Make a Difference and Comment!


Blogging has inadvertently become a career for me. Admittedly there are days when I wish things could go back to the way they were when I started blogging four years ago. At that time, comments were king (Queen) and I surfed around the internet commenting like there was no tomorrow. Many times I’d comment in excess of 100 times a day for the pure love of community and with the hope that someone would visit my little ole blog. Commenting enabled me to meet people from all of the country and all over the world. My friends who “lived” in my computer helped me survive my lonely existence working from home and the rough days of early motherhood. Today, not only am I happy to say that I’ve had the absolute pleasure of meeting many of my online friends in real life but I can honestly say that several of my best friendships were cultivated online.

Times have certainly changed. Commenting seems to be a thing of the past, I know that my own habits have changed drastically in that regard. I find myself interacting not on blogs but primarily on facebook followed by twitter as a distant second. But with this post, I’d like to return to the time when comments were Queen! I am a participant in Blogust and I along with 30 other bloggers are making our comments count! Each comment generated on this post is equivalent to a $20 donation for four life-saving vaccinations for a vulnerable child in a developing nation. In conjunction with the UN Foundation's Shot@Life program we are aiming for 10,000 comments - $200,000 in donations! 
A child dies every 20 seconds from a vaccine preventable disease. We can help stop this.

You can learn more about Shot@Life by joining their email list, following them on twitter or liking them on Facebook.





By leaving a comment you will be making a difference and I’d like to share with you how comments have helped me change my life. If you are not familiar with my story, in late 2009 I decided I was ready to lose my “extra” weight. At the time I was classified as obese and I began a journey to healthy living.  Over the next 8 months I lost 50 pounds and in October 2010 I ran my first half-marathon. This upcoming weekend I will be running number 11 as I train for my first marathon in October.

Without the support of my community, I would never achieve my goals. I say this in the present tense because comments on my facebook posts specifically, still keep me accountable and encourage me to continue on my journey. I’ve been inspired by words from my friends like Sharon and Lorraine who support me unconditionally in everything I do. I am pushed off of the couch by friends like Sara and Buck, who just last week told me to get up and run the couch would be waiting when I return. I have the email and YouTube messages asking me for help and describing how I unknowingly am an inspiration for others.

Yes, comments can save lives. During my darkest hours my friends have virtually been by my side. They've supported me on my good days and my bad. For that I am grateful. And with your comment today (and during the rest of August) you can change the course of a life! The virtual baton has been passed to me by Shannon and tomorrow I am passing it on to Elena. But today, please comment here and ask your friends to comment too. 10,000 lives can be changed by the power of social good!




Comments

Anonymous said…
Congratulations on your continuing progress as a blogger. I respect your use of this platform to advocate for personal growth, good health and philanthropy!
peaceLOVElight
I love this concept! I'm with you, in that commenting seems to be a lost art in the age of Facebook and Twitter, but I am happy to comment for a cause like this one. I will repost when I get to my computer in hopes that others will comment too :)
You're an inspiration Renee! I moved to Kuwait and gained 30 pounds. Your marathons and personal growth have motivated me to stick to a routine and get back in shape. For the last two months, I've been steadily following an exercise plan and have a new pep in my step. Don't stop what your doing... You're a star full of hope and light! :-D

Proud to have met you!

Libra
Lori said…
Love what you're doing girl!! Can't wait to see how quick y'all reach your goal!!
BrothaTech said…
I know I need to comment more. "Do unto others..."
Jill said…
Thanks for your heartfelt post. I love that this campaign is two-fold. It reminds people how important comments are. It also gives a child a shot at life. Thanks for your reminder of this.
As always, LOVE what you do! You are a true inspiration. I'm going to spread the word!
xo
Canadian Dad said…
Cha-Ching! I love this campaign and can't wait to comment on all the other posts still to come!

As for the "Comments are King (Queen)" motto, I wish I had been around for that time because it seems like it was a good place to be. I guess there are just so many now that it's tough to keep track.

