Monday, March 3, 2008

Why do we blog?

I love blogs. I love "keeping up" with friends through their pictures and updates online. If it wasn't for blogs, I wouldn't know about 85% of what I do about my friends. But I am at a rock and a hard place when it comes to blogging... what do people want to know?

As many of you know, this has been a very rough few months for me, full of changes, not all bad at all, but changes nonetheless. Brandon and I started out the changes by moving out to West Texas so that Brandon could take a job in IT. That was a great move for us, but it hasn't been without its own struggles. Then, within weeks of moving, I lost my mother within hours of finding out she had a life threatening disease. I went down to help her recover from what we thought was a bad case of pneumonia, and ended up staying to plan her memorial service. The blog world comforted and mourned with me during this time. I feel as though this blog has provided me with a place to vent, to unwind, but it hasn't been without struggles. If I go beyond just what is happening, and write about my feelings, I have always had someone get their feelings hurt, most of the time, completely unintentionally.

Thus, the reason for weeks of nonblogging. Is this blog merely a place for pictures and short updates, or should blogs be able to be deeper than that? I love reading about others and their joys and struggles. I have learned so much from others getting real on their blogs and sharing what truly is on their minds and their hearts. So I am really contemplating... do I dare blog about what is on my mind, or do I keep posting pictures and quick updates. Does the blog world think that I share too much? I do not want to just complain on here, there are wonderful things that are happening too, but even those blogs bring on unsolicited negative comments as well. Is it worth it?

I'd love your input. What do you think? I'm debating this and I guess my next post will tell what I have decided.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dee-It is good to hear from you in the "blog world"...I, for one, enjoy reading the "real deal" if that makes sense. I have trouble throwing that down in my blog at times because it's hard to know who is reading it...etc etc. But...I welcome the honesty, and I think that you always express yourself so well. I say...keep going. : ) Praying for you...

Raena said...

Blogs are a great plave to vent. I have found that in telling my true feelings about life, it has brougth me comfort and deeper relationships. Especially, with friends I didn't even know were going through similar experiences. So, go ahead, share. Feelings are feelings, they are yours, and they aren't meant to hurt others. Hugs to you Miss Dee.

Melody Forest McKee said...

I am always "scared" of what people may think when I write what I am really feeling. But as I write, I realize that there are so many out there that are struggling with the same things...and that provides comfort. I will continue to read your blog whether or not you chose to wear your heart on your sleeve. I love you either way :)

Anonymous said...

Please don't go Dee!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I actually enjoy reading the "real stuff" more than the "fluff." But - I agree, it is very difficult to share the real stuff. Either way, I always enjoy peeking in on your life. :)

Rachel said...

I think the real stuff is what's important. I know that right now I crave hearing from my friends on thru my blog. I'm facing some hard things and it's a place where I can lay my feelings out there and my pals can console me from across the country.

FeedingYourMind said...

I read your blog last night, but didn't comment. I'm commenting now (like you cared to hear all that...HA HA HA!)

So, here's what I think for what it's worth...

I've personally always tried to stay away from being a blogger that does that "well I haven't written in a while, here's what I've been up too" kinda stuff. I honestly am not one to write entries about what I did that day (or over the past week). Now, I realize I don't get the blog following that some of my friends that DO write those types of blogs get, but I also realize I don't have all my family, aunts/uncles, cousins, grandparents, boyfriends/ex's, and my cousin twiced removed subscribed too and reading my blog entries either.

The great thing about blogging is you do it in whatever form you want. If you want to make it your place to just say "today I went to work and my coworker grossed me out because she _____. And then tonight, my husband and I cuddled up and watched Sleepless in Seattle" then that's your style and that's fine. Honestly, some people love that and some people actually anticipate reading blogs like that.

As for blogging and worrying about hurting feelings. Ummm...it's one thing to directly point people out and talk about them on such a public venue, but I think it is possible to vent/release feelings in a way that is tactful (in efforts to not hurt people's feelings), yet still give yourself an out and get the advice and social support from others from the comments realm.

I can honestly say there's been MANY a times I've thought about starting up an additional blog and making it completely anonymous and using it strickly for venting and getting support when I'm frustrated and I don't want to get people upset with me, but I still need to get stuff out (and it's free versus getting a counselor...HA HA HA HA!) ;)

Okay, I'll shut-up now. [Can you tell why I didn't comment yesterday...I knew it would take me some time to leave the comment...HA!]

Lauren said...

I love reading all about the "real life" stuff that everyone is going through. I personally post more pics than writing because right now I am just so tired with a newborn. I love reading all the comments you post on my blog...so very sweet! I love the blog world because it is such a great way to reconnect with wonderful friends!! Say what's in your heart! Blogging really is therapy :) Sending big hugs your way!

Estee said...

DeeDee- So glad you have posted a new entry! I have missed reading all that you have to say. As a relatively new blogger, I think that you should speak from the heart. Say what you feel and you will always be welcomed with open arms. I have missed you. Keep it up. Love you, Estee