Originally published on Tim's blog, this post not only applies to blogging, but to community participation in general.
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So you’re new here; maybe you’ve looked around a bit, read a few blogs, checked out the health section and even asked a question or two on the discussion boards, but you’re undecided—you’re not sure if you want to stick around, and the effort required to participate in the community seems a bit much to you. Well, this post is for you.
The thing about any community is that it’s tough; it requires effort, time and some degree of vulnerability—and those things are all intimidating. What if I get hurt? What if people make fun of me or don’t understand my situation? What if they think I’m weird or selfish or egotistical? What if no one wants to talk to me? All valid questions—and honestly, I don’t think the answer is a sure thing. Taking part in community, taking part in life is ALWAYS a risk.
But the thing about risk is that there is always potential for reward. Really, the best things are always the hardest things, the most dangerous things and the most worth doing. Community can validate you and encourage you and support you in remarkable ways that you may have never experienced. The synergies of shared experience, of compassion and understanding are worth every bit of the risk and the bigger investment you make in time here, in talking about yourself and your unique story, and in responding to other’s unique stories, the more substantial rewards you may begin to reap.
That’s why I encourage you to start a blog—your story is important, it has significance and it may help others who are dealing with the same struggles—or have dreamed about experiencing the same victories. I encourage you to read other’s blogs—the stories and ideas may encourage you, it may awaken compassion in your heart or inspire you towards new and bigger goals.
Even if you’ve never blogged before I think you probably already know the fundamentals. In some ways it’s just like rehab actually. You have a goal that you work towards slowly, one finger after the other slowly pounding out letters, words, sentences until an idea or story finds its way to the surface. As you begin to articulate your experience you’ll experience the exhilaration of community and self-discovery.
It’s hard, but it’s worth doing.
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