why i blog...

just some of the many amazing people i have met through blogging!
 
So raise your hand if you have ever pretended you don't have a blog in certain public situations? Well, I have done that... a lot. Well maybe not pretend I didn't have one, but not like to talk about the fact that I have one. Did that make sense? haha I guess I always find it a little embarrassing to admit out loud that I have a blog. I mean, it seems a tad narcissistic does it not? In a lot of ways, yes, it is. But I guess it is like any other social media network. It is a space online, that is all mine.

It is also a place where people can come to connect. This is my space where I document the daily happenings in my life, where I can be creative, where I can discuss and connect with other people. At the end of the day we all value, share, and relate to the human experience,  and we can connect with that. I have always been a big people person, so the fact that I love to connect through social media should come as no surprise.
 
While this blog started off as a place for me to update my family on what was going on in my life in college, it has grown into a place I go to, to connect, to share, to document, and to be inspired. 
 
I have always had a lot of friends, and have never had problems making new ones. So when I moved from California to Utah for college (not knowing a soul here) I didn't expect life to change that much. Sure I met some great people, and made some friends, but I hadn't made deep connections with people like I had back home. I guess I had been spoiled with some pretty amazing best friends back home (you know who you are!) and I missed those types of connections. You know, the laugh until your stomach hurts, tell each other everything, best friends kind of friendships and connections?
 
Soon blogging became my escape and outlet. Other blogs, my readers, and this whole community brought me joy during a time in my life where I felt I was missing those valuable friendships. While the transition of moving somewhere where I knew no one wasn't as smooth I expected it to be, I began to develop true lasting relationships through blogging - not only over the internet but in person.

I am so thankful everyday for the friends and connections I have made through blogging. You guys fuel my inspiration for so many things that reflect themselves in my every day life. If you read this blog and have never commented or talked to me, PLEASE send me an e-mail, tweet, comment, or anything saying hi. I want to continue to develop relationships with as many of you as possible!
 
These types of connections is one of the many things in life that brings me true joy, learning about others, meeting new people, and sharing with each other. I am thankful for a space to share and connect, and I am so thankful for the many friends I have met through blogging and that I know I will continue to meet.

Just, thank you. Thank you ALL :)


Other places I have talked about why I blog - here & here.




88 comments

  1. I'm doing a professional development opportunity through my job (which is so not blog related). We were talking about how I identified ourselves and before I knew it "blogger" was written down on my sheet and out of my mouth to my neighbor. It was just the strangest thing!
    Love your blog, and glad you're bloggin :)
    xx,
    Kate at ummmnowwhat.blogspot.com

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    1. haha Kate, I love it! I know what you mean :) Us fellow bloggers understand!

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  2. And I'm so glad you decided to blog because I enjoy reading the goings on in your life! :)

    I'm coming to Utah next month for the Sundance Film Festival and to go skiing. I can't wait to visit your state!

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    1. Oh my gosh you are going to have SO MUCH FUN! I LOVE the Sundance Film Festival! Maybe I will run into you :) But we will both probably be looking out for celebrtiries! haha

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  3. I love it.....

    xoxo
    Liesl

    woodsy-soiree.blogspot.com

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  4. Well, hello Kindred Spirit! I just blogged about this today! And I was totally thinking about you because I started my blog as my husband was entering law school and I just kept thinking about you and the wonderful journey you have ahead. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

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    1. You DID?! I need to go read about it :) I have always appreciated your comments on my blog! You are the best!

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  5. I don't think I've commented on your blog yet, but I did just start following you last week or so! But HI anyways! I also love making blog friends, so of course I'd love to get to know you too!

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    1. Halie, thanks for the comment! :) I love meeting new people through blogging!

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  6. the blog community is a really great one for sure!

    (and, yeah, totally pretend in certain situations that I'm not "a blogger" ... ha ha)

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    2. haha right? it can be embaressing to admit out loud to others sometimes!

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  7. i totally do that too! i often feel embarassed for having a blog, and yet, i love doing it and the friendships i've created :)

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  8. I can think of a specific work meeting I was sitting in where everyone was talking about bloggers.. and right as I was about to proclaim myself as a blogger.. they all started rolling their eyes about how bloggers don't really do anything and ranting about bloggers. It surprised me and I quieted down. The blog world has opened up so much greatness to me.. I was surprised to be the only one in that setting who felt this way.
    Thanks for posting this. I really enjoy your blog.

    And I usually don't post direct links to my blog, but I wrote about this too..
    http://www.southernelle.com/8/post/2012/03/why-blog.html

    Blogging is good for you.. even a BYU study says so!

    Keep up the good work, I admire what you've got going on!

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    1. I didn't know there were studies to prove it! haha Too cool :) I think people just can't understand blogging until they are in it full swing. Thanks for sharing your post, it was a great read!

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  9. A lot of my friends don't even know I have a blog! I love the blessings and friendships that have come from blogging!

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  10. Only my closest friends know that I have a blog. I'm never sure whether to tell people about it, just in case they annoy me in the future and I accidentally mention something on the blog...

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    1. haha oh Malin, there is def some perks to having a "secret" blog when it comes to stuff like that, to truley let your feelings out in that kind of way where there is no editing!

