Happy Anniversary to me!  I’m two months into blogging and loving every minute of it.  I learn more and more every day, which hopefully translates into a better and better blog.  I recently been reaching out to some experienced and successful bloggers for advice and feedback about my blog.  

Recently I connected with another blogger (Doyin at www.daddydoinwork.com.  He’s awesome.  I love his blog.  Check him out.) and asked him to take a look at my blog and give me feedback.  Here’s what he said:

I visited your blog "on my own nerves," and it's very well done. One question for you: Why are you writing a blog? In other words, what do you hope to get out of it? Is it an avenue to vent? Share stories? A precursor to a book deal? All of the above? I'm just curious :)

This was fantastic feedback for me.  Because I don’t think I totally knew why I was writing.  At least I hadn’t organized it in my head and on paper/computer.  Why am I writing this blog?  I’m not asking this like “why the heck am I doing this?”.  I’m asking this to make sure I’m really clear in my purpose for writing honestly about my life.

Here’s why I have this blog:

1. I want to relate to my readers and have my readers relate to me.  This means I want to offer my perspective on real life issues, whether they be annoying, difficult,  heart wrenching, funny, silly, or ridiculous.  For example, depression and anxiety are two issues that are near and dear to me.  As I’ve begun writing about these challenges, I’ve had feedback that this is helpful.  Readers who said, “I’m getting help” or “I’m glad I’m not the only one” or “Thank you for being honest and helping others”.  That makes me feel great.  I am deeply wired to want to help others and if my writing can help or  give hope to someone in any way, I’m more than thrilled.  I love to get comments from readers who say “That’s exactly how I feel!”.  And I also love hearing “I disagree”, with a different perspective  offered.  
2. I want to make you smile (or laugh).  Humor is a big part of my life.  I love to laugh and love to be around people who laugh.  My family makes me laugh all the time.  My closest friends are the most hilarious people that have me laughing until I cry.  Over the years I’ve learned to laugh at my many shortcomings and crazy adventures.   I’m not an Eeyore who likes to say woe is me.  I try to laugh at the absurdities in life.  I hope it can make you grin and maybe laugh at your own troubles just a little bit more.  Of course not everything is funny.  But if I can lighten things up from time to time, I like to.  
3. I want to inspire you.  I love life.  Even with all the icky stuff that comes with it.  I hope that sharing my colorful experiences can somehow inspire you.  I know that all of life’s experiences are not funny or inspirational.   But if I can inspire you at least one time to laugh, or get help, or give back, or work harder, or enjoy life just a little bit more...then I’ve succeeded.  Even if it’s something as simple as trying a new recipe, home project, or new product.  (Of course, yesterday I inspired people to go buy Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins.  :))

Thank you for your support over the last two months.  I’m so grateful. Of course this blog is always a work in progress.  I have so many things to write about and share with you.  I love your bloggy love, your comments, and your feedback.