Is There a Future in Blogging? 14 Reasons to Keep Writing Your Blog
GIVEAWAY WINNER UPDATE:
Congratulations to Paula Short! You’re the winner of the free book as of 8/29/22!
* * *
[click here if you can’t see the video, “Book Giveaway – My 14th Blogaversary”]
Reasons NOT to Blog
In 1999 there were 23 blogs on the internet.
In 2022 there are more than 600 million blogs online. And 7 million blog posts are published every day, hoping to capture our attention.
Yet of people who start a blog, more than 90% quit within a few months.
Why do bloggers stop blogging?
- It is time-consuming to generate content.
- It requires patience to build an audience.
- It costs money for hosting, plug-ins, domains, etc.
- It can be technically challenging.
- It takes effort to promote posts on social media.
- It can expose privacy and vulnerability.
- And it occasionally draws haters and who needs that?
I was naively unaware of these challenges when I started my blog 14 years ago today.
I fell in love with blogging despite it all.
My first blog post was Take the Pain on Blogspot on August 8, 2008. My most recent post is When You Become a Different Person on WordPress last Friday, August 5, 2022.
In the 3,480 blog posts in between, I have indeed become a different person . . . and partly because of blogging.
14 Reasons to Keep Writing Your Blog
Here are 14 reasons to keep blogging for the long haul.
Keep blogging because . . .
1. You still have lessons to learn.
Many people blog to teach. That’s valid (see reason #2). But blogging also teaches you.
Writing your posts generates motivation to research, to self-reflect, to pay attention to details, to listen to others’ opinions and to clarify your own.
• Learn about life and yourself as you write.
2. You still have lessons to teach.
Every person knows a lot of things, each person with an angle unique to themselves. Blogging is a natural place to share what you know. No one else will teach it exactly as you do.
For example, I’ve taught series with my own personal twist on “20 Ways to Practice the Enneagram for Spiritual Growth” and “How to Uncover Hidden Biases.”
• Teach what you know on your blog.
3. You still have friends to meet.
Building relationships is a huge perk of blogging for years. Through comments, through linkups, through off-blog conversations, and occasionally through in-person meetings, you can create close relationships through blogging.
Participate in a weekly linkup to see for yourself, such as our Grace and Truth linkup each Friday.
• Blogging is a group activity—find your people.
4. You still have things to give.
Maybe you sell things on your blog. Or maybe you give things away. Either way, as you send your craft into the interwebs, you’re making it a brighter place.
• Be generous with your gifts to your online community.
5. You still have skills to master.
Writing content is one skill that repetitive blogging can improve. But formatting and publishing your writing onto a blog requires another set of skills. There’s always more to learn about blogging platforms, designing graphics (I highly recommend canva.com), social media, editing photos, link building, and mastering SEO and CSS and HTML.
And then they make changes and you get to learn again.
• Blogging gives you opportunities to master more skills.
6. You still have questions to ask.
Asking questions on your blog is a great way not only to generate conversations, but to receive legitimate answers to questions you have, whether about a sticky relationship issue or a question about God or even which BBQ sauce to use (Jeff would say Dreamland).
Don’t underestimate the wisdom of the crowd.
• People love to give advice, if only you’ll ask.
7. You still have fears to conquer.
Hitting “publish” is no small thing, especially if you’re sharing something personal or something you’ve created. It takes courage to be vulnerable (like sharing an unrealistic expectation), to admit your faults (such as trying to change your spouse), or to reveal your quirks (does anybody else do this with ham?).
But every time you publish, you grind down the edge of fear a little bit more.
• Use blogging to face your fears.
8. You still have things to share.
Blogging is a great platform for sharing your favorite things, whether books (I love recommending books every month) or products or even opinions. Whether you’ve found the perfect hack to fold sheets or a new phone app that is changing your life, share it with your blogging audience.
Heather Gerwing created Share Four Somethings as an easy way to share more about yourself on your blog each month.
• Readers appreciate hearing personal details and recommendations.
