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The Five Reasons You Should
Invest More Time in Your Blog
by Kendall F. Person
I was a late bloomer when it came to blogging, not entering the scene until August 2012, and only at the suggestion of a close friend and fan of my work. When I posted U.S. Open: the drama in sports, it was not because I had suddenly seen the light and wanted to join the blogging community, which as it turns out, was the best decision I could have made, but it was because, after a 12 year self-imposed exile, I wanted to discover if I were still able to write. I was not working at the time, having only recently returned from a 30-day project in Philadelphia, so time, as far as hours in a day, was on my side. Locating an apt subject was simple, for as a huge tennis enthusiast, the approaching United States Open afforded the perfect topic. Blogger, Google’s easy to use blogging platform, gave me the tool and my good friend had given me the motivation.
I had spent 15 years in the marketing arena, five of those years marketing my own work, so I knew about promotions and the need to promote my first post if I expected anyone to read it. My confidence was not low, it was non-existent, so I chose an inventive way to promote my work, while protecting my fragile ego in the process. I derived a pen-name, hence, thepublicblogger.
Knowing the importance of statistics, after conducting a generous amount of promotional work, I sat back and stared at the counter, which is a built-in part of the blogging platform. While tennis is a niche sport in my home nation, it is a major attraction in most other parts of the world, and to my surprise, U.S. Open: the drama in sports took off (on a relative scale). I would gain a 1000 views in the first week of that first post, and even some infighting in the comments section. And then, something remarkable happened….Kendall F. Person the writer was given a second life.
I began searching for permanent employment, but continued to write and soon after published my second post, Rudyard and Michelle: A Literary Union forms a Century Apart. While the numbers were not nearly as impressive, the comments reaffirmed that the literary world was where I belonged. I continued to blog, even confirming – via the series BREATHE – rumors among close friends that thepublicblogger and Kendall F. Person were one in the same. Nearly one year, 30 posts, and 12 promotional videos later, I realized that investing more time into my blog, can only make me mentally stronger, more visible as an author, more determined as a writer
and more knowledgeable about the
world around me.
So without further ado, I give you The 5 Reasons why YOU should invest more time into your blog.
If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run – from If, by Rudyard Kipling
Time
For those who enjoy a comfortable and refreshing night’s sleep, consider it a one of life’s guilty pleasures. Those who suffer with insomnia, either on occasions or as a way of life, perceive a peaceful, uninterrupted night of slumber a gift straight from the heavens. Lack of sleep does not simply leave you tapped for energy, it actually becomes painful as one tosses and turns, slugging pillows, throwing the blanket on and off of your tired body, begging for the sandman to take you, which he never does. But why suffer in silence, or disturb your loved one, if there is one sleeping beautifully next to you, or drain more brain cells watching television shows you would not normally watch, when you can invest that time, not being used by anything else, into your blog.
Rather it is a rant about not being able to sleep, or a piece of work worthy of a Nobel Prize for literature, producing new posts, adds depth to your site, material for readers and yes, writing a full post at two in the morning, even acts as a natural tranquilizer, allowing you to get some much needed rest.
In vain have you acquired knowledge if you have not imparted it to others. – from Deuteronomy Rabbah
Share the Wealth
There is nary a challenge, problem, question or quandary that is unique to any individual person. And while I completely understand that just reading about another person’s struggles, that are similar to ones own, will not solve your problem, it sure can make you feel a whole lot better. I use my own posts as examples, simply because I know them, I do not pertain to be an expert in all fields that I write about, so read the comments under your own posts or others’ you follow, and you will note the truth of what I state. When I posted about operating under the confines of bipolar disorder (Elevators: Using Mind Games to Cope with Depression), readers who battle depression, anxiety or other mental blings, joined in the conversation. Some were grateful of my personal anecdotes, while others left messages of their own successes and challenges. BULLY opened the doors wide to a societal discussion on worldwide crime, and my music reviews introduce artists to new listeners. Whatever direction your blog has taken or the platform you have chosen, there are others who can be assisted by your strengths or, in turn, even offer meaningful suggestions to the one that made the posts.
Omwana ni wa bhone (It takes a village to raise a child) – Kijita (African) proverb
The Blogging Community Depends On It.
