It’s an amazing feeling to know that once you hit the publish button next, you will have sent your 1,000th post into the blogosphere.
1,000 posts.
1,000 posts since February 2010 in this space.
My little space on the internet.
I’m not sure how long most blogs last or how many posts are typical, but I feel like this was a milestone to recognize.
I write this blog for me. When I started it, Biz was 15 months old and I was yearning for a creative outlet that wasn’t work-related.
I’ve written about parenting, art projects, being left-handed, not liking pie, social good, philanthropy, toilets, writing, business, life, love and divorce. And many, many other things in between.
I’ve kept this space pretty clean and controversy-free (on purpose). I’ve considered that anyone might read it, including my kids, and adjusted my words accordingly when needed.
When you think about it, blogs are a pretty selfish endeavor. Writing is one thing, but to publish your words is another. Throwing your words, thoughts and emotions out into the world while assuming people even want to take the time to read them takes some courage and confidence. (A little pretentiousness might help too.)
I’ve never really written for any particular audience here, which explains my slow and steady pace of growth compared to other blogs. I truly write this blog for my own therapy. It’s a way to keep this writer writing. It’s a space that only I can control. It’s where I can explore what’s floating around in my brain and get those thoughts and words out so that I can clear my brain for the next flurry of ideas.
I’ve thought about shutting this blog down. My life is so full and so active that I wonder if I really still need to write it. I don’t have the time to visit other blogs on a regular basis anymore. My comments and interactions here have gone down quite a bit. I only really have time to write and not promote.
But I’ve realized that not having a super active blog is okay with me. It’s okay because it keeps me writing, even if it is late at night after the kids are in bed. And I still have people willing to read my words, even if they don’t comment here. I know they are there.
People have questioned why I blog. Besides being my therapy, it has also given me a tremendous amount of happiness, opportunity and friendship.
I have traveled to conferences in New York, Washington DC and Chicago.
I’ve gone to Nicaragua with WaterAid America.
I’ve been connected to amazing bloggers, entrepreneurs and nonprofits who inspire the hell out of me.
I’ve written a book.
All because of this blog.
I even used this space to announce that I filed for divorce (which proved to be much more effective than having to tell people I wasn’t close to over and over again).
And though I might not visit my friends’ blogs on a regular basis any more, we still are connected. We meet up in the summer, text to check in on each other, help support our many writing projects and talk late at night about divorce, exes, dating and single parenting. Real flesh and blood friends who don’t just live on the internet.
That’s the best part. The real connections I’ve made with real people all around the globe.
The fact that people have responded to my words over the past 6 years and 999 posts is icing on the cake.
It’s been quite a journey, this blog. With no plan whatsoever.
Honestly, I’m curious as to where it will take me next.
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I love every part of this post .. and that blogging brought us together.
Now if we could figure out another ‘real’ gathering … you are a heart friend dear Jennifer, you really are. I am so grateful that you are a part of my life xxx
Hoping for NY!!!!
Yes! Let’s start planning NYC. We need to hug and drink wine together. So happy blogging brought us together. Love you!
Jen, it has been great for me to get insight into your life and the boys as well. I appreciate how you have always given me a place to be connect to you and my grandsons. I do read your blog everyday, every post – even if I don’t comment. You are an amazing woman and I am blessed to have you in my life and the mother of my grandsons. Thanks for all you do. Love you much and always.
Thank you, Lavonne. Love you!
Should have been, “be connected”, 🙁 . That is what I get for not proofreading.
We’re like twins. I started in March of 2010 when Scarlet was 9 months old. And boy, the things it led to, and continues to lead to are incredible.
Like meeting you!
In baseball, you’d get to keep the 1,000th base you stole. So it should be in blogging, too, a recognition of what you’ve accomplished. I’m honored to have run alongside you through this journey, too.
Your words echo my sentiments in every way. I have no idea what I really want out of my blog, but I love the community of friends I’ve and it’s spurred me on to keep on writing. I’d all but abandoned it in 2014-15, but am enjoying writing there regularly again. I’ve thought of deleting it countless times. And yet I still feel compelled to keep going.
So glad you’ve kept this going. Although I hadn’t blogged much in the past couple of years, I always loved stopping by from time to time to see what you’ve been up to.
Sending you hugs and wishes for a bright writing future!
Congratulations, Jen! Wow, I can’t believe how little Biz was when you started your blog. I’m glad you are keeping up with it — I too don’t have the time to read other blogs as much as I would like (or promote my own, for that matter), but I really enjoy reading your blog when I can stop in. And I especially like that it has led to our friendship 🙂