Most people ask me why I still blog. I guess it is surprising to see that I am still writing a blog entry each day. I have enjoyed the process of telling my story, and this has led to a daily habit of writing something on my blog. It is noteworthy that I am not usually blogging on big events or monumental happenings. When I am asked what my blog is all about, I was never shy to admit that it is mostly about my daily journey with hypothyroidism. I am proud that I have learned how to defy my condition and managed to live a meaningful life, but that it not the only reason why I blog. I have decided to dedicate today’s entry on why I blog now, and maybe it could also inspire you to start your own blogging journey.
- Blogging has become my job. I have learned that it is not healthy to describe myself as jobless. Through listening to mindfulness podcasts, I have realized that the brain does not know the difference between imagination and reality. If I will imagine myself as being employed now, then I will believe that I am fulfilled. Now, I am not hallucinating here. I am not thinking that I am employed because I am not- yet! However, I have a blog, which I have committed to write to every single day. Thus, it has become my duty to myself to compose a short essay, even when I do not necessarily feel like sharing my thoughts. And yes, it has become a...
- Habit. Blogging has become my habit! And it is a healthy one at that. I realized that even the mere act of powering up my Squarespace app has motivated me to put my thoughts on the Internet. Writing has led me to explore more, even when I have limitations such as budget. Having my blog has blurred these limitations. I got invited to some awesome events, such as Word of Mouth. Speaking of awesome events...
- Blogging has earned me access to conferences. Seminars and conferences sponsored by prestigious institutions are usually inaccessible, but thanks to my blog, I have been qualified to become a delegate to these educational events. I have motivated myself to attend seminars to educate myself and enhance my content with the knowledge I will gain. With conferences hosted by the DTI, Asian Institute of Management, and Philippine Business for the Environment, I was able to listen to industry insights and trends in creativity and innovation. If you want to qualify for these events, make sure that your blog has quality content, with no offensive topics. Organizers do screen blog and website content in advance to ensure the quality of their delegation. And once you do qualify, by all means, attend as many as you can! Network, connect, and learn while you are there.
- Blogging has affirmed my belief in myself. One of the reasons why I write everyday is that my subscription to my website package (URL, web hosting, design) is PAID. Back when I was still employed, I have prioritized in building this website. Since I am aware that my hard work is powering this blog, I am affirming my labor by writing my story, one entry at a time. I believe in my ability to keep this website up and running, while updating my content and checking on the quality of my posts. I do believe in the power of having a paid service, as this makes me appreciate what I have built more, and in my capacity as a writer and my own brand.
- Blogging has created an opportunity for myself. I have learned from my conferences that it is up to me to create my own opportunities. Of course, it is natural to feel down because I am still looking for a job. However, since I have treated my blog as my work, I have also created a medium for me to present my writing to the world. This has opened doors for me, may it be to conferences, events, and even job leads. When I get employed, I plan to continue blogging as this has already helped me build my identity, which is separate from any job I will ever have.
I am happy to have invested in myself with this blog. It is a journey I choose to continue everyday. There are no bad days for blogging because each day is an opportunity to start afresh and to renew my commitment to myself. After all, I can only be a great worker if I have already found myself. I can say that I have found myself in writing, and by the time I do get employed, I will be a better worker because I am my own person.
***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***