Why blog?

Michelle Appleby - 18 Aug 18

In amongst my usual anxieties, overthinkings and second guesses, I’ve been considering my writing and why I do what I do. In my short time writing, it has been suggested that I write to vent (sort of true), to share information (definitely true), to shame (totally untrue) and to benefit myself (true). But there’s much more to it than that.

Yes, writing about emotions and personal experiences is incredibly cathartic. It gives an emotional outlet, similar to counselling or therapy, and is immensely beneficial to my emotional and mental wellbeing. It enables me to record what is happening at a given point in time and how I’m feeling, to sort those thoughts, feelings and experiences and to lay some of them to rest. But it’s more than that…

Writing about experiences makes them “real” (I’ve had massive issues with validity and believability). It gives a point in time to reflect back on and see change and progress. History is full of “blogs”, markers in time, from which to measure progress: Anne Frank’s Diary, the work of Samuel Pepys, the big JC and his lifework (the Bible)… all ways of recording experiences, understanding people/societies and measuring change. But it’s more than that…

Sharing can be cathartic for others, normalising experiences, thoughts and ideas, and combatting feelings of isolation. Over recent years, I’ve found reading the blogs and books of other likeminded women reassuring and empowering. I hope that my writing can offer that to others. But it’s more than that…

Its connection.

Since starting my blog, I have connected with soooooooo many people (and they with me). I love that. It’s what life and being a human is all about. And, truth be told, it’s a huge part of what has been missing in my life over the past few years.

The venting and cathartic writing is a good OUTlet, but it is also a good INlet. People read my instagram posts and blogs on my bad days and, before I know it, I have texts, whatsapps and comments to ask if I’m ok and if I need anything (bloody LOVE my friends!). My blog gives me a way to connect with likeminded, lovely humans all at the same time, to reach out when I’m in need and let others in. It’s never my aim to get friends to text. That connection is just a wonderful by-product.

Other people read my blog and have contacted me privately to tell me that they identify with something I’ve written. Many have been through or are going through something similar. (I was at a party only yesterday where three mums, myself included, were chatting about last weeks breastfeeding blogs!) My writing has started conversations, given jolly good laughs and been helpful and cathartic for THEM. It gives a connection with themselves, something we busy mums rarely have time for. And it gives a connection with someone who can empathise, understand and normalise. (That’s me!)

But I also love that my blog has created a wee international community of readers and supporters. Every few days (over the summer especially), I look at my blog stats and can see what is being read, and where in the world it’s being read. I see lists of countries and am amazed my words are making it overseas! (I know that’s the basis of the WORLD WIDE web but it’s still amazing to me!) I often know exactly who is reading in each place. I see pals at home in Norway and Ireland and the UK. I see others on holiday in Mexico and Spain. I’ve even picked up a few readers from across the Atlantic! I love that! I feel connected to them by knowing where they are and that they are reading. (I’m aware I may be starting to sound like a stalker… I’m not. I just LOVE seeing how far and wide my wee blog community is spreading. And not in an arrogant way. Just a keeping the good vibes kind going of way.)

All those connections… that’s why I keep doing what I do. And will do for as long as possible.

Thank you to everyone for connecting with me from wherever you are in the world. I appreciate it so much. Peace out! 😘

Michelle Appleby

I’m a mum, a wife, a teacher and, above all else, a human. A human who has struggled to feel “good enough” most of her life but is slowly getting it right for herself, writing about life’s lessons along the way. (I’m defjnitely NOT a blogger type, whatever they are: I just like writing therapeutically.) **all views are MY OWN and not affiliated with any organisation or professional body**

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