Post #300...

Wow, 300 posts ago I had no idea why I was even starting a blog. It felt crazy and exciting and intimidating. I honestly had no idea what I would talk about and why anyone would ever have wanted to read it. But, I always think of the whole Field of Dreams scenario when I think about my blogging journey: "if you build it, they will come"...which has proved true on many levels. Out of our sheer desire to connect with others, people have come. And what's more, the life and the content and the conversation has all come, too! All because I began this crazy journey!

To honor such an amazing anniversary, I thought I'd bang out another of my 30 Lists...

30 Ways Blogging Has Changed My Life

1. 
   
   Introduced me to some amazing women
2. 
   
   Helped me make real-life friendships with said amazing women
3. 
   
   Helped me to feel not alone
4. Helped me to feel normal
5. 
   
   Has given me an outlet for expression
6. 
   
   Has allowed me to speak up for things I believe in
7. 
   
   Has allowed me to share my interests with others
8. 
   
   Has introduced me to and encouraged me in the world of photography
9. Has given me somewhere to share any artistic work and/or crafts
10. 
    
    Allowed me a space in which to document the lives of my children and our family
11. 
    
    Has gotten me published!
12. 
    
    Encouraged me to be authentic
13. 
    
    Has given me a place to go and share on really great days
14. Has given me a place to go and share on really bad days
15. 
    
    Has given me the opportunity to share my knowledge with others
16. 
    
    Allows me a forum in which to ask for help or input from others
17. 
    
    Has given me opportunities to make connections amongst my friends
18. 
    
    Has given me the opportunity to promote the arts
19. 
    
    Has given me a "gallery" in which to display my photography
20. Sometimes, it encourages me to do things just for the potential post {c'mon...you know you do that, too!}
21. 
    
    Has helped me to reach out to other mothers
22. 
    
    Has helped me to find the Blessings amidst my Realities
23. 
    
    Has re-kindled my love of writing
24. 
    
    Has offered me a place to share special celebrations and exciting events
25. 
    
    Has encouraged me to put myself out there
26. 
    
    Has made me less afraid to truly be myself
27. 
    
    Has made me feel like I'm contributing something to this world
28. 
    
    Has made the world feel a little smaller and a little more connected
29. 
    
    Has given me a sounding board for ideas

Has helped to validate and support my role as a wife and a stay-at-home mom

If you are thinking of starting a blog, I could not possibly encourage you more! It has been a rich and rewarding experience that I would dare to say has improved the quality of my life! Don't know where to start? Email me...I will help you!
 
If you do blog, how has blogging changed you?
 
And now for the winner of the copy of Artful Blogging magazine and a Spring blossom prints....
 

#16...Kathleen of Mams Always Write... Congrats, Kathleen!!! Let me know which Spring blossom print you'd like and I'll get your goodies right out to you!

 

Thank you so much to everyone who entered! I promise I'll give you all another chance to win something again soon. How about tomorrow???!!! We'll be having our second Dozen Details interview along with another awesome giveaway!!!!

 

Happy Monday, y'all!