That question is thought-provoking and it makes me smile. I began my blogging venture in 2008 and I have enjoyed every word since. I originally starting with the intention of being able to share my son's life with my family that lives around the country. That lead me into contacting different companies regarding product reviews which then snowballed into companies contacting me to review their products and to advertise on my site! These endeavors are indeed rewards and benefits but they pale in comparison to the joy that I give others simply by writing.
Every day I get a phone call from my mother, father and/or a friend who happened to be looking at my blog. They cannot believe all of Dexter's accomplishments and milestones that they are sad to be missing out on. I need to reassure them that the sole reason that I blog is to be able to share his life with the ones that I love the most.
I have a degree in Elementary education and I am unable to find a job here in Michigan's tough economy. I work nights and weekends at a job that not only doesn't challenge my intellect but also seems to under appreciate me and my fellow employees. When I work on my blog whether it be writing product reviews, holding contests or bragging about my son, I am never far from jubilation and rapture. One of my favorite rewards is contacting the winners of my sponsored contests. I love making other people happy and brightening their day!
Another one of my favorite rewards of blogging would definitely be relaying feedback to companies that were generous enough to send products for me to review. I thoroughly enjoy being able to tell them that I have X amount of entries/interests in their products. I know that the constructive criticism and praise that I provide, perhaps, is something that they would not have received elsewhere.
By far, my favorite benefit of blogging, besides eventually being able to call it a job, is all of the friends that I have made along my journey. There are many other bloggers that I email and speak with on a daily basis and I owe it all to the blogging community because I would not have known of them any other way.
Being able to attend BlogHer is not written in the stars for my family this year due to our financial struggle. I would not only be honored to be able to attend but I promise to represent Mabel's Labels with hard work, dedication and with an open mind. I greatly appreciate your generosity and loyalty to bloggers everywhere. Thank you for this contest which is casting a ray of light on my otherwise dark, cold wintery Michigan days.
