Blogging is like becoming an expat, you get to meet folks from all around the world, but you don’t have to go anywhere! It’s brilliant. Of course, just like traveling, you meet some great and not-so-great folks on the road. Sometimes the connection last only the strength of the holiday and other times something more long lasting is built.
The older I get, the more I realize how much EVERYTHING has to do with RELATIONSHIPS. How we communicate, what we choose to say or hold back and everything else between the sheets, learning to foster healthy and happy relationships with people is where sanity lies and society lives.
Now that I’ve been blogging consistently for about 5 years, I can’t imagine not blogging. It’s in a sexy marriage with my passion for reading and writing and my new love for taking lots of pictures where ever I go and making my friends wait while I photograph their meals.
So here’s my list, my ode to blogging and why I think blogging is the cat’s meow, dog’s bark, cow’s moo, duck’s quack, lion’s roar, elephant’s trumpet, donkey’s heehaw (okay, we get it) and, well, alright then.
![I had no idea! [A couple of my former students from Chiang Mai, 2013]](https://lanivcox.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/boys-talking.jpg?w=1024&h=640)
It was an interesting insight that I don’t think would have happened otherwise. I mean, sure, it could have happened over green tea and cookies, but we haven’t lived in the same town since high school and this topic opened other imaginary doors with other AA friends and even enlightened (you’re welcome) non-AA friends, too.
Also, the good girls at She is Fierce and The Lady Errant started a feminist link up which got me thinking about whether or not I am a feminist! Am I a feminist? It is simply not something that I have thought about even though I went to college and all that good stuff. I find reading their perspectives and those who have participated to be far more meaningful than what Hollywood A-listers have to say on the matter. (I know, celebrities are people, too, but they get enough attention.)
3. You are always learning. I suppose this one is a bit groan-worthy as constantly keeping up with technology and tools can bring you to tears and lots of beers. I’ve had my fair share of Groundhog Day moments in the world of “why won’t this work” hell, and googling “_____” problem with open-in-a-new-tab reckless anger and futile hope. In fact, I think I’ve had my allotted fill of technical snafus, so thank you, computer gods, I’m good, I’m good.
Oh, right. Yeah, learning, always growing and such, great stuff, love it…
4. I’m in control. Now, I know this one seems diametrically opposed to the previous one, but let’s face it, we bloggers don’t have deadlines (unless we give them to ourselves), restrictions and other rules that prevent us from getting our work out there. In fact, if we wanted to, we could hit publish with nothing, but a quick life update or a picture of a cat in a sweater.
5. Because it’s fun. Blogging is obviously a beloved hobby by many, otherwise we wouldn’t have the crazy statistics on blogging that we do.
But for me, I enjoy blogging, which is why I continue to do it despite its ups and downs. I’m inspired by your posts and I like learning about new places, peoples and points of view. I also truly believe that the extraordinary can be found in the ordinary and through everyday voices. I think this is why I chose to follow bloggers who are interested in having a conversation. I liken it to reality, you know, the world away from laptops and smart phones.
If I’m talking to you and you don’t talk back then eventually I have to find someone who is interested in what I have to say, too. I’m a big girl, so I get it, you might not find a connection with me or my voice, but like I said in the beginning, everything is about relationships and how we treat one another. I think blogging can force us to be better people. Of course, it can go the other way, it can always go the other way, but hopefully we make the right choice because I think the rewards are in this direction.
Why do you blog?
Life, the Universe, and Lani 
Comments create conversations. Let’s talk.