Why Do I Blog?

This morning as I was getting ready for work I was thinking about my blog. There have been many times I've thought about quitting and taking it down. Every time I do, I ask myself why I do it in the first place. The answers are always simple.

In no particular order, the reasons I blog:

1. My family is usually the first reason that comes to my head when I ask myself why I keep going. We live hundreds and thousands of miles away from our families. This blog is a way for them to keep up with us and know what is going on in our lives when we can't talk every day or see each other very often. As much as I know it can pain my infertile friends, I post lots of pictures and the occasional video of Baby Bean for the grandparents and my siblings. I feel so torn because I want the pictures out there for the fam, but I don't want my infertile blog friends to feel like I am flaunting. If I post lots of pictures and it is painful for you, feel free to opt out of the post. It won't hurt my feelings. I've been there, and I understand.
2. It is therapeutic. This blog was originally created as an outlet for me and as a journal of sorts to talk about my world with infertility. Here I could keep track of my thoughts and feelings as I went through the process. I started it all on a different blog, and then moved it over here after my lap, so occasionally my readers will see a blog post from my previous blog. The reasons for that are twofold: 1) I want all of my infertility adventure posts in one place; and 2) They just might help someone else who is struggling by either giving them hope or information they did not already have. It feels good to write about my thoughts and feelings, and provides me with an outlet where I can mull them over somewhere other than my head.
3. I can provide support. When I started undergoing infertility I was going it alone. I didn't know anyone else who was suffering from it, but I knew there were other couples out there who were. I chose to use my experience to help uplift and educate others, to show them that they were not alone. I decided that instead of being hurt by infertility, I would use my experiences for something positive. In going through my own battle, I hope my words have provided support and love to those who are struggling. I can also empathize with the struggle of others, so most of the time I know what not to say, and can hopefully provide encouragement.
4. Blog friends. I have "met" some incredible people through my blog. Getting comments from blog friends really brightens my day. I love that we are all here for each other through thick and thin. I love being there for all of you and providing you with words that I hope are meaningful to you. Each comment I leave is very heartfelt and is never a canned response. It is my way of providing all of you with a hug no matter the circumstance. Sometimes I have no words for what you're going through, but my heart and my thoughts are always with all of you, and I mean that. I am constantly sending all of you well wishes and praying for you. You're a great group of women who are all very strong and caring.
5. My battle isn't done. There will come a day (in less than 4 months) where I will be back in the Baby Making Rink, and I will have moments where I will need all of you as much as you sometimes need me. I will be the one who needs to be lifted up, who needs the words of encouragement, and the hug a comment can provide. I try not to think about this one too much, as I haven't yet reached that bridge, but it is always in the back of my mind.

In short, it helps me keep in touch and helps me stay sane. With a list like that, I think I will be around for a while.