I am a Twitterer first for sure! I just can't get enough of it since I started, haha. Chris
Linsey Knerl said…
So proud of all your progress, Renee! It's so inspiring :)
Renee, I love this reminder of how important comments "used" to be to our community. They still ARE and this amazing project helps us claim that *and* help kids in the toughest places in the world. Thank you!
It's been a pleasure watching your blogging career grow and thrive. I mean, how can it not, you are an inspiration my friend.
Greta Blau said…
Hey Renee! This is an amazing idea! So many deaths are preventable, and it has never seemed fair that these could be avoided by simple vaccines. I posted on my facebook. I hope you reach your goal!

I've watched you develop and reach your goals and you're definitely an inspiration!

Anonymous said…
keep doing your thing, renee. you are an inspiration on many levels. hope you raise a half million with this initiative.

billy holliday
What a great campaign-and a great way to help those who need it.
Julie Marsh said…
I'm so excited that you are taking on a marathon (and such a cool one too!!). You're an example to me of how we can push ourselves in positive directions with the encouragement and support of our community, and in doing so gain even more interests in common.

Now I just need to start nudging you toward triathlons. ;)
Elena Sonnino said…
I am so glad to have met you in this space! And you are so right--this blogust relay, in addition to all the good it is doing, is a great catalyst for restarting an effort to comment more frequently. It takes time and effort, but comments are indeed still queen. xoxo
Cooper Munroe said…
You are an inspiration in so many ways Renee! Thank you for all you do!
Lia Drumond said…
Thanks for participating in such a inspiring campaign. Hope all the bloggers think about how to change the world with their wor(l)ds. Thank you once more!
We met at the shot@life breakfast, and now I'm leaving a comment to save lives. it all comes full circle!
Awesome campaign, Renee! I'm guilty of not commenting as often these days. It's hard to squeeze in everything I want to do, but this is a pretty compelling cause. Hope you reach your goal!
Awesome!! Best of luck to you!! :)
Hi Renee! is a great campaign! I know we aren't overly close, but I do know that if I ever saw you in person I would run over and give you a big hug! You're completely right - back in those early days of blogging, commenting was the only way to promote your blog and build community. Which really served well to develop real friendships because visiting blogs often made us feel like we really knew the blogger. Now a days there are so many other competing ways to promote and build community,I'm not sure if they are necessarily a good thing though.
Have a great day!
- Janice
Sarah said…
Renee,
What a great endeavor you are taking on! I am in great admiration...not only of the cause you are engaged in, but in the goodness that will come.
Good luck!
Sarah
Myrdin Thompson said…
I'm running a mini this Spring! Now when I miss a day of running, walking, and now biking, I feel...stress, sluggish, etc. congrats on staying motivated! And thanks for helping all of us make a difference by knowing comments count! Families and kids getting a shot a living an amazing incredible life with friends who support them? Awesome!
Anonymous said…
One more comment, because it's Ciao Mom's birthday (happy day Elena) and she said this is what she wants for her gift today!!! xo
BloggerFather said…
I should comment more. I know I'd stop blogging if people stopped commenting.
Nellie said…
wonderful cause and wonderful meeting you at the conference!
Chantelle Adams said…
This is such an amazing idea and to make such a difference just by a comment.... WOW! So grateful that I woke up to this challenge today, it reminds me of all the good we can do in this world. Thank you for doing your part to make the world a better, safer place for all.
Carissa said…
Hey Renee except 4 the marathon part we parallel so much blogging history! 4 years ago 4 me too. And yes comments what're they??!

Here's to you your Marathon and shot@life!
Anonymous said…
Congratulations on your weight loss! I once lost weight when mine went up to 107; I got down to 93 and eventually, after a pregnancy that got me up to 122.5, to 90. Then middle age hit, and I've gone up and up. I never thought I'd be as big as I am now--over 140! My theory is that the more education my son gets, the heavier I get. I was at 90 around the time he started Kindergarten, and in May of last year he earned his JD. So if you want to stay tiny, don't let that little one of yours start school! Just kidding.
Anonymous said…
Good luck on your upcoming race! I do miss commenting and how it brings a sense of community. What a wonderful idea :)
Loved meeting you via comments back in the day and glad our friendship has continued. I still love reminiscing about our first in-person meet up at Blissdom '09. Hilarious! You've done such amazing things with your social media career as well as your IRL accomplishments. So awesome to see.

