Why do I do this? I’m not a professional writer. I’m not even really an amateur writer. I haven’t taken an English class since high school (although that’s because I tested out of all three required college classes by scoring a 5 on the AP English Literature exam, so I’m not exactly a hack…) I’m not selling anything. I haven’t been commissioned by anyone to write anything. I just write.

#iblogbecause I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I have five-subject notebooks from my youth full of stories that I would spend my summers writing. Stories of having five sisters and living in a big house in California and being a star soccer player at school (even though I never played sports…) Stories of being an elf at the North Pole who delivered firewood, toted on a little sled, to all the rest of the elves every day (inspired by the Department 56 North Pole Village my mom would put out every Christmas.) I think I started writing because my dad was a writer and I wanted write just like him. I would find inspiration anywhere. I wrote a story in first grade about finding a dinosaur bone in my backyard (inspired by this movie); I actually included the phrase “Where’s the youngin’ that found the bone?”, much to the delight of my teacher, who didn’t think a seven year old could write like that. As far as I can remember, I only ever won one writing award in my life, in 6th grade in some youth writing competition we were all forced to participate in. All I remember about it is that it had an ethereal character named Amdanikat; when I was being interviewed at the awards celebration, I was asked where I came up with that name. I said I didn’t know, because I was embarrassed, but the truth is it’s a combination of the names Amy, Danielle, and Katrina, which I loved at the time and still do. In fact, in my “Sister Series” that I mentioned above, the main protagonist was a character who was based on me, but named Amy.

#iblogbecause my best friend suggested it as a way to cope with the hell I was going through from my health issues. I thought about it for about two weeks before I finally jumped in and published my first blog post on July 1, 2016. It’s been an introspective, inspiring, and cathartic six weeks. It’s really helped my mental health by enabling me to interact with people from all over the world who understand the challenges I’m facing.

#iblogbecause I want to make a difference and raise awareness. When I was diagnosed with endometriosis, it didn’t take long for me to realize that there is a dearth of accurate information out there regarding management and treatment of the disease. As a healthcare professional, this is appalling to me. Since I researched and advocated for myself to get the best treatment available, I only want the best for my sisters out there who may be misinformed and misguided by their own physicians. I still have a long way to go before I really consider my blog “successful,” but when I have days like yesterday, when I had 762 views (shattering my previous record of 419), with one of my endo posts in particular receiving 419 views itself, it makes me believe in myself and believe that I can make a difference. I know this is nothing compared to some blogs I follow, but I have 34 followers and have had over 6,600 views from 50 countries. I think that’s pretty good for only six weeks! Thank you if you’re one of those people.

#iblogbecause I’m lonely. I haven’t worked in two months and won’t be back at work for another 2 1/2 months and my only friends here are my coworkers. It’s hard for me to leave the house because sometimes I’m too dizzy to drive because of Mini, my brain tumor. Plus I don’t know where I’d go anyway. Blogging gives me a chance to connect with other people who share in my struggles and receive support from people who are going through trials just like I am. It’s a good feeling to feel supported by people who can actually relate to what you’re going through.

#iblogbecause it gives me something to do that I enjoy doing that I actually can do. My illnesses have taken a lot away from me. Blogging makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something in an otherwise useless existence. Because chronic illness makes you feel useless. I can’t work right now, so what good am I? I’m not a mother (unless you count being a fur mommy to our seven cats.) Since I can’t do much of anything besides laundry, I’m a pretty crappy wife, although my dear husband doesn’t fault me for anything I’m going through and helps me as best as he can. I just sit around the house all day and…sit. I listen to music (mostly Rend Collective and All Sons and Daughters) while writing. I have my daily quiet time with the Lord, which typically stretches over about an hour. Sometimes I’ll spend more time in the Word if I feel inspired. I don’t really do much. So blogging gives me a way to feel like I’m working and making a difference.

So, fellow bloggers…why do you blog? Any reason in particular?

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