And by "those" I mean that one person who continually shoots down the thought of chronicling the events in my life, or writing out the story of different experiences, or sharing cool things or just plain being silly on the keyboard. Yeah, this one is for you honey. You probably aren't reading it because "oh lord, blogs".... So I'll make my list of reasons why this is awesome and move on, sweet cheeks. |
I have let--LET a person tear down my self confidence in almost every aspect of life because I loved them, and cared about what they thought. However, the songs I sang, the clothes I wore, the way my NAILS looked, the friends I kept, the family I have, the ideas I wanted to try, the music I love--none of this was good enough and really needed to change for me to fit into their picture.
When I mentioned something about starting a blog for this trip--oh heavens WHAT a stupid idea, they can't "handle" their drama and the thought of putting the events of your life out into the world for uninterested people to skim over.
I will admit, writing out anything deeper than the cereal you had for breakfast comes with a risk of judgment. Shoot, someone will PROBABLY have a problem with your cereal choice (oatmeal, banana, about a cup of honey, a drizzle of milk, maybe some jam ;) And heavens, if you choose to share opinions or thoughts on anything more controversial than that, you will hear about it from all sides of the coin.
You'd be surprised but coins seem to have many sides.
But you know what I also realized last night? This judgment I felt, that I let tear me down, comes from non other than their own insecurities. All these condescending looks, comments, and unspoken thoughts are a projection of what they personally struggle with. And this is true for everyone.
When it's put like that, I begin to grasp the idea of not taking things personally, and the importance of valuing my own thoughts. EVERYONE is making opinions based on the color glasses they are looking through. Why let this stop you from pursuing something your excited about?
So without further ado, I want to list reasons why I think blogging can be an awesome thing.
One: Blogging is a great way for people to know you aren't a victim like the girl in the movie "Taken"
I up and left the country with a rather open ended plan and no real idea where I would end up. Naturally, people are curious and concerned, and blogging is perfect for letting the masses (who want to know) what's going on. I'm okay and alive and your fears about the movie TAKEN have not come true.
Two: Blogging is a great reflection tool.
This also puts them in a place where we can look back and realize hmmm....those bright ideas weren't so bright. Perspective is key, and writing in the present OR looking back after some time offers some of the deepest reflections we can ask for.
Three: You can offer what you have to offer to the world.
Also, there are SO MANY BLOGS out there offering advice, tips, secrets, stories, recipes, how-to-build-car-engines, fashion, being new parents, political stories, world news, how to pack, how to write, career ideas ECT. ECT. ECT.
There is something for everyone. Want to hear from an experienced female world traveler? Click here.
Want to hear from an amazing writer about dating, or procrastination, or how to learn languages? boom--right here.
Want to see some KILLER home made products that everyone needs to buy for somebody in their life? click this button ====> BUTTON (this may or may not be my awesome roommates site)
Four: You can make money doing this.
There are many, MANY, people who have made writing their life, and have found a way to live off of it. There are also people who keep it as a side gig, bringing in a small income, maybe enough to fund a small trip or put a downpayment on a car.
What I'm saying is, if you want to put in the time and commitment, blogging is not stuck in this box of being a "hobby". It can be much bigger than that box. Depending on your imagination, practicality, and goals, it can reach many people and leave a beautiful foot print. :)
Five: It's a built-in Resume'.
Having a positive online influence may one of the best things that could happen for your career :)