I’ve noticed that I have been on a blogging kick lately. Funny because life has been busier than ever yet at the same time posts keep on flowing. I was writing yesterday’s post and just couldn’t stop thinking, man this is exactly what I needed.
I tend to not follow a blogging schedule per say. I have no idea when I will have time to write a post nor do I know what I will be posting until I sit down in the moment. I like it that way. Things just come. Yes, it does create some random rambles but it works for me. Most of the time I write it, go back to it later for the finalized touches. Other times I do it in one swoop.
What still gets me is when I tell people in real life that I blog, they are baffled. Why? Why would you spend more time on the computer spewing your guts to strangers? What could you have possibly to say everyday? Blogging really does not make sense to most. People are still in shock I still do it daily since graduating from college. Lately though I have felt this internal backlash to blogging. I love it yet hate it. Pure black and white, so typical.
But like everything, when times get confusing it all about going back to the basics. Stomach ache… back to plain foods. Sore muscles… simple stretching nightly. Everyone starts their blog and maintains their blog for their own reasons. I thought it would be a good way to let people learn more about me by telling you why I blog.
I blog… to write. Would you have guessed I used to despise writing? I had no confidence in anything I produced. I would always make my mom read it over and over, through drafts and drafts because I was sure it wasn’t good enough. Blogging has given me this writing mojo back. Back to when I used to create pages and pages of imaginary plays with my sister. Back to when I started a novel in fifth grade.
I DON’T blog… for grammar. I tend to not proofread my posts. I know sounds terrible, I should be better about it but I am not. Even in school, proofreading would send me in a hissy fit. I like things to be a bit rattled around here, a bit un-perfect if I can call it that. I bet many of you could call me out on all the grammatical errors I make on a daily basis.
I blog… for therapy. My past makes apparent I am quite familiar with all types of therapy. Since not seeing a therapist for almost two years, I still found I needed that outlet of thoughts. The thing I got most from a therapist but just flat out talking her ear off, getting all those thoughts out of my mind and into the world. In treatment I began to write in journals daily. I filled almost two notebooks in the nine weeks I was there. It helped me to get the confusing rambles in my head out on paper.
I DON’T blog… to put on a face. I am real here. I may say things people don’t like or don’t agree with and I am ok with that. Heck, I would rather people call me out on it too. Criticism is the fondest form of flattery right? I spent way too long attempting to plaster a face on, to say ‘i’m good’ ‘life is great’. Here I don’t feel a need to do that. I can’t even remember I have had a day of butterflies and sunshine.
I blog… for accountability. Recovery is a process. Heck, life is a process. I knew a transition of graduating from college and living on my own for the first time would be rough. Blogging makes me be real, vulnerable and honest when I don’t have that hands on support all the time. I find myself being way more honest and way more real when I blog.
I DON’T blog… to be a guru. I have had my struggle with an ED, six terrible years of it. However, I am not saying I am this perfection of anything especially recovery. I did and still do what works for me. I may not have behaviors but that doesn’t mean those thoughts still don’t enter my mind. I have come a long way, a f-ing long way. But I don’t and will never have all the answers.
I blog… for sanity. I consider myself a pessimist at heart, sad but true. Yet, if you read my blogging I have this huge side of sarcasm and humor. It helps me, like more than you can believe, to include this dose of humor. Plus, if all that crazy stayed in my head I am pretty sure it would explode.
I DON’T blog… to let it consume me. I still am a bit touchy on this scale you could say. I am still working on finding that balance of blogging and living. But lately, I have been reminded that the world won’t end if I don’t comment back, answer a comment, read a blog or write a post. I need to remember that blogging is what I make it.
I blog… for relationships. If you had asked me when I started in May if I would actually make friends through my blog, I would have laughed in your face. I am such an introvert when it comes to meeting new people – so enter blogging. All of a sudden I find these females that I could chat my day away with. I can honestly say DC would be lonely without my friends I have met through blogging, yes I would call them blends but I consider them way more than blogging friends.
