Why I Started Blogging And How It Has Changed My Life
Bud / 
29 Comments / 
March 16th, 2010 / 
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Having been nearly a month and a half since I became the main writer behind PluginID, I’d just like to take a moment and say thank you for giving me a chance. I feel incredibly grateful to be able to share my writing with thousands of people all around the world.
Although I’ve had the opportunity to write several posts a week, I’ve yet to share much of my ‘story’ so to speak. Today I’d like to take the time to tell with you why I began blogging and my future aspirations.
A Way To Find Myself
I often receive many emails asking why I started to blog, and to be perfectly honest the answer isn’t particularly simple.
While I have always dreamed of making a difference by writing, to say that was the entire reason I began blogging would be a flat out lie. The truth is, when I began blogging, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life or how I was going to do it, I just knew that I was tired of existing.
For those of you that have been following my story for a while, you may know that the death of my best friend in high school changed my life forever. And although it has almost two years since I witnessed my friend pass away on the beaches of Hainan, not a day goes by that I don’t think of him.
His passion for life continues to live on in every word I write. I say this not to gain attention but rather to show that even in the darkest of situations there is light. His death, as tragic as it was, woke me up to the fact that our gifts aren’t meant to go unshared and for that to happen we have to take a leap of faith.
Putting my words online and sharing my insights with the world was my leap of faith; and no doubt doing so has been a scary yet fulfilling process, one that I’m still getting used to. But it was also something I knew I had to do after realizing that our time on earth isn’t guaranteed.
Quite simply: I began blogging as a way to find myself when I had no idea who the hell I was or who I wanted to be.
A Journey Within
I’ve been blogging for nearly two years now with most of my hours coming at my old blog A Boundless World. And to be honest, I don’t think people realize how powerful blogging can be, not only from a financial standpoint but also as a source of personal growth. The amount I’ve grown of the past few years is staggering. In just 24 months I’ve made countless friends, drastically improved my writing, and learned the importance of chasing your dreams.
I can say without hesitation that blogging has transformed my life in ways I can’t even comprehend, ways that have forever changed the way I view the world. Stepping on the path of personal growth hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Part of the personal growth path requires taking a hard look at yourself, which isn’t always easy to do. I’ve gone to battle with myself numerous times often coming out on the losing end, but I always get back up and try again. Blogging about has given me the chance to find myself through words.
Sometimes people hold the impression that because I write about personal development I have life completely figured out. When I hear that I can’t help but chuckle. While I’ve obviously worked diligently on making myself a better person, the fact remains I’m not superman. At times I’m vulnerable, and at times I regress more than I care to admit. Quite frankly, I often fuck up.
I believe that my imperfections are what allow me to write about personal development in such an honest and sincere manner. You will never find me writing about topics that I have no experience with. I may not have a problem with pushing boundaries and causing conversation but in no way am I infallible.
I have found that through introspection I’ve learned to live a healthier and more positive life and blogging has given me the opportunity to look inside myself.
Future Aspirations
I don’t often publicly state my intentions, but for the sake of being transparent, I’ll make an exception. What does a 18 year kid want to do with his life?
I want to become a renowned public speaker and author, only working for as long as I can provide substantial value.
I want to be able to live anywhere I please, while being free to connect with people who want to make a difference.
I want to be remembered as a person who chose value and relationships over the false security of money.
I want to create numerous brands and organizations that live long after I die.
I want to positively affect the lives millions of people all around the world.
I want to build several schools in poor nations with Glen: especially in the nations of the Philippines and Vietnam.
I want to continue to live and grow and be able to proudly boast the saying “he lived” on my grave.
My wants and desires mean nothing without action and I know I’ll need help along the way. Here’s to making our dreams come true.
If you enjoyed this post, I would appreciate if you share it on Twitter, Facebook or Delicious!
@Bud: I think it’s great that you have so many of these visions for the future. AS you always tell me on Twitter “don’t forget me when you become famous
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Thanks man. I appreciate the support.
Great stuff dude.
I also like it when people think I’m not crazy because I write about personal development… If only they knew
Dude – I wish I had your head on my shoulders when I was 18.
Keep doing yo’ thing man!
