My Favorite Things - p.34

I have been blogging (although not calling it that) for more than seven years now in a variety of different places. This one in particular has been much more intentional and has really made me think about this unique form of communication and what it means to my life. These are a few of my favorite things about blogging.

Venting - I like having the freedom to say what I want, to "yell" and get everything off my chest when I need it and know that if you don't like it you don't have to read it, and you are welcome to disagree. But this gives me a certain boldness and ownership over my own emotions that I have yet to find in any other medium, while still making me feel "heard".

Thinking - Something about putting my thoughts into a tangible medium and knowing that they are being read (or could potentially be read) makes me think a little harder and maybe even a little deeper about things. It gives me a way to chart my stream of consciousness and observe my own patterns of thought and concern.

Expressing Myself - I am an opinionated person. I like to be able to express that opinion. I like to share the things I am doing and explore the areas where I am interested at a given time. I like being able to spread my creative wings and feel fulfilled in knowing that whatever I produce will be floating out there in the universe.

Getting Comments - Comments give me some sort of sense of community that I really miss. I know there are people who read this who don't comment, people who aren't on my "followers" list, in addition to those that I know of. I love this ever-expanding circle of friends. I love hearing what people think about what I have to say, whether they agree or disagree. I love being the medium through which other people are able to engage in some sort of conversation and I love sitting on the sidelines of these conversations.

Reading Other Blogs - I love the inspiration I gain from reading about the lives and thoughts of others, most of whom I may not know otherwise. I also love to know that I can inspire others to think about different things or try something new. I love the places I am able to visit and the experiences I am able to share thanks to other people who are interested in some of these same things.

So basically, thank you for indulging me and letting me share all this with you. Thank you for reading, commenting, and generally tolerating me and my madness! And if I'm not currently following your blog and you would like me to do so, leave me a little note and let me know where I should be reading!