Finding a Niche

Niche
2 entries found.
Main Entry: 1niche
Pronunciation: \ˈnich also ˈnēsh or ˈnish\
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Middle French, from nicher to nest, from Vulgar Latin *nidicare, from Latin nidus nest — more at nest
Date: 1611
1 a : a recess in a wall especially for a statue b : something that resembles a niche
2 a : a place, employment, status, or activity for which a person or thing is best fitted b : a habitat supplying the factors necessary for the existence of an organism or species c : the ecological role of an organism in a community especially in regard to food consumption d : a specialized market

I've read repeatedly that my blog needs to have a niche. While I have a vague idea what that means, I've been stumped by how to find a niche so I thought I'd start with the obvious beginning, a definition of that which I seek.

As I look over the definitions, I'm struck by the idea of a niche as a place where one is displayed and as well as nurtured. As a mother, I love that idea. I believe I aspire to provide (or be) a niche for each of my children, a recess (be it a safe place in a wall or a break from the daily grind), a place where they are best suited and a habitat supplying the factors necessary for their existence.

In aspiring to be a niche for four amazing creatures, is it possible to create a niche for myself? For what place, employment, status, or activity am I best fitted? What factors are necessary for my existence and how are those supplied to me?

The things I enjoy most, in no particular order, are cooking, eating, reading, laughing, listening, watching, smiling, teaching, learning and talking. I like the idea of creating things but am very rarely creative. I am exceptionally fitted for being a wife and mother. I have also been fitted for a variety of paying occupations over the years, none which I am inclined to continue or return to. I think the status that would best satisfy me would be one that enabled me to have what I want, when I want it without having to lift a finger to get it. Unfortunately, that status also comes with it's downsides. Being very small, bald, unable to speak and having to wear diapers are among them.

My children tell me I should open a bakery. I'm not sure how to blog a bakery but it sounds lovely.

The things that I feel are necessary for my existence, again in no particular order, are air, water, love, affection, chocolate, warmth, my children, shelter, books, my husband, food and most particularly sweet food, bread and cheese, also fruit and salad, and wine, perhaps beer too, clothing, shoes, towels, soap, toothbrush, hairbrush, lotion, washing machine, toaster oven or microwave, cork screw.

I think my list could continue on but I'm not sure it's helping me find a niche. So, I'll head back to the definition and try it again. My role in my community currently seems rather withdrawn. I don't tend to stray far from home. I'm not leading anything or anyone outside my home. I'm only peripherally involved in outside activities and have little interest in taking on more.

As for a specialized market, I guess if forty something, stay at home, homeschooling mothers of four who love to cook and read but don't really want to miss a thing that happens with their families yet long for travel and adventure, who support birth options beyond the conventional o.b., choice in vaccines, better education for health consumers, breastfeeding, classical education, environmental awareness and ending hunger is a specialized market, I could fill that. Somehow, I'm afraid that's a bit too broad and specialized at the same time.

I suppose my search for a niche continues. Maybe I should just be looking for the recess in the wall.


Niche. (2010). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.
Retrieved January 12, 2010, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Niche