When I started this blog, almost two years ago, I had no idea that other bloggers were going to become FRIENDS!
It’s an unusual community. We support each other by making comments, mentioning and voting for each others interesting articles – talk on the phone , on Skype and meet at conferences.
This has been an extremely harsh winter here in Chicago. Most of my friends were holed up in their homes. But not my friends on the Internet. They were my only companions.
I’d like to introduce you to some of them. There are many but I’d like you to meet some of my closest “buds.” I read their blogs every day and I think you would enjoy them too. In the blogosphere, this is called “Link Love.”
I’d like to start with a blogger, who when I was brand new, published one of my articles. Rod E .Smith has over 804,343 readers. Can you imagine what a kick start that was to have a huge personal growth site mention you? Thanks, Rod!
Take a look at Difficult Relationships here.
Michelle Vandepas and CK Reyes help people find their purpose in life. Michelle volunteered to help me with the technical support I needed. She did it as a favor when she saw how I was struggling. Since then, I have tried to repay her by helping her produce her Blog Talk Radio show. We have become best friends. I can’t live without her.
Take a look at their blog which includes outstanding audio interviews. (Yes, even with me!) And superb articles by CK.
Stephen Hopson came over to visit my blog and was one of my first commentators. When I checked out his blog I learned that this extraordinary person was born deaf and yet became the first deaf instrument pilot, was a six figure investment broker, and makes his living doing motivational speaking for major companies. His very personal blog which inspires all of us in overcoming adversity – as he has – is an important addition to the self improvement area of the entire blogosphere. He is a miracle.
Craig Harper is the most successful motivational speaker in Australia. He is also one of the funniest bloggers. I don’t know him personally, except to annoy him in his comment section, but I never miss his articles.
Here’s one that really amused me. You women might be tempted to add a comment on this one. I did.
Craig Harper – uncensored
Phil Gerbyshak was another one of my early blogger supporters. He has one of the biggest smiles and hearts on the Internet. An upbeat motivational speaker, his articles focus on making our lives great every day.
Check out Making It Great here
Patricia, one of the bravest women I know, speaks of the unspeakable on her blog. Incest. Her survival and healing meets a need not answered in the world. Her courage and kindness has helped so many people to come out and share their terrible stories and to join with her in rehabilitation.
Not a pretty picture but urgent in the world.
Her blog, Spiritual Journey of a Lightworker can be found here.
Sherri walks the walk on her blog, Being the Change I Wish To See, covers topics from the everyday to the political. A superb writer, I always welcome her thoughtful comments on my articles. Thanks, Sherri for being my friend.
There are many more friends I could have mentioned but I will save you for next time.
But I cannot end without expressing my gratitude to Yaro Starak and Gideon Shalwick for their patient and professional training. They taught me how to construct a blog with their Blog Mastermind and Become A Blogger courses.
See free information on Yaro’s new course here. He is the real deal.
And a special thanks to Darren Rowse and his Thirty Day Challenge from Problogger who inspired me to write this article to thank special friends. His blog is another one I never miss.
Thanks, Darren. Such a good idea. But ideas are your specialty!
I just want to know – how did all you Australians get so smart?
The “backstory” -
So You Want To Be a Blogger? You’re asking ME?
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
What an inspiring group of people! I too love my blogger and twitter communities. As a mother with 2 young children, virtual friends can be amazing companions and supporters, with no geographical boundaries. We are so lucky to live in this time.
Your blog prompts me to ask if you are still in touch with Vera Cruise in Anchorage, Alaska. I introduced the two of you and I know you were most helpful to Vera with her blogs early on.
Do hope your Easter was a pleasant one. Beautiful day, but we could have used a higher temperature!
Oh, how right you are, Amanda! I would have gone crazy without the Internet and my blogging buddies this winter! I never expected that I would make some real friends when I started my blog.
Dear Reed -
Pretty funny story about Vera. She said she couldn’t meet me when she was in Chicago because it was too cold.
SO SHE WENT HOME TO ALASKA!
(Is that the new temperate zone?)
Twitter: joubess
April 13, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Corinne,
I am humbled and touched. You too have become one of my real friends. I enjoy your blog and especially your perspective.
I never miss a post of yours even if I don’t comment on it. I recently switched your subscription to Google Reader from email, and now your posts don’t get lost in the sea of email I get everyday. That way I get to read them when they’re new!
Thank you,
Sherri
Being the Change I Wish to See – Sherris last blog post..Right-Wing Nutjobs Caught Lying Again
I remember when you started it!! I think I was one of your “first responders”. Now look at you!! And I remember when you didn’t know a blog from a hog …
(not that a Brooklyn- born woman like you would have ever even seen a hog).
I so enjoy your messages – short sweet and simple for an
ADD businesswoman. Any more than a few paragraphs and I am gone!! You know how to do that one so well. Congratulations on two years. Seems like yesterday.
Twitter: patriciasinglet
April 13, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Corinne, thank you for your words of praise and your link love. They mean so much to me. Because of my subject matter, my blog is still relatively small. I know that I am reaching the ones who are ready to look at their issues. I write what I wish someone had said when I was first struggling with my incest issues. I can only share from my own experiences which may or may not work for someone else.
