Freedom of the press is available only to those that own one.
Fascinating neurobiology article in Scientific American this month (June) called “The Healthy Type” by Jessica Wapner. (pg.32)
Little did I know that scientific studies have been done on hypergraphia, the uncontrollable urge to write, establishing the fact that there are many therapeutic benefits to writing about personal experiences, thoughts and feelings. Perhaps it’s a good thing that I’ve been writing about my recent bad accident. It appears that complaining can act as a “placebo for getting satisfied.”
I have to admit, I have been surprised and pleased with the fringe benefits of blogging. First of all, the pure freedom of it has been breathtaking at times! After a couple of years of literally begging editors to publish my research results, thoughts and writing, I now hold all the publishing power!
I also have felt the therapeutic benefits. I often think about how much easier my own midlife crisis could have been with the support of a virtual community of fellow sojourners. Sure I was quite alone in my own crisis, but connecting with you would have made a gigantic difference to me.
Most of my ideas for my blogs come from what I dreamed about the night before. I wake up thinking about some subject and then I ask myself if anyone in the universe might be interested in my thoughts on that subject?
My answer is usually yes…I figure I must be the ultimate average midlife crisis queen after all I’ve been through in the past few years: divorce, job loss, menopause, re-marriage, career change.
Sometimes I just look around the house to see if there’s something else I should think about changing!!!
I really enjoy Rhea’s blog the Boomer Chronicles.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Blogging, for me, is in the same category as sitting on an airplane next to someone you don’t know and will never see again. You feel “heard,” you listen and can give advice without ever having to deal with backlash, you learn something about yourself (it might not even be pretty), and you’re friendly enough so that a runaway cookie crumb (their lap, not yours) is no big deal. Blogging is cleansing–all that stuff that is clogging your brain can be regurgitated without penalty or a $150/hour pricetag.
Hey Sue:
Great analogy except that what you say on your blog is going to reach lots more people than when you talk on the plane (confidentiality issues!)…and when I’ve spoken to a good therapist I have usually gotten some important insights and feedback not available from just anyone, that have helped me change my perspective and then my life!
The Queen
Blogging is very therapeutic isn’t it? Who would have ever guessed a short time ago that there are so many hypergraphiacs out there.
Thanks
Thank you for the shout-out! Wield that blog!