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Why I Keep Blogging

Why I Keep Blogging

One of the many surprises about writing a blog is that I just never know when a post will take off – or not. I was a bit surprised by the reaction to my recent post “When Bloggers Stop Blogging”. I didn’t really anticipate much of a reaction to that one; it was just one of those posts I had to write. 

Since then, I’ve been thinking about the reasons why I continue blogging. These reasons are not the same as why I started blogging. That’s a post for another day.

Writing a blog takes a fair amount of time and energy. It’s work.

So why do I keep at it?

The short answer is this:  I keep on blogging because at this point in time, I can’t imagine not blogging. It’s really that simple.

Of course as a blogger, short answers often aren’t enough, so…

I write this blog to honor and remember my mother. I write to honor my friend Rachel. I write to honor others lost to this wretched disease, some whom I have known and many more I have not. I write because in some small way I want to be here for those friends of mine presently living with metastatic breast cancer. I don’t want to leave them behind just because I’m presently NED. I write for the “newbies” entering into this maze that is cancer, always hopeful that when they read the ramblings from someone who’s been there it might help just a little. I write because I want to talk about cancer, grief and loss and this is a safe place for me (and you) to do that. I write because I believe we need to talk about such things. I write because readers and commenters matter to me, a lot.

Blogging is also my primary vehicle for breast cancer advocacy and opinionating (Is that a word? If not, it should be!) on any topic I care about. I keep blogging because I want to and I guess I still have more to say!

Who knew?

Blogs come and blogs go. This is as it should be. It has been suggested to me a couple of times (though just a couple) that perhaps it’s time for me to let it go, to turn the page, to write about other things. (Actually, I can and do write about others things too.)

I don’t believe another person can possibly know when the time has come for another blogger to move on, and suggesting that someone should move on – from whatever it might be – isn’t really appropriate. What’s right for one person may or may not be right for someone else.

For me it’s just not time yet. I know this in my heart. Will it be at some point? Of course.

There are a lot of cancer blogs out there. There are a lot of breast cancer blogs. Sadly, there will undoubtedly continue to be more.

Every blogger speaks from a somewhat different vantage point. Everyone’s voice is uniquely her own. Some of us are newbies and some of have a bit of experience under our blogger’s belt. We are a diverse yet similar bunch. Everyone’s cancer resume is a little bit different.

There is much to learn from one another and much support to offer and garner. There is a wonderful sense of community. It’s a safe place and I like it here.

I don’t want to give it up.

Not yet.

I plan to stay a while.

What about you?

Why do (or did) you write a blog?

Why do you read blogs and how many do you read on a regular basis?

 

teri smieja

Sunday 14th of July 2013

Back when I was blogging I loved it too! I loved the feeling of knowing I was helping others, and I love how much I grew as a writer. Then one day, well, actually, it was one 'challenge' - you know, the blogging challenges that come up - the a-z blogging challenge to be exact, and I started to feel like - IDK, like there wasn't really anything left for me to blog about that I hadn't already said. So for me, that showed me that is time to retire my blog. But you know what? I STILL love my old blog, and I still refer to it, and it still gets a lot of visits (not as much as it used to, of course!). And you're right, it's really no one else's business on how long you should blog for. That is entirely up to you. But I do know this, BRCA bloggers help people. We change lives, sometimes even save them (for real!). What YOU do, Nancy, makes a difference. So you just keep on, keeping on.

Nancy

Monday 15th of July 2013

Teri, I remember that challenge - maybe that's why I don't usually take part in them! Ha. I miss your blog, Teri, and return to it at times when I'm writing about BRCA issues. It's a wonderful resource. Remember, you could always return to blogging... thanks so much for commenting and for the kind words.

Efrat

Wednesday 3rd of July 2013

Don't you ever stop blogging dear Nancy!! your blog was one of the first I read, that made me feel I was not alone and showed me that the breast cancer conversation, was way deeper then it seemed at the beginning of this road.

Nancy

Monday 8th of July 2013

Efrat, Thanks for your supportive words. And yes, the conversation does go much deeper doesn't it?

Beth Gainer

Tuesday 2nd of July 2013

I love this post, Nancy! Your voice is so needed in the world, and I am glad that I follow you so faithfully. :)

Why do I blog? I've been a writer for as long as I can remember, and I can't not write, as other people have said. Blogging helps hone our writing skills, and you are so right: it is work.

I try to get a message out to the world, to educate others, to tell others my story, and mostly I blog to be a part of a community.

Blogging has been challenging timewise. I just finished teaching an evening class, for example, and it's so hard to find the time in my busy schedule. However, I've been posting at least once a week for awhile now, and I consider that a great accomplishment for someone who was/can be a sporadic writer.

Keep blogging, Nancy!

Nancy

Tuesday 2nd of July 2013

Beth, Thank you so much for your kind comments and for being such a faithful reader of my blog. I think we blog for many of the same reasons and I'm so glad you're still at it too! I need to get on over to your blog and read your latest postings! I always look forward to them. Thanks again for your continuing support, Beth. It means a lot.

Audrey

Monday 1st of July 2013

Great topic Nancy. I too have reflected on it. Since I moved from my job in a breast cancer charity to working independently the blog has morphed into something different. So not only about breast cancer but wider advocacy about health and social care. Sometimes however the cancer activist in me comes the fore, through a news story or something that happened. I'm trying just to go with my own flow and see where it takes me. But what I'd do know is that blogging has re engaged me with writing and I love it! Being part of this breast cancer community has been so important to me, especially as I have transitioned from my job recently. A community I remain with whatever life throws at us. Thank you. Xxx

Nancy

Monday 1st of July 2013

Audrey, You touched on another important aspect there, Audrey. Blogging has re-engaged me with writing too and I'm very pleased about that. Your blog has morphed into something different, I like that. We evolve, so of course our blogs do too. Thanks for sharing your perspectives. I'm so glad you're part of this community, Audrey. Hope the job's going well.

Farrell

Monday 1st of July 2013

I'm glad you're blogging nancy!

Nancy

Monday 1st of July 2013

Farrell, Thank you. I'm glad you're reading and commenting!