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  11. I'm so jealous you've met so many people! I don't tell anyone I have a blog if I can help it. Some of my family knows and I wish they didn't - especially my mom.

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    1. I used to be the same way, but once you start meeting people it makes blogging even that much better!

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  12. Well i sure am glad you blog. I have loved getting to know you through your cute blog. Sometimes it provides me with some great ideas of local activities. I tell you what..you need to be creative in Provo sometimes...ha Glad your blog has brought you great joy as well.

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  13. You know I love ya! I agree, I started blogging for friends & family but I have developed great relationships with people I never knew before the blogging community- a totally unexpected surprise! you're the best lady! see you next week!

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    1. ashley, won't I be seeing you this week?! I am excited, I miss you missy!

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  14. I'm so glad you said that thing about pretending like you don't blog when you are in public. I had to tell my husband to stop bringing it up when we are hanging out with our friends. Especially because he started talking about "followers" I was like oh no, this cannot be happening. It can be embarrassing for sure.

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    1. hahaha oh do I have stories galore about people in my real life finding out I have a blog and them bringing it up infront of groups... SO EMBARESSING! hahaha

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  15. I actually don't mind telling people I blog. Now having them actually read my blog, is a whole different story.(I've actually made my boyfriend promise not to go on it.) It's so weird having a close friend read it, especially if I'm there.

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  16. Blogging can be WEIRD. Let's be honest! Sometimes I have to remind myself that ANYONE can read my blog... It makes me think twice before clicking "publish" :] I have met some great lady bloggers! It's such a fun little world :]

    molly
    http://alwaysamrsforeverakidd.blogspot.com

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  17. I love blogging for all of those same reasons. I've met the best people through blogging!

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  18. I'm definitely one of those people too who sometimes don't like to admit they have one. Ironically, the people I know in real life (even if- or maybe especially) who know about I think like having something they can talk to me about ("Oh, saw your latest post. Love the skirt" etc.)

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  19. Love the photos with your friends! I've not made any friends through blogging but I home to, someday :)

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  20. LOVED this Alicia!! I came across a horrible site today (get off my internetz) that makes fun of bloggers and this just sums up so perfectly why blogging is so amazing!! Dead on lady!

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    1. Oh yes, I know that site! It doesn't take too long for people to find that site once you have been blogging for awhile. At the end of the day blogging is something personal that people choose to share of themselves with others! It is meant to be fun :)

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  21. I get mixed reactions when I tell people I blog--most people just give me the polite, "Oh really?" (that basically lets me know that they think I'm a little weird, esp. when they see that I take pictures of everything), but I love it. Blogging is my outlet, my escape from the crazy demands of being a teacher. And even though I haven't met up with any of my blogging friends in real life yet, maybe someday I will.

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    1. Torrie you really should! It is amazing talking to people in real life that know about this world! haha It makes you feel less weird like other people can make you feel like. There are so many great things about this online community we all need a little bit of in our lives :)

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  22. what a great tribute to blogging! it seems that for those of us that love doing it, it starts out of necessity. keeping in touch with those whom we can't see daily, and turns into so much more. keep doing what you're doing and i'll do the same!

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    1. It really was a surprise for me! I mean, my Dad is the one who got me to start a blog in the first place, I wouldn't have believed you if you told me it was going to turn into this!

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  23. I really like that you did this post. There are so many different reasons to have a blog. My Blog

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  24. I love blogging because I've made new friends like you!

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    1. exactly, see your beautiful picture up there missy?! haha :) We need to get together sometime! We never did do that shopping trip we all talked about when we originally met!

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    2. OMMMM YES! We need too. Lets plan for January, when things slow down a bit! : )

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  25. I get embarrassed sometimes about having a blog too, but I love the connection. Love this post.

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    1. Yes, the connections and inspiration make up for any of the embarrassment of it :) haha

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  26. I'm a recent blogger (just started this summer) but I can already see the valuable effects. It's so much fun to have this little community to come to whenever I need to escape for a bit. Really loving the connection with everyone out there and the fact that it helps me improve my writing too. Huge fan of yours!

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  27. I know what you mean. I love blogging, but sometimes it makes me feel self-absorbed. I mentioned I blogged once at work and my boss assured me she would find me. haha!

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    1. I love it, my boss finally figured out I have one, now he loves to go on about how he is going to go home and read it all night haha so embarrassing!

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  28. Great post Alycia! I have to agree. While I haven't been blogging long myself, I've been enjoying blogs for several years now. The communities I've been able to participate in just by simply reading another person's blog have been so rewarding, inspiring and enlightening. So grateful for blogs! Both reading and experiencing other people's online creative and special spaces, and now, creating my own :)

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    1. You said it perfectly right there Carli! It is a whole new world of outlets and creativity I didn't know I was missing in my life!

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  29. Love this post! I started blogging only 2 months ago and I'm hooked :)

    xo Michelle

    Fierce & Fashionable

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  30. Yes, I get completely embarrassed if/when I have to bring up my blog in public! I also get a little weirded out when my husband reads my blog in from of me, haha. And I agree, it's super fun to meet new people through blogging!