I DON’T blog… to compare. I don’t and never will participate in WIAW. I find the whole thing a bit, let’s call it triggering. The amount of bloggers that undereat and over exercise is troubling. However, I need to remember it is not my place to make that known. What I need to be better at is not just leaving a half ass comment because I feel the need to when really I just shouldn’t even be reading that post for sanity sake. Everyone is different. Again, back to the fundamentals – I live for me.
I tend to do this. Go from posts of humor to something a tad more serious. All in a day’s work. Have a great Thursday friends!
Question: Why did you start blogging?
all i know is i’m so glad you started to blog and i’m so glad we met because of it. and you’re right – you’re much more than a blend! i also don’t proofread – mistakes be damned. that’s another reason i wouldn’t ever do blogging as a full time job – i’d have to re-read the stuff i wrote and i don’t want to do that.
Proofreading would be more than a chore for sure. Not a fan. i am so glad we met, who would have guessed, I mean really.
I love your blog Alex and hope you are feeling more confident about your writing, it is very fluid and compelling (and I’m a reporter so should know
). Know exactly what you mean about proofing but I’m trying to do it a bit more, there’s nothing that irritates me more than reading back through my old posts and spotting a spelling mistake or grammar error (though I don’t notice them in anyone else’s posts!). Have a great day 
You are a reporter? So freaking cool! I hate going back and reading old posts, lets just say there is a lot of cringing involved. i am working on it…
I so agree with all of your points,Alex! Especially the WIAW-thing,by the way. Although it’s fun,I feel pretty triggered as well sometimes because I eat WAY less greens and super-healthy whatsoever and WAY more calories/ sugar/ fat… I never know if I should feel sorry for those people who exercise all day whilst eating an oh-so-clean diet or if I should doubt my own food choices… Oh well. Blogging problems.
I think you should create a hashtag for that one #bloggerproblems. I couldn’t agree more!
I think it’s great to go from lighthearted to serious
. Keeps us on our toes 
. I really do love the reasons you blog, because for whatever reason someone starts to blog is and can be different, but the reason are the basis. Wow, that was a long sentence and I am not sure if the puctuation was all correct! 
. You’re great and a real person and that is reason enough!
Have a great day!!
That means a lot to hear, I love hearing people’s personal reasons for blogging.
I’m SO happy that you started blogging and to call you a blend! And I am so thankful for your rambles, they get my mind racing and wandering and thinking- it’s fabulous
And someday maybe you’ll participate in WIAW, don’t rule it out just yet- as I joked before, sometimes I feel like a whale compared to the “norm” or others of WIAW… Join me?! XO
eh i highly doubt that but whatever you say. WIAW just never appealed to me, I don’t eat the prettiest or most creative stuff. Plus my busy schedule keeps me quite quick on meals.
You make some very good points. I think the reason why I failed with my first blog is that I tried to write what I thought other people would read, and I didn’t really write what was going on in my head at the moment.
I also completely agree with your comment about WIAW. That’s why I stopped posting literally everything that i ate. It made me too conscious of every morsel, every calorie. Right now I should just be concerned that I am doing right by me. No need to compare. Maybe in the future I’ll do full posts again, but probably less often, because like you said, it really can be triggering.
I started blogging so that I could have an outlet to talk about my food allergies and what I’m learning. It’s sort of still about that. But it’s kind of turned into everything else too. When you started, did you think that you would be talking more about food and being gluten-free? Just curious!
I love that balance that you found. I actually thought my blog would be anything but food and talking gluten free, I used blogs to really explore how to embrace gluten free but I still felt like such a newbie. I would have never guessed I would have a whole snack attack series. I guess I was just super sensitive to my ed background that I wasn’t sure what to expect. I am hoping to maybe talk about it a bit more because people still don’t understand the allergy not just intolerance that most have
You’re right about not letting blogging consume you.. and honestly I feel like I have my moments.. Some weeks I’m really into it and want to post every day and comment to other everyday… Some weeks I don’t care and would rather just focus on my life- outside of the blog!! Either way I’m glad I started blogging… I started doing it one day after reading PB Fingers this opened my world up to blogs and it just looked like fun.. I liked the idea of documenting my life. I feel like it made me want to be a better person, I also enjoy the fact that I can now look back on things!
it is always so funny to look at the blog that we first started reading. I was just a reader for over two years before i finally bit the bullet.