9. You still have wrongs to right.
Many use their blogs to create awareness for social issues that need changing. Blogs are a place you can share personal stories or explain why a bill should be passed or shed light on racial inequities.
• Let your blog help change the world for the better.
10. You still have faith to grow.
If you’re a believer, there’s always more God to see. As you notice God partnering with others to pour goodness and love into the world, document it through your blog, not only as personal notes but also as a witness to others who may also be looking for God.
• Attest to your experiences with God in your blog posts.
11. You still have time to fill.
You’re still here for a reason. You’re going to spend your time on earth doing something, so if you find meaningful purpose in blogging, why not dedicate a few hours to do it?
• Use your time wisely and intentionally with blogging.
12. You still have people to encourage.
A great benefit of reading blogs is finding encouragement. Whatever the issue, someone is probably writing a blog about it. If you have words of hope you can pass along through your experiences, your gift of encouragement and connection is invaluable.
Our memory verse group is a source of encouragement to those of us memorizing scripture, for example.
• Restore hope to others through your blog.
13. You still have money to make.
This is not one of my reasons for blogging, but many people do make a living through their blogs. You might earn income through selling products or services or from hosting ads, enough to create a full-time business or at least as a side-hustle.
• Your blog can provide a stream of income.
14. You still have stories to tell.
Every day you live fresh stories. And you repeat them to others. You tell some in person. But maybe you can tell some online on your blog.
I appreciate our One Word community linking blog posts with their stories each month.
• Speak your truth online.
Blogging Keeps on Giving
14 years ago, I had no idea of the life changes I’d experience from my little experiment with blogging.
I’m glad I tried it.
It’s been far from easy though. Blogging has made me frustrated, made me tired, and made me angry at times.
Blogging isn’t always enjoyable.
But overall, blogging has given me far more joy than pain.
If blogging is something you like to do, too, hold on to your reasons. Keep writing your blog now and into your future.
You never know what you (and others) may discover through it.
GIVEAWAY is now closed, as of August 28, 2022. Congratulations to Paula Short as the winner!
What’s one reason you read blogs or write blogs? What reason would you add to the list of reasons to blog?
I love how you’ve given so many reasons here, Lisa, about why we blog and why we shouldn’t stop doing so. I knew years ago that I wanted to try blogging, but didn’t have a goal/mission to kick-start me. Inspiration actually came from God – “Write a daily devotional.” I did that for an entire year while I built somewhat of a following and made lots of new blogging friends.
As you can tell, my blog has evolved over the years – proof that we can and do change in our reflections.
So glad I’ve met friends like you along the way!
I’m so glad we met along the way, too, Martha! It’s a beautiful thing how quickly we can get to “know” other bloggers and their grandkids and life situations, etc. and really care about how things are going for them. You gave us such a scare with your health issues awhile back, so it’s wonderful that you’re doing so well now.
Congratulations, my friend! Time slips by before we know it. As I was reading your story here, I was reminded it has been 7 years since I started blogging and 8 since retirement. You make a lot of great points and your list of why to do it and why not are spot on. I might add that another reason to do it is if it is a calling or a leading of the Lord to do it and what we discover in our spiritual lives as a result is full of great discoveries along the way. Relationships are some of the unexpected things i didn’t know I would discover along the way. Some of those I connect with in this medium are dear to my heart and have a depth in thought and understanding and vulnerability that I don’t often find within the usual circles I am a part of.
I count you as one of those special people this blogging world has brought into my life.♥️
Thank you, Pam. I count you among my special blessings too for so many reasons. You’ve taught me a lot through your example and the way you love the downtrodden. I’m grateful the Lord crossed our paths several years ago and has kept us aligned!
Congratulations, Lisa! Your #7—You still have fears to conquer—especially caught my attention. Everything on your list was relevant to my own blogging journey but especially this one.
