Thoughts & Reflections on Blogging

Happy May! We had our first soccer game of the season this past weekend. Lucas scored two goals! Other than that, it was a pretty low-key weekend getting some things done around the house. We’re having the exterior painted this week so lots of prep for that. Today is another dreary day but the forecast is showing some promise. We miss you, sunshine!

Today’s post is all about my thoughts and reflections on blogging so read on if that is of interest to you:) As always, thanks for stopping by!

I started my blog TC Boy Mom almost three months ago so thought I would share a little about why I do it and how it’s going.

Why I Blog

I have wanted to start a blog for years. They were pretty popular several years ago, but with teaching full time and raising a young family, it just never happened. Now here I am ten years later, blogs aren’t as popular, but I am doing it anyway! Many of you may think it’s a big waste of time, and that’s okay, but I would like to share why I do take the time to do it.

1. Blogging has been beneficial for my mental health. First, I am taking time for myself to do something I truly enjoy doing. I get to typically write about what’s really good in my life (I also plan to write about struggles and deeper content too) and sort all my thoughts into a narrative on a blog post. Instead of scrolling my phone or watching TV in my down time, I have something that makes me plan, think, and express myself creatively. It’s a healthy habit for my brain, like working out is for my body.
2. My boys will have an online scrapbook/memoir written by their mother. I am not one for paper scrapbooks, and their baby books are the very basic fill in the blank type. Now that I have started this blog, my boys will have a digital keepsake of all their memories we’ve made since the big move to Michigan. I don’t know how long this blog will last, but whatever written diary and photos I can give them I hope they will appreciate and cherish one day.
3. Blogging is a new hobby! This ties into reason one, in that I have found something I genuinely enjoy doing. I do not have many hobbies, and discovering blogging as something I enjoy in my leisure time has been an added joy to my life. I do not feel like I HAVE to blog or struggle to make time for it. If I have down time, I open up the laptop and type away. Just like any other hobby, you do it because it brings you joy, not because it’s a waste of time!
4. It builds character and discipline. In all honesty, there are times I do not feel like blogging. Blogging certainly can be challenging, especially if I am feeling uninspired. Being consistent with posts weekly pushes me to better myself and it’s a very rewarding feeling.
5. The last reason is that maybe I will make some sort of impact. Hopefully for my boys, but also those currently reading. Maybe I’ll inspire someone to visit Northern Michigan or one of my “Friday Favorites” will be a favorite for a reader too. I also think I will dive into deeper content that perhaps my readers will resonate with. My blog post about Down Syndrome was the first post I shared some more personal thought and experience. You can read it here.

How It’s Going

I love blogging! Although, I know I still have a lot to learn. While I consider myself computer savvy, there are certain things I have no clue about (like SEO analysis?) and many areas where I can learn and grow. I do like the Bluehost platform and feel fairly confident now on creating actual blog posts. There is still much to navigate on the website, and I plan to do so at a slow pace.

Of course, I would love it if more people took the time to read my blog and engage with comments. But I am not doing this to gain a huge following or make money. So, I will continue forward writing from my heart for all the reasons listed above. Maybe it will evolve as time goes on but right now it’s simply something fun, motivating, and expressive.

I do want to say a big THANK YOU to all those who do take the time to read it and even comment. Also, I truly appreciate those who have shown their support and encouragement personally. Hearing positive feedback like “I love reading your blog” really does motivate me to keep going.

With all that being said, I do hope to see you back! Thank you for making my blog a part of your day!

Here’s a few snapshots from the weekend:)