I never proofread my work either. And I’m in a writing and language course! Hahaha I just hate to read through what I’ve already written. If it’s good it’ll be good!
That is exactly how I feel, reading over my writing is the worst ever.
So many of our reasons for blogging are similar, Alex. During senior year of college, I thought about starting a blog, but I simply didn’t have time between classes, projects, extracurricular, workouts, etc. After graduating, though, I knew the next few months–and really, the next year–would be filled with changes, and it would probably be a good idea to document everything. And like you wrote, I never thought I would have so many blends!
I think we both started at the same time which makes sense, graduating is a huge time of transition and rather than feel all alone this gave me sort of guidance in that department
I’m not one for proofreading either…or for the most part, planning! A lot of moy posts tend to be in a “stream of consciousness” sort of writing…i sit down and I post whatever comes out. And proofreading – nope. It’s my space, I’ll make grammatical errors if I want to :-p
Yep, i do the same thing. I sit down and just see what comes. it keeps it pressure free.
You could of listed one reason why you started to blog, but there is one reason that I’m glad you started && that is… that I’ve had the awesome opportunity to get to you, and will be able to meet you SO SO SO SO SOON!!!
thanks jessie, it is still hard to believe how new my blog is yet how i feel like I know you all so well.
Love this. Also, I totally saved that first gif of Barney and I may or may not use it on my bloggie
He does some quality lines, probably one of my favorite characters!
I started blogging to write, too. I do a ton of writing at work, but legal writing is completely different from fun, feature-type writing that a blog allows me to do!
that is really cool and true, see I don’t do a ton of writing at work so this is good for me
I read this blog because I find your honesty, vulnerability, and humor so refreshing.
Thanks Liv! That is exactly what I hope I get across
I love to blog but quite frankily at the end of a long work day then a workout, most days I just don’t have the energy. I really want to get into it more though as my days in silence produce so many thoughts that I want to get out.
I think only two of my ‘real life’ friends know about my blog. I would love to tell others but I feel like they would pass too much judgment. Someday I’ll be comfortable with it
I don’t tell many people in my real life about it because honestly I bet they just wouldn’t care. not many friends read it, but that is fine with me. You shouldn’t feel a pressure to write, you should just let it flow when you need it as corny as that sounds
The main reason that I started to blog was because I love to write, and I needed an outlet to do that and to write about what interested me. I guess you can say that my recent string of jobs hasn’t been exactly fulfilling and so I needed something else.
I’m just struggling with striking a balance between my “real life” and my blog. I haven’t been writing much lately because of that. I’m not going to lie…like you, I’m a pessimist. And I haven’t been having the greatest string of luck lately and so I guess I don’t have the motivation to write and complain about the shit going on in my life currently. Because I don’t even like talking about in “real life” haha. But that’s the thing about blogging, it’s always there to come back to! I’m hoping my mojo returns soon.
I have to say, it is sometimes necessary to just step back for a while. I feel like I have taken some breaks and that was when I really found what I wanted and needed to write. Who knows, maybe a little break is just what you need.
I’m glad you started this blog. I feel like I started mine for the same reasons you did. Although I’m majorly pushing the comfort zone with it since I used to be TERRIFIED of anyone reading my writing. As in, I would never let anybody read my papers before I handed them in. I would just get the grade back, as if a teacher wasn’t a person reading it, just a robot. This has become my creative outlet and I love that. I love how many relationships we’ve formed. I’m an introvert with new people in real life too, and I really think this helps a lot. It has definitely become my own mini therapy session, and I truly believe I get as much out of it if not more than I would if I went to a real therapist.
I was the same way with school papers, i did begin to gain more confidence as I had majors that made me need to share my work. that is really though when i found a love for writing. I just am still in awe I have found so many people that I can relate to and share experiences with.
It’s not that I hated writing, I just always was horrible at comprehension and did poorly on writing about things I read, so it kind of made me stop enjoying writing! I am so glad you blog…you are funny and REAL and I love that about you!
You are so sweet, I really appreciate that. I am with you, I think school writing and creative writing is so different. You can be so motivated to do one and the other one is like pulling teeth
yessss for not blogging for grammar, I am lucky one of my best friends and my boyfriend are my grammar police and let me know where I have slipped up! I always thought I was a horrible writer, I still think I am!