Thanks, Ashley. I’ve been reading this week from “Share Your Stuff. I’ll Go First.” for my book club and this week’s chapter is on Fears. One of the questions was about a childhood fear. I remember awakening in the night as a child and hearing a train, and wondering if it was the trumpet of the Lord sounding; I was so scared about that! Thankfully I’ve learned more and believe better and have actually lost that fear. 🙂
Happy blog anniversary, Lisa! Congratulations on 14 years. Thanks for these helpful, encouraging, challenging thoughts. You are one of the blessings God has given me through blogging. Thank you for sticking with my blog and sharing wisdom generously on yours. Grace and peace to you in Jesus, sister!
I appreciate you, Christina. I still am a faithful reader of your blog! I get your posts through Feedly and I’m always blessed by your gentle spirit and faith. And by your fabulous photos too.
Thank you for the kind encouragement. ?
Congratulations! Writing for 14 years is a wonderful milestone to celebrate, Lisa! Discovering blogging friends is something I didn’t expect when I started blogging almost two years ago, but I’m so thankful for the sweet relationships, encouragements, pearls of wisdom, and laughter I’ve found online. Thanks for being you, Lisa! IMM#25
Yes–making friends through blogging is one my greatest surprises in this adventure! I had no idea when I started that I would make friends through blogs. But it’s been a true blessing. So glad to have you as another Lisa in my blogging circle of friends. 🙂
My original preference for blog names 14 years ago was “Lisa writes” but when I went to sign up for it, it was already taken, so I switched to “Lisa notes.” I found out later that “Lisa writes” actually lives in Alabama too and I followed her blog for years until she stopped blogging. We’re still friends on Instagram though. So many Lisa’s. lol.
I am one of those persons who has quit blogging. (Actually, that’s not true….I just no longer have a public blog). I began blogging in 2006, at a sweet little site called Homestead Blogger. It was definitely a community, and I made many friends. Sadly, the site folded in about 2012, and I made the move to Blogger. At first, Blogger was kind of community-like, but that didn’t last long. I know I have mentioned this to you before, so I am just repeating myself. I would say about 2015, I really noticed the change—bloggers are all about growing their own blogs and gaining “followers,” NOT in growing relationships. I visited blog after blog and took part in many link parties, yet the vast majority of the blogs I visited, never visited me in return. Link party hosts always request that you visit the blog right before your link, but most times, that didn’t happen for me. (And I’m talking Christian bloggers). It was very disheartening. That was one of the reasons I stepped away from the blog world. I still occasionally pop by to visit blogs I enjoy (like yours), but I no longer put my stuff out there for people to ignore anymore.
By the way, I watched your video, and it was fun to hear you. I love your Southern accent!!
I am babysitting my precious granddaughter, Audrey, (now 10 months old) 3 days a week. I cherish my time with her!
Blessings to you!
Even though you no longer have a public blog (which I loved), I still count you as a blogging friend, Patti. 🙂 You’re right that the community has changed through the years as blogging exploded on the scene. You actually began even before I did! There are so many blogs now that it has become hard to keep up. And there are so many huge linkups that make it impossible to keep up.
So what I did one day a few years ago was make a list of 15 or so blogs similar to mine that I wanted to follow faithfully. It helped me consolidate some friendships. As the years have gone by, I’ve adapted that original list many times as people have come and gone, but there are still some blogs remaining that were on that original list. I’m grateful for those.
It sounds like you have a beautiful “job” getting to babysit your granddaughter 3 days a week. I’m so happy for you. Congratulations!!!
Lisa, I began blogging in February 2013. 🙂 I guess our blogs were birthed close to the same time. I love your reasons for blogging; each one resonated with me. When I began, I wondered if I would have enough content to blog for a year . . . and here I am so many years later.
Blogging has taught me much about the writing world, but God has also taught me so much about Him and His personal touches in my life. I am so thankful for the community He has built around me on this blogging journey.
lol. I used to wonder the same thing–what would I have to blog about??? But God never lets us run out of material. The bigger issue is finding enough time to do it! 🙂
I’m grateful for your leadership and example in our blogging community, Jeanne. I can always count on your posts to be honest and encouraging and faith-building!
I’m so thankful for the wisdom you share through your blog! My reason for maintaining a private blog is part-scrapbooking and part-journaling. I compare it to a “pensieve” in Harry Potter – a place to store beautiful, puzzling, and even troubling memories. My blog is the Commonplace Book of my life.
