6 Reasons I Am Thankful for Blogging

I tend to be extra thankful when I'm alone on the beach.I won’t lie: I am thankful for my life almost every hour of everyday. But that doesn’t make Thanksgiving any less special. In fact, I like to use the holiday to think about the “random” things that I am grateful for, aside from the obvious: health and family.

There’s the sound of the railroad horn in the distance. The laughter of a girl. Cherry Garcia FroYo. And there is blogging.

Call it a hobby. Call it a career. Call it a passion.  Here are some of the reasons why I am thankful for freelance blogging.

- Blogging Reignited My Passion to Write. Early this century my journalism degree was gathering dust. Caught up in a world where I was trying to establish a “career” for myself, I found little reason to write. But blogging opened up a door to a world of writing…without an editor. Freedom! My grammar might not be perfect, and spelling errors, well, yeah, they happen. But removing the hurdle of having someone change what I want to say…a huge score!

- Blogging Builds Relationships. They may not be part of my inner circle, but I have formed some valuable and fulfilling relationships thanks to blogging. I hear from people all around the world.  Some are insightful, others are opinionated, but all are engaged. This feeling of connectedness is important to me in a somewhat disconnected world.

- Blogging Is a FREE Hobby. With no equipment necessary, no entry fees, and no expensive “collectibles,” blogging is an economical hobby, one that fills time in a positive way — without draining your bank account. The coolest part is that blogs are like “manly” diaries, with your thoughts archived for life.  For virtually no cost, I can look back on this post in 20 years and laugh or cry about it. That’s priceless!

- Blogging Puts Me on the Path to Self-Employment. It won’t happen overnight, and it might never come to fruition, but blogging puts everyone on the path to potential self-employment. The greatest part is that you can transition as slowly (or as quickly) as you like. Whether or not this is a goal for you, it at least lets you cast a hook into the self-employment pond. Hey, you gotta be in it to win it, right?

- Blogging Lets Me Tap Into My Creativity. I live for creative vision; it keeps me young, happy, and feeling alive. From layout to imagery to making money, a good blogger must be a quick thinker – someone who is willing to let their creative juices slop all over the floor. Somebody get me a mop!  

- Blogging is Therapeutic. And it costs less than therapy. As a blogger you get to air your grievances publicly and have the world comment. This dialogue can help you blow off some serious steam. And for the days when blogging isn’t enough, I always have the heavy bag to hit in my basement.

I am grateful for so many things, and this year, blogging makes the list. If you’re reading this, I’m grateful for you too.