Interactive Companionship .

Of recent, I have been making a point to try to comment on all the posts I read. This means not only writing down some words on the post after reading through, but it means actually figuring out how it touched me, what criticisms or juxtapositions can be made, and even how I can possibly put a smile on the author's face, or raise their self-esteem a little. This is actually easier said than done... it's not always easy to figure out exactly what you're feeling. And when you lean far more towards the introverted side of the scale like me, you spend a lot of time thinking about yourself: analyzing, pondering, realizing, discovering. But just because I spend a lot of time with myself, doesn't mean I actually know what's going on in there.

Regardless, I'm attempting to try to make some new connections. And for those I already know, correspond with, and would certainly consider hanging out with for reals, I'm trying to comment more and connect better. I only have about 20 or 25 blogs I read. I find that there are many out there that just don't really click just right with me. I like lifestyle blogs, but could do without diary entries, fashion tips and makeup. I like stories, inspirational tidbits, etc. I guess most of what I really enjoy are the ones that are about life -- the ups, the downs, the successes and failures, and everything in between. It helps me feel like I'm actually getting to know someone -- and not just peeping through a limited window of what they might enjoy. The only blog I follow that is almost 100% on one topic is a mountain biking blog (fuel the addiction, you know?)

If you've been slacking on the 'feedback' aspect of your blogging career, take a moment today to tell your favorite bloggers what you think of their work. If you're just a shadow of a ghost, and don't write but read lots of blogs, make yourself known. Who knows; you might end up making a new friend.

Comments & Interactions .

As a blogger, one of the greatest things out there is knowing that people regularly take the time to read what you have to say. For me it's my thoughts that people are reading. It's my heart and soul that I pour out onto the page, and for whatever reason, that's worth something to people. And that means the world. But even better, being a blogger means connecting. It means meeting and interacting; it means starting to design the most beautiful web that an internet spider could weave. It means knowing friends from Ontario, British Columbia, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Colorado and more. According to my blogger stats, there have been readers from all over the world, including Russia, India, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and all over Europe. That kind of thing blows my mind.

But do you know what thing feeds the blogger mind the most? Interaction. Comments, opinions, ideas, thoughts, discussion. This is way bigger than a few writers and readers. This is a movement. A revolution. The beginning of a family of people currently unintroduced. I'm excited for the future. If you write now, keep writing. If you don't, I highly recommend you start. And if you are simply a shadow of an observer, put yourself out there. Be known. Share your opinion. Facilitate discussion. Build bridges of friendship, and spread yourself and your spirit.

One day, I'm going to make an effort to meet you all. I can't wait to see and hear the people behind the wonderful words presented here monthly, weekly, daily. I can't wait to see vibrance in their eyes and hear excitement in their voices. That wonderful day has yet to come, but it brings a certain luster of promise.