In the small, working-class neighborhood of Strawberry Manors in the city of Sacramento, California, it is not uncommon for police helicopters to hover overhead or gunshots to be heard through the silent air of a warm summer night. The local elementary school, at one point, ranked dead last in academic performance in the state of California. The neighborhood and its residence were thought so little of, when the great floods of 1986 threatened to inundate expansive land geared for development, even though it was vacant, developers purposely diverted flood waters that drowned nearly ever single house. But Strawberry Manors proved that the strength of its community would be measured by its residence and fought back against every challenge that threatened their pursuit of living a normal, happy life. They embraced wayward youth rather than shooing them away. They demanded a strong academic program for their children and they waged a winning class-action battle against those same developers, being awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair their washed out homes. But if not for the active participation of most of the home and property owners alike, Strawberry Manors could have easily fallen into despair.
In writing post and maintaining our blogs, we are making a contribution to an institution with a world wide influence, allowing everyone to voice their opinion and deliver sound, experience-driven advice. Each contribution deepens the level of the well. Rather your contribution is entertainment, how-to or a rant about your bad day, it allows the blogging platform to earn the mantle of being an expansive, online community that brings the world closer together.
Just make me feel good. – Halle Berry, Monster’s Ball
Releases Negative Energy in a Positive Way.
Leticia Musgrove, Halle Berry’s character in the brilliant, but depressing Monster’s Ball, had lost her husband through capital punishment, her only child was hit by a car, she was evicted from her home, and literally thrown out into the streets. Alone with Hank Grotowski, (immortalized by Billy Bob Thornton) who had problems of his own, he asked but one question “What can I do for you?” Her reply, “Just make me feel good.”
Venting frustrations, even at an unchangeable situation, or presenting your self-produced podcast, video or book, blogging has a way of making each of us feel good. There is a sense of accomplishment whenever we complete and publish a post. Rather it is a photograph of the sunrise, taken from a mountaintop somewhere in paradise or the final episode of a 5-part serial post, we exhale at the small wonder we achieved, and revel in victory when readers find solace or passion within our art. We feel good because we have taken a step toward reaching our goal, or simply because we find joy in being ‘Liked’ by someone that we may never know.
Say it forget it, Write it regret it. – Unknown Origin
Our Contribution to the World
‘Say it, your words will be forgotten. Write it, your words will transcend time’ should be the bloggers motto. Following the Columbus High School track team debacle, I joined the discussion via telephone and in person. But I found the incident extraordinary, for whatever reasons, which incited to me to write the post A Lonely World. My life is still a work in process. I am humbled by both my readership and the incredible comments that readers leave. While I am a confident writer and do comprehend its craft, there is still much for me to learn and room for me to grow. So when I say, A Lonely World is a special post, please accept my words in the spirit in which they are given, and by no means a braggart or conceited boast. And that spirit is to prove my final point. Had I not written the post and only stated verbally the exact same words, what has turned out to be my most read, most liked and most heartfelt piece of work, would have found no further listeners then those few people that I spoke with, who have no doubt forgotten, the words that transpired about such a meaningful topic.
Everyone has a story or a song or an experience that once immortalized through blogging, will produce comfort or force thought or a reaction, somewhere around the world. Investing more time recording those experiences, assures that our imaginative creations, valued opinions and wealth of knowledge will find audiences to enjoy and learn from them, long after we are gone.
– an opinion from thepublicblogger (Kendall F. Person)
music, ‘My Motivation Inspiration Everything’ courtesy of P-Shaw Productions
this is... The Neighborhood 
Thank you Kendall for your follow, your posts are great! After reading this specific one, being a late bloomer to blogging myself you have definitely inspired me to dedicate more time to my blog. I’m looking forward to your future posts.
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I appreciate your becoming one of my neighbors. Your sincere, kind post is exactly what it is all about. Learning from each other and gaining inspiration from one another.
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Thank you for this post, I found it very helpful and inspiring. I joined the blogging only recently and have struggled at times to find motivation or ideas of things to write about. I will consider your five reasons next time I run into trouble 🙂
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The next time you struggle, think of the reason why you started and maintained a blog. Think about the direction, if any, you would like your blog to take. Think about the story you are trying to convey (story meaning message, scores, photographs etc.). Then relax and write with the freedom that there are no deadlines, no number count, just freedom to write and perhaps touch or reach a life, even if that reach is simply just saying ‘Hi”. Look forward to watching you grow….or not. No pressure either way. Its your blog.Its your thoughts. Its your world. Welcome to the neighborhood.
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Kendall — great thoughts on the necessity of blogging, from both the personal and societal standpoints. Thanks much for following my blog. I’m a recidivist, having done one years ago, and hadn’t really planned to start again, but there are too many “headlines of outrage,” lately, so I’ve started up again.
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Welcome back. Interesting to see how your post compare from one time period to the next. Not in writing style per se, but in what you choose to write about. Welcome back. I absolutely love the diversity in the reasons why we blog.