Hi, Melissa! You’d be surprised how many times I’ve thought of your example of courage and love and faith through the years. I’ll always remember seeing you at the retreat that weekend–so morning sick and so heart-grieving. There was something special about you that spoke to my spirit and still does. You hold such a beautiful place of tenderness for all your children, wherever they were born, wherever they may presently be. Thank you for the way you’ve put such love and beauty into the world.
And seeing your blog as a pensieve is so perfect! 🙂 I love this.
What eventually became my blog started as a daily writing exercise with my coworkers.
BUT GOD…
…had other plans and now I write what the Holy Spirit tells me to write, when he tells me to write it.
That’s a beautiful purpose, Barb. I love how God has guided you through twists and turns to create pieces of love and encouragement to place into the hearts of other. Thank you for your faithfulness in following the Spirit’s leading.
You put the reasons so beautifully. I can heartily agree with them all!
I sort of quit blogging after the first month, because I expected people to magically find and follow my blog and it did not happen. But after a month off, I got curious to see whether I could attract an audience. And I became totally hooked on the book blogging community. I have met so many interesting people here and it’s a new kind of friendship that I could not imagine doing without now.
Congrats on 14 years and long may you blog.
I’m so grateful I found your blog and you, Lory. You’ve been such a godsend in my life in a powerful way and I’ll always appreciate the great kindness and gentleness you’ve shown me during this season.
I’ve only dipped my toe into the book blogging community and from what I’ve seen, it’s a deep and beautiful place full of book-lovers like myself! I know if I dive deeper there, I might never come back up, buried in an even larger stack of books than I currently have. lol. The possibility is endless of the niches available in the blogging world. So wonderful!
Happy blogversary! These are all great reasons. I’ve learned so much through blogging.
Thanks, Barbara. I don’t remember what year I started following your blog, but it’s been quite awhile! I’ve learned a lot through your thorough deep dives (there’s that cliche again!) into matters of faith.
I’ve learned so much through blogging too. I wonder what new things God will teach us next….
Lisa, when I began blogging in 2011 it was to leave something similar to a “journal” for my children (and grandchildren) to know what I was thinking as I went through life. I had no idea about linkups or about leaving comments on other blogs. And to be honest, there is still so much I do not know. I love writing and the opportunity it has given me to make friendships with others. I think connections was a surprise and blessing. But mostly it has been an avenue God uses to grow and change me. I am grateful He crossed our paths! Congratulations on your 14 years!!!
So we were both naive back in those days about the intricacies of this blogging thing. 🙂 There’s still much I do not know either, but I’m thankful we’ve both learned enough to stick it out for quite a few years. I couldn’t have predicted either how much God would use blogging to teach me and change me and love me. It’s been quite an adventure. I am so thankful that I get to read your beautiful posts that you send into the world with such grace and faith, Joanne.
Congratulations on hitting this blogging milestone, Lisa. This post was timely and encouraging for me because I’ve sort of been in the blogging doldrums this summer. The people I’ve met through blogging are my favorite part … so many new friends, including you. ♥️
I’m grateful for your friendship too, Lois. And I’ve loved being in the One Word small group with you this year! I know we have even more adventures to come. Your blog is one that I read faithfully. You tell your stories with such heartfelt emotion and such skill. It’s been a pleasure to follow you, friend.
Happy Anniversary!! I’ve only been blogging for Jesus for 3 years and I can’t wait to see where he takes me. I love love love your 14 reasons to keep blogging.
Visiting today from Tell His Story # 12
I’m so glad you chose to blog, Paula. You offer such good things to our blogging community!
I have felt so connected to the wider world through my blogging – I’ve made friends through it and I’ve kept in touch with people through it and especially in lockdown it helped me feel connected. I don’t blog much on my work blog any more but I’d be a bit lost if I stopped my book one! This is a great list of reasons!
I agree, Liz. Blogging really helped me stay connected too especially during lockdown! And yes, making friends throughout the world is such a plus. Who knew? 🙂 Count me in as also happy that you keep your book blog going.
