the written word

I just went back and read a post from January 21, 2009. And shuttered at the words that were written down on html paper. 

At what point do you become a writer? I don't really qualify myself as one now, even after 4 years of blogging. But it is interesting to go back and see what kind of a person you were in years past.

I was at happy hour this past Friday and got into a conversation with a co worker about my blog and why I write. For a long time I was able to hide this little corner, but word spread and now I'm certain I have coworkers peepin (hi Eric!).  I certainly don't mind. Nothing in my life has ever been withheld. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and this blog is certainly no different than my actual life. 

But what I find curious currently is how I got here. How did I become this person that people find interesting enough to come back day in and day out? I have never been into blogging for the numbers. Or the freebies. Or the money. I know that's the case for some. A journey into a world that some people base their self worth upon the number of people that log in and comment on something. Or the people that think that 1,000 followers qualifies their shit to smell like roses and gives them a sense of entitlement.

To each their own I suppose. The way I see it, the rise to the "top" of whatever this blogging game is might be important for some. But it's not for me. Seeing my growth as a writer. Establishing some real, genuine friendships. Receiving emails from the occasional reader that finds my sarcasm and wit  to be uplifting.  Comforting myself in times that I am struggling with being a mom or a wife. Knowing that I have an outlet to release some toxic energies in the form of Eff Bombs and self deprecating humor. That's the shit that really matters to me. 

I have become a better person because of blogging. I have grown and seen changes in my life that have been positive. Sure I have gotten my fair share of freebies in the process, but for me, this is my life. This is one of the ways that I cope with some of the day to day stresses. 

We're such a unique community. While I wish that every blogger could be in it for the love of the game, not the money, it also makes those of us that nurture our blogs that much more special. Genuine unique women (and men - heeeeey Chris!) that lean on strangers and find solace in the written word. 

I love blogging.