Try to Remember

Do you remember why you started your blog? You know, before you became obsessed with your sitemeter, worried about your blogroll, and focused on the number of comments you got each day?

It seems so long ago, doesn't it?

Perhaps it's silly for me to be talking about this, from whatever perceived blog status I speak to you from, but when it comes down to it, I still blog for the same damn reasons I had when I started this blog back in November 2005.

I needed someone to tell me it was okay. I needed to know I was not alone.

I read about folks who think perhaps it's time to stop blogging. I miss reading folks who did decide it was time (for whatever reasons) to say good-bye. And I rejoice when people who decided it was time to stop blogging return back to it.

We all want to be acknowledged for our stories about parenting and beyond. We want people to read and keep reading. But in the end, is that why I do this? Is that why you do this?

I wish I had known about blogs when I had my daughter -- when I was alone, weeping, and afraid almost every day. Maybe that's not you -- you were a strong mother who knew what you were doing. But that was not me. My marriage was falling apart, my friendships were almost non-existent, and I was struggling to keep my head above water.

In a way, I'm still there. My situation is not easy by any means. But this time is better. And sure, I'm more relaxed, I sort of know what I'm doing, I don't care if his diaper is on backwards or upside down, and I don't need to be the one putting that diaper on. But honestly, it's better because of blogs.

My blogs. Your blogs. Our blogs.

So if you've forgotten why you blog, then read this post. My perfect post.

And make sure to check out The Blog Exchange today. Start at the main site and read some of the fantastic posts by over 40 participants. You won't be disappointed!