On Blogging
I was having a real life, face to face conversation with someone the other day, about how difficult it can be to meet new people. I have a small miniscule circle of friends, some of whom I have met through Mollie’s friends! I have a couple of ‘old’ friends- those I rarely see, but love to death regardless. I’ve made a couple of new friends over the last 12 months, as a result of changing jobs a couple of times. They are all important to me.
What I have discovered since beginning this whole blog adventure, is literally an entire world of potential friends. What is the magic of blogging? Is it the anonymity? The ability to be real without fear of judgement or reprisal? In my first ever blog, I queried why anyone would bother to blog, hence the title of this blog: whybother?
Well, I have the answer. Friendship. Unexpected. Rare. Genuine. Unfettered. There are no geographical boundaries. There is nothing to be afraid of, or ashamed of. Only those who are interested will read it anyway. Only those who are moved in some way will comment. In some ways, these are the most real relationships there are. Honesty. Raw emotion. Being vulnerable. Expressing thoughts, emotions and experiences we may never share in the ‘real’ world. Laughing out loud at someone else’s misfortune. Crying with empathy for someone else’s sufferings. Venting, without fear of offending or upsetting or hurting someone. Free therapy!
I have been honoured to ‘meet’ the following people. They have all touched me in some way. In a world where it can be difficult to increase our social contacts, where everyone is ‘busy’, doing what they must, this is a safe place of friendship and support. If I was even remotely capable of designing a button, I would, and each of you would receive it. It would be called the ‘thank you for coming into my life’ button, and I would happily give it to (in no particular order):
Lightening (with special thanks)
Thanks, guys.
You know Tracey.. you have taken the words out of my mouth.. I think I might have said something similar in a comment to Tiff, just today.. Thankyou Heaps and Heaps..I
cheers Kim xxx
Comment by kim — January 31, 2008 @ 8:30 pm
I..pressed enter before I meant too.. hehehe *smootches*
my hubby hates the computer.. absolutely loathes the time I spend here.. when I posted my photos of santa in the sky here on xmas eve.. Kellan in Texas told me that her daughter was giddy with excitement knowing that santa had finished in tassie and would soon be in Texas…That made my day.. and made the spouse shut up… for a bit anyways hehehehe thanks sweety..
Comment by kim — January 31, 2008 @ 8:37 pm
I can’t believe I lost my subscription to you somewhere. I am a bad bad blog friend. Sorry!
Before I started blogging I was terribly lonely. I felt isolated and I hated it. Now, I have discovered so many people who ‘get’ me and I’m not lonely anymore.
Comment by Veronica — January 31, 2008 @ 8:57 pm
thanks Tracey - I
Comment by Babyamore (Trish) — January 31, 2008 @ 10:05 pm
Exactly! You hit the nail on the head.
BLogging is everything when you feel that you have little
Comment by Tiffany — February 2, 2008 @ 7:57 pm
Wow, well said, thanks for the inclusion.
Comment by Joh — February 2, 2008 @ 10:35 pm
Hi Trace; I’m so honoured to be included in this esteemed list of great blog friends. I started blogging for the same reasons, plus I can type more quickly than I can write so when someone suggested journaling as a cathartic way of expressing my thoughts, I started my blog. I never dreamed anyone would ever read my posts, let alone give me so much support, humour, insight and importantly, validation of the way I am feeling. I may not always like what they say, but they are engaging me in a way that is safe and without risks. Good for you Trace and good for all of us in this blogosphere of friendship
Tracey x
Comment by Texs Missus — February 3, 2008 @ 7:11 pm
You know Tracey… I think there’s a lot of truth in what you say… well here’s an invitation to “my place” to have a wander round some time… come and go as you please… and hopefuly feel at home.
Comment by Doug — February 19, 2008 @ 7:01 am