Inspired by NaBloPoMo writing prompt for Friday, March 7, 2014:
What have you learned about yourself through blogging?
Blogging has taught me…
…that I have my own unique writing style, strengths, weaknesses, and voice.
…that I am a creative person.
…that I enjoy – even thrive on – creativity challenges that provide me with the opportunity to commit, to stretch, to develop.
…that it’s incredibly important to proceed with caution when comparing myself with other creatives – because envy and discouragement are always lurking just under the surface, ready and waiting.
…that while the gift of a flash of inspiration is certainly a magical thing and not to be ignored, I don’t need to – and in fact, shouldn’t – wait for it in order to start writing.
…that it’s entirely possible to produce a good and satisfying piece of work even when I feel as though I’ve got nothing to say.
How about you?
What have you learned about yourself through blogging?
Please share!
Twitter: gottgreen
March 7, 2014
All true Laurel! I agree with every point you make. The only things I would add are:
* The more I write the better I get and the easier it is to find my own unique voice.
* You never know for sure what posts will resonate with your readers. Don’t bother to try and second-guess it!
~Kathy
Kathy recently posted… To List Or Not To List…5 Reasons For And Against the List Post
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 8, 2014
Very, very true on both counts! Thank you for the added thoughts.
Laurel Regan recently posted… How blogging changed my life
Twitter: dayanamromero
March 7, 2014
I have this habit of comparing myself to other bloggers as well. I read their articles and immediately think, Oh why can’t I write as well they do! Why didn’t I study harder during English class! I have to keep an eye out on more things to inspire me. Nice post 🙂
Paulette recently posted… Wine Friday Blog Series #5
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 8, 2014
It’s hard to avoid comparisons – I really do struggle with that as well. I’m learning, though!
Laurel Regan recently posted… How blogging changed my life
Twitter: simplyf00d
March 7, 2014
I have learn’t to be original and confident in what I post. Creating a niche will automatically bring visitors to your blog.Never copy or compare your self to others instead have confidence in your ability and in your own work.
Nayna Kanabar ( recently posted… Egg fried rice
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 8, 2014
Very true, and so important. Thank you for sharing.
Laurel Regan recently posted… How blogging changed my life
Twitter: KaaSerpent
March 7, 2014
ALL of that. Plus:
I’ve learned that words have a lot of power. I can use them to amuse, to break hearts, or to infuriate. Often at the same time, and without meaning one or more of those.
I’ve learned that I have a lot to say, and that for whatever reason, people sometimes want to read it.
Gary Henderson recently posted… All Work and No Play Make Jack a Dull Boy
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 8, 2014
Great additions to the list! It’s always a little surprising to me when people actually want to read what I have to say. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… How blogging changed my life
Twitter: peppylady
March 7, 2014
At first when I start to blog and I didn’t get any comment or likes. I would change my blogging style.
Now I blog for fun and my self.
Coffee is on
peppylady (Dora) recently posted… One Can Fine Some Reason To Have A Celebration
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 8, 2014
Excellent – a great way to approach it, I think!
Laurel Regan recently posted… How blogging changed my life
I’ve definitely learned that I can write when I think I have nothing to say. It also has to be true. If I don’t feel like I can be honest about a particular topic, I won’t blog about it. And I enjoy it a lot more than I thought I would. I didn’t intend to be a blogger. I’m an author and started blogging to help promote my book. But, I like it now and like being a part of the blogging community.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 8, 2014
Same here – authenticity is so important. And I love that blogging ended up meaning more to you than you thought it would!
Laurel Regan recently posted… How blogging changed my life
Twitter: FranceneStanley
March 8, 2014
Your list of lessons is amazing. I second them all.
I’ve learned that I can find something to say on a daily news item. Sometimes, my input isn’t exceptional, but I stick at my task despite my shortcomings.
Francene recently posted… Some people survive against all odds.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 8, 2014
That’s great, Francene – I love it!
Laurel Regan recently posted… How blogging changed my life
Twitter: Wordwrights, Ink
March 8, 2014
All of the above! I love my blogging world. Encouragement and great advice exactly when needed!
Diane recently posted… Whisky Specimen
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 8, 2014
Me too – so very grateful for it!
Laurel Regan recently posted… How blogging changed my life
This is a great list. I think one of the things I have learned is that don’t have to have a thought provoking deep topic. Sometimes simple is best.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 8, 2014
So very true, Kathy. And you just never know how your approach to that simple topic might speak to people!
Laurel Regan recently posted… How blogging changed my life
Laurel, your observations about style and voice really resonated with me. I started a blog as a promotional thing, in connection with the book that I was submitting. But the concept of non-fiction “voice” was lost on me for so long until I found it through blogging. Very true, and very lasting benefits when you finally recognize that voice that belongs just to you.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 8, 2014
I love that, Susan – what a fantastic discovery! Thank you so much for sharing.
Laurel Regan recently posted… How blogging changed my life
Twitter: goodgirlgonered
March 8, 2014
I love this. Blogging has taught me so very much. About myself and people in general. 🙂
And the ‘proceed with caution’ aspect is so so true.
Andrea B ( recently posted… Moments are memories.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 8, 2014
It really is – it’s far too easy (for me, at least) to get caught up in envy of others who I perceive to be better than me. Comparisons are certainly dangerous!
Laurel Regan recently posted… How blogging changed my life
Twitter: KimUlmanis
March 8, 2014
Blogging has taught me to be more confident with my writing even though at times I still struggle with it. I’m sure we all do. My voice seems to be more concise and the posts seem to have more humor and personality in them than they did in my first 2-3 years of blogging. Definitely grateful and happy for that!
Kim recently posted… My Cats are Assholes…But I Still Love Them
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 8, 2014
I love that! Practice and persistence definitely brings improvement and satisfaction, even in the midst of struggles.
Laurel Regan recently posted… How blogging changed my life
Twitter: MyMutedVoice
March 9, 2014
Really great list. The one that hit me the most was about not waiting for inspiration and just writing. Sometimes I think I need to wait when many times the inspiration comes while I’m writing.
Deanna recently posted… All or Nothing, Sister Wives & Gratitude
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 9, 2014
Very true indeed! I’ve had much the same experience.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List – Linkup No. 20
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