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It’s really a great and helpful piece of info. I’m satisfied that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
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Hi Kendall, thanks for following my blog! I have enjoyed reading your article about why we should all be blogging more! I have just started my blog and so far I’m really enjoying it! Your article is very inspiring and I like that you are very nice to everyone. That’s nice.
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lol…thank you so very much for such kind words. i am a huge fan of nice and i appreciate the word used to describe who i am very much. you are too kind. all the best with your new blog and i look forward to watching it grow. welcome to the neighborhood.
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Thank you for alleviating my blogging stress. It feels pointless at times, plus I hear how the content should be specialized when I really just like to post what I feel like. Clearly your blog is diverse and successful for the goals you’ve set.
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That is the beauty of this medium. There are no set rules or guidelines or subject matters. Its just us being and expressing who we are or who we want to be. With an added bonus, that we can also read about other people, and find comfort, joy and entertainment in people we may never meet (in person). Thank you for adding your voice to the neighborhood platform. You are appreciated.
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Hi Kendall. Being relatively new to the blogosphere, it’s inspiring to see how you’ve built yours up in such a short space of time and to read what it means to you. I was especially interested to see that you also started out writing about sport! I intend to write a post about this year’s Wimbledon in the next couple of weeks; as a tennis fan, I hope you find it of interest!
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I look forward to it. With the collapse of the seedings, you have a lot to right about. But do not wait too long after the fortnight ends, you have to strike while the iron is hot to gain the most readership for a specific sporting event. Just in case the post does not show up on my reader, please email it to me the link, as well. I would really appreciate that. thepublicblogger@zoho.com
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Hello, Kendall. I started my blog yesterday, and I am on track to hit 100 views by today. You are the first person who followed my blog and it was very nice to see that someone out there is interested in what I have to say! The information you gave on this page was very interesting and informative. Thanks again
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I took two years before I found my blogger’s ‘voice,’ so my advice to newbies is to be patient. Allow yourself to play around with content and tone until blogging starts feeling like the natural thing to do.
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Hi Kendall 🙂 I blogged about a year ago, or should I say Stopped blogging, have come back and seen for myself just how far I have come with my personal journey. That time-out was frustrating, although I knew that I was doing the best thing that was right for me at that time. Coming back, I am a different person who see’s that I am ready for a change about what I am writing about. I will one time stop this blog, go away again and return further inspired with my life lessons.
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Thanks for the follow. I too came late to the table but what a weird and wonderful table it is. Great post! I look forward to more.
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I’m back. I am SO happy for you and the resurrection you found in the blogging, along with the success. You can delete this part of the comment. I would blip the “with,” but that’s just my 2 cents:
Those who suffer with insomnia
My own blogging has been nothing less than transformative for me, so I can relate.
Fellow insomniac.
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Two things: Thank you for following my blog and awesome post. It makes me want to really give at it when it comes to my blog. Keep it up!
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Thanks for the follow. I started just over a year ago. My first and slowest was on WordPress.com. Then I signed up for a WordPress website on WordPress.org, a hosted site. What I put on one I put on both because right now not everyone knows about both. My avenue is from God. I write what is in my heart in response to Him. I write His words because my words are non existant. I hate to write! I hated writing the two quarters I had to take it in college. Never wanted to write again. God had other ideas.
I love to read everyones blogs. You gain new insight in to the world around you. Thank you M Lane
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Hi Kendall,
Thanks for following my blog “The Kingdom”. I am honoured 🙂 I like your posts and will be back.
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Hooray for latecomers! I’m new to blogging just now. This is a great post for new bloggers to read.
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I love this post, Kendall. I also arrived late to the blogging world, but I do so enjoy being able to express myself this way. I’m also writing a novel, but I love the immediacy of blogging. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here about why I should spend more time doing it. I agree and plan to do just that! Thanks for following me at southernrootsandnorthernblossoms.com, and I hope my blog is as popular as yours is someday. 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration.
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Being a good neighbor is sharing in other blogger’s post. So while I certainly appreciate being a source of inspiration, please keep in mind, my neighbors are my source of inspiration too. Welcome to the neighborhood. You are appreciated.
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I’ve just this week made a commitment to invest more time into my blog. I posted last night for the first time in well over a year, I think. Thanks for the encouragement in this post and for following my blog.
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Don’t you just love getting confirmation out of the blue {smile}. Thanks for joining in this platform and welcome to the neighborhood. i am glad that I am your neighbor too.
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Hi. Since you checked out my blog, I was compelled to stop by yours. Interesting post. I can certainly relate as I am a professional writer, and I’m now trying my hand at fiction. I’ll defiinitely be back.
