Embracing the Blogging World…One Fearless, Inspirational Story at a Time.

I’ve only been blogging since September 2011, but in that short period of time, I’ve been on a cross-country trip from Canada to California, I’ve learned how to make Tangerine-Pistachio Sticky Buns (haven’t made them, but at least I have the recipe!) and Brandy Spiked Chocolate Eggnog Cake —woooo lawd! (haven’t made that either, but my mouth is watering at the thought).   I’ve watch the sun set in Denmark (beee-u-tiful) and I’ve learned that there is some awesome architecture in Seattle, especially the city’s main library.

What a view – Birmingham, Alabama

 I’ve shed tears over the death of strangers I’ve never met, whose lives were cut short by cancer.  I’ve read about folks who are anxious about job interviews because they’ve been out of the job market for 20 years.  And what about those budding entrepreneurs who start a business with nothing but an idea and an internet connection?  All of their stories are inspiring on so many levels.

I’ve experienced all of this through the words of folks I’ve never met.  Most of them I’m pretty sure I would hang out with or at least meet for margaritas or dessert as most of the blogs I end up reading are written by those who love good books, Mexican food, chocolate and good tequila. Most of my friends love good, soul-tickling, rib-sticking food and those are the folks I tend to gravitate towards out here in the blogging world.   Who out here in ‘blog land’ doesn’t love reading great books and looking for a bargain deal on cute sofa in IKEA or a colorful abstract throw or comforter?

Many of us deal with the same issues and admit the same fears. I’m afraid of seeing my mom’s health decline because of this stupid, stupid cancer and I fear what will happen when it happens.  And almost all of us are trying to figure out how to deal with clutter, live a healthy life, find time to exercise and set attainable goals.  The Living4Bliss blog (Saundra Johnson) gives us pearls of positive, uplifting wisdom that provides practical advice for handling life’s sometimes unpredictable challenges.  Through her I’m learning that all we really need has been in ‘us’ all along.

Just a snapshot of what I like to read

More than anything I’ve learned that at the very core of who we are lies the essence of what makes us the same.  We may not all have the same religious beliefs or speak the same native language. But what we have in common, (the need to learn and grow, be prosperous and excel and the desire to love and share happiness) is what makes us the same.  That’s why we are out here baring our soul and sharing our fears with strangers.  How else would you explain it?

This time last year I would have never shared these feelings with strangers. But my mom’s illness and the overwhelming desire to express my feelings and reach out to others going through the same thing trumps fear.

I love the Harlem Renaissance

And I refuse to let fear win. 

Bloggers are fearless.  Bloggers and the lives they live are real, honest and raw.  And I’m proud to be a part of this community. I have finally learned how to embrace this world.

If you’re a blogger, why did you start a blog and what have you learned? Would you do it all over again?  If you knew then what you know now, what would you do differently?