The Dawn of Blogging: Xanga, LiveJournal, and MySpace
I first dipped my toes into the world of blogging during the early 2000s when platforms like Xanga, LiveJournal and MySpace were all the rage. I had just turned 19 and was a new mom to my oldest child. My son’s father introduced me to these platforms, and I quickly found a sense of community and expression that I desperately needed.
Xanga and MySpace, in particular, captivated me with their customizable features. Xanga, hosted on WordPress, became my favorite. It offered a level of personalization that felt like creating a virtual home. You could change the appearance, control who saw your posts, and even password-protect entries. This level of control made Xanga my safe space, a haven where I could express myself freely and honestly.
Blogging as an Escape
In those days, my life was far from easy. I was in an abusive marriage, enduring physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. Xanga became my escape from the harsh realities of my life. I used it to document my thoughts and experiences, sharing my pain and struggles in a way that felt safe. Blogging was my therapy, a place where I could vent and connect with other moms who were going through similar experiences.
Through Xanga, I built a network of mom friends who offered support and understanding. These connections were a lifeline for me, providing solace and encouragement during some of my darkest times. Unfortunately, when Xanga shut down, I lost all contact with these incredible women. It was a devastating loss, not just of friendships but also of my blog posts and the emotional catharsis they provided.
The Turning Point
Leaving my abusive husband was not easy. It took me nearly 5 1/2 years to break free completely. He had me convinced that I couldn’t survive without him, but deep down, I knew I had to leave for the sake of my children and myself. When I finally did, I was a single mom with three young kids: a 5-year-old, a 2-year-old, and a 5-month-old baby.
Moving back home was a difficult but necessary step. I didn’t have a job and was trying to attend school to become a cosmetologist. However, due to family constraints, I had to withdraw from my courses. My dad wouldn’t allow my mom to watch my kids in the evenings and on Saturdays, so I couldn’t pursue my education or career at that time.
I tried various ways to make an income from home but faced constant setbacks. It was a challenging period filled with frustration and feelings of helplessness. I felt like I was going nowhere, stuck in a cycle of unmet aspirations and unfulfilled potential.
A New Beginning
About two years after separating from my ex-husband and six months after finalizing our divorce, I met my now-husband. He was active duty military, and our relationship was anything but traditional. We got married less than two months after meeting, and shortly thereafter, my three children and I moved to his duty station.
This new chapter in my life brought stability and hope. We lived a decent life, and despite the unconventional start to our relationship, we made it work. I still cherish the memories of the house where we brought our two youngest children home. It was a period of rebuilding and rediscovering myself.
The Birth of Blogging with Confidence
My journey as a mom, especially to a child with Autism, has been filled with challenges and triumphs. My youngest son, who took eight years to get an official diagnosis, inspired me to create Blogging with Confidence. His intelligence and verbal abilities often masked his condition, making the journey to a diagnosis long and arduous.
Blogging with Confidence was born out of my desire to help others navigate the complexities of starting a blog from scratch. I wanted to provide a resource that was straightforward, no-nonsense, and effective. I had been through the frustration of vague advice and endless searching, and I didn’t want others to experience the same.
Building a Community
Through Blogging with Confidence, I aim to build a community where aspiring bloggers can find clear, actionable advice without the fluff. I understand how precious time is, especially for busy moms like myself. My goal is to provide practical tips and strategies that empower others to create successful blogs without wasting time or energy.
Blogging has been a lifeline for me, a way to express myself and connect with others. It has provided an outlet for my creativity and a platform to share my experiences. Through Blogging with Confidence, I hope to give others the tools and confidence they need to share their voices with the world.
Looking Ahead
As I continue this journey, I am excited about the future. I have big dreams of becoming a successful YouTuber and cinematographer/videographer by the end of 2025. I want to continue learning and growing, exploring new ways to share my story and help others.
Blogging with Confidence is more than just a blog; it’s a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of community. It’s a reminder that no matter how difficult life gets, there is always a way to rebuild and move forward. My children are my inspiration, and through this platform, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions and dreams with confidence.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, we can create something amazing and make our voices heard. Let’s blog with confidence and change the world, one post at a time.