6 Reasons Having a Blog is a Smart Decision

"Blogging is a waste of your time.  You're not making any money."
  This is a typical example of a response when I mention my blog.  People ask why a person would put so much time into something that is not producing direct results (a.k.a. income).
Blogging Is Not A Waste Of Time
However, from a personal viewpoint, I respond by stating blogging is a far cry from a waste of time.  It has opened up avenues and improved the job search status, among others.  It might not be for everyone, but if you have something you believe in and some time it can be a fruitful experience.  This is true even if you don't make money from it.
This post focuses on ways blogging can help a person.  Some might seem obvious, but they are worth stating.
 Here is my list of reasons blogging has been useful, rewarding and beneficial.  This is excluding making an income from it.
1. Helps you express thoughts in a constructive way
As one article put it, blogging helps you "Think out loud".  Many people express themselves in ways that are harmful.  Doctors have even suggested trying to find healthy ways to express thoughts.
Having a way to express your thoughts adds to mental health.
2. It helps point out little things you learned over the years
Since this is a spiritual blog, writing helps analyze what is going on in life and why. 
It is surprising how many little tidbits of knowledge learned over the years have been utilized by writing blog posts.  For the author some things that were learned in college turned out more useful than were thought at the time.  It might be something such as a Sigmund Freud idea, an economics theory or a communication dynamic. 
This reinforces my opinion that life is less a matter of a large thing and more a matter of a series of little things.
3. There is no up front cost
It is free to set up a blog on various domains, such as BlogSpot and Wordpress.  (This does not mean free with occasional service charges).  A professional blogger usually utilizes some paid services, but a beginner does not have to.  If it is a hobby sticking with free domains will do.
You can always get your own domain if things take off.
4. Build network of people with similar interests
We have heard it said so many times:  "It's not what you know, but who you know."  The current job market is competitive and blogging helps you learn from others with the same interests.  If you thinking something in your head it is likely there is someone on the Web thinking along similar lines.  It might sound old-fashioned, but the connecting of the world online is still amazing!
Blogging has helped connect me to people who motivate and inspire people (like me) daily.
5. Improve technical skills
Maintaining a blog involves learning computer skills, which change.  Personally, this has included things like finding new applications, learning basic .html code and keeping up with social media updates.  The more you research the more you find features you didn't know were there.  Keeping your mind active also helps you think quicker in daily life. 
For the computer savvy there is a constant learning experience.  For example, a year ago at this time I had never heard of Pininterest.  Now it is probably the fastest growing social media website.
6. Increases Bible knowledge and awareness of how God is working in your life
Reviewing the Bible daily is generally thought of as a good habit to get into.
When looking at Bible verses repeatedly different things can jump out at you.  This is one area these blogs help keep one sharp.  A Bible verse can have different meaning when put into the context of what else is going on, the culture, etc.  Spiritual blogging gets a person to go through Bible verses again, which can enrich the meaning or open up a new line of thought.
The Bible has many hidden treasures to improve your life, if you are willing to look and follow.
Just think what blogging brings with all of these things AND an income!
If you enjoyed reading this please feel free to subscribe to my blog near the upper right of the page or share the link. That way you’ll never miss ways to make your life more stimulating!
OR - simply provide your comments for improvement

You might also be interested in:The Bible: Spectacular Riches For Your LifeWhy Starting A Blog Is The Smartest Thing I Ever Did