Why I blog (still)

 

Karen Hanrahan asked us, the Green Mom Carnival, why we love to blog for her Valentine's Day Carnival.  The sisterhood is joined through our mutual green mission, but the question made me stop and think again – just why do I write posts after four years; what continues to drive me? 

To be honest it’s more of a love/hate relationship. I started because I had something to say that no one else was saying about women, sustainable products, and trusted values and how the they will drive the next global economy. I continue because I haven’t stopped having an opinion, even as women+green+leadership movement is mainstreaming.

In the old world of pre-Internet, permission-based leadership was our only outlet. We had to get the “title” or a news column before our voices had a vote. Today our voices are being searched and measured and tallied every second as companies look for new ways to impress their key buyers. It doesn’t matter that we have a big blog/twitter/Facebook following, our cumulative opinions are reaching the machines that crunch the numbers that tell corporations or politicians what we care about. Social media lets us lead from the outside in – every time I post a blog, I’m voting on how the world should work.

Admittedly, it’s hard to write from the heart. Most days I struggle, but then someone does something amazing or a company is changing for the better and  - well – I just have to tell someone.

Blogging is the soul reason for my professional and personal growth since turning 50. I have a world of women to thank for that. Their generosity and business savvy keeps me inspired from what to write to how to make it more fun. 

Being over 50, I remember what it was like when women's opinions didn’t count even if they were asked for. All that changed when blogs and social media launched. Today I can’t imagine a world without a free exchange of ideas. Think of how one-sided and boring it would be. 

Happy Valentines Day -- kisses to all who love their work.

 

 

 

Comments

[Karen Hanrahan]

You say it best, when voices were not heard, it was a one-sided place ...and being heard is so remarkably rewarding. Especially with friends! Stay heartful Mary!

[harriet]

Women can change the world! Thank you for leading the charge, for having an opinion and for sharing and helping further our education and our reach! Power to you! Happy Valentines Day

[Lori Alper aka Groovy Green Livin]

I love how you talk about all of our voices together making a difference. It is pretty incredible to witness. Thanks for such a heartfelt post about why you blog.

[AmberS]

I am younger, but not so young that I can't remember a world before the internet. It really is so powerful to have the ability to connect with others, no matter where they are. Sharing ideas and working together online is an incredibly way to effect change.

[Betsy (Eco-novice)]

It is remarkable to think what the Internet and blogging have done for women's voices, and mothers in particular, I think. With today's single family homes, we are all so isolated otherwise, at least that's how I often feel. Blogging is our village now.

[Mary]

Betsy, Amber, Lori, Harriet and Karen - you are the voices that the market is leaning in to hear. Keep giving your opinions on what makes the world work for you?

[robin]

It's true, it's hard to remember what it was like before the internet, before the free exchange of ideas. We live in a wildly exciting time.