"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

6.24.2010

Why??

So many times I am brought back to why I blog. This is one such time, and I decided to write it down. I think a bit clearer and orderly when I can actually see the words. I wonder if it has to do with being so visual. Sometimes my mind is a jumble of fragmented thoughts that I cannot hear clearly myself.

I think the excerpt on my blog about why to blog mentions some reasons and I still believe those. I also know it broadens my world, and my creative side. I get to see and interact with so many wonderful artists and souls. A different kind of connection than face to face friends, but the touching of my heart is as real as the friends I can physically touch and hug!!!

And speaking to all you wonderful blogging friends, sometimes I do not get to visit as often as I would like and that brings me to another thought. How much time do I spend connecting? When does something good turn into something more?? I ask myself this frequently. Am I getting too caught up in how many “followers” I have or how many comments I receive? How many times a day do I check for new comments??? I know for me I do have to be careful. I know that I like affirmation. I like it when someone says I have done something wonderful. And I think that is okay to a point. But I must be careful that I do not base my worth on what I do, and if I do it well.

I think another reason I blog is to share my journey. My hope is that in asking myself questions or voicing my weaknesses and struggles they will speak to fellow travelers with the same or similar questions. Also, in giving the questions, insecurities, and ideas a voice they may encourage others to begin to look at their own questions and heart.

I am sure the reasons to blog are as various as the bloggers themselves. But I think there is a desire to connect within all of us. I want to say thank you for those I have met along this journey. You have enriched my life greatly – each and every one of you.

Blessings to you all!

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post Mary. I agree i think there are many reasons we blog. I have 4 blogs and all are extensions of different parts of me. I have my artistic paint and ink creative side, my digital creations which is something i truly love to do too. Also i have my family side which comes out in my Junes snap journal' and then finally, i have my art freebies which is just because i love to give and to share. I would have loved to put them all in one but it wasnt practical and would become very confusing lol.
Thanks for your lovely thoughts and expression both in art and in words
hugs June xxxx

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

I understand where you're coming from Mary, I ask myself the same questions and the answer always comes back...it's one of the few places I can connect with other creative souls who understand just how powerful and sometimes consuming this need to express creatively is. Not sure about anyone else, but trying to explain your art form or art journaling to a non-art type person is like...well I just don't because their eyes glaze over and I know I lost them as soon as I say, mixed media...:-) So little in life affirms our creativity I think that's why we hunger for the interaction, and at 53 I figure a little self indulgence is allowed :-)

Emeila said...

What a wonderful blog, Mary. I never knew how many people I would reach. My blog is about mental illness as you know. It is amazing how encouraging and caring people have been.

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

I like this post so much. I really identify with a lot of what you wrote, Mary. I enjoy the sharing and finding others with similar interests, and then I enjoy the learning and growing. I could look at art forever. Sometimes I sit just soaking up the energy and ideas and creativity that so many people have, and I discover hours have gone by...and I'm at my computer still, just blown away by the ideas, inspiration, faith, dreams, sadnesses, etc. of others around this world of ours. But, I used to be afraid of technology and of computers and now I see them as tools that enable me to meet people from across the country or across oceans. But I too have to be careful about needing affirmation and checking for comments. I remind myself that sometimes I just need to write or photograph just because I want to...Journal therapy is good. Sometimes it's my prayer in print...

Anonymous said...

Mary,
I feel the same way about you...
Glad to have you in my bloggy family. :)

I have many reasons, too.

Blessings,
Tammy

Sandra Hall said...

Mary, I think you hit the nail on the head...your blog posts often touch on the same (or similar) issues for many of us, I am a relationship person and love to connect with people - blogging is a great way to do that - but like you say, we just need to be careful that we are connecting for the right reason, not just because it feeds our ego when they 'follow' us or leave comments.
x x

Denise said...

Such a sweet post, love you my friend.

caryjo said...

We're on the same page. If the Lord hadn't kept bumping me to start doing this, I simply wouldn't have done it. In these past five-plus months, I've come to realize some of the reasons. And the main one? Meeting new people and making new friends. That's what life is all about.

Butterfly Works said...

Mary, I am amazed that the short time we have known each other through blogging that I feel you are such a kindred spirit. One reason is I will be dealing with something and before I know it you are writing about it....I have struggled with the same issues you talked about, how much time...wanting affirmation...,etc.on and on.....when I open your blog I always wonder what is she going to say that speaks right to where I am.......It's unreal to me that you can feel like you are so close to someone you have never met....showing just how powerful our words are....they can cross oceans, time, and land.....