I am just terrible at grammar and all things in that realm, it is hard for me to sometimes go back and read what I wrote. I am slowly working on that piece, I mean i should care a bit more about what I type up
I started blogging because I needed to find something that made me happy and that was just for me. When I tell people at first that I blog, I’m usually a little embarrassed that they’ll think it’s nerdy, but blogging has been such a rewarding experience. People really are interested in what you have to say and can relate to your life situations. It’s great to find normal people with the same problems and interests.
I get a lot of the same response, they think it is me sitting behind a computer pouring my soul to the wide web. So not true. I have to say having people give advice, share experiences, etc is the best part.
Such a great post. And I think the reasons I blog are also two of your reasons. I started my blog to write because it’s always been one of my favorite things. I continue blogging because of the friendships I’ve made. And that as surprised me more than anything, as well.
The friendships is probably the place where I am still baffled by, I really did not think I would be this open to people and allow those to cultivate. A shocker for sure
Couldn’t agree more. I blogged last night against every ounce of my will. But I felt a huge weight come off me. I crossed of a to-do task, I poured out my feelings, I analyzed my thoughts, and I received encouragement. All so worth it
I really think creating a space like this where you do it for you is really what can make blogging worth it.i am so happy to hear you have that and you use it!
Well, I for one am super happy that you started blogging, and even happier that I stumbled across your little corner of the web. All of your do’s and don’ts of blogging are why I love reading your posts so much – you’re real and you don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Please never change? The blog world needs more girls like you.
I started blogging to sort through the crazy thoughts that were going through my head when I was recovering from my eating disorder, and I kept blogging because it allowed me to do something I love (write), meet amazing people, and hopefully inspire some others to make healthier choices.
You are a great writer so I am sure glad you started blogging. I am also happy I found your blog because I think if anything, inspiration comes from it. I love hearing people’s personal reasons for starting writing.
Beautiful post! Blogging is all about what’s right for YOU! I applaud all of your reasons. I blog because I like to write & I figured I’d go ahead & put what I write out to the universe & if people read it, awesome! If not, no skin off my back
That is a great approach you have, it makes blogging more of a pleasure than something you have to do
I know what you’re saying about others not understanding why you blog. My boss actually reads it to check up on me – “hope you didn’t have too many glasses of wine last night!”
I started blogging to have an outlet for writing and accountability in my daily eating and exercise habits. It helps keep me grounded and always thinking about sticking with my goals. I’ve also found a whole gluten free community who offer great support and awesome recipes that help me feel not so deprived. I know what you mean, by bloggers who eat too little and exercise too much. I had a salami sandwich for dinner, and was almost embarassed to write that because it wasn’t 6 calories. But it was freaking delicious and I loved it!
i am glad you embrace all aspects of blogging and try to avoid that comparison. that is so funny about your boss, luckily no one at my work reads it. Enjoy that salami sandwich, sounds good to me!
I love your blog Alex, and I’m glad you love it too! It’s so important to actually get something from blogging instead of just doing it to do it, y’know? I understand how WIAW could be triggering – a lot of blogger’s diets ARE worrisome, but it isn’t our place I guess. Bahhh, too bad you aren’t working today
I’m such a space cadet, sorry girl! Are you running the USA half?
I am running that half, you better be too! I have to be careful when I read the WIAW because even me get so wrapped up in it. Not good!
Yes yes yes, I am! I’m going to come a day home early for it. It was my first half, so it’s special to me. We better meet up!
Oh for sure!
I really love this post. I have found myself I a bit of a blogging rut lately but have been inspired by both this post and the book MWF Seeking BFF! I haven’t met any of my blogger friends in person…yet…but I am looking forward to future meet ups and I LOVE that blogging brings this possibility into our lives. I feel like blogging gives us such a unique opportunity to meet people that are similar but still different
Plus, in reality, it is much harder to meet people after college so the blog universe is a great tool for this too!
Meeting bloggers in person was intimidating but so far the best part about blogging. Sometimes putting blogging on the back seat for a while can get you your mojo back
I love your honesty in saying that you blog for accountability! Blogging is my therapy.
