Recently, a fellow sickle cell warrior messaged me on Instagram to ask if I thought they should document their health journey by starting a blog. This is something I will never discourage.
I started publicly sharing my health journey with a blog, although at the time it was an anonymous one. Not many people around me at the time even knew I had sickle cell disease.
Eventually, as I got older and more friends learned about my health, they encouraged me to more actively share my story and help raise awareness.
Initially, I was pretty anxious about sharing, but the encouragement I received helped convince me to get started. I haven’t looked back since.
When I started a blog, before eventually writing this column at Sickle Cell Disease News, I didn’t think I’d reach as many people as I have. Sickle cell disease wasn’t spoken about much in my community, so I aimed to raise awareness. Seeing the response from those around me who are affected by sickle cell in one way or another was a pleasant surprise. It helped to keep me going.
Some benefits from writing a blog include:
Becoming more knowledgeable
Since I started writing, I’ve found that I have become more knowledgeable about sickle cell disease and other related topics. I believe I have a responsibility to those who read my blog posts and columns to give them the most accurate and timely information possible. I make sure to do as much research as I can, and if my readers have follow-up questions, I’ll do my best to answer them. If I can’t answer a question myself, I’ll point them in the right direction to find an answer.
Because of the frequency with which I write, I’ve also found that my writing skills have improved over time. I never considered myself to be much of a writer, or a good one at that, but while reading some of my older posts, I have noticed some improvements. These improvements make me proud.
I’ve also found that the social interactions I’ve encountered as a result of my writing have taught me a lot. My views have been agreed with, questioned, challenged, and corrected. I have been taught many tips and tricks I currently use when looking after my health.
Building a network
I have connected with so many amazing and talented people through my writing, and I have been introduced to opportunities I otherwise would have missed.
The internet is a beautiful thing when it connects people from completely different walks of life. Through this amazing world of connectivity, I have been able to help others who have limited access to the resources I freely access.
I have met quite a few people as a result of my writing, and our interactions have developed into strong, meaningful relationships. I often check up on these people to see how they are doing.
Documenting my journey has been one of the most meaningful things I have done, and I have no regrets about it. To anyone who might be reading this and thinking about doing the same, take this as a positive sign.
If you are reading this and already have a blog, feel free to share a link to it in the comments below.
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Note: Sickle Cell Anemia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Sickle Cell Anemia News or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to sickle cell anemia.
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May 05, 2021 at 09:00PM
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Should You Blog About Your Health Journey? - Sickle Cell Anemia News
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