They say that blogging is dead. I’m not entirely sure who “they” are, but I don’t know that they’re wrong. As an avid follower of numerous blogs, I’ve noticed a definite shift within the blogosphere. A number of my favorite bloggers are posting with decreased frequency and noticeably less enthusiasm. Many bloggers have transferred their creative efforts to Instagram or podcasts, and some have closed up shop entirely. Blog sponsorships are much harder to come by these days, and once-active Comments sections remain eerily silent.

Yes, blogging does seem to be a dying medium. And yet, I continue to passionately pursue this little hobby of mine, and I have no intention of stopping any time soon.

It’s hard to believe that Kendra Nicole is about to celebrate its third birthday. My, how time flies! I initially started my blog as a fun project to fill my time amid a handful of part-time jobs. I had been reading other people’s blogs for years, but might never have thought to start one of my own if it weren’t for Luke’s persistent nagging to “just start a blog already.”

At first, I wasn’t sure if a personal blog would be the best fit. Though I’m fairly transparent in my writing, I’m actually a pretty private person, and I wasn’t completely comfortable with the idea of exposing parts of my life for the entire internet to see. I decided to test the waters with a few short, impersonal posts. Just to see if this blogging thing was really for me.

Those early ramblings slowly grew longer and more vulnerable. Post by post, I worked to uncover my true voice, and as it emerged I discovered that my little hobby had evolved into a full-blown passion. I felt a sense of purpose and empowerment in blogging that I had never found in another job. I enjoyed this creative outlet, which offered me a chance to share words I hadn’t known were inside me. My writing was rarely profound, yet even the most mundane posts tapped into a part of me that had lain dormant for far too long.

I had no idea whether I would be able to continue blogging after Charlie’s birth. I’m terrible at multi-tasking and knew that my hobby might have to take a backseat to my primary role as Mom. Much to my surprise, I found that not only was I able to continue blogging, but it was easier than ever before. My emotions and words came much more readily, and my son provided plenty of content. I particularly loved that my blogging served as a record of our blossoming family.

I had suspected my entry into motherhood might replace my role as a blogger; instead, it has elevated its importance. In these early days with a young one, my blog provides me with naptime entertainment and a much-needed diversion in days that are filled with toddler-centric activities. After long hours spent playing on the floor and dishing up finger food, I can sit down to my writing and be reminded that I am an adult. When a majority of my day revolves around laundry and meal prep and other unending tasks, my blog offers definitive, un-undoable proof of time well spent.

I sometimes feel a twinge of guilt when I blog, since it often infringes on time I could be spending with Charlie. However, I want my son to grow up with a mom who doesn’t feel guilty about pursuing her hobbies. It’s easy for stay-at-home moms to pour ourselves entirely into the lives of our children, and blogging is my way of staving off this unhealthy tendency. Charlie is my priority, but he can’t and shouldn’t be my whole world. Blogging is one way that I invest in my own emotional health, which in turn allows me to be a better parent.

Much of why I blog is for personal reasons, but if my pursuit of blogging was exclusively for my own benefit, I might as well simply keep a journal. Instead, I choose to blog publicly because it allows me to connect with others. True, my simple musings might not transform anybody’s life, but it is my sincere hope that my words have touched my readers in some meaningful way. Whether I’m introducing you to a great new podcast, sharing my thoughts on the latest book, or giving you a window into one family’s journey, I’d like to think that I’m making a difference, even if it’s just bringing a smile to your face with some cute pictures of my kid!

I’ll admit that I’m still not totally comfortable with the public part of blogging. I’m self-conscious about my writing, and it can be scary to open up about my life. I often overcome my trepidation by pretending that I don’t have an audience—only to be jarred back to reality when a friend or family member brings up something I don’t even remember writing. It can feel awkward to have conversations with readers who know much more about my life than I do about theirs!

As happy as I am to continue with my own personal blog, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hope that it could one day turn into something more. I’d love to earn a revenue with my writing, whether that is through this space, through some type of freelance projects, or even with a book. But at this point in my life, my blog is satisfying some very real needs, and I don’t need to be earning a paycheck for it to be worthwhile.

So even if blogging is going the way of the dinosaur, I will continue to blog. I’m grateful to live in a time when I am able to pursue such a unique hobby, and I’m thankful for all of you who read. I truly couldn’t do it without you!