This is my own little corner of the internet. A space where I free my mind, my thoughts, my feelings, my hopes and my fears. It's a beautiful way to document our life and our family. This is our story. The best thing about a good story is sharing it with other people. They too get to share those special moments as your life changes and your family grows. It's incredible.
So...
That's why I think that YOU should start a blog.
Yes, You.
I might know what you're thinking.
Me?
I'm not starting a blog... I mean, who would read it?
Well, you're here aren't you? Reading this?
When we started Ar-Blog we thought exactly the same thing. We started it for our friends and family to keep in touch, to share Tom's photography, and my writing, but now it's become a hobby I love. People come here and read what we have to say, they see our family changing and they're part of our story. Even if they didn't it's an amazing record of our journey so far.
I think you should start a blog and fall in love with the wonderful world of blogging. Here are 5 reasons why...
1. It's not as hard as you think
Honestly, it's not. The hardest part is coming up with a domain name. Once you've got that far all you need to do is head over to WordPress or Blogger and start your free blog. It's so simple to do. And yes, it's free!!
If you decide to go self hosted and need advice then join a community like Tots100 where there are loads of free tutorials and people to offer advice. We started this as Ar-Blog. Because we're Arbers and because in Yorkshire we don't say 'our' we say 'ar', so this is 'Ar-Blog'. Once you get started you'll find yourself cooking dinner and thinking 'I'll pop this recipe on the blog'. It's addictive.
2. You have something to say
We all have something that we're good at. Cooking, sewing, reading, exercising, parenting, teaching, fashion, music, saving money, crafting... the list is endless. Find that thing that you're good at and use your blog to share it. But be original. Write about something that's yours or that's to do with you.
Me? I like writing, and I like life. I use my blog to share my writing, my life and our photography. It's that simple.
Once you've started your blog you'll be surprised how much you have to say.
Having a blog gives you a platform to say it from, and people will come to read it.
3. You'll meet amazing people
Sometimes parenting can be lonely. You feel like your on your own and that no one else has ever been in your situation before. Or maybe some days you just need some advice. You'll wonder how on earth to get your baby to sleep, potty train or stop taking a dummy...
Through blogging you'll quickly find that there are people out there to connect with who are just like you. People who also love photography, cooking, gardening, working or whatever it is you're interested in. You'll also find people who have experienced life's highs and lows just like you and you'll connect with kindred spirits you didn't even know were there.
Trust me. You'll meet amazing people. Hop onto out 'We Love' page on Ar-Blog, and check out some of the Blogs I Love to read.
4. You'll be inspired
When you start a blog you find yourself being inspired. Inspired to write, to share, to connect and to read what other people are writing about.
I know that if I need a new activity for Holly I can pop over to Nurture Store for 5 minutes and I'll come away brimming. If I want money saving tips I find my way to Thrifty Mum. You'll be inspired by other people and it makes you want to write something inspirational.
I find myself having experiences and wanting to share them. To write about the amazing things we've seen, or the places we've been. I'm inspired to write and to blog and you will be too.
5. You'll find community
I keep hearing that the community is dead. There are no community events any more, things have changed and so on... I disagree. I think the communities have just moved house.
There are tons of blogging communities out there for you to get involved with. I love Tots100. When I first started blogging I loved their top 100 bloggers and found so many new people there. Blogging brings with it a community of people to get connected with. It's a perk of having a blog.
So, stop putting it off. Today is the day you start a blog.
Happy Blogging!
Becky started blogging in 2009, as a way to stay in touch with family and friends scattered all over the world. A busy Mum of one, Becky is a lover of life, optimism and all things yellow. She is the author of Ar-Blog, a photography focused family blog.
Blogs at: www.ar-blog.co.uk
Twitter: @beckyarblog