Some thoughts on blogging
Jan 17th, 2008 by learningumbrella
I was going to post about sugar (and how much of it I need to stop eating), but then I read this post at Mother Crone’s, and it made me think about unplugging and how much more I could get done …
Then I took the kids outside, cleaned up a bunch of roofing debris from our play yard, and then sat and read Madame Bovary while I watched them play. I was still feeling like I should do more, so I did a few chores, made lunch, put dinner in the crock pot, and did some “school” with the kids.
But now it’s “quiet time”, and I don’t want to read anymore of Madame and I can’t go into the room that has the sewing supplies because it also has a sleeping baby in it …
So I go back to the computer. I think I actually get plenty done, even with the lure of the computer. I check my email too often. I surf blogs too much. But I’m lonely, and this is how I fill that gap for myself. I would probably talk too much on the phone or watch too much TV if I wasn’t doing this. Of course, maybe I should be worried more about finding real world friends, as this article from Brain, Child’s website makes me think.
Blogging makes me feel good. I get to see what others are doing, get ideas from them, brag about stuff I’ve done, complain a bit, share information, find others who are like me. But I feel a bit bad after reading this post at Painted Rainbows - does the blog world just foster more competition between moms?
Why do we blog? Does it keep us from doing more productive and unplugged stuff? Does it keep us from having real friends and “getting out more”? Does it make us feel bad when we feel others are better than we are?
I really hope it doesn’t do all that. I love this blogging world, and I like to think it’s a healthy outlet for those of us that spend most of our “real world” time in conversations with little people (who may have wonderful thoughts, but are unlikely to understand their mommy’s perspective on things).
blogging and connecting with people online can soemtiems be more beneficial than not being on. Of course, you have to regulate yourself.
It’s also easier to find like-minded friends online.
Have an outlet for one’s thoughts is ultimately a good thing, i think.
Sara, for me it isn’t competition but low self esteem. I can’t seem to shake the continual struggle of comparing myself.
Also, I am just overwhelmed with my kids. Never once have my kids played alone as you just described. They cling to me and will not play with anything. This alone drains me. I would give anything for them to play quietly by my side but they don’t.
Also, I’m overwhelmed by my own standards for blogging, content, commenting, responding to emails, reading blogs where I don’t comment. It is all to much. As Anderea said, regulating myself and finding a balance is necessary.
Thanks for considering this topic. I think a month away will make a difference. Already today I feel better from breaking free of blogging. All the effort has become too much like a wee small part time job.
I am the first to tell anyone how blogging and online friendships have enriched my life. Especially when my kids were young, and I could not leave them for a quick coffee and chat with a friend. I love that I find those who are like minded, and can support and encourage, where the friendship is true and honest. In real life, I often am around those who are just far too different in view or lifestyle to really gel. I would hate to think I had to totally give up any of this, for my life is much richer through it. But I also know that I need to limit my time because I will easily lose hours that really need to be elsewhere. It is a balanacing act worth figuring out!
I think blogging can connect us more than we might if we didn’t have the internet. Of curse anything can have it’s downside but I have (and my hubby) rejoiced in the outlet of blogging as I get a chance to day what I need (want) to say.
Blessings
I think it’s good to re-evaluate your “blog/computer” time every now and again. Even with real friends, I get great benefit from being on here. Look, I just found you and am eager to read about your own HS experience. See? Good!
As Angela said, coffee and a chat with a friend isn’t feasible when both parents are involved in more than full-time pursuits like home business and homeschooling multiple little ones. The function of blogging, for me, is similar to what I get from checking in with my three-dimensional friends: camraderie, a sounding board, accountability, understanding, and laughter. When I’m in a funk with life, my blogging can be an escape, but it’s only a problem if it doesn’t help me snap out of it.