Five Questions With… Brenda Friedrich
Posted on February 20, 2008 in Five Questions by DM
Five Questions With… is a series on DMweblife highlighting Des Moines area bloggers and their blogs! This edition features Brenda Friedrich of Enroute 365 - a blog that has quickly moved to the top of my favorites because of Brenda’s insightful writing and topics that make me say, “My thoughts exactly!”
1. What’s the main reason you began blogging, and how has your blog changed or evolved in the time you’ve been keeping it?
The focus of Enroute 365 is life experience. On this site, I share vignettes from my journey through life as well as the stories and perceptions of others I meet along the way. When I was introduced to blogging last year, I realized this new medium was perfect for the stories I want to share; perfect for exposing those simple lessons found in everyday life and for exploring the commonalities in our lives, yours and mine. (Commenting really facilitates the latter.)
2. What aspect of blogging do you enjoy the most?
What I enjoy most about blogging is knowing I am not alone. Invariably, someone else’s introspection helps me understand my life better. And visa versa. The more difficult aspects of blogging, however, may ultimately be the most rewarding. Opening up before an unlimited, unknown audience takes courage. In many ways, personal blogging is like standing naked before the world. Remaining clothed and quiet may be more comfortable, but accepting the risks of becoming vocal and vulnerable brings growth.
3. What’s an activity besides blogging that you can’t live without?
Aside from blogging (or writing in general), I love design. That’s why visitors usually find colorful imagery on Enroute 365. (It’s also why I run a business based in Web design.) Perhaps it’s just the act of creation that I can’t do without, because even when I’m not actively engaged in designing — whether it be a Web site or a wall hanging — I’m probably thinking about it!
4. What’s the best advice - personal or professional - you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is “love yourself.” I’d heard the words during my religious education decades ago and wish I would have taken it to heart back then. Now it’s a daily mantra because I’ve witnessed firsthand the empowerment that stems from this single act. When I love and accept myself I am more accepting of other people and more accepting of life. Of everything I’ve accomplished in the last five years, I’m most pleased with the chance I took to start my own business.
5. What’s something you’ve accomplished in the past five years that you are particularly proud of?
Previously I’d been playing it much too safe with my career, so I took a leap into the unknown and came alive again! Ultimately I may still return to the corporate world, but with a reclaimed passion for my work and confidence in my skill sets. HR departments might hate me for saying this, but I truly believe that life is too short to feel complacent about your job! Hmmm … that might make a good post for my blog!
And the secret sixth question I asked Brenda after reading her initial five answers:
6. Have you had any negative backlash from the openness of your blogging? Has anything good happened as a result of it? Please feel free to edit this response as needed!
I’m delighted to say that I’ve had absolutely no negative experiences relating to my blogging. Quite the opposite, I’ve been truly surprised at the depth and honesty in the feedback I’ve received. To give an example, when I meet someone new, I’m more likely to ask about your sense of purpose than what you do for a living. So, as I began blogging I had doubts that an online forum could reach this level of intimacy. I was wrong … and never happier to be wrong! In their comments, visitors often open up as much, or more, than I do. And, call this extreme, but I now believe that the blogosphere has the potential to be a uniting force in a divided world.
Des Moines-area bloggers: to be considered for this feature, just drop me an email with your name, location, and blog address, and answers to the first five questions I’ve asked here. I’ll reply with your “Secret Sixth Question”!
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Thanks for featuring me in your “Five Questions” series! I’m honored!
Brenda, you are so welcome! ~ Janet
DM/Janet’s last blog post..Narcisse under fire from school board