Same here, I appreciate this space so much
I love reading your writing!
Thanks Andrea!
Love this post. Blogging definitely does help you get all those thoughts out that you really want to say but have no one in ‘real life’ to say them to.
Truth right there, some of these things I am surprised I will even say here.
Such good points, Alex. I blog for many of the same reasons you mentioned (relationships, therapy, accountability.) I also am working on not comparing even though it’s hard! It helps me to really focus on the good in people and see everyone right where they are. That being said… it’s a practice! Have a great day!
Comparing is still the hardest part, I am right there with you. Sometimes it takes backing away from them to really realize what isn’t good for me to read
How funny that you used to hate writing!! I’ve always loved it!!
I started blogging because I’m so passionate about working out, eat mostly good foods, and staying healthy. People kept asking me for advice, so I figured I’d share what I know and what i do! 
this so fits you, your blog is all about giving advice and being the best you that you can be. Love that about it.
Great post Alex! It really addresses a lot of problems that there are in the blog world…too much comparing, too much putting on a face. Btw love that SNL clip one of my favorites!
That SNL clip kills me every time. I think i fall into those traps so sometimes I need to remind myself really, why do I blog?
love this!! I blog for a lot of the same reasons. I absolutely love the blogging community, and I think it’s great that you have such a big following, Alex, and that you are able to reach and connect with some many people. It’s always great to read a different perspective from my own.
I never realized that but you are right, sometimes the change of perspective is so refreshing
That’s the awesome thing about blogging – that you don’t HAVE to follow rules or a schedule. I would hate if I made myself only write a certain way or at a certain time. It is definitely a space to let your personality shine through and do whatever the hell you want. I love your posts every day for that reason.
Very true, I consider myself in life such a planner but when it comes to my blog I like to have be less structured
love love love this!
I blog to share *some* experiences, and also for accountability. And I shouldn’t have to explain why I read blogs. Blogs are awesome!
I like the ‘some’ very true. there are certain things that no one can really put all out there for the wide web
I started because I realized after following 20 blogs, I should just make my own and share my experiences!
However, now I’m noticing that in comparison to others I seem to not workout as much, eat more/less healthy things and this sucks! I need to remind myself it’s my life and I can’t compare what I am doing to others.
I was a reader for 2+ years before I actually bit the bullet and starting writing my own.Comparison is the toughest, keep on working on it!
Awesome post. I like how you keep it real, sista.
That means a lot, thanks!
I think accountability is a big reason I still blog. I started my blog because I wanted to decrease the stigma around depression especially, and once I was diagnosed with BPD, I realized that not many people willingly and openly discuss it and I found that troubling. I aim to real on my blog as well, but not triggering, even though it’s impossible to never upset anyone. Now, I blog to show people that it’s possible to move through the darker times, because if I can do it, I think anyone can. I guess I just want to give some hope to those who really need it.
I agree though that comparisons are really tough. Blogs can be great if you don’t get caught in that comparison trap, and there were times in my recovery that I had to ban myself from certain blogs just so I wouldn’t compare and despair.
I think that is a great message you have behind wanting to discuss such personal matters. It really is what makes a blog real and why I go back to your blog. Comparisons are probably the toughest thing to combat for me, I have tried to just remain down to earth when it comes to reading some blogs
Love all these reasons, it shows that it’s genuinely something you like doing
I proof read, sorta.. copy editing is like drilled into my brain from my PR courses but when it comes to blogging I like to keep it real haha
I have wanted to work at being a bit better about writing quality because it does kind of irk me but I am working on that. I do really enjoy blogging, a whole lot!
I never would have guessed that blogging would bring friends or blends. It’s such an amazing experience. And I fully agree with the not blogging for grammar
I wouldn’t have either, I consider some of them people I want to stay in contact with forever. Grammar will never be my forte sadly
Oh as for your question, I started last year when I was abroad. Then I started a new blog for food adventures. Then I started this one for what i thought would be summer adventures. At the time, I didn’t have an internship, so it was going to be my internship. Turns out it became a part of my life instead
Really? That is so cool! I love hearing about how people started. It makes me feel like I know them even more.
