Why I blog...a game of tag

My Aussie friend, Em, tagged me. I am to devise an answer as to why I blog. Here it goes...

1. My own personal therapy. I have thoughts continually swirling in my head. Blogging gives them a life form and often closure. Otherwise they would continue to haunt my sleep. I occasionally try elaborating them to my husband but this tends to overwhelm him. His usual response is an incredulous, "You need to relax and shut your brain off once in awhile!". I wish I could!

2. Blogs are my support group. I have tried the local support group route. In fact, our first year AD (after diagnosis) I went to a wonderful support group. It was like going home. There were about 10-15 moms there and we really got to share life's ups and downs once a month. Then the group combined with another organization and the camaraderie went away. Most of the "regulars" faded away. (It is kind of sad because I miss hearing about their kids!) But I have found that blogging builds that same camaraderie. Plus, I get to know even more about the day to day lives of the blogging families. Best of all, I can log on at 1am if that is when I get a moment for myself!

3. Perhaps I have an addiction to the computer. I spent my previous professional life tied to a computer and this time at the keyboard takes me back to that "Look at me, I am an important corporate peon" time in my life. Maybe? Perhaps it gives me a feeling like there is more to my life than washing clothes, dishes, and kids. I know that my pulse picks up when I hear the little chime letting me know that I have received an email. I think this link to the outside world helps me feel less isolated at home. I love my kids but never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to be a stay at home mom. I didn't think I had it in me!

4. Creating a journal of our lives. I already find myself drawn to look back over my entries of the previous months. This is perhaps my best therapy and source of motivation. Depending on my emotion of the day I can usually find a previous post that can help balance me out. These emotions are cyclical and I find that whether I need a reality check or an energy boost I can usually find an event to spur me along. Sometimes I just need a reminder about how amazing my children are and how far we have come in the autism journey.

5. I've already mentioned getting help but I also hope to help others. I am no expert...but my hope would be that our story can help others. I lurked for quite awhile at several blogs and found great strength from them. We spend so much of our time home with our challenging kids and we start to feel alone in this big bad world. It can get quite overwhelming! Blogs remind me that I am not alone! All of my cyber friends have been there and done that and I know that I can learn from each of you. I only hope to return the favor.

Our children are all so different yet so much the same. This is why I started loading some of the idiom resources I have recently made for JP. I spend so much time creating teaching materials for him and it feels sad that we just file it away. I know so many other families could use the resources as well. Unfortunately, most of our home program stuff can't be loaded on the site but I plan to share whatever I can. My motto is..."why should us families have to keep re-inventing the wheel?"

I know many families live in small communities and autism resources are minimal. That is why the Internet is my best resource. It has made the world a smaller place. It has made living in one of the US states with the worst disability services less painful. I have a few "professionals" helping us navigate the autism world but I consider the experiences of fellow special needs families to be perhaps be the best guidance out there! After all, the best advice comes from those who are there in the trenches with you!

So following the rules of the game...I have to tag 3 of my friends and ask they why they blog.

How about it ...Mom to JBG at Hoop Dee Doo and PDD, and Kal at Autism Twins . I find it fascinating how both of you both navigate life with twins! You have my respect!!!

And I'd also like to tag my friend "who laughs in the face of adversity" at For What it is worth although I think it is pretty evident why you blog. Please know that I am continually amazed at your grace in the line of fire! I can't help but ask you, "What else?" Please look both ways every time you cross the street and watch out for lightning!