Love Lounge: What does the blogosphere mean to you?

Last week, I had the opportunity to guest blog on the Girlie Blog Seattle, where I wrote about the power of blogging. And it got me thinking, friends: The blogosphere is one awesome force. So, I'd love to share my thoughts -- and hear from you, too!

As a writer and journalist, words have always been my passion. In fact, it's hard to remember a time when I wasn't writing, whether it be for my college's newspaper or for a magazine article after I graduated. I was, am and will always be a writer -- plain and simple. So, it only seemed natural when I found myself starting a blog 3 years ago. All writers should have blogs, I thought. At the very least, it will keep me writing and help me stay focused since freelancers don't have typical 9-to-5 jobs and it's easy to get distracted sometimes.

When I started blogging, I knew I wanted to write about love and my physical disability. But what I didn't know? How much I'd grow over the next 3 years and how much my blog would grow with me and help shape the person I am today. Because truthfully, I had virtually no idea where it would all take me or the lessons I would learn along the way. Here are my Top 3 (Unexpected) Blogging Lessons of the last 3 years...

Blogging gives you a sense of community
Ask any blogger and they'll tell you that the sense of community in the blogging world is unlike anything that you could ever imagine. I've gotten to know people I never would have had the opportunity to meet. It's such a supportive community, and everyone genuinely cares about each other. We've laughed, cried and even shared our dreams with each other.

Blogging gives you insight into yourself
Not only does it give you the chance to get to know other bloggers, but blogging gives you a glimpse inside yourself. For me, blogging has forced me to write truthfully and honestly -- sometimes about painful things like my father's suicide and my struggles with depression last year -- in a very candid way that I'm not sure I'd be able to do in real life. Blogging was just the outlet I needed to help me get through a very painful time. And, I was glad that readers could identify with what I was writing about; it's good to know I may have helped someone else going through the same thing.

Blogging helps relieve stress
For some people, chocolate is their go-to when they're stressed and overwhelmed. For me, it's blogging. Any time I need to relax and unwind, all I have to do is start writing a blog post. My favorites have always been my Letters To My Future Husband since I'm a hopeless romantic.
What about you, friends? What has surprised you the most about blogging? How has it changed you for the better? I'd love to hear from you! xoxo

[Bottom photo via We Heart It]