Why Do I Blog? And Why Should You?

It was back in 2003 when I stepped into the world of blogging, not knowing which direction I will be taking in (hence, the nicheless blogs). I just did it because I needed to displace my anger and frustrations about family, school, relationships, and what I thought was a shitty life. I never knew blogging could be my breather. 

Despite being lost in the big world of blogosphere, it gave me my own space in cyberlandia, like a home where I can be myself. And the best of all, it felt like somebody was listening to everything I say, my lamest rants included, even though nobody (that I know of) was actually reading. It made me feel better knowing that I've let out an emotion that's about to burst. And still it does.

It has been ten years since the first time I typed my thoughts out loud. Those years of bitter-sweet and love-hate relationship I had with blogging helped me understand myself better, who I am in this world, and what I am becoming. It took me to a path where I can ponder about life and helped me realize what's meaningful and important. It gave me a voice, and even more so, made me strong enough to stand up to my opinions.

I do have weak points, however. Despite how blogging helped me in a lot of ways, I was guilty of abandoning not one but several blogs before. I have even purchased multiple domain names - now, all thrown into the pits of oblivion. Yes, there have been times when I feel incompetent or not good enough that I put away my pen and paper, or in this case, the blog. Or when I feel there is nothing else to write because my life can sometimes go on without flavor. Or when I simply am just lazy.

But I guess no matter how many times I get too busy or distracted or stuck or lost or insecure, or how long I go on hiatus, I always go back home to blogging, cuddle with it, and make love with it. I can never give up on blogging. Not completely. Not when I know that in one way or another, I inspire at least one soul. Not when I know that there are some people who enjoy reading my blog. Not when I know that each time somebody reads my posts, I offer them something, may it be a knowledge, an inspiration, a thought, or a connection. Not when I am told a lot of times to keep on writing. 

Yes, it has been ten years and I haven't gotten my blog a notch up. I mean, you don't see anywhere in this blog that screams "Hey I'm making money over here!", when in fact, I COULD HAVE. Perhaps that's what's fanning the flame alive. I write not for money, not to impress, or not for anyone but myself. I write just because I want to, and that reason is more than enough for me not to lose its ember.

I find it amazing how blogging allows me to capture one fleeting story of my life through words and be brave enough to share it across the globe, and even more amazing when it has touched one soul. And I wish to touch more through the stories I share.

I am posting this because I hope to encourage at least one person (that could be you) to write, to blog. To write what your heart speaks or what your mind thinks. To learn new things, to be challenged, to go beyond your fences and find your voice. Yes, it could be a rocky start. Discouraging even. And the frustration can sum yourself up as someone not good enough. Well, would it be a consolation if I tell you we've all been there? We all have to go through that phase because that is how we strive to learn, to explore, to do more.

It's not so hard to write, is it, Spongebob?

Now, here's something that may shake off whatever it is that's keeping you from writing: it doesn't take a talent to put down those thoughts into words. I firmly believe writing isn't a talent nor a gift. Yes, some people may start off with a knack for writing. Some people may have a way with words naturally. But it can be learned if and only if you choose to learn it. It can be developed. It can be polished. It can be mastered. All it takes is practice, practice, and more practice. And did I say practice? 

For someone who doesn't have a degree in English, has not taken any writing course, has not attended any training or workshops, nor is born with a gift, blogging is my training ground to hone my writing skills. I know I am still learning and have a long way to go. But if I made it this far (as I would like to believe), so can you. 

You don't have to be a writer to blog. But who knows? There might be a writer inside you waiting to be discovered if you start one. So sit down, grab a pen, and see how blogging can change your life.  :) 

Here, have some chocolates. It can make you feel better, next to blogging.