Let's Talk: The Blogosphere As Community

Do you read PostSecret? I do every Sunday. It's often the first thing I do when I wake up, and that can be anywhere between 8am to 12pm, because you know, I'm a party girl or something like that. I'm definitely running the work hard, play hard lifestyle now. But anyway - it's a Sunday ritual. I love being able to peep into a stranger's life through these secrets that they submit, and feel a connection to someone I've never met.

During my usual PostSecret Sunday reading session, I spied this postcard and my heart sank. I know that some people keep private blogs, or blog on platforms that may be public, but they're blogging purely for personal reasons. But at the same time, I couldn't help but wonder if this is a public blogger who might feel that this really is true. 

Here's the thing: I was hesitant to start blogging for a while because, even though I've turned into a fairly awesome adult woman, I still feel the need to "fit in." I still feel a desire, as I'm sure many do, to be accepted. I try to be friendly to everyone. I slip up sometimes. Sometimes I'm not always accepting of others. I'm only human. But at the same time, I really want to be supportive and helpful to everyone, especially other bloggers. 

I admit that I was scared of a self-constructed idea of "competition" that I build inside my own head. How do I stand out? How do I move forward? How do I aim to be successful, mostly in my own eyes? When do I decide that I've become successful? And on and on. I am still learning how to navigate these waters every day. Not everyone wants to be your friend. Not every blogger wants to be your buddy. Other bloggers may be your friends, but perhaps only in blogging situations. Maybe some will become your friends outside of events and the general blogosphere, but it's likely the majority are just as busy as you. They take care of themselves and their priorities first. 

As should you. And should I. I am my number one priority. However, that doesn't mean that I don't need friends, and happy acquaintances, and worthwhile interactions. This is why I am actively, honestly, seriously working on making 2015 my best year ever, and mostly in a way that focuses on being POSITIVE. Positive for both myself and others.

I don't want any bloggers in my community to feel alone. We do a lot of solitary work, sitting on computers at home, in coffee shops, hotel rooms, airplanes, on couches, in cars, in offices. But we shouldn't feel isolated. Please don't feel lonely! Reach out. Make connections.


I'm here. I'll be your friend if you need one.