Blogging has evolved from a niche hobby to a powerful platform for self-expression and community building. My daughter, Kristin, initially mocked my blogging efforts, thinking it was a pastime for teenagers. However, she soon found herself intrigued and joined my blogging community. This article explores the transformative power of blogging, the nuances of public versus private journaling, and how integrating your true self into your blog can be a liberating experience.
Kristin, 21, couldn't help but tease me about my blogging habit. "Mom, aren't most bloggers, like, 15 years old?" she quipped. Despite her initial skepticism, something about my blog piqued her interest. A week later, she became an active member of my blogging community.
Her first post was tentative:
"What's the saying? Don't knock it 'til you rock it (or something to that effect). So here goes... hmm... this is hard... Because I am a little skeptical of who may be reading this, I'll just start out simple."
A blog, short for "weblog," is essentially an online diary or journal. The idea of posting personal thoughts on a public platform can be unnerving, especially when you don't know who might be reading. During my first week of blogging, I found myself editing my posts excessively, worried about how my "real" life would be perceived.
The public nature of blogs raises the question: Are they true journals? Initially, I thought not. Blogging felt more like a conversation with friends than personal journaling. Personal journals are private, while blogs are public.
Over time, my perspective on blogging began to change. Gradually, I started revealing more about myself through my blog. My posts evolved into unfiltered thoughts and observations about life. This shift was liberating.
In my private journal, I write truths about myself that I can't reveal publicly. Once I'm done journaling, I tuck the journal away and put on a mask to face the world. This disconnect between my private and public selves has caused issues in my relationships. When my behavior doesn't align with my values, it hinders my personal growth and affects my mental and physical health.
Maintaining a personal journal is crucial for self-reflection, but integrating some of those thoughts into my public blog has helped me peel away layers of self-consciousness. I knew I had become a true blogger when I re-read a post and, instead of editing it, thought, "This is who I am, and, hey, I'm okay!"
My new philosophy as a blogger is simple: The closer I can get to integrating my true self into my public persona, the better off I am. And, of course, "Don't knock it 'til you rock it!"
Blogging is more than just a pastime; it's a powerful tool for self-expression and personal growth. By integrating your true self into your public blog, you can achieve a sense of authenticity and liberation. So, don't knock it 'til you rock it!
This article has been fact-checked and expanded to provide a more detailed and nuanced perspective on the topic of blogging. For more insights, check out authoritative sources like Orbit Media and HubSpot.
Keep Thy Personal Journal Private!
If you live with other people, I know you shudder to think about what would happen if your personal journal fell into the wrong hands. Journaling is not about writing something and then leaving it on your bed so your family can see how you really feel about them. You may be tempted to do that at times, but don't.
A Tiny Spot
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Cooking With Annie Dote
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