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Hello Theresa – Thank you for returning the visit. I am glad you found this post beneficial and I wish you the best in your foray into fiction. It can be quite liberating.
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Interesting article, and thanks for the follow! Just posted my first original last Tuesday.
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This was such a great piece for me to read at this point, having just started my blog a week ago. Thank you for sharing this valuable perspective, and for stopping by my blog today!
I look forward to reading more from you!
Take care
-Marlee
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This was a refreshing post to read. I like that it was more about the “why” of blogging than the “how” of blogging. I’ve come across several instructionals as if a manual exists somewhere and for me that raises the question of individuality and creativity if someone says there is a certain way to blog. Rather, I like your take on it – the fact that the act of writing just should occur. Nice. And thank you for visiting and following my blog.
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So glad you found the post beneficial. and i enjoyed reading your take on my take. love when we can learn from one another {smile}. >> It was and remains my pleasure for visiting your neighborhood. Welcome to mine.
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I am a sporadic blogger but every time I return I wonder why I ever left. Thanks for the post.
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Your sporadic blogging vacations may be how you work best. Your most recent post is filled with informative words, descriptive photos spun in an easy to ready entertaining format. Continue to blog in a fashion that suits you…just continue. Welcome to the neighborhood.
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Love your blogpost, things to think about, so recognizable. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and knowledge. Also a thank you for visiting and following my blog, wow, I appreciate that:)
By the way, a compliment, your way of writing is so readable for someone who’s first language isn’t English, mine is Dutch.
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Thank you for such kind, sincere words. I am grateful that many have found benefit in this post. Welcome to the neighborhood. And by the way, it is a pleasure to be a follower of your blog.
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Oh that sweet, thanks again:)
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this post is great. I have only been blogging for a month or so and as a way of improving my writing because I would love to be an author. I also find that reading a lot helps. I really like the style of your writing so I will be reading regularly to see what interesting topics you have. 😀
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Pingback: FIVE REASONS YOU SHOULD INVEST MORE TIME INTO YOUR BLOG | The Bohemian Home Journal
Better “late” than never, yeah? Must be nice to see how far you’ve gotten, and blogging certainly helps people improve themselves overtime. I was on/off about it in the past, as I tried a couple different ones, but ended up closing them out; suppose it wasn’t the right time. Didn’t have much to say or do then. Now I feel like I’m getting somewhere.
So thank you, I appreciate this post. Investing time is worth it, as efforts are not in vain.
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One of the beautiful things about the blogging platform is that deadlines are self-imposed (for the most part). So stepping away to regroup, invest that time into other pursuits or, because you “didn’t have much to say” is not time lost, but quite the contrary, because now you have plenty to say. Thank you for contributing to the platform and welcome to the neighborhood.
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Great post.
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Great Neighbors.
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Wow this great and Inspiring too, keep up the good work am enjoying reading your posts.
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So very kind of you to say. Stay as long as you like. You are welcome here.
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Good post! Don’t forget to blog even if no one will ever read your words!
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Blogging gives your words a chance to be read. Thanks for adding dialogue to the platform, Jose. And welcome to the neighborhood.
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You seem to have a way with words. Thanks for showing me the way to your blog.
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I appreciate that expression ‘a way with words’. But I appreciate you becoming a part of the neighborhood even more. Thank you for joining us. You are appreciated.
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You got 1000 views on your first post! O. M. G!! Congratulations Sir. (Well I know it’s pretty late though)
Thank You for such a wonderful post. Yeah, even I have realised recently about utilising those sleepless nights, and trust me, that time works like magic for me. Somehow I could relate with all your points.
“Releases Negative Energy in a Positive Way. ” – these were like- THE words for me, seriously.
Awesome post.
And yes, thank you so much for following http://throughbothmyeyes.wordpress.com/
It means a lot to me. Thank you again.
Regards.
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It is my pleasure to be a follower of your blog. I may write on a varied amount of topics, but I have no illusions of knowing it all. I am a teacher and I am a student, and that works out the best.
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I am touched by your honesty and warmth and look forward to hearing more from you. I too love the connection our blog words give us to communities around the world. I cannot sometimes imagine what I will write and feel unequal to the task when I read others’ fine wit and wisdom, but somehow, with my feet under the desk, fingers on the keypad, it all comes forth – for better or for worse.
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As i get older, my concern becomes less about my insecurities and more about contributing to a closer more beautiful society. I was not always so open about my life, but it is readers like yourself that make realize, I have nothing to hide because we are all in this together. Thank you for visiting, reading and sharing such kind, sincere thoughts. You are appreciated.
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Inspired!
