No one is more surprised than I am by the joy I’ve gotten from blogging over the years.
My journey into blogging started in response to a challenge from a coaching friend of mine.
Not long after I turned 50.
I happened to mention to her in passing that I’d been playing with the idea of blogging, for years.
The next thing I knew, in typical coaching style, she was holding me accountable for posting my first blog that same week.
I was terrified at first.
But secretly up for the challenge.
Because I knew deep down inside of me there was a writer dying to get out.
I’ll never forget the feeling I had when I clicked “publish” that very first time. It was a mixture of pure delight.
And absolute terror.
(The same way I felt when I posted my very first video on YouTube).
I hardly slept that night.
Looking back I don’t think anyone even read my first blog.
Except for the friends I sent it to the next day.
It was still thrilling nonetheless!
Hearing my friends’ words of encouragement gave me the extra nudge I needed to continue down the terrifying path of blogging.
But if I was so terrified, why are blogs so good, you ask?
(Or maybe you didn’t, but I’m gonna tell you what I think anyway!)
Why not just continue along the safer path?
The one where I write in a private journal like I’ve done for so many years?
(and keep my thoughts hidden)
Good question.
Here’s why blogging turned out to be so good for me. And can be for you (no matter how old you are).
Blogging let me speak my truth. Out loud.
Something I’ve been wanting – no, aching – to do my whole life.
It reminds me of my younger, carefree days.
When I traveled abroad and wrote long heartfelt letters to my friends back home.
I didn’t critique or over-analyze my words, I just lived in the moment and spoke my truth on paper.
At the time it felt wonderfully freeing to express my emotions so openly.
Later many of my friends would tell me how much those letters had meant to them.
That they’d cherished them like special gifts.
Blogging feels like I’m still writing those letters.
Connecting soul to soul with my friends. Other like-minded women.
Still sharing my gifts.
Blogging has given me an outlet for authentic self-expression.
Something I’ve been craving for years.
It’s a way for me to share ALL of me.
The parts I often keep protected and hidden from the world.
The qualities that ultimately make me the best version of myself.
My empathy and compassion.
Rawness and vulnerability.
My humour and my heart.
Blogging lets me connect to all of those parts of me.
And to freely share them with others.
And that feels pretty darn good.
So what about you?
Have you ever wondered if you should start a blog? And if blogging is your thing?
Why not give it a try? Challenge yourself to get outside of your comfort zone.
And see what happens.
You might get a nice little surprise like I did. And find out why blogs are good for you, too!
Kerry xo