happy blogiversary to me

I was just making some updates to my blog this morning, and I realized - by looking at my archive list in the sidebar - that I'd started my blog in March 2005. Curious, I went back to my very first post and found that it was dated March 16th. So, today is my blogging birthday. Or blogging anniversary, whichever. Maybe I'll call it my "blogthday," or my "blogiversary." Is there a proper term for this concept? I have no idea.

Anyway, what would a blogiversary be without a few thoughts about what blogging has meant in my life this past year? Here goes...

• I started blogging as a way to express my emerging feelings and thoughts, as well as stay connected with my friends and family. I was having all of these emotions bubble to the surface, but they didn't have anywhere to go. I didn't really set out with a message, or theme, or target audience.
• I love reading what's on other people's minds in their blogs too. I have tried to get other friends to start blogging, but without much success. It has been fun to make new connections with people in the blogosphere, and even re-connect with some old friends.
• Blogging is a huge blessing, but it can also be dangerous. I say this because writing my blog has gotten me into some very tense situations, has hurt some relationships, and made me question myself. I don't mind questioning myself sometimes, but blogging makes you truly take responsibility for the things you say. Others may feel justified to hold you accountable, and it's no fun when friends use your own words against you. Trust me.
• Blogging has absolutely changed my life. Some people just don't understand blogging; maybe some people just don't understand me. But I've grown so much as a person and as a friend. I'm glad I didn't quit blogging when it got tough.
• I've felt disappointed in myself for the months when I only posted cute kid stories. My fear of jumping back into blogging was paralyzing for a long time, but it is finally starting to subside. There is still some fear in my heart, but I am trying to overcome it with every click of that "publish" button. I've written too many drafts saved for a braver day.
• Speaking the truth in love is difficult for me. I can speak the truth just fine. The love part usually comes too late though. I feel love, but it just doesn't get communicated very well for some reason. Whether people love me, disagree with me, or whether nobody reads a word I write, I'm just here to grow through writing about my daily life, my emotions, and my journey with my heavenly Father.
• I have learned a lot this past year. Obviously, I still have a lot to learn -- about blogging, about writing, about loving other people, about myself, about life, and about freedom in Christ.

Happy blogthday to me!