14 years! Congrats!
I like blogs bc you get more personal with someone versus a quick social media post.
Good point, Ashley. With blogging we get more of a full picture of a person versus only a tiny snapshot that social media allows. Both have their place, but blogging has a bigger piece of my heart. 🙂
I love all your points, Lisa! It is a great reminder for when I may feel time crushed on why I blog in the first place. I think I started in 2008, but my blogging has changed, (changed from different platforms as well, and learned so much). I’ve had to shift my intentions on amount of posting, although love to post more (again), and need to lean into God every moment as He works out my schedule (and intentions for my writing)! I agree whole-heartedly that writing blogs deepens understanding of His word, too. Thanks for being an inspiration to keep going!
So we started at the same time, Lynn! I also changed platforms along the way, and just left the old stuff sitting out there on my original host. Yes, I too have to constantly shift the amount of time for posts, for commenting, for extras. If I had all the time in the world, I’d spend more time on my blog, but as it is, we have to balance it with other life things. 🙂 May the Lord continue to guide us with scheduling our time and intentions with our blogs.
Congratulations, Lisa. I love the depth and honesty of each of your posts as well as your commitment to the various themes/ topics you write on. You are an inspiration!
The reasons to blog are absolutely spot on! I find my blogging to be a process of self-discovery.
Wishing you continued blessing your blogging, my friend!
“I find my blogging to be a process of self-discovery.” Me, too, Corrine! I realize part of that is just writing in general, but there’s something extra poignant about the task when we know we’re going to be sharing it with others and not just keeping it between us and God. I’m so glad we’ve connected through blogging. Thanks again for pointing out my glaring mistake with the date on when I posted my first post! Ugh! Blogging keeps me humble too, that’s for sure. 🙂
A Great, Big, Happy Blogiversary to you, Lisa!! What an accomplishment! I rejoice and praise God for your space, you have blessed me beyond measure in the 3 years I have known you and visited your wonderful blog. Your posts invite thought, action, and challenge us to be the change we seek.
As a baby blogger, you welcomed me, supported me and became my friend, my heart overflows with gratitude.
I plan to print the words to this post and keep them handy to remind me on the hard days of all the good reasons to keep going! Thank you Lisa for the gift of your blog, and even more for the gift of your friendship!
The blessings have gone both ways, Donna. I treasure your wisdom both in the comments you leave here (and on others’ blogs) as well as your own blog posts. It’s easy to instantly connect with certain people, and you were one of those people for me. Blessings to you, sweet friend!
Happy Anniversary of your Blog. Enjoy reading from time to time and your encouraging words. Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Bonnie! Blogging has been quite a fun adventure. 🙂 Hope y’all are doing well and that we’ll all be able to see each other soon at Liz’s house!
We have all faced those questions, haven’t we? I think the benefits I have gained personally far outweigh the challenges. And God willing, I believe He has lots more to teach me.
And sometimes it’s even a little frightening to me to think of all the things God still wants me to learn! 🙂 But yes, the benefits have outweighed the challenges, and for that I give thanks. Blessings to you, Donna!
Congratulations! Gefeliciteerd out of the Netherlands.
I love all the 14 reasons to keep blogging. Thank you so much. I am too far away for your give away.
Lot of love.
Thanks, Aritha! It’s a pleasure to have a friend in the Netherlands. Your language is so intriguing to me when I see your native words. 🙂 I’m glad we can all see each others blogs wherever we are in the world!
…I can’t stop, I have too much to share.
I’m glad you have no intention of stopping, Tom. I love the vision you share on your blog through your photos. It helps us all see things we might otherwise miss.
Lisa, it’s so lovely to hear you speak! I always enjoy your blog posts and it’s nice to know how your spoken voice sounds now too. Warm congratulations on 14 years of blogging. I love this encouraging post. I have been blogging for 20 years come October and I think you have made the most wonderful list of reasons why to do it. I agree with them all – and some I hadn’t thought of before really made me think. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself, and also for your support of Hearth and Soul. I really appreciate it!