Build those brands!!!
Hey Bud,
It’s good to see people who find meaning in blogging. I think good blogging can only be done in a very personal way, about things you have a true passion for. And you seem to be doing this. All the best
Thanks Eduard.
Inspiring Bud! I had goosepimples reading your visions! Really great and so much about what you can give to the world. I look forward to watching you achieve them.
I also agree about the difference blogging can make to your life. I sometimes have the feeling that it has affected me on so many levels … some that I can’t even articulate. My job is 100% different to this time last year and more much aligned with my passions and skills and I am sure blogging and interacting with such an inspiring community has helped make that happen and also not settle for less!
Jen x
Hey Bud,
Big dreams and aspirations – and I’m sure you’ll get there.
Here’s to all of us making our dreams come true!
Sid
Thanks Sid. I know you’re bound to do great things as well.
Good read Bud!! Love the blog.
Thanks Rick.
Hi. I’ve been a casual subscriber to this blog for a while, but some of what you said in this post really hit me. I’m 19 years old and I don’t really know what I’m doing with my life or who I am other than that I too want to make a difference through writing. I’ve been on the personal growth track for a while now. Life has definitely thrown its fair share of curveballs, but, as you said, I just keep getting back up.
You’re probably wondering what my point is. I was just wondering, do you have any advice on getting started blogging? Did you ever struggle with how much you could have to offer at such a young age? Sometimes I second-guess myself.
Congratulations on becoming the main writer of this blog! Good luck in your future dreams.
-Ashley
Bud,
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you have a great road ahead of you. I have high aspirations as well and you are an inspiration to continue towards making those dreams become a reality.
Thanks!!
Mike
Awesome stuff.
2011 = School times
For sure bro. Let’s make shit happen.
Bud, the only thing I can say to that list of ‘I want’ is: ‘Me too’!
I’m wanting to do the exact same thing. Especially the last one, I want to have lived.
Realize the only thing that is stopping you from achieving those things, is you.
Thanks for sharing this post. As a fellow blogger, I found this really inspiring so thank you!
I started blogging because I naturally collect, organise and structure information in a way for me to quickly reference or understand. I had hundreds, so I put them to good use.
Fantastic set of intentions by the way, I wish you all the best. I have one mission in my opinion. To help as many people as possible. I’m on my way.
I think you can get more specific Thomas. It might help you help more people
Blogging has given me a route within my inner self. In fact, my blog has evolved exactly into that, and hope through that, I can help others take the journey within as well. Good luck to your inner and outer journey!
What a great piece of writing, Bud. I love your aspirations, though I’d replace the word ‘want’ with ‘will’, and put the list somewhere where you could see it every day. All the best with achieving your dreams.
Bud,
I like how you shared your goals/dreams with us. Thanks! Keep it up!
Boris
This was a post that nearly moved me to tears and believe me, that’s very difficult to do. Thank you for opening yourself up so readily. Please keep up the good work. I think you’re well on your way to making the difference you hope to make in this world.
That’s a great list of goals Bud. Have you seen the movie The Bucket List? If not, rent it. It’s at least a B+. I don’t want to spoil it for you if you haven’t but there’s a great story in there that Morgan Freeman tells Jack Nicholson about finding the joy in your life.
My goal is to move to another part of the country this year and hang out with an old friend.
Hey Bud,
I came across your site only recently while searching for methods on how to put together and run a blog (Blueprint). I wanted to say the information and resources here have been very useful to me. The Blog Blueprint has helped me to make some simple but much needed tweaks to my blog. I agree blogging allows one to find meaning in their life. One of my goals and reasons for blogging is also to be able to live anywhere I want while contributing to others.
Keep up the great work; it’s much appreciated.
Mike
This is an excellent and insightful post.
It has certainly added new perspective to how I view the content providing world. Your point you made in regards to the loss of your friend, where it helped you realise our gifts you should be shared touched me and I fully agree with you.
I also like your writing style, very warm and informative.
Keep up the good work.
Marvin
Wow your aspirations are excellent. I know so many bloggers who learned so much about themselves but not as much as you sound like you have. It’s an amazing inner journey. It’s like looking over old diaries when you read your old posts too.