Why should you blog?

Why should you blog?  Aren't there enough blogs out there?

Some of you want to start a blog, but you don't know how to get going...or even if you should.  You're wondering, "What's the point?  Why put my thoughts out there for everyone to see?".  But there's something about it that intrigues you.  Maybe after you read this, you'll be more inclined to start your own blog, or maybe you'll know for sure that you don't want to!

Let me talk about some of the reasons why I, personally, blog.  These are the main reasons:

- to share more of my life with family and friends
- a journal of memories to look back on
- a platform for sharing business updates
- a place to share my own projects, ideas and tutorials to hopefully inspire others
- a way to help me sort through my own personal challenges, thoughts and questions about life

And these are some secondary reasons or off-shoots that I have found in blogging:

- a great way to network with other bloggers and business-people
- a central hub for all the different things I do
- a way to practice writing and get feedback

I've heard people say in the past that blogging is shameless self-promotion for people who like to talk about themselves.  I guess that could be true in some cases, but I think it is much more than that.  I have found, in life, that one of the best ways to improve what you're doing and who you are, is to put yourself out there - take a risk of being criticized and corrected and then learn from it.  When it comes to feedback, you can use negative and positive feedback to your benefit.  It's all what you choose to do with it.

Blogging (or just writing, in general) has helped me to practice being open and vulnerable and not hold things inside.  It has helped me to realize that I have something important to say and I need to say it...if not for the good of others, at the very least, for my own good.  If I don't say it, who will?  I am in a place in life that is unique to me, so, how I say something, when I say it, and to whom I say it, are just as unique.  And if I have to opportunity to make a difference right now, then why not?

There have been countless blogs that have inspired me, encouraged me, made me feel not so alone, enlightened, informed, equipped, and motivated me to action and I will always be thankful for their "voice" in my life.  I want to be that to someone and the opportunity is right in front of me.  I guess that would be the last and biggest reason I blog.

So, do you want to blog?  If you really want to, what is stopping you?  If you don't want to, move on to something else.  There are always opportunities for you to use your talent, (maybe blogging is not one of them) but there is something for you.
For those of you who have been putting off starting a blog, don't put it off any longer!  You have something important to say and someone needs to "hear" it!  (and once you start your blog, let me know so I can visit!)