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Kendall, thanks for following Healthy Soul Expressions! I really like your blog and it gives me something to aspire to:)!
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You are quite welcome and thank you. welcome to the neighborhood.
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I started writing, in general, because I wanted to become a better storyteller. Whether or not that has happened yet, remains to be seen. However, blogging has felt more like I’m exercising my creativity while exploring my interest and developing my skill.
Every entry feels like a small victory for me.
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Small victories lead to big ones.
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I really enjoyed reading through your list of why we should invest more time into our blogs. Posterity’s sake has become one of the reasons that I feel inspired to write – as the number of silver hairs on my head begin to outnumber the brown ones. 🙂
Blessings ~ Wendy
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lol….we may consider time our friend or our enemy, but time does not consider us either one. Thanks for the laugh and welcome to the neighborhood.
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Your words bring inspiration. I am not new to blogging but blocked from it. I have not written a post in over a year since the war that wages over my beloved Xanga energized me back into the throes of the writing world. How delighted I am to return.
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And I am equally glad of your return. Welcome to the neighborhood and my heart goes out to your struggles. Welcome to the neighborhood.
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You are definitely where you belong – in a wonderful writing platform, doing what you belong doing – writing which together equal inspiration for us all who follow and read your blogs. Thanks for sticking with it. It inspires me to do the same.
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Divine Light Healings….what a fitting name.
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Thank you for this post. Having just come back from vacation and sad about my blog post lapse in the last few weeks I’m inspired….I love the “say it forget it….” quote….So true and I think I’ll remember that to keep me going…
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We never know what we will hear or read that strikes a chord with us. But when the chord has been struck, it becomes our purpose to take action. Even on a small scale, our words can affect change in a positive light. I am glad you enjoyed the post and grateful to have you in as a part of the neighborhood.
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What and how you say it carries great weight. You are a prince among writers. Understanding longevity is as clear a matter as it is to read Edgar Allan Poe or Socrates.
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You are an incredibly generous person with your comments. I am still learning and still growing, but it is readers like you who inspire me.
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Nice post! I also didn’t enter the blogging world until August 2012. I had always wanted to start a blog years ago, but I didn’t know what to write about. I’m not one to write about daily life or travel, I’m an academic. After teaching ESL for four years now, I felt like I could find my blogging voice within education. I love teaching and I love writing; after teaching for a few years now in Korea, I feel like I can write about education issues, techniques and classroom stories with confidence now.
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You have such an interesting perspective, I am grateful that you are sharing it with the world. Welcome to the neighborhood. Glad you are here.
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Thanks!
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You raise good points, though that inner pessimist is still going on about the reasons not to invest more time.
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Tell the inner pessimist to pipe down {smile}
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That my friend is only part of the reason I spend most of my time talking to myself, my inert optimist is so much more annoying though getting me into all kind of trouble!
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You’re right, Kendall. “…Write it, your words will transcend time.” Thank you for the motivation and for the follow.
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You are welcome on both accounts. I am grateful that you have found my words helpful. Welcome to the neighborhood.
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Thanks for following what I offer each day in The Bible Through the Seasons. I hope it enhances your call to share, write and create a way across the internet. Nick
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Thank you, Nick for your positive, spiritual insight and teachings. You are appreciated.
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Your level of dedication is inspiring. Never stop doing what you’re doing. Glad you found me.
craigsbaker.wordpress.com
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Glad we found each other.
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Thanks Kendall, for your follow and your great articles! i’m inspired to spend more time, more valuable time in the wordpress community and add something to it. I was touched by your Bully post, I think I’m going to face my deep down pressed emotions and their consequences and affects in my life.
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Please do. Not only, you will find, that it will serve beneficial for you, it will enrich the lives of others who have the same or similar pent up emotions. I look forward to watching your blog grow. Welcome to the neighborhood.
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Thanks Kendall, I appreciate you took time to respond.
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Thank you for this. I agree with your words—-“There is a sense of accomplishment whenever we complete and publish a post.” I started blogging because I needed an outlet. It helped me a lot even if I only signed up here on WordPress yesterday. 🙂
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Blogging is a wonderful, creative outlet to help a person both explore their creative side and writer about their life. Welcome to the neighborhood. Glad you are here.
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Thanks for the follow on my new blog. I really enjoyed this post.
Cheers,
Shauna
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you are quite welcome, and thank you.
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Wonderful post. I am a late comer to blogging as well, but am finding it a cathartic experience. It’s true that the written word has far greater power than the spoken one.
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Late comer or note, I am glad you are here. Welcome to the neighborhood.
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Thank you!:-)
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Late comer or not, i am glad you are here. Welcome to the neighborhood.
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