I was recently asked if I make money publishing my blog. The answer is “No”. I don’t sell anything on my blog, nor do I sell subscriptions to my blog. In reality, publishing this blog costs me. I have to pay for the domain, the blog hosting, and I guess you could say the time it takes me to write them.
So, why do I do it?
I initially started writing this blog as a means to help others who were battling Myasthenia Gravis or any other autoimmune disorder. It became important for me to let people know that they’re not alone in their fight. After writing my first few blogs, I realized how therapeutic writing was for me. I was discovering relief from getting out some of the pent-up emotions I was experiencing as a result of having MG.
It wasn’t until I started to receive feedback from many of you, however, that I became hooked on writing this blog. I not only received tons of kind and caring comments, but I also received stories from other sufferers of Myasthenia Gravis who were reading my blogs. Many of those claimed my blogs were actually helping them in their battle and reminded them that they don’t have to fight MG alone. That’s what made it worthwhile. That’s why I continue to write.
Many of the people who have left comments or emailed me shared their story with MG and I’ve used many of their examples in my blogs. Hearing the stories of others helps us realize that all of us with MG share the same path. The path varies in intensity and duration, but, in general, we’re experiencing many of the same things and we’re not alone in doing so.
The best part is I’ve learned that we find strength in each other. Those reading my blogs are encouraged to respect the disease, push through the tough moments, and find some positive in everything. These things actually help and I receive feedback all the time confirming it. I’ve also learned that even a glimmer of hope becomes a seed for those that are battling depression due to the effects of MG. If we can get that seed to take root, have patience, and remain strong, sooner or later that seed becomes a plant and we benefit from its fruit.
So, the answer to why I do it is clear for me. I get more out of it than I put into it. If I can help even one person, then it’s worth it. Over the course of this blog, I’ve found I’ve helped many and I will continue to do that for as along as I can.