I am home this morning. Getting ready for my trip to the hospital, where my favorite doctor will use a camera and tubes and who knows what else to remove the part of me that was a home to Principessa for nine months. My hysterectomy is not until 1:30, which means that I have the entire morning to be hungry, thirsty, and to go a bit stir crazy.
Which of course means that I am on the computer. Where there is comfort. Where I awoke to a flood of emails, facebook comments, and texts, wishing me well. From people that I have met through the blogging community.
So it made sense that I celebrate the great Blogging Anniversary Link Up with my thoughts on how the blogging community improves life.
1. The blogging community is filled with inspiration. Stories of hardships, success, friendship, and love. Images that remind you to persevere. You do not have to go far through your reader or twitter stream or facebook group, or wherever to find a story or a thought that can fill up your inspiration bucket for a day.
2. The blogging community is kind. Yes, there are trolls out there. Yes, there are people who do not have the same opinion. But when push comes to shove and one of our own is down and out, this community, rallies.
3. The blogging community raises up issues that need to be noticed. So many issues have come to light because one person wrote about them or tweeted, and then it is like watching dominoes fall. One after another we use our voice to share the messages of those that are less fortunate, or social causes that need to be heard. Causes like Kony2012, More Birthdays, Heart of Haiti, The Red Pump Project and more. These causes have gone viral in large measure thanks to blogs using their voices for good.
4. The blogging community is a collective powerhouse that has changed the landscape of our lives. Yes, there are those that are competitive and believe that they can only be successful if they rise above everyone else. But also? There are so many bloggers that know that this space is OURS to make it what it can be. And that by forming cooperatives the fabulous ladies of Splash Creative Media or Launching Mom, Charitable Influence, or The Motherhood, where savvy bloggers model cooperation and professionalism. The end result is that by bloggers working together on campaigns, our reach is SO MUCH larger and more widespread than going it solo.
5. The blogging community is a catalyst for change. Personal change. Professional change. Social change. Two and a half years into my blogging life, I never would have imagined I would be leaving the classroom to pursue self employment and life as a freelance writer, consultant, and advocate. So many of us have realized their dreams because of this space. It is a place where we can reinvent ourselves, several times even, to fit our passions. Our strengths. It is a place where women have been given a voice, whether they are moms of young children, moms of older children, or not even moms at all. It is a place where individuals have pushed past their comfort zone and ended up on stage for things like Listen To Your Mother or had the opportunity to do things they NEVER would have thought possible.
The truth is that there are so many other ways that this community improves life. I have met women that I consider to be friends and mentors through this community. I have been able to share stories, fears, moments of triumph, and moments of great sadness knowing that there are others that feel the same way. I will never look at the moon or the stars the same way because of this community.
What do you think? What would you add to this list?
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Ah, Elena. Beautiful. I love this so much. And I love that turning to writing about blogging on the morning of your surgery is what brings you comfort. Thank you for linking up.
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you right now. Can’t wait to hear that first tweet that it went A-OK!
XOXO
Beautiful.
I know I must make people want to throw up with how often I say blogging saved my life.
But it did.
I have never felt more included, more part of a collective, more understood, than at any other point in my life.
Thank you for this incredible post!!
Thank you so much for the shout out. The word community never meant so much as when I joined the world of blogging and I’ve never experience such a feeling of belong and acceptance.
I’m sorry to hear you’re headed for surgery. I’ll be saying some prayers for you!
Good luck at the hospital.
Without blogging and social media, I wouldn’t have any jobs that I now hold. My first two? Through DMs on Twitter because those people read my blog. Amazing and humbling.
Elena, I’ve been absent for so long. I want to wish you well for surgery: Before, during & after. xoxox
Much love to you!!!
This is beautiful, especially from someone starving and thirsty.
You are amazing, and one of the people who has taught me so much about the greatness of blogging – You see a challenge and you grab it. Thanks for letting me be a part of it! xoxo
Ha! So True. Which is why, with only some ice chips, I cannot focus on anything. Love this idea you all came up with!!
Your words, your journey, your gratitude, and your spot-on-ness are all perfection.
(I hope hat today went well, friend. Sending you good thoughts.)
xo
Thanks Gait. Surgery went smoothly, just trying to survive a night in a non single room,
It would probably take me two days to write a post like this one, Elena, and even then, I wouldn’t be able to put it as perfectly into words as you have. You are really, truly, an amazing and brilliant woman. Can’t say it enough. An inspiration to many.
As I’m reading your post and now commenting here, I’m thinking about you, sweet friend. Praying that the surgery proceeds smoothly, and for you to be back here blogging like usual in no time.
Thanks Sweaty- your friendship & support means so much! ! This was such a fabulous idea to celebrate!
That connectedness is the best part about blogging.
Best of luck today at the hospital!
Elena, just getting back into the blogging swing and I am thankful for all of your reminders about being a blogger. I will be praying for you during your recovery!!
I really cannot wait to see all that you do …
You are just beginning this journey, and I know that it is a road I look forward to traveling with you my friend.
Much love always … and hugs xxxx
You are so right with all of these points. I love that you pointed out that bloggers are catalysts for change. That is truly why I love it.
Good luck up you during your hospital stay.
Oh, the support – I’m just getting started, really, just beginning to reach out to other bloggers, and right away they amazed me with their openness and willingness to help, to share.
I hope you’re well following your surgery – best wishes!