I am very grateful for blogland because I have met so many incredible, talented, inspiring, and generous people....I guess for me the question to keep in mind is BALANCE......and our maker will surely help us in that area.....

Thanks for your commitment to be transparent and real as you journey through life...helping so many others to know it's OK to be who they were created to be in the first place....

Hugs and blessings

Just Be Real said...

Mary, ditto. You and what you share are always an inspiration to me. Thank you for being you. Blessings!

HeARTworks said...

Hi Mary! You are a blessing to me too! Blogging forces me to create and try new things, to clean up my desk, to dirty it up, to connect and comment... it's great! But yes, i have to be careful too, that i don't become "addicted" because for sure our enemy is always on the look out for ways to "infiltrate" our defenses! Patsy from
HeARTworks

Kathleen said...

Hi Mary,
I really enjoyed visiting your blog today - love your bold and graphic style. I can also totally relate to your post -I went through a period of this myself -but lately have taken my hand of the wheel so to speak and decided my blog is an outlet that makes me happy -whatever the outcome...but I do enjoy creative interaction and look forward to being in Kelly's class with you.
Kind regards, Kathleen

Jennifer DeDonato said...

I totally understand where you are coming from. The same thoughts you have I have also...so great to know I am not alone.

Anonymous said...

mary, it is always uplifting to read your posts. i don't always comment, but i'm always made to ponder what you write or to smile. thank you.

Jennifer Richardson said...

I so get what you're saying, Mary. Like everything lovely and delicious, if it swings out of balance it can gobble up instead of give and enrich life. (Never one to be accused of "balance", I'm overjoyed to have a shepherd to sort that out inside of me!)

But how rich I feel because of it! I love taking a walk through this colorful festival of art and poetry and everything ALIVE.....like a gorgeous thriving garden cultivated with varieties I've never dared to try and grow on my own...some I've never even seen before. And at each display, there are seed packets for the taking....so I head home with new seeds to sow and my own garden can expand and become what Inever dreamed it could on my own. I love sharing clippings from my own garden too...it gives me joy!

This blogging garden is an answer to a deep heart hunger in me....feels like a sweet answer to prayer. I love the colors and textures you bring to it, Mary!
-Jennifer

Francois said...

In your Why Blog post you said;"My assumption is that the story of any one of us is in some measure the story of us all."
As a member of a faith sharing group I see that statement so often when I listen to the stories of my friends. There is always a part of their story that tells me something about myself.
It isn't surprising to me to find it in your post :>}

lori vliegen said...

you always express yourself so beautifully, mary! and i agree with so much of what you've said here.....there's a thin line between feedback, and having to have the feedback, and sometimes i find myself straddling that line! xox, :))

Jane Farr said...

You speak to my heart, Mary, with your thoughtful post. :)

Erin Butson said...

Hi Mary, I've really been considering this to. First of all, I marvel at how often you are able to read + comment + engage. wow. so, just know that you have been a constant encouragement to me and SO SO many others. But, I too have to limit myself + gauge my time onthe computer vs. time doing laundry + engaging with friends inthe flesh + stuff... I also put myself on a comments + analytics diet: I allow my self to check once at night. That's it! I get too consumed and neglect my "real life". but, this blogging life has also enriched my life so much! Allthat to say... thankyou! Love you! want to meet you one day.

DJ said...

Yes, you speak the truth, friend.
For me, being online staves off the artist's loneliness. I've found understanding and encouragement at Coach Creative Space and on my blog with wonderful souls like yourself. Without that support and connection, I wouldn't be making art. But I don't even want to think about what that mere existence would be like...

Unknown said...

Thanks to you too, Mary -it has been wonderful to read your blog, hear your thoughts and see your beautiful artworks. I know I enjoy blogging for the connections as well, and also just to get out the millions of thoughts in my head and make them coherent. I like when my thoughts build a connection to another person.

LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

Oh Mary! I know why you blog. It is to help little ole friends like me who love and need your honest and real approach of putting your feelings into words. You've been given a gift sweetie, so therefore you must share it. If you kept it all inside you would burst and we would deflate!!!!

I'm so thankful for you.

Just keep on keeping on being MARY.

Lee Ann

Martha Lever said...

Hi Mar! You are so right. Realistic is messy! I love messy painting too and I think that is probably where I will always be. Have a wonderful Sunday. It's good to be home but I miss my little peanut.