I started this year on a mission to build my blog. I made a strategic plan, then wrote, read, commented, and posted my way through months of goals.
I met many of my goals back in June but then something happened. Or perhaps it was the lack of something….
There were no balloons and party hats. There was no major breakthrough with a sponsor. There was no book contract. There was nothing.
This left me wondering. Just what am I doing this for?
The @deliberatemom answers the question... why are you blogging. Here's her candid answer. #blogging Click To Tweet
I have been seeking and searching, hoping I could find the purpose of why I am blogging. Here is what I came up with….
I love to write
I love to write. There are posts that I bawled my way through while writing them. With a box of tissues beside me and the final click of a button, I publish what I write in hopes that in some way, somehow, what I’ve written would touch someone somewhere.
I love to teach
I’m a natural-born teacher. I spent 20 years in the early childhood profession because I loved to “teach” society’s youngest, littlest people. However, as I aged I began to enjoy sharing my knowledge with adults. Sometimes I’m inspired to do that here, to share parenting techniques or to give a tutorial on something I’ve created.
I love to create
I wouldn’t call myself crafty. Crafty people can take something completely overlooked like twist ties and make it into something extraordinary like fashionable jewelry. I don’t think that way. However, I do like to create things and sometimes I like to share those creations or projects here with you.
But it’s not enough
One might think these are great reasons to have a blog but a little while ago I came to the conclusion that it’s not. This struck me a few weeks into hosting the SHINE Blog Hop. As I visited posts I got excited by the crazy, amazing, genius talent of so many “undiscovered” bloggers. I encountered outstanding, courageous, beautiful people writing and sharing the most brilliant things!
I found my purpose
I have been praying to have a servant’s heart. To not only bless my family, but to bless everyone I come in contact with. My breakthrough wasn’t in a big sponsor or a book contract… my breakthrough came when I realized that I can serve you. Yes, of course I will still publish my stories, share my knowledge, and reveal my creations BUT I want to make sure that in this process I am always building others up and essentially, serving you.
Whether it’s by showcasing you in the weekly SHINE Blog Hop, reading and commenting on your posts, or giving you a 6:00 Facebook Shout-Out… I want you to know that you are cherished. You, my friend, are loved. More importantly, I could not give away this kind of love on my own but that this love comes from a God who says that each and every one of us is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
So here I am. A box of tissues beside me and a few seconds away from clicking publish. My hope of all hopes is that I can continue to grow to love and to serve you. I wish to be here for you… and if you need it, to pray for you. I long to hold you up and let you know that you are wonderful, beautiful, and cherished. It is my wish that when we visit one another… you know, and feel, that love.
Wishing you love and blessings.
SHARE WITH OTHERS
In being you, you are creating an incredible community around you, filled with compassionate and generous bloggers. Thank you for your support and friendship, I for one am so grateful that you keep blogging, I love reading your words and am so appreciative of your kindness xx
Aww, thank you my dear friend… for your kind words, your support, and encouragement. I love that you’re part of this community… your friendship is treasured.
What sweet words you share, Jennifer! I think we all come to the place of asking “why” at some point, or at many of them. Your tender words ring grace to the fact that none of the ability to give comes from within ourselves. Its only because of the love and grace shown to us, that we can show it to those around us. Your beautiful heart of Jesus shines through friend! Thank you for sharing your precious words today, and hopefully for countless more days to come.
Karen… there’s all this love but I know I could never have that much love if it weren’t for Him!
Thank you for being such a dear friend. I am glad we’ve connected in this blogging world!
I just recently discovered you but I love your posts and what you have to say. Even though I have been following your blog only for a short time, I have been able to see your kind heart and your generous nature. Here’s to many more posts from you!
Oh I’m so delighted that we met and have connected Ana Lynn. You are so kind and so very cherished.
I look forward to seeing our friendship grow.
Wonderful reasons to blog and I like you just seem to thrive when I am writing and sharing. I still can’t believe I have been doing this myself for over 2 years. I am not by any means a veteran and others have many years on me, but still the time is flying here and couldn’t picture my life without it now either :)
It’s an amazing community isn’t it? I would have never expected the caliber of friendships and depth of love I would glean from this experience. Blogging has certainly been a blessing in my life!
Thanks for being honest with your questions. I think a lot of people wonder this about their blogging, including me! I enjoy your writing and your comments are always an encouragement!
The times of reflecting on my blog’s purpose comes in waves. However, this time it was different. I really felt that rather than writing more or promoting more, I need to step up to love and nurture more.
