Why write about yourself and your experiences?

/ Laura Lee Carter

writing penAs I begin working on my next book, a journal of retirement, I wondered why anyone would find this story interesting. I have certainly had more interest in this blog than I ever expected, with over 50,000 views so far from over 25,000 visitors all over the world! I so enjoy seeing those from other countries taking an interest in our escapades in rural southern Colorado.

Of course the next question is why blog at all? Why do some wish to share their daily lives and lessons with others, while most can’t even imagine it?

why blogIn this particular case, I thought there might be some who would like to see what it feels like to choose to leave a nice suburban home in one of the “best retirement cities in the country” to move to a rural area with little traffic or shopping, but so much amazing natural beauty and lovely silence. And as I read the posts I wrote a couple years ago, when considering this gigantic change for myself, I do find my thoughts and worries interesting in retrospect.

I guess what interests me the most is the psychology of changing something major in your life, especially past age 50 or 60. Why do some take the risk and go for it, while others stay home and watch TV? I guess it just comes down to personal taste, but also a gigantic fear of change.

leap_of_faithI was full of fear the day we sold our nice home in Fort Collins. I really did not know what to expect, and I admit it, parts of our experience down here have been quite discouraging. But now I know we made the right choice for both of us. Sometimes you just have to take the big risk, leap, and build your wings on the way down.

“We must be willing to get rid of the life we had planned, to have the life that is waiting for us.”   — Joseph Campbell

10 thoughts on “Why write about yourself and your experiences?”

  1. Very well written! And it’s always hard to make such a drastic change in one’s life, but the rewards can be exceptionally great, as you well know. 🙂

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  2. Fear of change can be very paralyzing. Good for you for taking the leap and the risk. Then, sharing it is inspirational to all of us!

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  5. Hi Laura Lee! If my blog is any example I believe that people find it both interesting and inspiring to read how other people create a good life. As you know I did what I call “rightsizing” 6 years ago and while we didn’t move out in the country we did transform our focus and our lives on what really mattered to us rather than what others “thought” was the path to success. Not only was it the best thing we ever did, but like your story, it has been a great adventure. I’ve had good feedback on my blog AND on my book about rightsizing so I know you will too! And yes, that Joseph Campbell quote is one of my favorites! ~Kathy

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  6. I think we are wired to seek stories from others and learn from it.

    Change is a scary proposition for so many and they stay rooted for years in situations they “wish” would improve. As for a move to rural America, that’s my husband’s dream. He’d love to live in a cabin in the woods with no neighbors for miles. I don’t feel the same way, though that could change later.

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  7. Hi Laura Lee, your words could mine! We’re the Canadian version. Though, I would say we’re reinventing rather than retiring. 🙂
    We lived in one of the safest and best cities for getting older and retiring, with access to the best medical and social services. In fact, our house was within walking distance to all of that and more. I too was full of fear as we sold our beautiful home in Burlington Ontario, and moved to “Kawartha Lakes country” a year ago, and I’m certain there are some people who still wonder when we’ll be “coming home” from the adventure. The thing is, we are home. They just don’t get it yet.
    I’m still not sure what to do with our story. I play with ideas–memoir, how-to, essays, a mix of each–and I ask the same questions: who will want to read it and why write it at all?
    Thank you for the nudge. You’ve got me thinking.

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  8. Yes Laura, I spent decades “in situations I “wished” would improve” and then my own version of a midlife crisis hit, BIG TIME! Somehow facing a future with no family connections, no job, and no career, made me stop wishing and start doing many things differently! I started making things happen back in 2005 and I haven’t quit yet…and my life has improved by 1000% In fact, I am now happier than I have ever been! YES!
    You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!

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  10. Laura, we blog to tell our story. It is my way of sharing my story with those who have similar problems, interests, memories, etc. And the other reason is, we blog because we can..

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