Blogging…
What has blogging done for you?
For me, it has opened so many different worlds. I’ve grown as a teacher. I’ve grown as a person.
There were times over the last year where I wondered if I had a voice in the blogging community. Did people read? Did people care what I had to say? Was I obsessed with how many followers I had? (Ummmm….yes).
I am not quite into a full year of blogging, but this is why I continue to blog:
#1~I think about how and what I teach in a different way. Sounds simple enough, right? If it’s not blog-worthy, should I plan it? 😉
#2~I love to share. I’ve always been “that parent” who sent in treats to teachers and kids when my own kids were small. Almost to the point of hearing at home, “I bet those cookies aren’t for us.” I love to share my ideas almost to a fault. But, really, is there any fault in sharing? Probably not.
and finally…
#3~I have “met” so many wonderful friends in this community. Yes, I truly consider my blog buddies my friends. They listen. They hear about my ups and downs. I had a ball with Amber and Elisabeth on Friday when they came to stay with me. I had a great time at the blogger meet up in Columbia. My buddies Kristen and Tara might be a million miles away, but they are there for me in a skinny minute. Tara~thanks for listening to me today when I needed it.
So, do you ever have doubts about blogging? Stick with it if you do. There may be ups and downs to blogging and feeling like you aren’t being heard. But, the friends you make online will make it worth it.
I know it has for me.
Thanks Meghan, Melissa and Natalie:) We are not alone and this community is a great place to turn in need.
Amen, sister, Amen! We should totally get recertification credit for this!!
I love this and I agree with you 1000%!! I'm very grateful for our friendship, thanks to blogging 🙂 🙂
That's one of the things I love the most, too. I love knowing I'm not alone 🙂
I'm right there with you- can't imagine my life without it now!
Me, too, Kristen! Thanks for always listening!!
Love this post 🙂 🙂 Thanks for the bloggy pick-me-up!!~Stephanie3rd Grade Thoughts
I feel like you were talking directly to me in this post…or better yet directly from my head and heart!! I got so into this blogging thing over the summer and yours was one of the first blogs I encountered. I loved everything possible with blogging and the doors it opened! I am just starting my blogging world and I know that I am no where near as experienced as people like you but I look forward to the day that people like you follow my blog and are interested in what I have to say. Thanks again for such a wonderful post!Lindsay-Flipping Over Fourth Grade
HI Elizabeth! I can't agree with you more about this post…. Blogging has made me such a better teacher and the amazing ideas I have learned from all of you have been priceless. I love the friendships I have made through blogging. I am the first to admit that I worry if anyone reads my blog posts ,and I've even thought about not blogging anymore a couple of times but then I would get such a sweet comment from someone reading my post or a pick me up from a bloggy friend that I'm inspired to continue.Thanks for sharing all of your amazing ideas! Kristastellar-studentsI LOVE reading your posts and LOVE that you share such amazing ideas! Thank you!
Hi Elizabeth,I'm so happy I came across this post and your blog! I agree that the blog world has completely changed how I teach! I'm in my sixth year of teaching and the blog community has kept that new teacher passion alive in me! I often look at some of my coworkers who seem to have lost that spark and I often tell them to check out teacher blogs! Just one quick read of an amazing post and I am 100 percent motivated to be the best teacher I can be! At times though too I also wonder if anyone cares about what I blog! I've only been blogging about a month but so far the benefits are only positive! I'm so happy to be a new follower of your great blog!-MarieBeach Lovin' Teach
I just want to thank you so much for this post. I am new to blogging and I feel all those negative feelings you posted. Because I'm not a teacher yet, I feel like my blog isn't as important. And yes, I'm obsessed with having followers! I keep trying to figure out how to get more. I guess because I'm a student, I don't feel as though I have as much to contribute to the teacher blog world. But, your post is very motivational. I'll keep your words in mind as I keep bloggin' along. One day I'll be a teacher (again), and I will be able to contribute more ideas. Thanks so much!Kandireadinginthemiddlerocks.blogspot.com
Thank you for the sweet comment, Lindsay. You are going to LOVE this community. Thanks for reading. I can't wait to see and read more of what you have on your blog.
Thank you, Krista. I love reading your blog, too, and have learned tons from you. Thanks for being such a great blog friend.
You are going to be amazed as time goes on how much you grow as a teacher-blogger.
There is a whole network of teachers who don't currently teach. There is always an audience. Keep with it…your contribution matters.
Love this post! After the day I have had, I needed it 🙂 It is nice to know that no matter what there are friends like you who support what you are doing!
Of course!
so, so, so, true!! blogging is the BEST professional development you can do for yourself!! I LOVE this post!