I love visiting your blog. It’s a beautiful part of this community!
Thanks for being so transparent. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the numbers and lose focus. Thank you for the reminder to remember my purpose.
Thank you Tara. I love the process of reflecting. Sometimes it’s painful or doesn’t turn out as expected but it’s always a blessing. I feel so fortunate that I have this community and I have every intention to love and nurture the relationships within it.
What a beautiful post and heart you have Jennifer! I love that you aren’t doing this for yourself, even though you love writing, creating, etc, but you are doing it to serve and grow with others!! So precious. So thankful for you, your blog, and your friendship!!!
I’m so thankful for you too Caroline. Your love, encouragement, and faithfulness inspires me. Every time I leave your blog, I feel I have gained so much and I feel so blessed by your words. You have a beautiful ministry there Caroline… so thank YOU!
You are such a beautiful person! I, for one, am very happy that you blog.
Awww, thanks Leilani. I’m so happy that we’ve connected in this great big blogging world. You are a treasure… and boy do you ever make me laugh. I’m still giggling over your Downton Abbey post!
I love that you try to help others and truly I believe that makes a difference in so many different ways. I have my end game with blogging, but I believe that we also have a responsibility to pay it forward as well.
Thanks Michelle! This seems like my comfortable place right now… serving others whether it be by commenting more, sharing more, or featuring guest bloggers. By the way… did you see that you’re my 6:00 Facebook Shout-Out tonight?! I hope some people visit you and give you some love… you deserve it!
No, I didn’t see it! Where should I look? I’m traveling right now, so I’m kind of limited on what I can do. Thank you! You are so sweet!
You’re welcome! You’re one of my cherished blogging friends… it’s the least I could do.
It’s on The Deliberate Mom’s Facebook page
I think this has been the summer for this question. I have had the same questions as have quite a few of my blogging friends. Some have chosen to step away rather than continue.
I am glad you will be staying I truly love what you have to say and want to continue being friends for many years to come :)
I’m constantly reflecting but I think the fact that I met goals yet still felt like it wasn’t “it” made me dig deeper. I long to serve others in this blogging community. If that means I comment more, join events (like the Blogging Staycation), or have more guest bloggers, that’s what I’ll do.
I’m so pleased we met in this great big blogging world Jen! Your friendship means so much to me.
I just saw your post on pig & dac. It’s my first time on your blog and I loooove this post. I always feel like I have no purpose with blogging…haha! I’m pretty sure I blog for myself and to look back on these memories once I’m older or so my daughter can read about our journey once she’s older but this made me realize that there is also such a great community (that I’m just starting to discover). Thanks for sharing.
I’m so pleased you dropped by Carolina and what a post to “meet” on! Obviously, I like to pour out my heart and soul… this was one such moment. The blogging community is a beautiful thing. I feel fortunate to be part of building it up, helping others, and supporting the people I encounter. I hope that I can do this for you as well.
Jennifer. I just don’t even know what to say. You know I love you dearly, and your writing is absolutely outstanding. I’m always just nodding or shaking my head (in a good way) when I read your posts, because you are so eloquent and your posts are just…..beautiful. Your words are always so heartfelt and touching.
You have created an amazing community around you and I hope you know that. We all love to come to your blog and look forward to your infinite words of wisdom each week.
I think you know I’ve pondered this question over the last few months, and I decided to continue on this journey. I’m so glad you are too.
You are loved my friend. And we all thank you for sharing your love with us as well.
Big fat hugs and kisses coming your way!! xoxoxoxoxo
Oh Tiffany, your comment brought me to tears. You are such a lovely and dear blogging friend. This “community” wouldn’t be the same without you. We all have an important place and I’m so honoured to build up, encourage, and support you.
Thank you for your beautiful words my friend… I cherish every letter in it.
Hugs and kisses right back at you!
xoxoxoxoxo
I have cried through a lot of my posts too. And I have healed. I have discovered. I think that’s why I blog.
I’m not a natural born teacher which is why I usually have to be asked or scheduled to write about something specific. And I’m open to it, always!
I just had a funny image of us plucking away on our keyboards, pausing to blow our noses, in synchronicity, yet miles and miles away from one another.
It’s so important to be open to this process. It’s a beautiful journey indeed.
Hi Jennifer! I think it’s so great to do a self-check every once in a while in blogging. Such great questions! What am I doing? Why am I doing it? And it’s so true that sometimes the journey just plain beats out accomplishing the finish line.