Thanks for participating in Blogust and giving us the chance to make our comments count!

xoxo
Nicolephant said…
What a beautiful journey for you. I will admit I do not spend a lot of time looking at blogs--only what Elena does :) This is a brilliant idea and I am happy to make my comment count. Happy Birthday, Elena!
Cali Yost said…
Renee, congrats on your inspiring journey toward health and well-being! Good luck on your upcoming and future races!
Deborah Gardner Snow said…
I think it's wonderful that you are partnering with Shot@Life and the UN Foundation! What a wonderful program to be a part of, thank you for helping spreading the word!
Kathie said…
Thank you for posting and supporting this cause!
Lyn said…
I've found that I comment less ever since I acquired a smart phone - its "easier" to read and go and not leave a comment when I read on my phone. But I'm excited to kick it up a notch for a good cause!
Bari said…
You are an inspiration Renee & I'm so glad I got to meet you here & then at fitbloggin last year. MWAH!
Ask Wifey said…
Kudos to you for doing this; and for being such a great friend & inspiration!

Love & Hugs!
Jeannette said…
Congrats on being almost ready for your marathon, amazing! So great to be a part of Blogust with you.
Meredith said…
Great cause! Best of luck with your upcoming race!
Guilherme said…
Sure! And I thank you for using your words like this!
Anonymous said…
Vaccines are awesome!
Lisa said…
Great post, love your blog, and mostly I LOVE BLOGUST RELAY!
WSW said…
This is an incredible campaign and I am thrilled to help in this small way. And keep running!
Cecilia said…
Loving this! I have just starte to run (well, walk very fast) and it is feeling so good. Let's give more kids a chance to run!
GRW said…
I hope you guys reach this amazing goal! I've never read blogs before this relay. They are kinda cool!
It was wonderful to meet you at the Shot@Life booth at BlogHer, Renee! Thanks so much for lending your beautiful voice to Blogust. Comments count!
Gina said…
I have only been blogging a short time and have already fallen in love with comments and being part of my own little community on the web. And what an awesome way to build upon that community than comment to save a life- love it!
SUEB0B said…
Hello there! Nice to meet you.
Amanda said…
Love your post and love your story! You are an inspiration!
PKP said…
I'm always amazed by the different (and yet same) ways that blogging has connected so many people. Thanks for being a part of this Blogust campaign!
Mr Lady said…
Because of the internet, I met you. I think that means the internet is win. :)
Anonymous said…
Awesome cause! Keep it up!
Emily McKhann said…
Renee, We met through your gorgeous blog all those years ago, dear friend.

Thanks for posting about #Blogust so we all can come together here to support vaccines!
Melissa said…
What an awesome idea! I love the blogging community and so glad I had the chance to meet you in person last year at FitBloggin'! We rocked that Zumba class. ;)
Keen Mom said…
What an excellent concept! Love it!
Rachel said…
Ah the good ol days when we commented and had time to comment and all went back and forth ;-)

LOVE Blogust! <3 ya
ang said…
this is great, i love it-thank you!
Stace Millender said…
Congratulations on a fantastic website and blog! This is such a worthy cause. I'm happy to support!
Anonymous said…
Congrats and best of luck for continued progress!
Anonymous said…
Renee
I have known you for over 20 yrs and am always excited to see you at various reunions and homecomings. Even more recently with the advent of social media, I continue to be inspired by you. What a great cause to use your voice to provide much needed resources to the world's most precious commodity-KIDS!!