Thank you, April. So you were on the cutting edge of blogging from the very beginning! I’m glad you stuck with it. And I’m glad I ran across your blog a few years ago. You bring joy to the internet! 🙂
I love this post! 14 years of blogging is amazing. I too am a long term blogger and I continue to blog for so many of the reasons that you mention.
Thank you for putting into words what is sometimes hard to communicate.
Yay for more long-term bloggers! There are far more who quit than those who stay, so it’s nice to run into each other out here. It’s kind of like my hometown…there are far more who have moved here through the years than there are natives, and I’m one of the natives. 🙂
All so very true for the do’s and the don’ts…
And so many more I didn’t write about. Blogging is indeed far more complex (and joyful) than I knew it would be.
Hi Lisa
Happy blog anniversary! I really enjoyed this post. I have been blogging since 2007 and I have seen the way blogs have changed and evolved over the years.
My blog has remained more or less the same format–I still use the free Blogspot platform and I update all of it myself as much as I am capable of– but I also still enjoy the process and look at it as a weekly challenge to write about something I did or a place I visited that week, etc. I began blogging as a way to deal with the “empty nest syndrome” and now I do it for mental exercise as I slip into my senior years. Honestly, very few of my friends or family members read my blog. They don’t understand why I do it, but I’ve made many, many friendships with other bloggers all around the world through blogging and I feel my life is richer because of that.
So we started blogging about the same time; I was 2008. Yes, haven’t things changed since then! Yet I’m like you; I have kept my blog more or less the same format from the beginning. I like it simple. I did change platforms halfway through, but other than that, I still use it just for writing posts and meeting friends. I agree with you that my life is richer because of blogging!
Hi, Lisa.
I know a lot of writers have given up blogging, but you make so many wonderful points in your article. I feel as though if I can make some small difference in one person’s life, the work is worth it.
Thank you for the encouragement and reminders of what I, too, gain from blogging.
Blessings to you,
Tammy
Thanks, Tammy. I’m glad that blogging has brought our paths together. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to the months ahead getting to know you better. You are such a beautiful writer and have a beautiful heart to match.
My blog started 12 years ago, and so much about it, and I have evolved. Your reasons are spot on.
Now I blog for the enjoyment and the opportunities it provides to connect with others.
Yes, we’re on the same page! Isn’t it amazing how much we ourselves can evolve? Sometimes I want to repost something from a few years ago, but I have to make lots of changes before I do. 🙂
Congratulations on 14 years of blogging, Lisa! This coming Monday I will have been going for 7 years so I’m impressed that you have done it for twice as long. I love your reasons for keeping going and I agree with them. I had no idea how wonderful the blogging community would be and how many great friendships and connections I would make. I also didn’t expect to learn and grow so much through it. I’m glad we can walk together on this journey. I am always blessed by your words!
7 years is a long time too, Lesley! Congratulations for keeping it going. I’m glad that we connected quite awhile back and have stayed connected!
Congrats on the blog anniversary! I keep blogging because I still need to process what I’m learning & maybe it will also help someone else.
Thanks, Amy. Same here–I really process things much better when I can get them down on “paper” (or screen, as the case may be). I’ve enjoyed watching the transition of your own blog, and I look forward to your next chapter with your Enneagram coaching.
Congratulations Lisa!! ?? That is awesome, 14 years of blogging! So inspiring! ?
Blessings, Jennifer
Thanks, Jennifer. It’s been fun meeting people from all over the world like you!
I love all the “friends” I’ve made through blogging! It really can be a wonderful community.
I agree, Joanne. It’s amazing how much you can read personalities through a blog and feel like you know a person.
Wow, 14 years!
And I am with you in affirming the blogger life. I have met so many special people and have received so many opportunity to write and teach elsewhere through my little space on the internet!
You’re one of those bloggers who have so much to say and you do it with wit and wisdom. I always enjoy your blog, Michele!
I absolutely love this, Lisa! I’m so grateful for all these years we’ve walked together. The rhythm of blogging has been a lifeline during the most unsettled times and the relationships made have enriched my life and broadened my horizons.