I love your goal of serving your readers. That is a real challenge and it takes thought and execution every day. It’s not easy to come up with relevant posts for your readers I’m sure. But it helps that you are willing to open yourself up to your feelings and thoughts. That’s what resonates with people, don’t you think?
Best of blessings on your journeys my friend. I want to travel with you.
Ceil
Yes, I’ve been doing a lot of self-checks lately. It think being open in this process of reflection is critical; sharing too.
However, I’m delighted with this “new” journey of serving others through my blog. If it means commenting more or sharing more… I’ll do it!
A touching post once again Jennifer. You express your thoughts and feelings beautifully. I am thankful that somehow some way our blogs crossed paths because I now have the honor of following along with you.
Thank you so much Susen. I am delighted that we have met as well. This is a beautiful journey we’re on.
I love your reasons for blogging, Jennifer! Many times I think to myself, “just why do I do this?” I wonder if my time could be better spent doing other things…But I really do enjoy it. I love sharing a piece of my story with others, in hopes of it bringing a smile to their face or a new thought to their minds. I love reading about others and knowing that I’m not alone in my struggles.
Thank you Chelsea. I think we often check in and wonder what our purpose is in various aspects of our lives. I’m happy to know that for now, my purpose is to serve others.
Your reasons for blogging are fantastic!!! You should be celebrated though- you DO touch readers, I know because you’ve touched me. You’re funny, you’re creative, you’re so bright and warm, my very first blogging friend and I’m so thankful for your friendship. And honestly, you really truly shine. You deserve a celebration!
Thanks friend. In all of this searching though, I’ve felt like my place or “purpose”, for now, is to build others up. Knowing this makes me happy. Don’t worry though… we’ll be celebrating The Deliberate Mom’s fourth blogiversary in September!
It is so refreshing to see you be so transparent about why you blog, and how even though you met your goals, you didn’t gain what you might have hoped. Instead, you gained insight that is more precious than any sponsor. Your blog is an inspiration to me! Thank you for continuing to write and share!
Awww, thanks so much Brandi. This process of self-reflection has been amazing. This community is a beautiful one and I have every intention to foster, love, and build others up.
Thanks for your kind words.
Beautiful!! I think seeking out why we blog is so important. I love your reasons and agree with some of the others you are building a great community!
Thank you Misty. I am honoured that this isn’t just a blog but that it is a community. Thank you for your kind words.
Jennifer,
I’m so excited to have stopped by! I love your blog already. I made sure to subscribe as well as follow you on G+ and Twitter. It’s clear you’ve built a thriving community here, no doubt through your awesome networking efforts. I look forward to getting to know you better!
BB
I’m so glad we “met”! I never realized when I first started my blog about four years ago, that it would morph into this amazing, loving, strong community. It’s my hope that I can reach out, love, and support anyone who passes through this space.
Thank you for stopping by and visiting! Your comment made my day and I can’t wait to get to know you more!
I absolutely love this, Jennifer.
Aww, thanks Robin. <3
Today, a friend of mine who visited my blog hop for the 3rd time said she read every single post that was shared and that she made two new blog friends who she really liked, and you were the first one she told me about :)
And my response was “Ohhh yes!! Jennifer! She’s so sweet, she’s a homeschooling mom and gives me the greatest mom advice.”
You truly add so much value to my blog and to my blogging experience, thank you for being here and making a difference for us all!
Awww, I’m delighted that your friend reached out and that we’ve already connected! This blogging community is amazing and I’m so delighted that you’re part of it Jessica.
Thank you so much for your kind words.
I loved this post! I love the honesty and your conclusion. Keep on blogging!:)
Thanks so much Cheryl. I’m delighted that this post spoke to you. I look forward to continuing my journey in this amazing community!
Hi Jennifer, things usually come along when we least expect it! You write from the heart and come across as the kind of person I wish lived down the street. Just keep on doing what your doing and I have no doubt that something will come your way, but until then know that your #SHINEbloghop is great and there are many people out in the blogosphere who appreciate you taking the time to host it.
Thanks so much Debbie. I wish I lived down the street from you too! I feel so fortunate to have met you in the blogging world.
I love the #SHINEbloghop. It’s time consuming but I love giving others the opportunity to be seen and to SHINE!
I like this! It’s so helpful to stop and evaluate our purposes for pursuing our goals. A lot of things can distract us along the way that we forget why we began the journey in the first place. It’s true for blogging, but I realize I have to re-assess for other things, like homeschooling.
Thank you Ai! I am constantly reflecting on things in my life. It’s partially one of the reasons why I named my site “The Deliberate Mom” – I contemplate and deliberate over everything.
