Tuesday, October 20, 2009

So...why do you blog?

This has been on my mind lately.

Lately I have been trying to figure out ways to:
- simplify
- manage my time and space better
- find more time and energy for my children
- prioritize
- declutter my house and my mind
- reduce stress

I have mainly been focusing on my family and home, hoping to find some sort of balance and order in our daily activities. I have been reflecting a lot on how I spend my time.

Blogging, and computer time, obviously was part of this discussion in my head. Is blogging necessary? Is it a positive outlet? Does it help me accomplish any goals? Does it help me be who I want to be? Does it take away from other things I want to or should be doing? How does it fit into my day? Does it create more stress? Relieve stress?

All of these things have been on my mind. I find myself gravitating to the computer a few times a day. I'm wondering if I'm using the computer to escape, to recharge, to connect with the outside world, or if it's just a habit. Hmm. Things to keep thinking about. I haven't come to any concrete conclusions.

I know that blogging and computer time has been very therapeutic for me. It is a positive outlet for me. I enjoy writing. I enjoy trying to organize my thoughts on a page so I can package them up nicely and decide if I want to throw them away, dwell on them for a bit, or save them for a rainy day. Blogging has made writing more easily accessible for me. Often I only have a few seconds or minutes to get my thoughts down. My computer sits right in my kitchen where I can quickly type anything that comes to my mind. Because of this, I have documented more of my thoughts/feelings than I have since middle school when I kept a diary under my mattress. Luckily, I've moved past MH + TR 4EVA entrees.

But like all stress relievers, there is a line when too much is too much. So where is that line? Is there such a thing as too much "me time?" Is there a danger in putting everything and anything (ok, maybe not EVERYTHING) that comes to my mind out for the world to read?

What do you think?

Why do you blog?
Do you spend more time in blogland reading or writing?
Is blogging a positive or negative for you?
Maybe a little of both?

6 comments:

Kelly said...

I admit, it can be a bit addictive for me. But it's definitely a positive thing for me...especially in the Winter...it helps me feel connected.

I have always felt better better when I'm able to write things down. Now my family can keep up with my life too...double bonus!

Hannah said...

I have written about this on my blog before. I love blogging. I love the outlet it gives me to express myself and meet new people. I spend most of my time reading. I read way too many blogs. I think blogging is 100% positive for me. If it started to interfere with my mothering, I would be concerned. I try to blog only when they are asleep or at preschool. If I started putting blogging above being a mother, I think that would be a problem.

MommyMert said...

I have a good/bad relationship with it too. I do find myself going to the computer a couple times a day, especially when I am feeling overwhelmed. I do try to do it more when the kids are asleep, but it doesnt always happen. There was a point when I was spending WAY too much time on the computer and I knew it was taking away from being a Mom. So, I took a step away, and found balance again. So... yeah... good and bad, but it really is something I enjoy and I love reading about my friends, so I would say... mostly good. :)

Lexi said...

Blogging is a way for me to reach out to family and to journal. I feel like I am multi-tasking when I blog and I agree with it being an outlet as well.

Autumn said...

I love blogging for several reasons. I too am trying to find a balance because I know I spend too much time on the computer. For me it's been my escape when I need some non Mommy or wife time. I love to read others blogs because you get to know what REALLY concerns them, and get past the surface and see whats really going on with lives of others! I love that!

Anonymous said...

ha, I am going to try out my thought, your post bring me some good ideas, it's really amazing, thanks.

- Murk