Love Hillary, Spelman C'92
Anonymous said…
Great work!
jenijen said…
So glad I got to give you a squeeze in New York! Thanks for putting your energy and efforts toward such an important cause. xoxo
Dayna said…
To my Spelman C'92 sister, you are doing wonderful work here! I am a public health researcher and wholeheartedly believe in the phrase "the flutter of butterfly wings can make tidal waves across the world". You are that "butterfly" making huge positive changes. Keep up the good work!
AnnG said…
I'm all about commenting! Glad to be able to help!! Xoxo
Des said…
I was just telling Alicia this morning that I wish the FB comments on my page would appear magically on my blog...I am happy to leave the love here instead of there if that's where you want it. :)
Baby Feva said…
Proud of you Spelman Sister! That's great what you are doing!
Unknown said…
I miss the days of lots of comments too. Love this, though...hope you get lots and lots of comments! :)
Kelly said…
Yay you!!! That is so awesome; 11 half marathons & now a full?! I'm training for an Oct marathon as well...and you are so right; the support of community means do much.
I'm more than happy to comment for this cause...and wish you much luck in October!
Anonymous said…
I don't get to comment often enough, but this is wonderful!
workout mommy said…
I so agree with you on how comments have changed! I also remember when you started your journey back in 2009! I can't wait to hear about your first marathon! :)
SUPER proud of your efforts to help those in need. You inspire me. God bless you!
Nicole said…
I love this opportunity to make a difference.

A good reminder to comment on other people's blogs more. I enjoy reading comments on mine.
Ericka Suzanne said…
Your blogs connect different women to our power and purpose. That you blog to raise funds and awareness is such a great way to give to your community and encourage us all to do the same. Keep up the great work!
~Brandy~ said…
I am currently training for my first half marathon; your blog post is an inspiration to me!
Anonymous said…
Run, Renee, run!!! This is a wonderful idea, thanks for sharing.
Anonymous said…
I love Shot@life and what they do. How great you teamed up with them to make a difference.
traceyclark said…
"some of my best friendships were cultivated online". Me too!! : ) Here's to making a difference together through Blogust!
Anonymous said…
Great cause. What a great way to give a kid a shot at life!
Tia said…
So grateful you are doing this. My soon is from a third world country and the need for vaccinations has tugged at my heart strings more than once!
MelanieAlison said…
This is a great programme.
DarryleP said…
Renee, You're inspiring in so many ways; and beautiful inside and out.
Andrea said…
I love this campaign and am happy to help contribute in the smallest of ways!
hc said…
I don’t usually comment much but this campaign is a great reason to start, thanks for writing and reminding us that comments matter!
carmel mac said…
Great to see that you are helping yourself by running and helping children with your blog!
Patricia said…
Good post! Keep up the good work folks!
Anonymous said…
The song Thank you for Being a Friend popped in my head while reading your post. Thanks for the great post reminding us how important our support networks are.
Lucrecer said…
I am so happy to call you my friend. And, this campaign blows my mind. So proud to participate where I can.
clevadiva said…
What a great cause! Thank you for giving me a chance to participate by leaving a comment. :)
C.C. Chapman said…
Psyched to be taking part in this great campaign with you!!
Jenny said…
Good Luck on your race and thank you for supporting Shot@Life!
Jeannine said…
Loved talking with you at BlogHer and so excited you are part of this amazing initiative. xo
Jennifer James said…
Renee - this is wonderful! I will definitely be cheering you on. Hugs!
Anonymous said…
God bless us all.
sue said…
Thanks for the great post!
Jennifer Hayes said…
Thanks for taking part in this blogging opportunity!
Michele said…
Thanks for the message. Your blog hit home with me. I want to run a 10k next year and have no idea how to start. I am printing your message and sticking it on my frig. Good luck!
Lyssa said…
I treasure comments, too and I hope they make a comeback! Thanks for sharing your words with us!
rowdy01-02 said…
Really love this idea. Community really is everything. All the best on your journey. Naomi
Chris said…
Wow! You can run a real relay race. I'm just trying to back to swimming over a mile at the pool.

Thanks for helping to protect children.
sherri king said…
Renee! Really love this concept. Keep your SS in mind if you need anything else
Anonymous said…
Wow! Who knew giving my 2 cents could help someone. Keep being an inspiration to others.

