How does blogging, journaling, writing and connecting online help to increase your happiness?
The simple answer is, how does it NOT?
Blogging and connecting online has been an integral part of my life for more than 12 years now. It's brought me friends, given me opportunities and taught me more than I ever dreamed possible.
When Gabe was a baby - TWELVE years ago - I discovered a website called One Hot Mama. I was originally searching for nursing clothing that didn't look like they belonged on Little House on the Prairie.
Nothing wrong with that show. I love that show. Just don't want to dress like it, kwim?
The discussion boards quickly became part of my life. I found friends there that were more authentic and understanding than people who were in my life on a daily basis. We formed such a tight bond that I traveled across the country with my baby to spend a week with these women - who I had NEVER met and who my husband was convinced weren't real people - and I never looked back.
When one of the women started a blog, I decided to follow suit.
And the rest is history.
I will forever be grateful to the women of OHM, who befriended me, supported me, corrected me lovingly when I was wrong, taught me so much more than I ever imagined, and are still, to this day, there for me in ways that those on the outside cannot imagine. From these first online friends I learned compassion, stick-to-it-iv-ness, developed moxie and a backbone.
Currently, the vast majority of my friends live in the computer. I know more about online friends than local, spend vast quantities of time online and can't imagine my life without an online component. I've taken blog junket trips to Ford, Stouffers, Campbells and Ninja sponsored events, learned about nutrition initiatives on trips to NYC and save my pennies every year to attend blog conferences - all the things I do that make me one happy person.
All online friends - women I love more than life itself - all of whom live inside my computer
Head over to Blogher and enter to win an iPod Touch and a $50 iTunes giftcard!
yay for ohm. xoox
Posted by: Stephanie O'Dea | April 30, 2012 at 11:36 AM
Dammit. You made me cry just before I have to go to the school, and just after I finished putting my make up on.
Love you too, friend!
Posted by: Headless Mom | April 30, 2012 at 11:58 AM
OHM changed my life!
Posted by: Alison | April 30, 2012 at 02:55 PM
OHM saved my life, more than once! Nobody can ever say my computer friends aren't "real". My children know all of my OHM friends names and their background. My daughter got all of the teachers in her grade school last year to read Gwen's blog. Keep writing Carmen! I'd miss you so much if you ever quit.
Posted by: Terry Faulk | April 30, 2012 at 03:30 PM
All my friends live in the computer. It's the first time I've had friends (too shy= no friends). I'm glad to know there are others like me out there..... I'm so glad you found your friends.
Posted by: Brandy | April 30, 2012 at 04:39 PM
Lovely bunch of coconuts....
Posted by: addy | April 30, 2012 at 08:21 PM
Lovely post. So true. And yet another reason why I can't participate in those "screen-free" days or weeks. That would feel like solitary confinement for me.
Posted by: Shannon | May 01, 2012 at 07:13 AM
i've been chatting online with the ladies i pregnant with logan for over 10 years. we started out on she knows and formed our own private board a few years. i met many of the ladies through out the years, and still check in on a daily basis.
Posted by: Sandra | May 01, 2012 at 08:27 PM
some of my greatest friends who have been the most supportive have come from online blogging. meeting them in person is SUCH a blessing!
jordy | jordy liz blogs
Posted by: Jordy | May 07, 2012 at 12:00 AM