Why Do You Blog?

Someone asked me this perfectly natural question a week or so ago when I was in lovely Toronto at a conference, and I had to really stop and think.

I vaguely remember why I started it. I wanted to capture my journey from couch potato to marathoner. I was pretty damn sure one of the studios would find my blog, or at least a book publisher, and I'd be on. my. way.

So yes, becoming famous and wealthy was a goal. I'm a dreamer. Like John Lennon.

Then it turned into a dear diary. Then it became a way to keep up with all the many friends I'd made. Because somewhere along the way, it became a way to make friends. Some of the best friends I've ever had that I've never met came from this blog.

Does blogging sometimes just feel like a chore? A mind-numbing exercise in thinking? Trying to entertain, or engage you, the reader? Well, yes. (And I've heard most of you say this same thing about your blogs too. Come on, admit it.)

And how do you know when it's time to end?? (Not before Nov. 30!) Really, will there come a time when I'm just stick-a-fork-in-me-DONE?

Throughout these phases, I wanted always to use this blog to practice writing. I long to be a better writer, and I hear that practice makes perfect. I'm not sure that I'm putting the time in that I'd need to to really hone that skill. AND there are many (too many) times that I just dash off some thoughts ... sadly without much thought. Is that worthwhile too?

So what about it?

Why do you blog?