Eight Benefits Of Blogging

It’s hard to believe that this week marks the eighth anniversary of starting this blog!

I wrote on Friday about being willing to step out into the unknown in obedience to God, and when I began blogging eight years ago it certainly felt like a step of faith. I wasn’t sure what I was doing or what I hoped to achieve, and I doubted that anyone would want to read my words, but I started writing anyway, and I’m so grateful for the journey since then.

In honour of my eight years of blogging, here are some reflections on eight benefits it has brought me.

Growing in self-expression
Blogging has definitely helped me to express myself more. Sometimes it is only as I start writing that I discover what I want to say. I have found that particularly with the Five Minute Friday posts written in response to a prompt. On many occasions, I have looked at the prompt and had no idea what to write, but somehow once I begin, the words come, and a few of those posts have even become favourites.

Growing in confidence
As I said, at first I was unsure whether anyone would want to read my words. It amazed me that, even from the start, there were people who read and commented. Particularly in those early days, this really boosted my confidence and encouraged me to keep sharing.

Finding my voice
I was not expecting this as a benefit of blogging, but finding my writing voice has also helped me to find my voice in other areas of life. I know I am a very different person from when I began blogging – much more willing to speak up, to share opinions, to believe that I have something to say that is worth listening to.

Remembering what God has done
Writing helps me remember what God is doing and what he is teaching me. We see throughout the Bible that it is important for God’s people to find ways of remembering these things, and writing has been a very helpful way for me.

Pointing others to hope
If I could have stated an aim when I began blogging, this is what it would have been, and it has been such a pleasure and a privilege to be able to share hope with people. The occasions where someone has commented, saying that my words have pointed them to hope in Jesus have been some of my most treasured moments of blogging and make it all worthwhile.

Finding a wonderful community
Writing can be a very solitary activity at times, so I am very thankful for the community that I have discovered through blogging. It has been such a joy to make connections and friendships, to read others’ posts and to encourage one another. And last year, I even got to meet a blogging friend in person!

Developing skills
When I look back at my early posts, I can see that my writing has definitely developed over the years. While I have not had much time to devote to intentionally developing my writing, it has definitely happened naturally to some degree just by the practice of doing it consistently.

Discovering new opportunities
Through blogging, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my writing in other places. I love contributing regularly to Gracefully Truthful (read my favourite post here) and I have guest posted on several other blogs or websites.
I have also had pieces included in books (you can read about some of them here) and I am looking forward to sharing more soon about an Advent anthology I have been able to contribute to this year.

What about you? If you’re a blogger, what are the benefits you have found? Do you relate to any that I have shared, or do you have others to add?

Linking with: Inspire Me Monday, Tell His Story, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee, Tune In Thursday, Grace & Truth