Where did my blog go?

It was right here a moment ago. My enthusiasm for starting the new year and diving back into blogging was here, but then suddenly it was gone. Where did it go? I had such passion – so many good ideas. I didn't understand where they went...

...until I stopped to think about it.

I got online and I saw what was being shared by authors and friends that had likes and comments:

• Praising a girl’s article about all the things her parents taught her that were wrong.
• Warnings about a damaging teaching.
• A short video mocking people who don’t like to read.
• A funny video with a fake argument defending a genre.
• A list of things people shouldn’t say to someone going through a certain struggle.

All of these things have some value. None of them are wrong in of themselves. But do you notice what I do? It’s all coming from a defensive and negative point. Yet, I get it. If you share something from a positive and happy point of view, you don’t get as much of a response. This is even true with book reviews. I rarely get a comment on a book I give five stars to, but usually get a few when I post a negative review.

So why did realizing this trend discourage me to the point I wasn’t blogging? I know that not participating in some trends sometimes means fewer people see my work. Like it or not, what is trending does affect what people are looking for. I looked at what I wanted to do and was good at doing and I see there isn’t as much of a market for it even from when I started.

• I’m not good at making videos. I’ve tried.
• I feel there is far too much tearing down out there. We need to spend a lot more time encouraging and building up.
• I’m not a trend setter or even the best at what I do.

When realized what had been holding me back from blogging, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders and I had so many ideas for blog posts and fun. So there is more coming to this more. And once again, I’m reminded that I have a lot of learning to do. I’m grateful that God is such a patient teacher.

Did you enjoy this post? It reminded me of this one I wrote in 2017.