Facebook-ing the Blog Update

Scottishmomus and Kate@Did That just Happen asked that I give an update on the “blog going Facebook” process. To be honest, when I started blogging, I never had any intention of “going Facebook” with it. I did not even know people had pages for blogs. But throughout the course of blogging and coming upon such awesome blogs to read, I noticed many had a Facebook page. Long story short, the wheels started turning but I didn’t think I was experienced enough, had enough followers or would have enough to write about to keep up an actual page for it.

Turns out, most of my fears are very common but not reason to hold back. The Daily Post posted about the benefits of a Facebook page, Atlantamomofthree has offered great blogging tips and has posted about her Facebooking experience (go to her page and use her search box to find many helpful posts!)  and How To Ruin a Toddler’s Day answered my questions and encouraged me as well. So, low and behold, I made my own page and my heart was pumping and palms sweating as I hit “publish.” There is something very “safe” about anonymous people reading the posts that I pour my heart into. It feels very vulnerable and exposing to share your heart’s stories with Facebook and “friends”, many of whom I have not seen or actually talked to in years. However, they know me, they know bits of my life and what I am referring to in my posts. Friends I have spoken to about life experiences that I inevitably write about know the back story and while that information may make the post more meaningful, I feel that it opens myself up to further critique.

At the end of the day (literally), my feelings on opening up (further) to the world is best represented here:

I cannot be anything other than what I am and I am not going to pretend to be anything but. I am proud to have found my creative outlet that I had searched for years to find. It feels good and I want to share it with others who are willing participants. Those who are not interested, I will not feel rejected by and I will hold that feeling because while I would love for everyone to  “like” me, I am realistic enough to know that is not possible.

Finally, to conclude this week’s Facebook update, the increase in traffic to my blog has been fun but most importantly, learning not be afraid to share my passion was the best lesson.