run in our different blogging “circles,” but once you find that community where you feel like you’ve found such great friends, it’s amazing. Even though I put too much stress on myself over a freaking hobby, blogging does save my life every day. Great post
Abby recently posted..Use Your Words
The blogging community really is something special. It only takes a little effort on all our parts, but the rewards are immense!
Eric Storch recently posted..This…
It’s definitely a “community” in the sense that we all must play our part. We must not all be simply receivers…but givers…and sharers…and commenters…and supporters…
It is wonderful to recognize all the benefits that come from blogging. I have met some great people who continue to enrich my life, learned about myself through the process of writing, and developed my craft through writing so frequently.
Naked Girl in a Dress recently posted..Failure Was My Greatest Success
It’s so true. I’m only as good as those who read me think I am…and they set the bar high. It’s a thrill to meet that challenge!
“Therefore, because the human network is the most amazing thing about blogging”
EXACTLY.
Also? Go single parents!
Beej recently posted..No Words
Thank you!
It’s amazing how we can find community in such a large universe!
Michelle recently posted..Big Kid.
I have found blogging to be so much more than I expected. Erin and I started because we wanted to write. We were not expecting the community of it all and were so pleasantly surprised. Your post describes it so well. Ellen
Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms recently posted..10 Reasons Being A Kid with A Mom Who Blogs Rocks
It is such a positive in my life. Glad that came through in my post.
It’s awesome, isn’t it? I scoffed at blogging before I really got it, before I started one. In many ways it’s changed my life. I’ve discovered a deep love for writing and I’ve met people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.
I’m so glad it exceeded your expectations…I love when something takes you by surprise like that.:)
heidi recently posted..what to say
Yes, a deep love for writing. I love that! And it’s true.
I love blogging for all these reasons. i’ve gotten to the point where I don’t even care about numbers — I care about my ffriends. It’s opened up a new world and introduced me to the most amazing people. I wouldn’t give it up for anything.
Amanda Austin recently posted..The Hunger Games in 140 characters or less
I can’t quite say I don’t care about numbers. Although I obsess about them less and less. And then they seem to grow. Hmmmmm….maybe there’s something to focusing on relationships?
I love it! I have met so many people through blogging. It is just so fascinating and fun! Nice to meet you!
What a wonderful tribute to the many bloggers who’ve made a difference in your life.
Robbie recently posted..Ten Reasons being a Kid ROCKS
We’re all in this together. For sure. And it’s nice to get to know so many awesome people!
I’ve been blogging for a while now and I still feel a little unsure. A little excited. A little over the top. I agree, the blogging community is so incredible, as are you! I am so glad to know ya! You got the right stuff, baby. You’re the reason why I read this blog. I can see it in your words. Tell ‘em when you write. See it in everything you do. Even in your thoughts. You got the right stuff, baby…
Should I keep singing?
Sarcasm Goddess recently posted..Ranting: It Does a Body Good.
Sing to me, baby! Clever clever comment! (It’s my favorite of the day! — Nah..my favorite of the MONTH!)
As a fellow newbie, I know exactly what you mean. It’s amazing the sense of community that I’ve encountered when I put myself out there. The blogosphere is quite a place. Glad to have met you here.
Jay- The Dude of the House recently posted..See Mama Again
It’s nice to feel so at home with people I may never meet. Glad you stopped by
I HEART blogging! I tried to explain to my husband that its more than just posting articles. This is a real community, even if we may not ever see each other face to face.
Andi Brown recently posted..Learning When To Run
I’m not sure my friends/family get it either. And to be fair, I didn’t until I was immersed in it.
I agree w. Alison – who knew blogging could give back so MUCH? (-:
Ado recently posted..How Not To Dispose Of Your Child’s Toxic Science Fair Project
It’s amazing. And every day I learn how much deeper it can be!
oh – I could not agree more!! I try to explain this to my husband {as I try to read and comment on all YeahWrite entries} that its so much more than “just” posts. It’s people.
tara Pohlkottte recently posted..I Run For Their Lives
So true! “More than just posts — it’s people!”
Love the way you said that.
Aww, that’s sweet! I’m surprised at how much I like the blogging community, honestly…
When I first arrived, I heard horror stories. Mostly they’ve turned out to be a rare occurrence in my world.
It’s amazing what you can do when you have a support network, right? How empowering!
Kerstin recently posted..A teacher, mentor and friend
Absolutely! Thank you for stopping by
I never in a million years thought I would make any friends through my blog. Isn’t it amazing?!
Beautifully written
Runnermom-jen recently posted..The Easy Run
It is. And every day I’m grateful!
I’m still in the early stages of finding this onljne community and I’m 1. So happy to read this, it inspires me to keep going! And 2. Skein amazed at the openness of the blotting (esp mom) community’
susan recently posted..Grace
Some of my greatest friends have been made through blogging. I love the community I have found and I continue to find new friends every day. It’s amazing and I love it.
Delilah recently posted..So What?
It is such a wonderfully rich conglomeration of people. And I find such treasures in the pile
Oh how I understand. I’ve been working my way through the blog world, making friends, nurturing friendships and finding who I fit in with the most. I realized what kind of blog I have made endless Twitter homies.
There’s something about sharing your everything with people you know but have never met that can’t really be put into words.
Love the sweetness of this! Yay blogging! I feel the same way.
Visiting from yeah write.
Andee
Andee Eve recently posted..when dreams come true
Thank you! Blogging has become so much more than a hobby!
Just one more way that words prove that they are powerful, wonderful tools of emotion.
Kristin recently posted..The Talk
“In the end, by opening up to me, they actually opened ME.” Well-said. I am experiencing the same and couldn’t be more grateful.
I love the fact that I’m more open…more honest since blogging. Imperfection, the trials and tribulations of life, and humanness all seem to connect us in the blogosphere where they separate us in the physical world.
Great post! I’m currently a newbie on the block, so it’s reassuring to know that people do remember that and try to accept you.
Miranda recently posted..Conversations in the Country
They really really do! They’ve been great
It really is amazing how just words can connect us so profoundly with people we’ve never laid eyes on. I nodded through this whole post!
Amen, sister!