Why Blog?

What drives a person to create a blog, to record and post thoughts and ideas for the world to comment upon? Is it the feeling that everything is changing so radically at such a rapid pace that one must jump out of the turmoil now and then to take a longer, broader view of the events that seem to be tumbling along like so many snowflakes in an avalanche gaining speed and mass as they roll past? In such times more than one I know feel compelled to yell, "Stop! for a moment. I've got something to say about what's going on here." Some are called to blog because they have something to say that must be said. Others are compelled to employ the written word and have little choice but to write things down, things like fleeting thoughts, flashes of insight, observations, or simply recording the details of an ordinary day because those are the best kind. I'm one of the latter.

Over the years I've been encouraged by teachers, friends, cohorts, and colleagues to “keep writing,” as if I could say “No!” to this impulse. Personally, I prefer writing to speaking. I have always admired those who think on their feet. Those wonders who can reply calmly, lucidly, rationally--in the moment--to anyone in any forum about any topic. The most spontaneous and reasonable response I come up with are memorized replies I can pull out as needed: “You've got a point there. I'll have to take time to consider it more deeply.” or “This is an important and complex (decision, issue...), I'll want to meditate on it and get back to you after a day or two. Shall we set up a time to meet then?” But, when I take the time to write, and through the process of that writing, I find the right words and these are the words I write. I think you get the picture. So, I write words spelled out with punctuation, but, still, why blog? Those that really have something that needs to be said, those bloggers' blogs should be posted, read, and passed around. But why would I blog? For the chance to connect with another soul who might think upon reading it, “Yes, something similar happened to me and I believe I felt much the same way.” This person might then tell me how she (or he) reacted in her particular set of circumstances. And there might be that one comment that reads, “I thought I was the only one who felt that way. Thank you.” Lately, after a little egging on from a few close associates, I began to ask, “Why not blog?” This is my first entry and I'm curious about what words, ideas, topics will find their way here.