I think you are an awesome blogger. By the way, I used to despise writing too! Seriously, hated it. My dad is an amazing writer so growing up, I would always give my papers to him and he would return them bleeding with mistakes and say to me, “what are you trying to say?” I have since learned to write like I talk but it took a while. I think blogging has made me love writing. I think up until my blog, I hated writing and I was an English major! What did you major in by the way? I so admire your honesty in your blog.
I was the exact same way with my mom, I seriously always looked for her for her proofreading skills. I was a business and psych double major. Weird pair and totally not what I do now but I have to say life has a strange way of throwing random things your way
Oh silly me, I just flipped to your About Me page and found out!
My world ends when you don’t comment on my posts.
KIDDING. I <3 you, whether you comment or not (although honestly, I'm not sure you've ever not commented on one of my posts, so maybe my world would end if you didn't comment?? Hahaha).
You know, I definitely didn't start blogging as a way to make friends–it never even really crossed my mind that I could make friends this way–but man, my blogging friends have made such a difference in my blogging. For one thing I actually get comments and hits now (hahahaha) but I also kind of feel like blogging helps me develop relationships with my blog friends unlike my relationships with other people because they stay up-to-date on what's going on with me and my day-to-day life in a way my other friends kind of don't just by default. I mean, I'm not calling up my friend in North Carolina every day to be like, "So. Here's what I did today." Haha. Yeah. It's kind of hard to describe, I guess, but I really appreciate my blogger friends
I am pretty diligent about commenting just because I do like reading blogs (especially of some of my favorite people – you cough cough you). I so never thought I would make actual friends through my blog. I can’t believe this little group I have found through blogging and that I would see at least one or two of them weekly. It really helps being in a new place and having that. I didn’t think about this until you wrote it but the thing I love about blends is that you don’t have to do that small talk, heck they know more about your life than you would like (taking a pee in a tree, etc). it is right to the good stuff
Firstly I LOOOOVE the meme about the blowing guy teaching dance moves. LOL I’m dying. And of course the “Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Met” SNL sketch is a classic. I can do a pretty good impression of her, I must say. “Seth, you don’t even KNOW.”
I totally don’t proofread either!! Once I write something I feel like I already read it and I don’t want to read it again. I do a quick scan to try to make sure coding came out OK – like image captions, links, is this centered or justified alignment, etc. But actually re-reading what I just wrote, no way Jose. Funny because then I wonder why would anyone want to read it if I don’t even want to! But I feel like I just already did, since I wrote the post.
Have you ever considered going back into therapy? Not because I think you “need” it, but because I just feel like as long as I have stuff to work on I personally want to stay in therapy to keep getting those tools to fight the challenges I continue to face. And man it feels good to talk someone’s ear off and have them talk back right away, not just blog about it. Though blogging has done WONDERS for me in terms of being a form of therapy too!
Now I need to see that impression, SNL is still one of my favorite shows. I am so with you, my blog is super informal so the whole perfection with details I leave for my real world job. This is a nice break from that, I bet you feel the same way with your job. See, I wish I could do therapy here. I know that sounds weird but I loved it, however I have no idea how I would get to one, if I would have time for one. My jobs keep me so busy. I know excuses excuses but not something I could commit to at this point. The worst thing I would want to is feel even more stressed with it. When I go home though I actually have coffee dates with my old therapist, she was my lifeline and really helped me for over four years.
It’s hard finding a new therapist but I would maybe put a call out to people in the area in DC that you know of through blogging perhaps they have a recommendation for you for a therapist! I think therapy is SO important and I understand about not being stressed but you don’t want anxiety, the reason for doing therapy, to get in the way of doing it and gaining those tools. At first it may be tough but if your anxiety lessens as a result of therapy maybe you’ll end up less stressed than you were before you started! I also think ther eare search engines where you can find a therapist depending on specialty. Whatever decision you make I’m here to support always!
thanks Cait, it has and still is something my mom and I have been discussing because I know a lot of my anxiety and stress is still there. thanks for your support, it means a lot
I love everything about this post girl. Seriously, you hit the nail on the head with som much…i blog for many of the same reasons…wanted accountability and to get my thoughts out of my head ha…wanted to meet people and to write…always loved writing and wanted to work it into my life somehow…blogging was perfect
Blogging really did fit what I needed at this point in my life. I never thought it would be as rewarding as it is.
this is a great post like always! im glad you have your blog ! i started to blog because like so many blogs struggling with ED is hard to go through alone and with all people ive met and talked to so far help in every way and help other people along the way..its def my therapy too!
