The Sunday Roast

Mum's Really The Word For This Blogger

This week's interview is with Jenera Healy, who writes
the blog Just Me, Mommy, Wife & Everything Between.

The first of the standard weekly questions: Why do you blog?

For me, blogging is an essential part of my sanity. I have kept a journal for as long as I can remember. It is the biggest help in my working through stress, life, and problems. My blog is another form of that outlet. Also, it is a way to keep in touch with friends and family, meet new people, and expand my contact circle.

Through my blog, I have learned things about myself, about others, and about the world. It's more than just some place to write about my day. Seeing my posts in black and white on the screen make things more real. Getting feedback from my readers also helps put things in perspective and helps me work things out for myself in a better way.

What's the story behind your blog name?

My blog name is Just Me. I've had a couple different names over the last year but this one has stuck and is more accurate. I've been through so much with family and friends and I've learned a lot about myself and how I have dealt with people and situations as well I how I have portrayed myself to others. I have learned that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being Just Me. A little crazy, a trucker wife, and a mom. You either love me or hate me, either way, I'm going to just be myself.

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

Meeting new people, learning other people's stories that got them to where there are right now in life, learning more about myself, and knowing I'm not alone in some of the struggles I face. One of the best things is when fellow bloggers recognize my efforts for something - like this interview! - and it makes it worth it. Having someone link to your blog, or give a public thanks, or even a public apology. It lets you know that someone out there is paying attention.
Sometimes in this lonely world, that can help a lot.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

I consider myself to still be a newbie but I have learned a lot over the last year. I've learned not to compare my blog to anyone else's. Sure I have some things I could improve on but I won't do something to the detriment of my blog just to 'fit in'. I've also learned that not having a bazillion visitors or comments is not a reason to stress out.

I have a close knit group of readers that I have leaned on for support and that is more important than logging thousands of visitors a day. I have also learned that I can do anything I put my mind too. Working through a problem, learning HTML, formatting my blog, etc.

What is the most significant blog post you've ever read?

Oh goodness, I have read so many that have changed my life and personal views, I wouldn't even know where to start. I have several blogs I visit every day on various topics that I can relate to that have a huge significance in my life. To single one out would be unfair to the many that could hold that top spot. I think that just shows how much a person's blog can help someone else regardless of how sophisticated-or not-that it is.

There have been posts on weight loss that have helped me stay on path. There have been posts I have read on infertility that have changed my views even though I have never experienced that myself. I have read posts about dealing with parents and the drama from the past that caused me to look at some of my own issues in a new light. So again, I could not pick out just one.

What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?

The Day After is probably the most significant blog that I can think of. Going through a miscarriage and losing the baby was one of the most painful times in my life. It was made worse by the fact that though I had talked to a couple people about it who had experienced the pain themselves, it was like I was still dealing with it alone. I had feelings and emotions that I had never experienced before-ever. I was hurt by the people around me who were so wrapped up in themselves, they compared their current stress to my loss. I was hurt by people around me getting pregnant 'by accident' and yet I lost my baby.

Writing this post got everything out of my head. It connected me with other women who had dealt with such a tragedy and knew what I was feeling. I was able to talk about those feelings that just can't be discussed in polite company. It made the days a little easier knowing I had an outlet to get it all out and where I could count on an encouraging word from one of my readers. Given my past issues with anxiety and depression, the loss of the baby threatened to send me in a hideous downward spiral but with my blog, my postings, and my readers, I was able to deal with those emotions just a tad bit easier.

Today's Sunday Roast with Jenera Healy is the fifth in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.