Why Do You Blog?

I blog because in some way I find it therapeutic to write down what I'm going through. It helps me process through it and be able to know that putting it out there for the world makes it very real, and whatever it is I have to face it and be accountable. I also do it because I know somewhere there is someone going through the same thing I am. I don't do it to brag, complain, or even pretend to be an expert on anything. I do it so if someone feels the same way I happen to feel, they know they are not alone. And sometimes that can make all the difference between a good day and a bad day.  I have read a post that says "I know it hurts" and teared up.  When I see the words "no one can motivate you but you" I get a little more hopeful. When There is a picture of a person slumped over and it says "don't give up"..well..I decide that day I won't pack it in.
I dont know the people personally on the pages and blogs that I follow but you read the struggle and follow for months or years what they have to say you feel like you are invested in their health. You want to know if things work, you feel badly when they are having a awful time of it. And i think these connections are what keep us going, despite all that we have to deal with.

There is a reason why people start support groups and organizations. Its so people can be in the company of others who are going through the same thing. Feeling LESS alone is critical to healing in my opinion. When you are in pain, or struggling mentally, even feeling depressed, it can be greatly  amplified by the fact you feel alone. And conversely it can diminish those feelings just enough to know you may make it through another day.

Jan Fears Says:
"I blog b/c I can connect w/others with my same sufferings. The Drs do NOT seem to truly understand how deeply these diseases affect us. Mentally, physically & emotionally. We are so depressed at times that we honestly want to die. I can only speak for myself on these matters. Pain is an evil thing that works on you 24/7 even tho I take 5 different pain meds, I still cry with pain. I have withdrawn from living that I rarely leave the house. I have to leave to go to Dr appointments for pain meds, I try to go to a store on that day or get my hair cut so I don't go out again. I don't have any friends outside of FB bloggers. My Husband does all the shopping & cleaning for us. 

I had to move to the 'Guest Bedroom' b/c of my lack of ability to sleep & me not being able to be touched when I do 'cat nap' . My skin feels like it is bruised ALL the time, so when I get bumped or touched it feels like I get hit. When I get my B/P taken at the Drs office, I have tears rolling down my face B/C of the pain. When I swell & the Dr mashes his thumb on my leg, checking the swelling, tears roll due to the pain. The Dr says he is sorry, but I don't think he truly understands how much pain I am in. I have fibromyalgia, Sjogrens & Osteo Arthritis that cause my pain. I'm only 59 but I feel over 100! With us exchanging how we feel, how we deal with pains, how we handle our lives we learn how to live better w/all of our afflictions. 
Mentally, going day to day in pain, your attitude towards life changes. Your way of thinking changes. Everything changes! The way I dress, looser clothes b/c tight or fitted clothes hurt me. I thought I was having a heart attack one time - no, just chest muscles aching b/c I was dressed with a bra on all week. I can't wear "going off" clothes every day - ya know the standard tee shirt & jeans.
To walk around I use a cane. I do this because my feet, ankles & knees are unsteady."

Terrie Smith Freeman Says:

" I blog for the support and comprehension of others who have walked a mile in these shoes." 

So please share with me why you blog and feel free to include a link to your site :) 

We are all in this together!