The Time and Energy Sucker of Blogging

    NaBloPoMo would like to know which blogging task takes the most energy for me.  Without a doubt, I use up more time and energy commenting than doing the actually writing.   Even though I do put a lot of time and effort into producing my blog, I spend more time visiting others and leaving comments.  Generally I participate in blogging challenges where writing prompt is given and a whole slew of people are also participating giving their take on the prompt.  Once I have the topic, I sit down in front of my computer and let my thoughts flow through my fingers.  I pick graphics that best compliment my thoughts.  Most of the time I also include a music video that is on topic which moves me.

     Once I have edited the crap out of what I have written, added graphics and music, I am ready to publish my post.  I used to think my job was done as soon as I hit the publish button, but I soon realized with experience that isn’t the case.   I share my post everywhere I can on social networks.  It is then time to read all my blogging friends blogs and comment away.  I thoroughly enjoy keeping up with other bloggers but I have to admit it is what takes up the most time and energy.  Reading others work and commenting is just as important as posting in my opinion.   It brings me joy and makes me feel apart of an ever growing community.  It is especially satisfying when my fellow writers return the favor and visit me in my little corner of cyberspace.  The comments make it all worthwhile.  Why?  Because you know without a shadow of a doubt that someone actually read your words, connected with you on some level, and was inspired to tell you so or share their thoughts.

 

      Since my husband is on the road more than he is not and my kids are both in school,  blogging and commenting fills up my days.  It keeps me connected with others in the world without ever leaving the house which saves a load on gas!  It keeps me busy and at times sane.  It keeps me from feeling lonely.  It has become a very important facet of my life.  There have been times when I have seriously thought about deleting this blog and hanging it up.  Then I wonder what I would do with myself if I didn‘t write.  I would miss the interaction with others.  I love passing on bloggy love with my comments.  I have always practiced a lesson my mother taught me early in life to find something positive to say always.  If I don’t have something nice to say, say nothing at all she told me repeatedly.  Fortunately there is always something nice that can be said, always.  While I can never see myself as a professional writer penning best sellers, I can see me sharing my personal thoughts here and writing for writing’s sake.  One of my dear friends advised me to always write for me while others insist I must write for my audience.  I have found my friends advice is the best for all.  

      I write for me.   I write for fun.  I love the friends my writing has led me to.  It has become a blessing that has opened a new world for me until next time when I give you another glimpse into the life of a trucker’s wife.