Why I Blog

Some people treat me like I am not serious about life once they learn I am a blogger.

Not many people know that you can make a career out of it, but if you ask me WHY I blog, I will tell you that it’s because of my children. That confuses some people because I am writing about my life as a lesbian, or talking about my spirituality, sometimes getting into hair and fashion, and sharing business finds. They ask me, isn’t it really about the money? Honestly, no. Money CAN come with blogging, and if you make a career from blogging you can earn a nice monthly income. But many and most bloggers don’t make a dime from what they do. For the most part blogging relieves stress, allows you to take a step back and evaluate your opinions, and gives you an opportunity to take an active role in global public opinion.

Trust me when I was a little girl I didn’t go around saying I wanted to be a blogger when I grew up.

But I did know that I wanted to be a happy person, and ultimately when I became a mother I wasn’t convinced that the world we live in could give that to my kids. I knew what trials and tribulations I had been through in life and was conflicted about my children finding true happiness. What direction could I point them in to find their wildest dreams? I went in search of the answers to everything and you might think I am kidding because I can tend to be a bit sarcastic but I assure that this time I am not. I really did go on a mission to find the answers to life and the reasons behind why we do what we do, etc. When it all comes down to it, I knew that I had to share my knowledge and input with others in a way that would make a change in the world.

When I entered the blogosphere I found that there were other people in the world who were way ahead of me on this one.

They were already making a difference in the world just by sharing their experiences and knowledge with others. I could see that even before I stepped a finger in the blogosphere the path was being paved by voices and opinions being shared there that weren’t being shared mainstream; but one day they would be. I have watched as the blogosphere has grown and the influence of a blogger has come to extend into the mainstream. Imagine a day when blogs are the mainstream, its not that far away. Within the next few years you will see the trend turn towards blogs becoming a standard feature on your computers and cell phones alongside an ever expanding stream of advertisements and public service announcements all fighting to peak your interest.

It’s easy to lose your way amidst all the chaos, and as I’ve become a career blogger I have received many different offers and financial opportunities that I’ve had to turn away as a matter of principle.

Ultimately, what blogging is about for me is making a positive change in the world so that my children and grandchildren know a better world than I did. Regardless of the fee, whether it’s a penny, a dollar, or a thousand dollars; my integrity remains the same. Whenever I post an article, photo, or anything to a blog of mine, I know that interested readers are being made aware of the things that I talk about, and there is a certain amount of responsibility that comes with sharing your opinion and insights with the world. I’ve had to face off with major sponsors and go out of my way to avoid doing business with vendors or suppliers who support ideas that I do not endorse.

When you really think about it, blogging is a lot more serious than people might think.

Knowing that you can make a career from being a blogger can be comforting in these tough economic times; especially knowing that you are giving back to society at the same time. Other perks to becoming a blogger include bragging rights, respect from other bloggers, new connections online and visibility for your other projects. Some sponsors might send you product samples and incentives, and sometimes you are given access to exclusive events and conduct interviews with high profile people. If you haven’t started to take part in this trend it’s a good time to get started and work your way up.