Why I Blog

During the Ultimate Blog Challenge, Michelle Shaeffer shared many blog post ideas with participants. Since then, she's even started a Daily Blogging Ideas site. Some days it's nice to scroll down a list of topics and see which one grabs you and won't let go.

One of her ideas in July was "Why I Blog". It made me think. That's always a good thing.

My reasons for blogging:

* Exercise: Writing is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. Since I began blogging on a more frequent basis, my writing has improved and the ideas flow more regularly. I wrote about this idea in a July post, Writing Fitness: Flexing your Writing Muscles.

* Community: The writing community constantly amazes me. They share and support. Plus the people who read this blog and comment help me feel part of something.

* Service: I have learned a lot and want to pass it along to readers, fellow writers, mothers, and business people. If others didn't pass along their knowledge on these topics, I'd be drowning in a sea of questions on so many fronts.

* Enjoyment: Writing a post can change my whole day. There's nothing better than writing a heartwarming story or going for a good laugh, especially when others appreciate it.  

Why do you blog or follow blogs?

Make New Friends But Keep the Old

July is almost over, signalling the end of the Ultimate Blog Challenge. A huge thanks to hosts Michele Scism and Michelle Shaeffer! One of the benefits of this challenge was the daily blog ideas. Today's was determination, how we push through to reach a goal. Challenges motivate me to reach goals, but so does reading other blogs and learning.

Both Michel(l)e's blog posts are informative and motivating, detailing the ins and outs of the blog universe. Their challenge brought together many types of bloggers all looking to learn more about social media and networking.

Highlighted blog finds:

* Putting Words to Paper: Tiffany Jansen's words on writing. Everything from common writing mistakes, tips on editing, and discussions about the publishing industry.

* Punk Rock Psychic: No, I'm not scouring blogs looking to unleash my inner punk rocker, but I've found Lisa Marie Selow's blog inspirational and thought-provoking. From the Home Page: "Live an authentic life with success, purpose, happiness, and freedom--on your terms!" I've had several oh-yeah moments reading her posts.

* WAHM Solution: "Work at Home Moms Building Success from the Inside Out" Some great tips this month on knowing your values and building your self-esteem. I love help with motherhood and business all in one site.

* Insignificant at Best: Lisa's "random musings" often made me stop to think and reflect. Great things for a writer, but beneficial to everyone. She engages readers. After the challenge, I plan to spend some time on her site getting ideas for mine. Beautifully put together.

Old friends enjoyed:

* BooksYALove: The authority on lesser known YA books. I have a small notebook filling fast with her diverse book suggestions. Katy, a huge thanks for enhancing my reading life.

* Teaching What is Good: That she does. Endearing and good for the soul, she touches me with her positive outlook and unshakable faith. Kate, keep the inspiration coming.

* Ramblin' with AM: Everything from interesting Civil War posts and beautiful flower pictures to touching posts about autism. A touch of beauty in every post.

Check out these great blogs, and let them know Tia sent you.

Do you have a great go-to blog to recommend? If so, please leave it in the comments below.