Here are some thoughts on the joy of blogging.
I wrestled with the idea of starting my blog for some months, before finally taking the plunge, writing a few posts, and sticking them on the internet for all the world to see.
Fears About Blogging
Initially I feared opening the potential proverbial flood gates of unknown criticism, of judgement from others who may not understand me. I pondered this crazy fear and came to realize readers of my rambling posts, must first find my blog, then actively choose to revisit.
You return to read because you want to. Hopefully you find entertaining stories, anecdotes, recipes and little gems of Irish wisdom. I hope after visiting you feel better about life, your day, where you have been and where you might be headed.
I feared being vulnerable through sharing my thoughts, thinking it might trigger a desire to hide from the world. All of these secondary emotions are scary things.
Then I decided to look deeper at myself, to have faith in my own ability to write, to share meaningful memories, my love for my adopted land, and that of my birth.
Being forgiving towards myself, I decided not to shut myself off from the great unknown, and the vast world of internet community awaiting. Yes, blogging is worth the risk.
Grateful For Readers of My Blog
I am so thankful I hit that “publish” button for the first time. I can't believe I might have missed out on the joy, hope and satisfaction you all bring to my world through your lovely comments and e-mails. Thank you all so much for participating.
As I continue my blogging journey, I hope to discover the courage of creativity, and the connection of community.
Thank you all so much for reading, commenting, sharing and being part of my little blogging world.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
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Liam
Mairead
I'm thankful too, that you "hit that publish button for the first time".
I love reading your posts. They often remind me so much of the things I miss from back home. But in a good way 🙂 You have a great positive way of presenting things.
Looking forward to so much more from Irish American Mom
Liam
Irish American Mom
Thanks Liam. I love reading your blog too. Thank you so much for all of your support and for your positive and encouraging take on all things Irish. Looking forward to reading http://www.gotireland.com for many more years to come.
Best wishes!
Mairead
Brian@irelandfavorites
Wait a minute Mairead. Don't cross out that last line on your checklist just yet. Part of being an American is to make it big through hard work and talent, dumb luck and perseverance. Since you possess talent, hard work, and perseverance, do not shun the capitalist drive to succeed, it's the American way. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, making that Million might not guarantee happiness, but it's worth a try.
Cheers,
Brian.
Irish American Mom
Brian - I'll give those millions my best shot. I better hurry up and finish my novel - who knows I might get it published and make my American fortune. Many thanks to you for all your lovely comments and support. I really appreciate it.
Kay G.
And thank YOU for such a lovely blog!
Irish American Mom
I so enjoy reading your blog too, Kay. I learn so much from you - thank you.
Elizabeth
Your site is lovely, Mairead...and I'm thankful that you share so much of yourself with us. Here's to you!
Irish American Mom
Thanks Elizabeth. And here's to you too and your wonderful site http://www.weekitchen.com - you are an inspiration to me.
Chris B
I love your articles, and I certainly understand your trepidation over blogging. I'm still trying to find my voice and work on my writing. It's funny how this skill of writing is no longer valued enough to actually get paid for it, (let alone paid well...). Thank you for the inspiration, AND the good reads that are triggering again my memories of a trip to your birthplace that I will never forget!
Irish American Mom
Chris - Thanks for stopping by my corner of the world wide web. I think the wonderful thing about blogging is that it helps us find our voice and to develop our writing skills. I hope I will finish my novel in the next few months, and perhaps my blog will be a platform to help me get it published.
I love to visit your blog too - I have tried to leave some comments but am having difficulty with my wordpress account. Hopefully, I will figure it out soon, but I am not a great "techie"
So keep writing, keep posting and above all, keep enjoying the process of sharing.
Best wishes,
Mairead
Jack@TheJackB
It is always a pleasure coming to visit your blog. I am glad that you are part of the blogosphere.
Irish American Mom
Thanks Jack - glad you too are part of the blogosphere - I always enjoy your take on things.