With your words, I feel truly hugged and loved. Thanks. I consider you my friend also. I first found your blog because of your comments on Stephen’s blog. You have both been my friends for over a year now.
Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworkers last blog post..Purpose and Personal Power for Incest Survivors
Corinne,
Many congratulations from a fellow student, and all well summed up. thanks
Lance
Lances last blog post..Will Bulgarian Miss Utah Win Miss USA?
It’s so true Corinne,
As bloggers we have this wonderful, behind the scenes community of interaction and support. To me, it is one of the greatest benefits of blogging. Thanks for the list, there are several that I haven’t visited yet. I will remedy that in short order.
Jonathan – Advanced Life Skillss last blog post..30 Ways to Quickly Improve Your Life
Corinne, as far as blogging goes I’ve been dragged along by my shirt collar. I was afraid of getting sucked into an internet black hole… But, now that I know there are other people in the hole too, I’m more happily going. I have found friends and people that I resonate with and people that I feel strongly about supporting. One of my first posts was titled, “I’m NOT a blogger.” but, I think maybe I am… and it’s because of the friends that I’ve found along the way that I can say that. Thanks Friend!
Hi CK -
One of the things that drew me to you is that you kept saying you were not a blogger – that Michelle talked you into writing – while you were blogging!
You are such a natural writer. Some of us labor too much and edit and edit – and you just do it.
By the way, the Internet is a black hole. We need a flashlight to connect. But once we find each other, we hold hands and don’t let go.
Like – you are stuck with me as a fan! I enjoy your articles.
Jonathan -
I enjoy your posts – and we are a community. Especially in the self improvement personal growth area. Perhaps it is the topic that makes us more inclusive of everyone.
And we are all working on making a contribution to the world so we don’t compete. We just keep layering it on.
Dear Sherri -
I also read all your posts and do not comment much because when you are through, you have said it all.
I do Stumble them so other people can read them. That’s my little thank you.
I am honored to have you as a friend.
Dear Patricia -
You are welcome. I could not list my favorite posts without including yours. You feel like family to me.
I believe that many more people than you know read your articles. It is a touchy subject and some are not ready to comment. They do think about it and take much of it to heart.
Your blog is a public service.
Dear Lily Rose -
I always say I started out with three readers. Two relatives and a friend. You were that friend – and have stuck with me all the way.
Technically, I have improved but still am not sure if it is a blog or a hog. (Thanks, Michelle for bailing me out!)
I enjoy the writing part of it. And it will be 2 years in June.
Don’t ever leave.
Twitter: patriciasinglet
April 14, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Corinne, thank you. You and I must have started around the same time blogging. My 2 year anniversary will be on June 1 of this year. Did you ever think that you would become part of such a wonderful community of people and make so many friends around the world? I certainly didn’t have any idea how big my world would become.
Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworkers last blog post..Purpose and Personal Power for Incest Survivors
Dear Lance -
Thanks. It was a fun project. Looks as though the “Challenge” is going to get more difficult now.
We will have to hang in there and help each other.
No, Patricia. I had no idea I would meet a community in blogging.
I got into it by accident. A life coach client who a blogger came to me and I had no idea what it WAS for sure.
She had a radio interview coming up and they had requested questions from her.
I said, “Why don’t I write the questions for them?”
I started out with “What is a blog?”
After I heard her show I thought “Hell, I can do that!”
You all have been stuck with me ever since.
Corinne,
Thank you for this kind mention! I’ve appreciated the friendship and connection we’ve made. And… I can’t WAIT to come visit in 2 weeks. What a special way to meet a good friend. ONLINE!
Rock on blogger!
Michelle Vandepass last blog post..Tony and Molli – See It As Perfect – Apr 21,2009
It is absolutely my pleasure to share a hug and a smile with you whenever I can. You are a great inspiration to me too Corinne! You’ve boosted me up with emails, guest posts, and beautiful comments. You help ME make it great!
Thanks! Big hugs and love to you! You are a STAR and I am delighted to be one of your friends!
Phil Gerbyshaks last blog post..It’s Not Personal, It’s Business
Dear Phil -
I could not write about my favorite buds without including YOU!
You supported me immediately.
I can’t believe we have never met in person when we live only a couple of hours away.
SOON I hope!
Hi there Corinne – came over here via stumbleupon (somehow)
It has surprised me how I have become friends with bloggers – I’ve been going for a year now. I share something with them I just don’t share with my offline friends (who just don’t “get” blogs) – it’s amazing!
Robins last blog post..Tomato Seeds And Delicious Fruit
I originally discovered your blog through your comments at Adversity university. Each of your posts inspires readers to look a little deeper into themselves. You encourage people to find love in life again in ways they do not expect. That’s joy. It exists perpetually. You notice when it makes sense.
Liara Coverts last blog post..How do you chart your life?
Dear Liara -
I always smile when I see a notice that you have made a comment because they are so special.
I especially liked this qupte frpm you -
“That’s joy. It exists perpetually. You notice when it makes sense.”
If we look closely, behind all our fears, is joy and love.
Dear Robin -
Thanks for coming by. I want you for a new friend!
Loved your latest post. Great writing. Just stumbled it.
For my other readers – just click on Robin’s name. You can read it too.