Why we blog, why we read blogs

We all know that parts of life can be very profound and yet, sometimes they can be extremely petty. We know, for instance, friendships can leave us annoyed and while other times they reign triumphant, even inspiring. I guess that's the reason the stories told in books, articles, movies and even blogs can be so meaningful - they help remind us of those instances and sometimes put into perspective the things we so often overlook and take for granted.

Let me put this into a bit of context for clarity. For example, during traumatic events, stressful, and depressing times, its easy to forget about all those around you willing to help, and to view them as neglectful.  Sometimes, during these events when you feel like you've been abandoned by your friends and family, you happen to read an article or watch a movie..... and for a moment, you're hit with the realization that maybe things are different from how they seem in your head.  After all, your friends have their own problems, and while your problems may seem insurmountable in your life at the moment, your friends have their own life to live - their own issues they struggle to look past.

Think about an impressionistic painting: when you are up close to the painting you can see all the strokes and details. Without stepping back and taking the full painting at once, you loose the full effect the artist had in mind when creating the painting. Likewise, when we critique our friends and family on each and every occasion, it is easy to find flaws and shortcomings.  Particularly when things get hard and you need help, it can be all too easy to feel shafted by your friends. And then you watch a movie or read a great blog or hear the perfect song..... it helps you take a mental and psychological step back on the situation and your friendships. It reminds you of the bigger and more complete picture: your friends (the ones that really matter) are the ones that cheer the loudest when you succeed, that suffer with you and feel your pain when you fall, and that act as your foundation when you feel your world is crumbling from underneath you.  After all, the friends that are closest, that know you best, they are the ones that sometimes know you better than you know yourself.

"A friend is someone who can see the truth and pain in you even when you are fooling everyone else."