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I started blogging long before it was a thing. I am willing to bet that many of the amazing writers that I come across perusing the internets started out earnestly scribbling in one of those diaries that has a heart-shaped lock on it.
That scribbling helped to develop my love of writing and played a huge role in venting all of that angst I built up as an awkward, skinny teenager. Eventually, I discovered blogging, and as I can type much faster than I can scribble, it was suddenly much easier to get my thoughts down. Soon, a hobby was born.
Eventually, my blog became something more than just a hobby. I began to put myself out there and invite others to read my thoughts. It was a contradiction for a private person like myself, but the person inside of me, who feels that words are art, was willing to share. Now, my blog, {…a breezy life}, has a small clutch of readers who mean the world to me. Sharing my story was the best decision I ever made.
How To Share Your Story Through Blogging
I often have people tell me “I have been thinking of starting a blog…” and my answer is always “Do it!” Without hesitation. But to get the most out of your time, your words, and your potential reach, you have to be your own mirror.
1. Be Real
You have a story to tell. It is worthwhile and real. The best way to tell it is to just tell it. When you put your real self on the screen, you can intimately connect with your readers. When I started putting myself out there as a writer, I had no idea that, on occasion, my e-mail box would bring small whispers of “Me, too.” Hitting the Publish button is like reaching out for a handshake in real life. You want to smile, use a firm grip, and look the person in the eye. Take off the armor and just be you.
2. Be Brave
Telling your story can be scary. Facing the dark stuff is hard. Do it anyway. Before anyone else reads a word, putting your life on paper can help you reflect and learn from the victories and defeats. If you’re feeling afraid, there is no better safety net than the cover of anonymity provided by the computer screen. That’s not to say that blogging should be a vehicle for being unkind and mean, but it does give you the chance to offer the things that are true and meaningful to someone that might benefit from your view.
3. Reap Rewards
Being Real and Brave is worth it. When my son was diagnosed with Autism, I sat down at the computer. When my husband and I separated, I sat down at the computer. I typed and typed and told my story. I wasn’t sure if anyone was listening, but I told it anyway. My reward for that was learning that someone was listening. A friend from the Midwest sent her love when I confessed that I was terrified of Autism. An amazing woman from Texas reached out and held my virtual hand when my marriage was on the rocks. I live in New Jersey and have never laid eyes on these women in my life. But, I told my story and my reward came in the form of friendships I never would have made otherwise.
To anyone who has ever thought of blogging, I can say with certainty that you will not regret it. You will never regret using your talents as a writer to tell the best story of all – yours!
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“Facing the dark stuff is scary. Do it anyway.” Is there anything more empowering than this? Also, thank you for reminding me of my diary with the heart-shaped lock … it’s been years since I’ve thought about that little jewel.
YES! All true! It is a way of connecting even as we process life. And it’s funny, how bonded we become to the people who respond to our writing…
I just couldn’t agree more and it is our own unique voices that really do help make our stories that much more real and have readers come back time and time again. Thanks for sharing!
This is all so true, and you state it so eloquently. I don’t blog to share my story as much as I want to make bookish friends since no one IRL is a reader, but I do put my personal thoughts and things and share about milestones.
I love this so much, Brie–thank you for sharing. You’re absolutely right… only we can create and give voice to our life stories, and there is something cathartic about sitting down to write to an audience of people that we eventually form very real relationships with. Thank you for sharing your story here, too, and for opening up about parts of your life that weren’t always easy.