Lisa c/o 92
Anonymous said…
Thanks do much for sharing and participating! I am loving finding new blogs to read! I look forward to following yours now!
Rachel Fox said…
I have loved hearing all of your stories on the impact comments have made in your lives...now you are all paying it forward for shot@life--so great!
Debie Ashman said…
I've never been a part of the blogging community, so this cause is a great way for me to join! I look forward to reading more.
Anonymous said…
Excellent blog. Inspiring. May God continue to bless you and use you.
Yay for lifesaving comments! :)
Emil said…
Congratz with such a change of lifestyle. I don't think people understand how grand it is unless they've experienced similar.

And thumb up for blogust!
Cat said…
Thanks for posting. It's good to hear how people switch their default behaviors from unhealthy to healthy.

I'm just starting to get into the habit of commenting on other people's; now you're telling me it's not the thing? Waaaaah!

Oh, well. I hope my ignorant behind can at least save a life or two here.
Anonymous said…
Great cause. Delighted to help.
sashalyn said…
Congratulations on all of your hard work & thanks for the opportunity to help!
Aimee Wilson said…
What an amazing way to leverage your passion! Thanks for sharing yourself and this cause. Savor life's best, Aimee, your Spelman Sister
QueenScarlett said…
Huge fan of this relay.
Sometimes people are placed on this earth to carry out great and impactful messages, inspiration and love. YOU are one such person. Your story, your positivity, your humor, your CARING is a marvel... and I am happy to be behind you and next to you in this great endeavor to save lives. XO!
Barry said…
Hey Renee...I'm happy to comment my friend. After connecting with you on-line via Sharon, it was great meeting you and Lorraine in Florida last Winter. I didn't realize that the Marine Corp will be your first full marathon. You know I'll be at Mile 8 waiting to cheer you on. Maybe you can come up with some type of signal or hand gesture to let me know that you've spotted me in the crowd! Just a thought!
GO Cutie Booty Cakes!
Erika said…
Way to go Renee'! I love this! What an impactful post and worthwhile cause. You are such an inspiration to me in so many ways - allow me to add this to the list. I can't wait to see you again soon - you are amazing! xoxo Erika
Katye said…
Oh Renee this is so wonderful! I adore you, all you stand for, and all you do!!!
Meg said…
Thanks Renee! Sharon sent me your way! I enjoyed reading your story and am committing to losing my 'extra' weight, gained as a result of illness/surgeries. After reading your story. I am DONE with the excuses and am choosing to be better. Thank you! And thanks to Sharon for sending me in your direction!!
Ann Imig said…
Go Renee! You're an inspiration.
Selfish Mom said…
Thanks for doing this. :-)
Joshua said…
You're an amazing woman, mom, and blogger Renee! I'm so glad I got to meet you at Clear Forum! <3
Gail Cadogan said…
You are a wonderful inspiring woman. Keep it up Renee!
Allie said…
Comments really are a wonderful (and under-rated) thing! Keep up the amazing work!
don said…
What an amazing charity. Good on ay
Anonymous said…
I am so glad that you're going to help the children of the world!
Anonymous said…
Sweet! Very Sweet! Thanks for caring!
Anonymous said…
Wonderful work!
Anonymous said…
Thanks for doing this. :-)
Anonymous said…
For $20 to child vaccine programs.
Anonymous said…
This is wonderful; keep it up!
~mama said…
and love makes the world go round...
thank you!
<3
Illy said…
Really great charity. Wonderful works in progress. Thank you.
A great campaign. And I found another great blog. Nicely done...
jen said…
Such a great thing to do - spread the love and good karma throughout our world. Thank you!
Anonymous said…
Hope this is true...God Bless.
Unknown said…
:)
just hope that this simple thing would help :)
Anonymous said…
This is an awesome thing you are doing - Thank you
Anonymous said…
Here goes!
Anonymous said…
for $20 for child vaccines
JKN said…
Love Shot@Life! thanks for doing this--and a marathon! so very exciting!
Chilenodude said…
I hope this catches on, wonderful stuff
Anonymous said…
Thanks for using your blog to point others toward this issue!
that is great!! good luck!
Anonymous said…
Thanks for using your blog to help others!
LadyAuroraWolf said…
What a great story! Thank you for sharing! It is easier to make it through with people rooting for you. I hope these children know there are people rooting for them! :) Blessings!
Anonymous said…
I love helping kids, and this couldn't be a simpler way to do so! :)
Anonymous said…
interesting
Anonymous said…
Amazing cause! Thank you so much for doing this!!
Nikki D said…
I love this campaign! And I believe in the power of words as well as this cause. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to give! :)
Anonymous said…
This is a great cause!! One that I want to support!! Thank You!! Jesus loves the little children of the world!! <3
Anonymous said…
This is a great idea! Thank you for helping out!
Anonymous said…
I love this!!! Thanks Anonymous Donor - we love you!!
Anonymous said…
This is a great idea!
Kimberly said…
Thanks for bringing attention to this great cause! Four vaccinations just for my comment?? WOW!!
Anonymous said…
This is an amazing idea. Thank you so much for what you are doing!
Unknown said…
Good luck with your cause! I'm also blogging about my own journey, and along the way I hope I run a few miles, lose some weight, and learn to maintain a healthy lifestyle too! Keep up the good work!
Stephanie Rafferty said…
This is a wonderful concept. I'm excited to help reach your commenting goal : )
Anonymous said…
Thank you for being a supporter of needy children! Indeed, we must heed the needs of our next generation if we expect greatness from it. I am honored to comment if it means a donation to such a worth cause. Blog on!
Anonymous said…
a simple comment in hopes
it will help care for
somebody in need...
as i pray
for LOVE and 'WORLD' PEACE;
Please feed and cloth those, others can't see;
my sincere graditude, thank you from me;
Unknown said…
Every child deserves a shot at life. Thanks Anonymous Donor for helping to make that a reality
Anonymous said…
One more small drop in the bucket!
Anonymous said…
much <3 for the children!!!
Erika said…
Awesome cause and hope you reach your goal!
Anonymous said…
:) here's to a shot at life.
Nicole said…
Fantastic use of your forum!
Anonymous said…
Awesome x
carol said…
How wonderful! Glad to be a part of this effort!
Melissa S. said…
What an inspiration and G-d bless the anonymous donor.
Love you! Thank you for posting and for being so loving and generous! :)
Mickey said…
Leaving a comment for the baby...
Doug said…
One can save many Many can save ALL
Thank you anonymous donors ;)
Dare said…
Be the change you wish to see in the world. -Ghandi

