From reading all the different blogs and seeing their choices as far as design and color, I can see why people spend so much time on their blog. Their blog becomes so much a part of them that they feel completely at ease discussing ANYTHING on it. I thought it was incredible how these people shared embarrasing moments, private experiences, joyful occurences and just random thoughts. I thought it even more impressive that insightful ideas were shared about current topics or faith. I realized that for some people getting their voice from their mind to their screen was a type of release for them. It was almost like the medicine for a ache or pain. I felt my own stress levels when trying to complete this project on time fluctuate. Before I would make an entry I would think about all the upcoming exams, other projects that where due, when I had work, what phone calls I needed to make, errands I needed to run. But when I just sat down to type and let my fingers speak my mind, I felt a sense of relief. I felt that if I put it down in words on my computer screen, it was like a Merry Maid had come into my head to organize and clean all my thoughts so that I wouldn't feel like everything was on top of each other (that stressed feeling) and I could relax more because everything was going to get done. Just the concreteness of seeing the emotion on the screen allowed me to take a step back and reflect on what I was saying and thinking.
I think blogging helped me to really bring out a voice in me that I didn't let myself hear in a long time. When I talk to friends/family, I do express my thoughts and ideas but its not the same when I actually pay attention to what I'm saying because it is printed on a screen in front of me. I don't know if that makes much sense, but ironically, it makes sense in my head.
I especially liked the support aspect of blogs. I like the way people comment and leave their two cents. Some comments were positive and some were negative but still allowed room for further discussion, which in some cases, is exactly what the author wanted.

Blogging has really opened up my eyes to the virtual world. From an occupational therapy perspective, it is important to encourage blogging so that people, who otherwise may be suffering from a social stigma, will be able to release their thoughts and know that they are not being judged or thought of differently in an open forum. The anonymity of the blogs is useful in keeping the person private while still learning about their thoughts and experiences. Another great aspect of the internet is that it allows similar populations of people to gather together who are otherwise separated geographically. This explains the preponderance of special interest communities ranging from mothers who have multiple sclerosis to kids who have learning disabilities. Through blogging and other forms of online communication, these marginalized groups of people can connect more freely without fear of ridicule or isolation. There is something to be learned from everyone’s lives, especially those who are different from us. A blog is a phenomenal way to allow each other to venture out and declare our passions, views, curiosities and similar ramblings to the world.