I blog, therefore I exist!

I received this comment from a Facebook friend this morning:

Descartes wrote, ‘cogito, ergo sum’ (I think, therefore I am).  Roger is your motto “I blog, therefore I exist?”

I would love to shrug this off with a wisecrack and “put the guy in his place.”  But there is actually much truth in his comment.

I won’t try to speak for anyone but myself, although some of you may relate to this.  Yes, I really, really want to have something worthwhile to offer the world.  I want to know that my words make a difference for people.  I want to know that my thoughts are good thoughts – well founded and reasonable.  I want to be noticed.  I want to know that I matter – that my presence is meaningful to others.  And blogging offers a unique opportunity in this regard.

And, frankly, there is a very real part of me that craves the opportunity to share my thoughts and words in such a way that lends itself to positive feedback.  Strokes.  Affirmation.  Validation feels good, and I really enjoy receiving it.  And when you have a blog or appear on TV as an expert, you are well positioned for people to say, “Right on!  Well said.  Wish I’d have thought of that.”

But here’s the deal.  While that part of me is still very real and alive, it is diminishing.  Oh, I don’t think it will disappear anytime soon.  But it doesn’t have the same power to dictate my life as it once did.  And that feels like real growth to me.  Because it is real growth.  There is such great freedom in being able to tolerate people not liking me, or disagreeing with me, or just plain old ignoring me.  FREEDOM.

And so, yes, part of my motivation for blogging is to feel some sense of worth for my self.  And I also blog because I see so many people in such bondage in so many ways and in so many life places.  And if I have something to offer that can bring anyone closer to freedom, I’m going to offer it.  And blogging is a powerful way to do it.

By the way, if this post struck a nerve with you about blogging and your desire to make a difference, I encourage you to check out www.theobloggers.com.  Because I think the point of my post today is at the heart of their mission.  I am grateful and proud to be a TheoBlogger!