Way to be the change! This is a great thing!
Vasco Graça said…
Keep on helping the world.
Doug said…
One can save many Many can save ALL
Bonita said…
Thanks for all you do!<3
Ropamomma said…
You've got it! Great idea!
Amber said…
Keep up the good work, thanks so much!
Sally said…
What a wonderful use of the platform you've been given! Best of luck as you continue to win the battle of obesity!
Anonymous said…
Such a worthy cause..
Anonymous said…
yay for donation!!! great concept
47Mom said…
So happy to post a comment for this cause - one vaccination can save so much pain and sufferring!
Mary Dearing said…
I hope you get all the comments you hope to collect! I think you picked an excellent charity to support.
Anonymous said…
186 comments so far... are you now a full-time blog comment reader?! :-)
Anonymous said…
Amazing work! I hope you reach your goal!
arty said…
very awesome initiative!
SpiritLight said…
Sending blessings, love and light!
Anonymous said…
I visited your blog simply because of a Facebook post and I wanted to support vaccines for children. I loved your comment about the lost art of commenting and your story about personal betterment. Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous said…
This is such a great cause. God bless you!
Ms. VZ said…
Amazing cause! Wish there were more people like you in the world.
Ahmed El Shiaty said…
Best Of Luck..!!
Loni said…
Great thing ya'll are doing here.
Anonymous said…
I love the idea! However it was pretty tough to find the comment box! make it more accessible to overcome lazy commentors ;)
Good luck!
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