Hi new readers! I see you! Thanks for stopping by Just wanted to let you know that the site makes a lot more sense if you start here and here.

This week I am thankful for YOU. Yes you, sitting there looking at the computer screen. HI!!! I’m waving to you! wave back so I’m not the only moron interacting with an inanimate object (Sorry Macbook Air, but you’re not real!) ;)

Anyway, I’m so glad you are continuing to read my posts. Maybe you check-in with your fresh cup of coffee in the morning. relaxed in your warm jammies. Or maybe you are one of the people who risk being caught looking at blogs at the office — the horror! Maybe you like to unwind at the end of a work dayperusing blogs and other articles (hi, Mister! xoxo). Some of you are probably referrals from my Mom and Dad — I hope you keep visiting! (p.s. – thanks Mom and Dad) No matter when you visit or why you visit, I’m so happy you are here.

I’m thankful that this little idea of mine has finally taken form and that it actually appears that people CARE what I’m saying. I know all of you other bloggers out there know what a great feeling that is. For those of you who don’t blog, you have no idea the effect of your kind words and comments. I love hearing from you and I feel so honored that you keep coming back for more. PLEASE come out of the woodwork more often and share some of your thoughts. This isn’t a one-way communication channel, but a community where I encourage all of you to share your thought and ideas. My lil friend, Google analytics, tells me you are there, please don’t be afraid to speak up

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. For awhile, I was a bit apprehensive about online communications — facebook, MySpace, blogging, you name it (bloggers, don’t hate me!). I’m sorry, but as a communications practitioner and someone who has Mastered the theories of communication (organizationally and interpersonally), it scared me a little. I hated thinking that we were getting so far away from human interaction. I hated thinking that people were missing out on precious communication skills — especially younger adolescents and teenagers who are still in development (that’s a whole other rant, but I digress…)! While I still think that face-to-face communication is irreplaceable and is always my preferred method (especially when dealing with personal relationships!), I now see a place for the online mediums.

I see first hand that connecting with people all over the world (who you wouldn’t be able to meet with face-to-face anyway!) is truly remarkable. I am so thankful that I finally have an outlet to do so. It is remarkable that so many different walks of like could form such a strong community of opinions, ideas, support and ENERGY! It’s inspiring, really. Take a look around the bloggosphere. We are making a difference, bloggers! And I am so incredibly thankful that I’m finally apart of it.

I’ve also learned (and felt) what a positive impact blogging can have on one’s life. According to an article in Scientific American, “Scientists (and writers) have long known about the therapeutic benefits of writing about personal experiences, thoughts and feelings. But besides serving as a stress-coping mechanism, expressive writing produces many physiological benefits. Research shows that it improves memory and sleep, boosts immune cell activity and reduces viral load in AIDS patients, and even speeds healing after surgery. A study in the February issue of the Oncologist reports that cancer patients who engaged in expressive writing just before treatment felt markedly better, mentally and physically, as compared with patients who did not.”

Scientists are now applying this knowledge to online communication methods and hope to explore the “neurological underpinnings at play, especially considering the explosion of blogs.” It’s believed that writing activates a cluster of neurological pathways. Several researchers highlighted in the article are committed to uncovering them. Psychologist and neuroscientist Richard Lane, from the University of Arizona, “hopes to make brain-imaging techniques more relevant by using those techniques to study the neuroanatomy of emotions and their expressions.” Lead author of the Oncologist study, Nancy Morgan, is looking to conduct larger community-based and clinical trials of expressive writing.

James Pennebaker, a psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin “is continuing to investigate the link between expressive writing and biological changes, such as improved sleep,that are integral to health.” He notes, “I think the sleep angle is one of the more promising ones.” While bedside journaling offers similar benefits, blogging provides the added bonus of “receptive readers in similar situations.” Morgan explains: “Individuals are connecting to one another and witnessing each other’s expressions-the basis for forming a community.”

In addition, Discovery News recently reported research from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, “found that after two months of regular blogging, people felt they had better social support and friendship networks than those who didn’t blog.”

So what do you think about that?! I think it’s pretty clear that my initial assessment (while still warranted) of online communications was missing this overall notion. I’m glad that I was able to see past my original apprehension and see the blog community for what it really is. A group of amazing people wanted to connect with others to share ideas, passions and opinions. Thanks for embracing me these past few weeks. Thanks for accepting me into this awesome community. I’m so excited to see what’s in store…

What are you thankful for today? If you are a blogger, how do you feel blogging has benefited your life?

Remember — TOMORROW IS FASHION FRIDAY! Have my prizes not inspired you yet? I promise they are worth it Send your photos to info@thedailybalance.comIf you don’t want to pose in the photo, you can also take  photos of the clothing laid out on the floor or on a hanger.