I do think that is a big part about my blog, I really blog because I want to share my story so that others can not go through what I had to. I feel like being real about my struggles is what people need to hear.
Hmm i honestly started because I had just moved back home and was bored…i needed some new adventures and totally found them! I love that i started, like you said I wouldn’t have made some AMAZING connections with people (i.e., you) and maybe I woudn’t be running a half marathon soon?? funny how life takes you
That is so awesome, I never realized that is why and when you started blogging. I am so happy to hear you have found this new part of you. I know blogging gets me motivated to race more.
I started blogging just to keep track of the books I was reading…whoops, I think I’ve gotten off-track over the past year or so…. I definitely don’t blog to put on a face either! If I think it, I’ll probably post it. If it’s horrifically embarrassing, I’ll definitely post it.
(And I edit grammar for a living, and I never notice big problems (or small ones, really) with your blog, so you’re good to go ;D
Oh gosh I am glad, I have a feeling though you probably cringe at my writing sometimes. No shame. Really that is why you started? I freaking love that. You are still someone I keep getting to know through your blog and I love that.
Isn’t that why blogging is fabulous?? How/why we all started, who we are, and why we keep at it (you know, in addition to all the fabulous ladies we get to “meet”!)
yes yes and yes.
I really enjoy your blog, Alex! I can’t remember how I stumbled up the blog world, but I am glad I did. From bloggers’ posts I found so many people that I could relate to about healthy living. I knew I wanted in to this community to share my healthy living experiences with the world, read about others’ experiences, meet new people, and to contribute and practice my exercise science and health promotion background with others. I have learned so much from so many bloggers and I look forward to what is to come!
That is very similar to me as well. I think at the time I didn’t really have people I connected with in real life, college was a struggle for me. I was a big time reader for almost two years before I decided that I should start my own. I am sure glad I did.
All of your readers can attest to the fact that we are glad you started your blog too!
Thank you, that means a lot!
Oh Alex, I just love this. You nailed so many good points. I love how honest you are, WIAW isn’t for you and you’re not afraid to say why. Though I do participate in WIAW for the fun of it, I do agree that comparison can be a dangerous trap, especially in the HL blog world. I have to bite my tongue sometimes when I see the disorderedness in the blog world. It makes me uneasy, but it is what it is.
I also agree with what you said on not letting blogging consume you. Sometimes I’m just downright tired of writing, or the comments are starting to feel half-hearted. That’s when I know that it’s time to take a step away from the computer and experience some real-life.
It’s interesting, but I can see SO many of your strengths through this post. Honesty, humor, modesty, confidence, poise.. You’re going places, girl. Have a good rest of your night!
I totally love some WIAW posts, I do. But I also hate some. it is a tough one. I think when I feel like I have to, that is when I need to step back and really put away the computer. Um, you are so sweet with that last bit. I think that is exactly what I wanted to get across. Nailed it, haha.
I always want to post a vanilla milkshake and a large McD’s french fry. an ideal wednesday meal
but i agree with you, i dont enjoy reading them b/c the standard seems too high.
You should. Because that sounds pretty perfect to me. I am pretty sure many would not approve of my less than pretty meals.
my dishes are from pier one circa 2001 and dont like to be photographed
Yeah girl YEAAHHH! I love it! I hateee when people give me the confused stink eye for why I blog. I’m like..bitch please, do you get free shit up the ying yang..didn’t think so! I blog because it’s FUN!! Because I do get free stuff, because I learn about new products and fitness ideas, and because of FRIENDS and because it’s just become a part of who I am!
You nailed it all. People seriously laugh it off which, fine by me, but kind of irks me too
Seeing as yours is my favourite blog, I’d have to say that what you’re doing is working. Reading your blog and having you as a friend has opened my eyes to SO many things — about myself and about the world. My life has been changed because you started blogging. So thank you for making the decision to begin. Thank you for continuing the way you have. And most of all, thank you for reaching out a hand to a girl in desperate need of a friend.
