Tuesday, August 18, 2009

ABOUT BLOGGING

I went to a movie this week where the story centered around a young woman who decided to blog about cooking for one year. (The movie was Julie and Julia and I thought it was quite entertaining!) There was one dialog (actually it was an argument) where Julie's (the blogger) husband described her obsession with blogging. He referred to her as narcissistic and self-absorbed. Since I have my own blog, I struggle with this idea and it isn't the first time I've thought about it. There is certainly a lot of truth about this claim. Blogging is generally all about ME. So, what do I do with that? I know that there are people who read my blog and think..."Why would you tell people about this?...it's really nobody's business and really...wouldn't it be better to spend your time doing something for someone else rather than talking about yourself?" I know this because people have told me so...in a nice way, of course.

I don't want to be defensive about all of this, but maybe I feel the need to justify what I do. Just for the record, I do feel a bit self-conscious about sharing my life with...whoever might be out there in blogland. Unselfishness is a value that Allen and I try to model. Talking about our family and posting pictures about our family seems kind of...inward. In general, people are pretty positive about my blog, but I know there are some that would call it narcissistic and self-absorbed.

Well, I guess there is some truth to that, but I do think that for me there is, and has been great value in sharing our story with you. I'm pretty sure I've blogged about this, but I need to remind myself again of why I have a blog.

1. It is an outlet for me! It helps me to feel connected with people. I have been very encouraged by the people who comment and say they read.

2. I think that it maybe helps some people feel connected to our family!

3. It is a way to stay connected with my kids who don't live at home and my extended family.

4. When I get the chance, I really do like to write. I like to be quiet and just think. Sometimes, I'm sad. Sometimes I am so happy. Sometimes, I am just thoughtful. I guess I just like expressing myself.

5. It is a good record of what our life has been like since we adopted our kiddos! I even like looking back to see what we were doing six months ago.

6. I hope that some of the things that I write about are helpful to other people who are struggling with similar issues.

7. Truly, it is therapeutic for me. I like to organize my thoughts. (Maybe I am saving thousands of dollars by not seeing a therapist!!?) :)

8. Allen is my biggest fan. (That's not really a good reason, but it's true!) :) Thanks, sweetheart!

I don't know. Is this blogging a bad thing? Is it a waste of time?? It does take some time to sit down and do it. It is a lot about ME and MY family. I just hope that there is some value in journaling and maybe I have helped someone else along the way. I haven't been so good about blogging this summer, but I HOPE to get back at it this fall. I have wedding pictures and lots of stuff from this summer that I plan on posting.

Anyway, those are my thoughts today! :)

6 comments:

Molly V said...

Hi Mary! I often wonder about blogging, too, and why people do it...and how strange it is that you can read about someone else's life and family on the Internet.

BUT, I follow a lot of blogs that I really enjoy reading, including yours! :) I think that since people CHOOSE to look at a blog, it's not selfish or narcissistic to write one, because you are not making anyone read it. They are making a choice to read it. Keep it up, and, more importantly, keep enjoying it!

I appreciated your thoughts about blogging since I think about it, too. ;)

Anonymous said...

I read a number of blogs, most of them by big name pastors, well known authors, and various theologians, but I don't read any of them with the interest and joy that I read yours with.

Aaron

Lindsay said...

I knew when we heard that quote in the movie that you would post something about it! Anyways, I like your blog. :)

Anonymous said...

Mary, I enjoy reading your blog. I have it bookmarked at work and I check in each week to find out what's happening with the Mork family.
Adoption is such a cool and scary thing. I think it's neat to be able to read your experience at a very personal level.

Kim

Rhiannon said...

Mary, I don't know you personally (just found your blog about 4 months ago by hitting the "next button") just wanted to say I am glad I came across your blog. :-)
I hope to adopt one day so it's an inspiration.

Ira said...

Mary, I read your posts with great interest. You are a very talented narrator. Keep going!