Why Blog?

BLOG: a contraction of the term "weblog" - a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog. (Wikipedia)

So I've been doing some thinking lately about why I have a blog. I've asked myself a few questions:

• What purpose does my blog serve? Does it even serve a purpose?


• What's my motive for writing it? Attention? Insecurity? Public humiliation?


• What should I be aiming for in writing a blog?


• Why isn't my blog better than it is?

I really do enjoy reading blogs - and there is no shortage on the internet. You can easily waste hours of your day clicking from one to the next. I read spiritual blogs, news blogs, adoption blogs, decorating blogs, blogs detailing life with little ones at home and with empty nests, blogs written by people who are able to describe ordinary events with wit and humor. I love great photography and links to new blogs I haven't discovered.

So... where does that leave me? My blog - this blog - is a pitiful conglomeration of several of those categories. How does the saying go? If you try to do too many things, you end up doing none of them well.

A good blogger, so I've read, posts every day.
Strike one.
A good blogger is original and doesn't steal from other blogs.
Strike two.
A good blogger gets lots of comments.
Strike three.

My blog is not a force for social change. It is not a well-spring of helpful information. It does not have snappy headlines. I don't think it's really done anything for my social life.

Do I wish I were as funny as Big Mama? As creative as The Nester or Melissa @ The Inspired Room? As talented a cook, photographer and all-around homemaker as The Pioneer Woman? As unflinchingly honest as Jon @ Stuff Christians Like? As gifted with a camera as Meg @ Whatever or Darby @ Fly Through Our Window? As inspiring as Beth @ the LPM Blog? YES! The answer is YES!

But since I'm me and not them, I'm going to continue to try to find what my purpose is in this bloggy endeavor. I like writing here. I've always wanted to write and this has given me some motivation to sit down and take the time to put my thoughts to digital paper. I enjoy what little feedback I get - it's so fun to get a comment!! I love to share cool ideas, inspiring stories and funny content. It helps me process some of what can too fleetingly go through my mind.

I'll try to check my motives often to see if I'm just feeding my need for attention or validation. If I discover that's all I'm after, I'll shut 'er down. (Wow. Where did that phrase come from?)

Thanks for listening to me think. Any thoughts you'd like to share? Leave a comment and you will have my undying gratitude. And $10,000.