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    1. haha I totally know what you mean about the husband thing, I tell Trevor he can't read it in front of me it is too embarrassing haha he does anyways :0 haha

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  31. I totally agree with you! And I am so with you on the being-a-little-embarassed-about-your-blog thing. It's so true though- it's your own little space! I love your blog and I love this post so much!

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  32. I haven't told anyone I have a blog...I guess I am kind of a private person! Ha Ha, no but really I am, in real life!

    =)Brooke

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    1. It took a long time before I just told people I had one haha

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  33. Alycia!! This post totally rang true with me. You really articulated it so well I love that you and I have reconnected through blogging and am dying to get together with you some time soon. Lovies, go BETA! hahaha,

    Jessi

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    1. BETA! haha Jessi we need to hang out sometime :) Not a quick chat at a blogger meet up!

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  34. Love this! Blogging has really opened up my eyes to an amazing community of women and people who are just awesome!

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    1. It is a community that I can't believe I didn't know existed! haha

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  35. Seriously I love that you blog because if not we never would have probably met and then you would never have become my little sis. haha I love you lady!

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    1. I LOVE YOU AMY! haha Speaking of this wonderful love, why don't we see each other more?! I know I will see you this week, but we need to step it up! Once the Bachelor starts up though our reunions should be much more frequent :) LOVE YOU.

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  36. yay!!! so glad I'm in here!! I love you dear!!
    xoxo Cara

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  37. SO true!! The internet is great for building relationships for people that end up moving a lot! I wouldn't have met have my friends here if it weren't for online networks!

    xx
    Sophisticated Lace

    Enter my $20 Firmoo voucher giveaway!

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  38. I am so glad you found me, I LOVE your blog! I am your newest follower, I can't wait to follow along and be your new blogging fried! :)

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  39. I like your style, and I'm not just talking about the way you dress (though you sport some great outfits!). You have spunk. I dig it! Thanks for finding me, friend :)

    -Danielle

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  40. My blog doesn't have many readers, but I hate when my friends and family talk about it when I am around. They always say things like "oh, I loved that post you just did about...." and then go on to explain to anyone in the room who didn't read it. Luckily a lot of my posts are just about my baby haha but it is still embarrassing!
    I haven't commented before, but I am a long time reader!

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    1. hahaha it can be awkward when people talk about your posts right in front of you haha :) flattering though your family loves your blog so much!

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  41. I am so glad that you blog! I don't comment often (cause I am shy), but I read each and every post. :)

    You blog for the right reasons and are completely honest with your posts. That is why I read!

    XOXO

    Lourdes

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    1. Lourdes you don't have to be shy online :) thanks for such the sweet comment, I appreciate it!

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  42. Greetings from Russia!!! Yup!!! Far far away and cold Russia =))))))))
    I'm Natasha =)))))) And I've been your reader for a while now=)))))))))))))
    Nice to meet you =))))))))))

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    1. Thanks for commenting Natasha! :) Hello back from cold Utah!

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  43. Most people I know in real life don't know about my blog.

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  44. Hi Alicia! You commented on my blog so I decided to take a look at yours. I totally get how you feel about not mentioning that you have a blog. I don't often either as it feels weird and like I'm advertising. I also recently moved away from home and haven't been able to make deep connections like my old ones back home. Blogging is a great outlet!

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    1. Bah I spelled your name wrong. Sorry about that Alycia. :)

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    2. Don't worry about it Julie, it happens ALL the time! Blogging really can be a great outlet, and I hope you start making those deep friendships soon :)

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  45. i have thought about this a lot this past year. i met a couple of big bloggers and got a little obsessed with it. once i reminded myself i blog because i like blogging, and i like my friends and family that live far away to see what i'm doing, i stopped worrying so much about who was/wasn't making comments and stats. i like blogging so much more that way. i've found a lot of blogs i really like to read and made a few new friends along the way.

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    1. Aubrey, I think we all go through that when we first start blogging. It is so easy to get caught up in it all! It helps keep us balanced when we remember why we loved and started it in the first place!

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  46. the thing i love most about your blog - -
    every post you write + i read, i feel like you are speaking from MY brain about MY life.

    i know the longing for real friendships feelings.
    + feeling a little embarrassed about blogging.

    you are very real + very honest. i am glad that you blog.
    i am grateful to have gotten to know you a little bit better through you blog!
    it's easy feel your sincerity through your writing + to tell that you are the same in life.

    keep it up, sweet gal!

    i know i enjoy it!

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  47. Thanks for commenting on my blog; it's lead me to yours which I already enjoy after only two posts!!

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  48. Just discovered this great blog you have going on! We have only been blogging for a month but look forward to meeting new people through the blogging world. Not sure about bringing the blog up to others yet. Most of my family and friends know about it but I don't usually bring it up in conversation. I do have a boyfriend who sometimes comes across as a walking billboard lol. Take Care!

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  49. Hey I love your blog, it is so cute! I just started blogging a couple of weeks ago. Do you have any advise or know of any blogging events i could attend!!!??
    Courtney Rae
    purelypoised.blogspot.com

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