Drumroll Please...

As of yesterday, I have been writing this blog for 1 year. I'm a blogger. I still am a little shocked that I took this step and I write words that others read and sometimes provide comments, love, and support. Wow.

I thought I'd have something profound to say. Some insightful words to mark this occasion. As I've pondered it, lots of disjointed thoughts have trickled through my mind. As I tend to do in this space, here's a list of things I'd like to share about this blogversary.

Writing. I like to write.  I enjoy the process.  I like the creative outlet this space has provided me.  I like to think about how I'm going to present an idea, a feeling or a funny story.  I've always been a voracious reader.  In recent years, I've added blogs to the genre I enjoy reading.  I just never thought I've have the guts or ability to write anything people would want to read.  This blog has opened a creative side to me that frankly I didn't think I had.  It really rocks.

My Blog as Therapy.  Writing about what's going on in my life has been extremely therapeutic.  I force myself to think about the heavy stuff in my life and process it in an articulate manner.  The act of putting things in black and white on the page is sometimes more meaningful, more vulnerable than working with my therapist.  Maybe it's the anonymity.  I'm not sure why, but this space allows me to be completely honest in a way I can't always be in my real life.  Sometimes writing here forces me to remember the good things in my life that get overshadowed by the drama.  This is a very good thing.  The freedom, yet vulnerability of my blog is liberating.  I'm sure other bloggers have expressed this in a more eloquent manner, but blogging has allowed me to express my raw feelings, fears, joys and hopes in a uniquely satisfying way.  Again, it totally rocks.

Support.  As I said before, I have been reading blogs for years.  Just reading that other women have been going through similar situations or other challenges has made me feel not so alone.  I've laughed.  I've cried.  I've marvelled at how someone has had the ability to write something that describes exactly how I've felt.  I've sporadically commented when a post really moved me.  I don't think I can adequately express how receiving comments on my blog has touched me.  Simple words of support, love, empathy and understanding.  Sometimes it's just someone saying I'm listening, when nobody in my real life is.  Simply put, I don't feel so alone.  For those who have regularly read my words and known exactly what to say...Thank you, thank you, thank you.  You guys totally rock.

The Future.  I've been thinking about the future of my blog.  I've got some areas I'd like to write about more.  I think I'm ready to write more about Jeanne.  I haven't written that much about my wacky in-laws (my husband is one of nine in a British family...the stories and how I fit into that family abound).  I've thought about how I can write a little more about me and less a recitation about the things going on around here.  As with most bloggers,  I hope to write more here in the future.  Sometimes life just gets in the way.  Blogging rocks.

Pride.  When I try to think of a word that truly encapsulates what I feel about this blog, Pride comes to mind.  I am really proud of myself for taking this step.  I am proud of many of my posts.  I am proud of being part of an online community of women writing about their lives and supporting each other despite different backgrounds and experiences.  This creation of this blog makes me feel good about myself and that absolutely rocks.

Oh yeah, and the title of this post was defnitely inspired by my awesome little rock star who was practicing his drums this afternoon while I was contemplating this post in my head.  My sweet little D and our entire family totally rock.