How Blogging Has Impacted My Life

1. The Community

Chances are when I'm talking about my "friends" to someone in real life, I'm talking about someone I met through blogging. The cool thing about the blogging community is that that's exactly what we are. A community. We live in different neighborhoods and towns and even countries, and have our own style or team we cheer for during football season, but we're also like-minded in that we're bloggers. We're a special breed. We have our own inside jokes, hashtags, and names for Starbucks drinks. I was in a sorority in college (and have even found sisters from across the country. ASA's, where you at?) but the sisterhood of the blogging community is unlike any other. It really is too bad we can't all live in the same neighborhood and have PLL viewing parties.

2. The Friendships

In addition to #1, the greatest part of this community has been the friendships that have developed. Not only have I "met" so many wonderful women around the world and been inspired by their stories, but the connections I've established are incredible. I've connected with some of you over our joint love for Pretty Little Liars (I mean how many times can I mention it in one blog post?), or us making our dreams happen no matter what it takes, or even over the losses of our moms. Shoot, you know blogging friendships are the real deal when you meet someone via blogging, happen to move to the same state as them like a year later, and in no time can call them one of your best friends. Not to mention the picture collages that will happen:

If you don't already know Ashley, stop by her blog and get to know her. She's one of the realest, funniest, genuine-est people I know, yo. (I threw in the "yo" for Ash because we're homies!)

And if you're in Southern California (or even Northern California!) and we haven't met up yet, boom... let's make it happen.

3. The Writing

Writing has been my passion, always. I cannot imagine life without writing, similar to how I almost cannot imagine life now without blogging (even if the posts aren't as frequent anymore.) But blogging is more than just writing. It's sharing and connecting. Blogging was there for me when I went through two of the most heart-breaking times in my life that I will ever go through. Not only was I able to express my thoughts and emotions through words, but people like you were there to read those words and to offer me your support.

4. The Realizations

Most importantly, I saw how my experiences and lessons I've learned have struck a chord with some of you, whether you're a friend, a former schoolmate, or a complete stranger. To know that reading about something that's been on my mind lately or about one of the struggles I had to get through has actually helped some of you... that has changed my life.

At the end of the day, all I want is to help make this world a better place. And if I help by giving someone the support they need when they reach out about an abusive relationship or the loss of a parent or how the heck to move across the country alone, well... what more could a girl ask for? :) Blogging helped me re-find myself, my passions, and my purpose.

Blogging. It's changed my life. For good. And for the better.