Blogger Recognition Award

Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.
– Barbara Kingsolver

“Compassion shows up with a smile. It listens. It’s patient, kind and gentle.” I wrote these words as part of a post titled “Role of Compassion in Happiness”. It was published last February, coinciding with the launch of #1000 Voices for Compassion. The Voices for Compassion writers are an amazing group, dedicated to raising awareness of values like kindness, empathy, care, support, benevolence and patience. It is writing from the heart. I feel privileged to have connected with a few of the writers and Carol Schepper is one of them.

I’m grateful and honored by Carol’s recognition of my site by nominating it and for the Blogger Recognition Award. Carol, my sincerest thanks for this commendation.

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In a recent post by Suzie81Speaks, she identifies five reasons why blogs are started: for personal therapeutic use, to connect with other people, to explore a particular niche and/or passion, to develop language and writing skills, or as a way to promote a business, venture, product or a book.

Based on these, I’d say the reason I started blogging was to connect with other people and continue to explore the niche called “happiness and joy in everyday life”. However, the reason any one of us really blogs is much deeper – in my opinion it’s because we want to. It completes us in some way. Deep down it makes us happy.

I am forever grateful for those of you who continue to drop in and read my work. I’m always thrilled and delighted when you stay and add a comment. I have learned from you, I’ve laughed, I’ve smiled and I’ve reflected. I’ve gained so much more from my blogging experience in the past year than I’d ever imagined.

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My advice for new bloggers is to follow your heart. Write as much as you want to; write when you are inspired to do so; write when you have time to do so. Write well. Take your time and hone your craft. Take time to connect. Have fun. Don’t get distracted by the numbers game. Creating a blogging site is a journey, not a race.

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Today I’d like to recognize a few blog sites that have started up in the last year or so in hopes that new readers discover them. I read them for different reasons. Time constraints alone are what have curtailed the size of my list.

Love a Literary Life

The Open Jar

The Mostly Mindful Mommy

One Positive Blog

Ailish Sinclair

Happiness in Handfuls

Faithful Homesteader

Phoenix Grey

I understand that not everyone gets caught up with awards, nor do they stick to the all the ‘rules’. So if you are reading this and are one of the nominees, know this recognition is sincere. Choose the level at which you want to participate. Regardless of what you decide, I hope this recognition encourages you to keep writing and sharing your kindness by reading and connecting with others.