Why does one blog or write in a journal

As you know I have been musing over the purpose of this blog now that I am no longer very sick and undergoing treatment. I decided that I would like to continue to keep a journal but that it need not be an on-line one. I ordered a Moleskine notebook (I love writing in them!) and on Sunday made my first entry. I wrote about writing journals, especially blogs, and why some people might have the need to do so. I explored my needs when I started the blog (share with others what was happening with me through an easily accessible format, explore how I was feeling through the treatment and recovery period, and write on a regular basis to get back into form) and tried to come up with an answer to the question: why do I do it and do I still need to.

So here I am still writing on line. I can't help but wonder if blogging also meets the need that some may have to share their thoughts with others, a social need. How egocentric that is, to think that others would be interested in what we have to say. I must admit that I enjoy the opportunity to share with others, especially to share things that I have found on the web that they might also be interested in as well. However, the question returns to haunt me. Is anyone out there reading this (other than my good friend Mary Jane, my sister-in-law and my daughters) and does that really matter. Surely, it must. Would I continue even if no one were reading?

My mother says that we write all journals with an audience in mind and therefore only share a part of our reality. Yes, that has been the case from time to time. There are things that I will only put down on paper. She would also say that I would only put down on paper that which I want to have read. I say yes again to that since there are moments in my life that I will never share with anyone so I certainly won't write about them.

Considering the fact that there are so many people blogging, there must be many who have the need to share their thoughts and lives. Does it make one feel less alone? I don't feel alone but others might!

Lots of questions to consider on a Tuesday afternoon.

Any comments from the outside world? Norma, you could always email me since you don't seem to be able to comment.

Best wishes to all!