Why I Love Blogging- Part 2

I got a ton of great feedback on my last post about Why I love Blogging. Now that I have been blogging for longer I have even more ideas, so here is Part 2.

Blogging teaches me what it is like to live in other places. I have only lived in Boston and Sydney (for 6 months), so it’s fun to see how people celebrate Thanksgiving outside in warmer climates, or travel on planes to get to hospitals in some parts of Canada! I even have learned (somewhat) what it might be like to live in a country that does not speak English. I have always lived by a big city, but Lisa can tell me what it’s like to grow up in a town with a population smaller than my high school.

On the same note, blogging keeps me aware of what is happening in other parts of the country and the world. Florida is having a cold front? I know about it. You have to have a special driver’s license to drive in Germany? Yup, Katie can tell me all about it!

Blogging encourages me to travel more. Eric and I love to travel, but it’s hard to motivate myself to blow hard earned money when so many essentials have to be paid for. However, reading all the blogs about different places and travel, remind me of the importance, and joy, in seeing new places and having new experiences.

Blogging also helps me have more fun where I do live. I read about restaurants that other Boston bloggers go to and I decide I want to try them. I learn about cool things like Groupon that help me save money on fun things to do in my area of the world. I love getting new ideas about stuff I may want to do in the future.

Blogging holds me accountable for my goals. Even if you guys don’t really care if I limit my ice cream intake, I am much more likely to stick to a goal if I know I have to report you. Plus, I feel more motivated if I am also at the same time motivating someone else :)

Blogging helps me to hear and understand new perspectives. I think, in life, we tend to have family and friends who agree with many of our perspectives in life, at least the very big ones. In blogging, we may choose to read any blog, even if it is someone with a totally different background and set of beliefs than you. Often times, it is people you DO agree completely with, and it’s nice to know that others share your thoughts. Plus it's nice to know there are people out there who actually enjoy wedding planning :) Or that some people have lots of tummy issues like me!

Blogging helps me get lots of ideas for books I want to read, and the motivation to make time for pleasure reading. Whenever I make time for pleasure reading I feel more relaxed. In a way, blog reading is like pleasure reading!

I love chatting with people and reading about the lives of those who are in different phases of life than me. So many moms, so many college kids :) But it's also fun to read about fellow teachers.

Blogging helps me keep in touch with friends and family that read it. Of course I would never want a blog to replace actually time spent connecting with these people, but it’s nice to know they have some idea what I’ve been up to. I love reading my sister’s blog for this reason. Even if I don’t have time to talk to her that day, I have some idea what she has been up to or thinking about.

*I read so many more blogs than I could possibly list in this post, so don't be offended if I didn't link to yours. I love all the blogs I read, that's why I read them :)

Why do you love blogging? What got you hooked in the first place? Is there anything that you have just recently realized you love about blogging?