I LOVED this and I love what you are doing. Your 6:00 shoutout is my fav…thank you for sharing so many bloggers work. We all need to pay it forward!
Thanks so much Kristen.
I love sharing others’ work and building others up. It feels good to be seen and recognized… so I like to do that for others. There are some pretty awesome bloggers out there (yourself included) and I want to make sure they have an opportunity to SHINE!
I love this post- so heartfelt and real. I struggle a lot with why I blog and what my goals are. Sometimes I post consistently and I feel like I’m accomplishing something…other times I fail miserably and fall behind. I know that at the very least, I want my blog to be meaningful and helpful in some way. I think it’s something I should pray about and maybe think on some more before I really continue in any particular direction.
I love your blog and I’m glad that we have been able to connect. Thank you for allowing me to co-host this week!
Awww, thanks Sarah. I’m delighted that we have connected as well.
I want to be prayerful and intentional too.
I’m delighted to have you as a co-host. I hope you enjoy the process and make some good blogging friends.
You really do have a heart of gold. The amount of lovely people commenting attests to this. xo
Thank you so much Rene. I’m so glad to have met you in this blogging world. Australia has moved up to my second most desired place to visit in the world because of your beautiful blog.
If I ever visit… we must meet!
xoxo
I think we might need a bigger box! Jen, you have such a big heart and it shows without you even saying it. I can tell how hard you work on your blog too and want you to know that you DO make a difference in my life. I appreciate your constant support and hosting the SHINE blog hop. Your blog has been a great wonderful place for me and I hope you never stop doing it!
Aww Jennifer, I could cry. How sweet of you.
I wish I could do more! The SHINE Blog Hop is so time consuming but I love that it highlights and supports blogs.
I really want to be a beacon of encouragement and support and this serving spirit has been really impressed on me.
I am so glad you feel the love… because it’s there my friend!
xoxo
Aww you are so awesome, Jennifer! I just love your purpose and your heart in all of it. I do enjoy reading your posts too and learning more about you! :)
Thank you my friend! I’m so glad we connected. You are such a beautiful person Kelli!
Hi Jen, I found you through the SITS Saturday Sharefest. Great post! Glad I found you on this lovely Saturday!
Thanks for stopping by Marnie! I appreciate the warm and friendly words.
Jennifer I don’t think the blogging world would be complete without you so I hope you won’t ever stop. I took a few days off from the computer to spend time with my kids. My last headed off to college yesterday and I wanted to spend time with her and not in front of the computer on blogs, commenting, posting etc. We all love you here and maybe one day I can totally see you getting that book deal because you so deserve it.
Ahh, sending kids off to college… emotional stuff.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m not going anywhere for the time being. I found my joy and purpose.
xoxo
Wow! What an awesome thing to do!! I love reading your blog and love the brutal honesty you shared in this post.
Blogging is hard!! It sounds like you are in it for ALL the right reasons!!
I’m glad you enjoyed this post Jillian… I definitely poured out my heart.
Thanks for your kind words and encouragement.
I loved this post, Jennifer! It bothers me too when I see such incredibly well written blogs with great content not getting recognized! I love the shine blog hop and will continues to link up and browse through the other entries! :)
Thanks Tawnya, I’m glad you enjoyed this. It’s my hope to encourage and lift others up. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the SHINE Blog Hop… thank you for taking part in it!
I am not a creative person, but have always admired other people’s creativity. Six years ago I took a creative writing course and realized how good it made me feel, that is fulfilled a creative gap I did not know I had and my blog was born. It is my passion project that keeps me inspired. The blog is for me, but I am so blessed that others have joined me for the journey!
Thanks for visiting Andi! I love the people I’ve met on this journey… it’s been such a blessing indeed.
What a beautiful post! Whenever things get tough, I always try to remember how often the kids and I refer to recipes and projects on my blog, and I like to think this is a great way to document our family. It’s hard at times, though. Found you at Say G’day. :)
Thank you Dee, I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed this post. There are so many wonderful benefits of blogging. I definitely view it as a blessing.
Thanks for stopping by!
Stopping by from Say G’Day. I enjoyed reading this. I too ask myself sometimes why am I blogging. I like to write too and I enjoy sharing my knitting or sewing projects or info on my workouts and health and fitness. I realize it takes a lot of time and effort to really build your blog and make money and I don’t think I have the time for that right now.
Hi Kimberlee! It does take time and effort to build a blog… but after four years of blogging I’m seeing that the “building” actually develops from interacting with others within the community.