Love you, sister.
xo
I’m so grateful for our years together, too, Linda. You have been an amazing example to me of Christian faith and wisdom. I also have benefited by your example of stepping away from blogging from time to time as needed. Thank you, friend!
Great list of reasons. I have been blogging since 2009 and one key benefit is the connection with others and discovering and fine tuning my writers voice. Through blogging I hear my true self and learn to articulate my deepest desires and thoughts and even obstacles. Writing leads to clarity and wisdom.
Aside from the wonderful community, this is one of my favorite reasons to blog too: “Writing leads to clarity and wisdom.” So glad to have met you through blogging, Jean. You could be one of the longest blogs I’ve been following through the years! We started at almost the same time. I glean so much from the wisdom and experience you share on your blog.
Congratulations on 14 years of blogging, Lisa! That’s an impressive milestone.
Most if your reasons for blogging align with my own, especially learning, sharing and meeting others. I actually find that writing helps me sort out my thoughts and understand thing better. Not sure if that’ll part of learning or a separate reason – understanding.
Lovely post!
Thanks, Harry! I’m so thankful to have discovered your blog along the way. You’ve both spared me a few books and hooked me on a few books as a result of your thoughtful reviews. I’m easily swayed by your opinions! 🙂 I appreciate the clarity and thoroughness of your writing.
Thanks for the very kind words, Lisa!
I feel so privileged to have discovered your blog, Lisa, likely because of a link-up! And I love coming to know the blogger behind the blog! I had no idea that you have been writing here for fourteen years. Wow! That itself is a huge accomplishment. The reasons “for” you list are truly compelling. I have contemplated this off & on for years. Yours is quite professional in your topics, format, graphics, etc. That intimidates me a bit, b/c I am NOT a high-tech person. Also, the regularity of it–though most bloggers no longer write daily anymore. I write professionally, so this too has been a drawback. Many publishers, while appreciating blogs’ visibility as a way to evaluate writing, usually do not allow the reproducing of said writing in whatever they pay for. So there is a part of me (if I pursue publishing) that feels I would use of my good stuff and have nothing left to say. Just some things I mull from time to time. Still, I can see so many blessings for readers in all you and other bloggers I admire provide. JUST KEEP IT UP. YOU’RE WONDFERFUL.
Love
Lynn
You’re a great example of why we bloggers keep our comments open. 🙂 I always appreciate the thoughtful words you share here, Lynn. I can count on you to be truthful with your opinions as well as helpful in pointing me to other resources too. You’re a real treasure and I’m so grateful for you!
How often I have thought about stopping blogging…and how often I have pondered why I should keep on keeping on! You have just wrapped it up into this post, Lisa! For now, the ‘keeping ons’ outweigh the ‘stops’ by far!
See you around the bend of this great way of growing, gathering, moving, meeting, and being more and more of who I am and will be!
loving you, ~ linda
I’m so glad your “keeping on” outweighs the “stops,” Linda. The internet would be a more forlorn place without your gentle yet strong voice in it. I appreciate your beautiful heart and faith that you share on your blog and in the comments you make around the blogosphere!
I have learned so much from reading blogs, and I love the catharsis of writing! Your list is corect! I love blogging even if I take breaks from mine occasionally!
When a blogger takes a break, the upside for us as readers is when we see them return! 🙂 It feels like a friend coming back to the hometown again. It’s been fun seeing how many of us use writing blogs as cathartic exercise. I wouldn’t have predicted that years ago when I started, but it’s proven true time and again.
Lisa, So glad to have discovered you as I embark on my blogging journey. Your encouragement has taken hold.
Thanks, Maria. Blogging is indeed a journey. Many blessings to you along your own journey!
Happy blogaversary! I needed this encouragement as I continue to evaluate my time and responsibilities. I continue to write because I am compelled to. Sometimes I feel I will burst until I get something out.
Yes, I know that feeling, Lauren. Sometimes we can’t help but write! I’m glad you continue to write in your space.