I started blogging because I kind of felt disconnected to those around me. Blogging made me feel more connected to everything, people, myself, my strengths. I just knew I wanted to share my stories with others so they wouldn’t have to go what I went through
How funny is that shirt!? Glad you blog (and get something out of it) because I enjoy reading it!!!
I know isn’t that shirt cool? Thank you!
I love all your reasons for blogging. When I first started blogging, the primary concentration was food. Nowadays, I found that my blog is moving towards the “lifestyle” category although I’m reluctant to categorize it as anything. One of my definite favorites about blogging are all the relationships I’ve built!
it is funny how we start out with one idea but then find we work better doing something else, hey it is all about progression I guess
One of the main reasons I started blogging was for accountability. I got that, but the relationships I have formed are something I didn’t expect and are probably the best outcome of the blog. So thankful for that! I have to admit though, I am a certified grammar nazi, haha. But for someone who doesn’t proof-read, your posts look pretty damn good, so no complaints!
eh don’t lie, I totally understand if you ever call me out. I know I should proofread but boy do I stink at it. I think the accountability thing was huge for me as well.
i love your honesty in this post, actually – your honesty is what I admire the most about you & your blogging. I too never proofread, so I feel you on that one. I hope you keep up blogging as long as you have the passion & get the benefits from it, as you are now. It is clearly evident through your posts and dedication to your blog that you enjoy it & in turn, we as your readers enjoy it more as well (:
Thank girl, I have to say I never thought I would get this into it but the amount i enjoy it really shows me that it is something I should continue with when I can.
Yes! These are the best reasons to blog.. or not blog.
I don’t as regularly as I’d like, but I always come back to it!
I love that sense of community, even if it’s only online.
I think it is good sometimes to step away and then come back, it makes you realize why you really want to blog. less of you have to blog
Great reasons and I completely agree! Blogging is a creative outlet for me to communicate with likeminded individuals…love the blends I’ve made along the way
!
I couldn’t agree more, i am still surprised at how many blends I have discovered
love this. I blog so that I can read the past and see how much I’ve grown. I’ve even used it to look back on what I did last year for father’s day. we apparently did the exact same thing! haha funny.
I do like that I can go back to my very first post and even first few to see how much I have evolved. Kind of cool
best thing ever
I completely agree with what you say in many of these. Especially the one about putting on a face in recovery. For a long time in my recovery I thought I had to hide when I was having a bad day because it meant I wasn’t really in recovery. And when I started blogging at first I would be so afraid to post my real struggles and my imperfections and my fears. That is slowly dwindling. And as for feeling the need to comment, I went through that for like a month but then I realized that commenting just to comment means absolutely nothing. I want to be true and honest which means sometimes I won’t comment. Doesn’t mean anything personal it just means I had nothing to say- good or bad.
that is something so awesome that you realized and that you know you want to work on. I bet you have so much support around you. keep on working on it girl!
I love and continue to read your blog because of everything it IS and ISN’T! Blogging is such a great outlet, and that’s partly why I do it too. And some people don’t get “why you would spill your guts to strangers” but that’s exactly part of it – the people who read regularly, we’re not strangers we’re you’re friends and we give advice when you need it, offer suggestions when you’re lost, and a lot of times give you an “OMG you too? I thought it was just me!” that makes you feel a little less alone in the world. I may only know you and all my other blogging friends through twitter and the blog but I feel more connected to some than to my real-life friends….the connections part of it is huge, especially connections with people who understand the feelings you have and the things you’re going through. And you’re blogging for all the right reasons – to be yourself, to keep yourself accountable, to help your recovery (mental) along, and to be an individual in a sea of disordered people. LOVE you!
Kate oh Kate, for some reason when I think of my first blogging buddy I think of you. I guess you have been a reader/ blogger/friend for the longest through this and have seen my blog evolve from the beginning .I have to say I learned a lot from when you blogged regularly and always saw you as super inspiring and still do. I am thinking about you these days with the recovery, I hope the hip is holding up.