Using the written word to purge your thoughts feels cathartic. That is why many enjoy journaling. Keeping a journal is a great way to brainstorm, get your feelings off of your chest, and keep record of your day. Blogging is a similar concept with one major difference — it gives your family and friends a virtual key to your diary. Why would anyone do that? Blogging isn’t as unfiltered as a private diary, but blogs are a way to express yourself. Some individuals with health conditions, like cancer, enjoy writing blogs specific to their disease.
Blogging online about your cancer experience might feel therapeutic. A blog has the potential to inform your family and friends about where you are on your journey. Even better, your words might reach others that need them. Reading about a shared experience often feels validating and helpful.
Thinking about starting a blog? Here are a few tips:
- Start small. Share your blog with just a few close family and friends to see if you like the writing process. Sharing with just a few people allows you to see what it is like to receive responses. Maybe you will like it, maybe you won’t.
- Only share what you feel comfortable with. Yes, it’s a blog, so you want it to be interesting. You might feel the urge to overshare an “spill the tea”. Remember that things stay forever on the internet, even if you delete them. There is an adage, “Say it forget it; write it regret it.” Don’t write something you will regret!
- Find your voice. This isn’t a term paper or business email, so you don’t have to write in a formal manner. Try writing how you would talk and follow your inner voice. Your people will love to hear from the authentic you!
- Write for you. Try to write in a way that feels good. This is a blog about your experience and you matter! Allow your blog to take some of the weight off of your shoulders, if at all possible.
If you are ready to purge your thoughts through the gentle clacks of computer keys, where do you even start? There are several websites to look at: CaringBridge is specific to health conditions, and there is also WordPress, Medium, Tumblr, and plenty of other options.
If you discover a passion for blogging, why not share it to others in your shoes? Nobody understands what it is like to face cancer like someone who is battling it themselves. You could make an impact on others, which is another way to use your blog for good. Who knows…you may go viral! (If you do, remember to give this blog a shout ??!)
At Nancy Valenkamph Foundation, our mission is to help find a cure. To find out about our future golf outings and how you can get involved, feel free to call: 219-477-9826 or email info@nancyvalenkamphcancerfoundation.com. We look forward to getting to know you!