Thanks so much for stopping by from Say G’Day – I love that party!
Hi Jennifer, I’m stopping by via Natasha’s Say G’Day.
Your post title caught my attention instantly because it is a question I’ve asked myself many times throughout the four years I’ve blogged, one which I continue to examine every now and then to make sure I’m staying on course. It took me four blogs to arrive at my latest, and each has taught me so much. My goal has always been the same, to share the gifts I’ve been entrusted with, to encourage, and to love others as I have been loved. Numbers are actually not a good indication of this, fruit is. If there is love, joy, peace … at the core, it is well with my soul. :)
Love and blessings.
Thank you so much for sharing your perspective and journey with blogging. I love how you mentioned the FRUIT not the numbers… so true!
Thank you for stopping by. Wishing you a blessed day.
You are such a kind and giving person. I love to come over and read your posts. They always make me feel good. Blessings to you my friend!!
Thank you so much Tara! I love having you here… you are a dear blogging friend.
Wishing you a blessed day.
This may be one of the sweetest and most genuine posts I have ever read. I’ve been following your blog for a little while and you are absolutely an inspiration to newer bloggers like myself!
Awww, thanks Joanna. I’m delighted you enjoyed this post and I’m flattered that it inspired you.
Thanks so much for sharing this. I can personally identify with what you have said as these are the same reasons that I blog.
Awwww, Jennifer–this is EXactly why I’m going to be one of your biggest fans.
I’m not a pro-blogger, just a silly dad who writes fantasy books for kids, but this article perfect mirrors one my own experiences. You said:
“I have been praying to have a servant’s heart. To not only bless my family, but to bless everyone I come in contact with. My breakthrough wasn’t in a big sponsor or a book contract… my breakthrough came when I realized that I can serve you. Yes, of course I will still publish my stories, share my knowledge, and reveal my creations BUT I want to make sure that in this process I am always building others up and essentially, serving you.
Whether it’s by showcasing you in the weekly SHINE Blog Hop, reading and commenting on your posts, or giving you a 6:00 Facebook Shout-Out… I want you to know that you are cherished. You, my friend, are loved. More importantly, I could not give away this kind of love on my own but that this love comes from a God who says that each and every one of us is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).”
THAT, Jennifer…RIGHT THERE…is why I come back. Why I can’t help but like you and want to help you if I can!
Not long ago I had a similar experience. I’ve been doing Wanted Hero now for 20 years. 20 YEARS…without a “payout” that I’ve wanted. It eats away at you…and so I put all my writing aside at the beginning of this year and focused on marketing only. Intense writing every day and I’m about to hit month 8.
You know what? I hit a HUGE wall of depression. I wasn’t happy anymore.
I don’t know what linking etiquette is on blogs, so I won’t place a link to the article. It’s called, “Have You Figured Out Your WHY?” But here’s an excerpt from it:
“Look, I know this is my living—or I hope it to be eventually—but money wasn’t the reason I started writing books.
“I started writing books to open the minds and hearts of kids.
“It’s always been about the children. To create a sense of wonder and excitement, not only to read and enjoy fun stories of my own making, but hopefully to plant a seed in their minds that they were special. That they mattered, no matter what else they might be told by society. That by reading fantastical adventures, they might stretch and reach for something more in their own lives.
“It has always been my belief that if I shared those passions long enough, with enough people—I would find like minds who sought to inspire and uplift children as well. That as time went on, there would be more and more people to collaborate and cooperate with—to increase the drive and reach across the globe.”
Does that sound familiar?
So while you pass me that box of tissue…I just want to say that I’m really glad I found your blog and made a new friend.
You should make “The Deliberate Mom” groupie buttons….cause I want one.
Wow Jaime, I’m blown away by your kind and insightful comments. Your words of how you wish to open the hearts and minds of children; your passion about inspiring and fostering their imaginations – awesome.
Wanted Hero is 20 years old – wow! You, sir, are dedicated and committed to the process. Good can only come from that!
We’ll be great friends Jaime, I’m sure of it.
Thanks again. I’ll start working on those t-shirts and buttons ;-)
Well, wasn’t it Charles Shultz of Peanuts who said, “It only took me 29 year to become an overnight success”??
Hehehe.
We will all have our time, when it’s time.
Until then, I’m grateful for being genetically stubborn–or too stupid to give in.
(BIG grin)
Seriously, make buttons or shirts or something. =)
Jennifer you are such a beautiful person and you inspire me to be the best me and blogger that I can be. This was a beautifully honest post that touched my heart.
Much love and respect,
Lysa xx