Congratulations go out to Nisha Chittal, who won a free ticket to one of the world’s largest social media expos in Austin, Texas. And to our runner-ups, Milena Thomas and Kathleen Argonza, who will receive a copy of Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success signed by our very own Penelope Trunk.

Choosing the best entries in this competition was difficult. The variety and quality in all of the submissions surprised every judge. I want to thank everyone who contributed and especially thank those who were so willing to expose some really private moments of their lives.

Throughout the week, we’ll be featuring all of our submissions on the front page of the site. Consider it, “Blogging Appreciation Week” on Brazen. A chance for us all to reflect on what we do as bloggers and be grateful for what it’s done for our lives.

I encourage everyone to read these posts. They’re all phenomenal and really revved me up. I’m privileged to know all of these stories and I know you’ll feel the same once you read them too.

Here's what our fellow bloggers had to say ...

The Creative Career One Year Later by Allie Osmar

How Blogging Has Impacted My Life by Tiara Shafiq

Blogging Your Passions (or, How I Got Into Google) by Jarred Taylor

If you don't know where you're at now ... by Jada

What is means to be Brazen by Sydney Owen

A Reflection: How Blogging Affected My Life by Meg Roberts

Blogging’s Impact on My Career — and My Life by Thursday Bram

Why I (still) blog by Kayla Gregory

How Blogging Saved My Life by James Moreau

The Impact of Blogging on My Life by Mike Diliberto

Blogging Got Me Through It by Kathleen Argonza

Changing the Direction of My Arrows by Carla Blumenthal

Just Keep Blogging by Milena Thomas

Like The Exorcist, But More Breakdancing by Andrew Norcross

How I Found Our Voices by Holly Hoffman

Forget Careers. Blogging Changes Lives. by Nisha Chittal

How Blogging Changed My Life by Jon Bishop

How Blogging Changed Me (For the Better) by Taylor Ansley

This Changes Everything by Tiffany Monhollon

Blogging and Social Change by Allison Jones

Why I Am A Blogger by Jessica Bahr

How Blogging Has Impacted My Life by Alaia Williams

Change Your Life - Start a Blog by Andy Drish

I would give up cake for blogging by Teresa Wu

*And special thanks to our community judges who helped Team Brazen pick the winners: Dan Schawbel, Lance Haun, Dorie Morgan, Jun Loayza, Andrea Zak, Monica O’Brien and Rebecca Thorman.