Into The West Blogger Network

Have you ever known someone who believed in you, someone who frequently spoke words of encouragement and praise? The kind of person who made you feel you could do it, whatever 'it' was? That'’s the kind of person I aspire to be. It's a very honourable trait to think everything we say should build up the one who is listening.

I've been thinking a lot lately about the word 'impact' and how important it has become to us. Everyone in life wants to make some sort of influence, whether it's big or small. Deciding to make your mark on the world in a positive way is a noble goal. One of the best ways to find happiness, fulfilment, a sense of purpose and belonging is to try to help improve the lives of others.

I know what you are thinking: Where am I going with this post?

About three months ago I joined the Into The West Blogger Network, an Irish community of bloggers developed by the two godsends Saibh Egan and Sinéad Carroll. In the last decade, digital technology has massively transformed the way we live, work and communicate. One of the biggest trends we have seen has been the rise in popularity of blogging, a platform and opportunity for people to express their opinions on almost anything to a mass audience worldwide. However, nowadays in the age of social media, where people almost compete to make themselves as accessible as possible online, it's very hard to stand out from the crowd and be noticed. Likewise, it's easy to get lost in the loop and defeated. Networks like these, offer a platform for those with a passion for the rapidly growing industry to come together, unite and be discovered.

I attended my first event with the group last Sunday and in all respects found it truly inspirational. The amount of people who left the venue that afternoon feeling they had achieved something, feeling deeply rewarded and welcomed was phenomenal. The amount of smiles on people's faces really spoke for itself and it was very uplifting to be around that much positivity and motivation.

Maintaining a good blog can be very self demanding, it really involves a lot of time and effort. So to be invited to an event where complete and utter strangers have read your own words and thoughts is quite a surreal feeling that I can't explain. The truth is that as human beings we all want to be valued and be recognised for our efforts. It's not about feeling 'needy' but simply feeling appreciated.

Everyone needs a boost from time to time, meet-ups like these do continue to encourage the best in us. It completely changed my attitude to blogging, as I see now how much potential is out there.

We all have the opportunity to affect others in profound ways. Every single day. Helping others succeed is a pretty remarkable thing, so for that Saibh and Sinéad, I not only applaud you, I thank you.

Bring on round two.