7 Good Reasons to Blog

Having a blog is a very personal endeavor.  I find it interesting that someone can lay their feelings out there for everyone to see.  While I enjoy reading their stories, I’ve always wondered why they would “bare all” to the world.  But now I think I understand, at least a little.   It’s cleansing in a way, and is forcing me to look a little deeper into my reactions, relationships, ambitions, and motivations.  Self-examination leading to self-knowledge?  Maybe.  It could be an outlet – like talking to a therapist.   Or a way to help others while helping myself.   I’ve been considering this for quite some time. Come along with me.

Here is my reasoning and justification for doing this:

To Help Others

Something I know, something I say, some nugget of wisdom may be useful to someone else in the world.  My experiences could be an encouragement for someone wanting to try new things, or provide a reason they shouldn’t.  I might have a recipe to share, a travel recommendation, or a funny story to bring a smile.

Preservation of Information

My parents are in their 80’s.  For some time, my sister and I have been trying to get them to write down stories of the past and information about family that they only have in their memories. Having this blog could be an outlet for documenting some of the times I’ve shared with them and with others in my life.  Things not known about me, my past, my viewpoints, my hopes and dreams.   Ok, I know.  That might sound a little corny and over-the-top, but you get my drift.  A blog could be here, even after I’m gone.

Social interaction

I have been self-employed for over 25 years, with an office at home most of that time.  This has been great for many reasons:  I am my own boss and make my own hours, in control of the procedures and responsible for outcomes.   I was flexible when my boys were still at home, and didn’t have to send them to daycare or worry about their after-school activities as they got older.  The downside of working from home for so many years is the social aspect.  Having contact with the outside world during work time is only through phone calls and a weekly visit to client offices.  I’ve really missed the “office buddies”, employee lunches, socializing with coworkers.  The internet has been a way to interact with people outside my world.

 Income

My husband is talking about retirement.   I could retire as well, but being self-employed means I don’t get a regular paycheck if I don’t work.  He has a nice retirement plan through his long-time employer and will receive a check every month even when he no longer goes to work.  I’ve put money away over the years, but I’d like to leave that invested.  Not that I expect to make a fortune blogging, but I hope eventually it may generate a little income.

Flexibility

The work I do now ties me to the “office” most of the time during the week.  Vacations have been more difficult to arrange since no one covers my desk when I’m out.  Even being self-employed, there are clients expecting production every day.   Blogging is mobile and can be done from anywhere in the world and the responsibility is only to myself (and my loyal followers, when I have some).

Self-Improvement

As we age, our memory and sharpness start to fade.  Blogging requires thought, research, creativity and decision-making, as well as a host of other skills.  Writing ability can improve with practice.  It can help keep the mind active and exercise the brain.  It feels good to be thinking in a different way while producing this blog.

 It’s the Right Time

Right now it’s winter.  Winter in the Midwest is cold and ugly.  I don’t like the cold, so I stay huddled up indoors looking for something to keep me busy.    My present work clients are older and are looking to retire in the next few years.  My plan is to fade out my business as they retire.  This endeavor could possibly be off to a good start by the time my business life is finished.  This is a good time to focus on starting a blog, so here we go.

Social Interaction, preservation of information, income, flexibility, self-improvement, and helping others are all good reasons to blog. And for me, it’s definitely time.

Your reasons may be different from mine, but just as valid.  What are/were your reasons? Leave a comment and tell me your story.  I’d love to hear from you!

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