April 7, 2007

Happy Anniversary, to Me!

I wrote my very first blog post one year ago today.  Several hundred posts later, I’m still blogging strong.  I’d like to say that blogging has been an amazing experience for me.  After the first month, I fell in love.  Blogging has become one of my favorite hobbies. 

Initially, I didn’t feel like a blogger.  I simply wrote because I was inspired by other bloggers and I had always loved writing.  I cannot tell you how many times I’ve contemplated writing a book (or how many unfinished drafts I have laying around).  In fact, I’ve got a great book idea on the brain right now (and a used laptop holding all my disconnected words, sentences and paragraphs).

In high school, I wanted to be a journalist.  I still regret not following through with that dream.  There’s still time.  I just have to adjust my plan.  Everything happens for a reason, and these detours are not setbacks.  They are simply other paths of my journey.  Destination Writer.  That’s what I’ll call it.

I first realized I was truly a blogger when I started thinking in blog posts.  I know you all know exactly what I’m talking about.  It didn’t matter where I was or what I was doing, I would collect thoughts and ideas if only to put them into a draft, never to be published.  In fact, I have many drafts staring at me as if to ask, “Are you going to actually publish us in the next decade?”

Looking back on my archives I find myself laughing a lot and wondering what the hell I wrote.  I mean, I know what I wrote, but some of these posts are boring and redundant.  I suppose I was just trying on the blogging pants and now that they fit perfectly, I’m determined to write entries of substance.  No more crazy, disconnected posts.  I can’t seem to connect all these dots.  But it’s my goal to try and succeed.

I’ve decided to take a writing class at my local university.  It’s rather expensive for a one day course, but I think it might be worth it.  I think I really need to do it for myself.

And I bought several books on writing, just for ideas and clarity.  My second year of blogging will be works of quality not quantity. 

A friend asked me to share the lessons I’ve learned in a year of writing.  I thought and thought and thought some more.  Thinking of all the words I’ve plastered on my blog for all the world to see…I remembered so much.

I’ve written about abortion.  More than once.  Three times, actually.  I’ve debated feminism and working moms vs. stay-at-home-moms.  I’ve discussed my emotional and mental crazies.  I’ve revealed how difficult motherhood can be.  Yet, so rewarding.  With each and every blog post, I’ve learned something new.  Whether through writing my blog or reading the blogs of others, I’m constantly learning, changing and growing. 

This is what blogging is all about.  Writing, reading, socializing, connecting, debating, discussing, becoming activists, creating, shaping, helping, loving and supporting.  All of these things symbolize this hobby I’ve grown to love.

I leave you with the Seven Important Lessons I’ve Learned in a Year of Blogging.

1. Writing is a window to the soul.  When you publish, you open that window.  (Sometimes blog trolls sneak in through that window.  Watch out for these people, they’re mean and they suck.)
2. The Blogosphere is somewhat scary, but once you learn to navigate through it, blogging is fun and the community is more supportive than discouraging.
3. The label “Mommy Blogger” is more of a compliment than an insult.  Mommies rule the blogosphere and it’s a tough group to dissolve.  The “Mommy Bloggers” support each other and it’s an amazing community to be a part of.
4. When you feel like giving up, write about it, but never publish it.  You’ll regret the negative energy in public print.
5. You will lose friends while blogging, but it’s simply because they do not understand what you do — and you can’t expect them to.
6. The bloggers you meet are some of the most wonderful and caring people.  You’ll truly feel connected with their energies.
7. Blogging is addictive.  Be prepared for a complete life change.  A life change that is good. 

I’m having an anniversary drink (Non-alcoholic!  It’s 9 a.m.)  Here’s to one year.  What a ride.  Man, the time flew by.  I’ve been blogging for a whole year.  I think I have to let that sink in for a bit.

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7 Responses to “Happy Anniversary, to Me!”

1. April 7th, 2007 at 9:55 am, yoshi Says:

   Happy anniversary! Here’s to more to come!

2. April 7th, 2007 at 11:03 am, Leslie Says:

   Congratulations! Happy Anniversary!

3. April 7th, 2007 at 1:03 pm, Eric Says:

   Happy Anniversery Pretty Lady!

   Sorry I’ve been away for so long. I’m back, though — I think.

   Glad to see most of the people I’ve missed catching up on are still going strong.

   Take care!
   Eric

4. April 7th, 2007 at 3:11 pm, Janet a.k.a Wonder Mom Says:

   Happy Happy anniversary to you!!!!

   I love this post.

5. April 7th, 2007 at 7:12 pm, Elizabeth Says:

   I agree with every one of your Seven Important Lessons! Happy Blog Birthday from your fan, devoted Reader and BlogHer roommie!!

   xoxoxoxo
   Elizabeth

6. April 8th, 2007 at 7:18 pm, Nancy Says:

   Happy Bloggiversary!

7. April 9th, 2007 at 11:54 am, kapgar Says:

   Nothing wrong with making yourself a better writer. Thankfully, I do not have similar aspirations. I’ll settle for waddling in my self-made pool of writing shame.

   Happy anniversary, too! I know I just got over here. But at least it was in time to wish you a happy one, right?

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