As part of my “Blogging Full-time, My Dream Job” series, I thought about how as a business owner, we must have a purpose. A “why” we do what we do. It can take the form of a mission or vision statement and typically be part of your business plan.

Sometimes, though I have to remind myself of why I want to do this type of business especially on days where I’m struggling creatively or monetarily. But, I didn’t want to go and read my formal business plan. I wanted a reminder that looks more like I’m having a casual conversation with a friend so that’s why I decided to make it a blog post and list 35 reasons why I blog. Now, I can go back and re-read this post any time I need to.

And, hopefully my list will also inspire you with whatever industry or job you do.  So, here we go:

1. I’ve always loved to write. I started out early writing poetry and then short stories, even comic books and finally my autobiography. Blogging is the ultimate way to share my thoughts and dreams.
2. Creating is fun. This is more than a tagline for me, it really is fun for me to create content, paintings, fabric, even a poem.
3. I like the independence. I did the 9 to 5 deal for many, many years and I found out that kind of job is not for me.
4. I get to share thoughts that God gives me.
5. Helping people has always been fulfilling to me.
6. I like to share my experiences because maybe they will help another person avoid some of the pitfalls I went through starting a business.
7. I’ve gotten to connect with other bloggers and share in their struggles and victories.
8. Blogging puts you in touch with people you might not ordinarily meet in person.
9. It builds a community of supporters that reach out and encourages each other.
10. Allows me the opportunity to work with brands that I admire and shop from.
11. My blog is my safe place to have a creative outlet.
12. Love having a place to share what crafts I’m making.
13. It’s a constant learning process and it feels good to keep my mind busy.
14. Allows me to have an online shop that helps support running the blog and make special announcements or news.
15. It opens up new opportunities for collaboration.
16. It doesn’t feel like a job to blog.
17. I’ve always loved technology and blogging allows me to mix it with art.
18. My blog is my extended voice to encourage and enlighten readers.
19. Allows me to connect with readers through comments.
20. Blogging is a formidable means to bring change to a confused world.
21. It’s an avenue to introduce new a product line.
22. Allows others to support me (an independent creator) through affiliate links.
23. Gives me a platform to share my faith and love for my savior Jesus Christ.
24. I have a way to encourage and bring hope to others who are depressed and searching for meaning to life.
25. Blogging gives me a way to assess how my life has and is changing by re-reading posts.
26. It’s like having my whole life documented for myself and family.
27. Marketing the blog is easier with automation so that I can reach out without spending hours in front of the PC.
28. I enjoy making new connections with people.
29. Some of my best friends have come through blogging.
30. When new ideas come up, my first thought is how to share it on my blog.
31. Blogging allows me to brand myself and what I do.
32. Blogging is an excellent way to pick up work or new clients/customers.
33. Blogging is a great networking tool if you’re looking for new opportunities, (ex., job)
34. Great outreach tool that can meet another person’s need or want, (ex., free giveaways)
35. At the end of the day, doing what you love is a reward of its own.

As a creator, it’s hard to explain the feeling you get when you design something you absolutely love. I do understand how a painter or photographer feels when they paint a beautiful masterpiece or take a one in a lifetime picture. It’s a feeling of accomplishment but the love is also there and great.

Life is so short and I think it’s important to find what you love to do and then work hard at it. I’ve had jobs that I didn’t like for years and the day that I was able to walk away from them was a relief. Working from home for my day job now affords me many perks, but it’s still a job for someone else and not myself.

Being truly on my own, even when I’m able to devote a day to it is so gratifying and the more I do it, the more I want to do it full time. Thanks for coming along on this journey with me. I hope you get to do what you love for a living whether it’s blogging or owning your own hot dog stand and selling on a street corner. If it’s what you love to do, you’ll be good at it and you’ll be fulfilled.