Why have a blog anyways?

Writing on a blog is scary. I can admit that the reason I don't always publish my drafts is because I am afraid. I am afraid that when I make these personal writings public, I'll be voluntarily exposing so much of myself. My beliefs, values, morals, ideas, dreams, worries, and so many other things that make me who I am will be easily viewable by anyone. I'm afraid it won't be good enough, you know? But why I am afraid to share these aspects of myself to the world, and why does it need to be perfect anyways? Is it because I fear being judged? Or rejected? Or ridiculed? Why does this type of fear even exist? Does it tie in with the thought of losing privacy? I've been in school for almost 17 out of my 22 years of existence. I should be at least a little confident in myself and in my knowledge of the things I find important. I should also know when something should be posted and when I should keep it to myself, right? I should also be able to express my hopes and dreams and ideas. That is ultimately what blogs and websites are for right? To share ideas or products about the things you love and find important.

It's unfortunate that not many people feel the need to have a journal. I guess its not so much the "need" to have one, as much as the "fear" of having one. When I talk to my friends about writing in a journal, some think it's really great, but others look at me like I'm crazy for writing in one on a regular basis. They say, "How do you do it? You just write to yourself about what happened today? Or whats happening tomorrow?" I say yes, that is exactly how it starts. You start to get the hang of it and putting your thoughts down on paper. You start to develop your voice. Then you dig deeper. And you talk about what makes you insecure, or the evils in the surrounding world that upset you. Or theories you have about the happenings around you. Writing is so important and vital because it gives you a better grasp on who you are as an individual. When you learn to put your thoughts on paper you are expressing yourself, to yourself, and that is the first step in finding the confidence to also express yourself to others. Thats how you get stronger, and that's how you get smarter. When you can find the strength and confidence in your words, it becomes easier to navigate through your life. It becomes second nature to enjoy the process of growth.