I had a couple of interesting comments the past couple of days about this blog. First, in the disclaimer part, I have joked that “no one” actually reads this thing, And I’m finding that as I have it linked a couple of places and even refer to it now (where as a year ago I didn’t tell anyone I was blogging), I’m finding there are actually a few people who read my meanderings. So, for those who brave thru my thoughts, thanks for reading! As I’ve mentioned here and in person, I process thru communication and this is one of those “communication” things where I process.
So, the first question posed to me was why “put it out there”? What purpose does putting my thoughts online for the world to read serve? I’ve thought about that and haven’t completely answered the question. So, I’ll answer thru the process of writing here… My first response, is, “well, you’re reading it, so, what reason do I need to give?” But, I thought that answer was a little rude. Maybe I should respond with another question, “as opposed to what, just keeping my thoughts to myself?” Is it about the writing part of about the “putting it out there” part?
I’ll assume it’s the latter.
During that first conversation I admitted that I have censored myself a bit when writing for “publication”. So, that begs the question, if these are my thoughts, yet, I’m censoring myself. Am I really being honest?
I’d say that by putting it out there, I am forced to do at least 2 things. 1). I’m forced to think a little before pressing that “send“ button. Though this is a forum where I flesh out my thoughts, the mere fact that ”all“ the world can read what I say, well, that makes me think a little about what and how I’m saying something. Does this mean Im not being honest? I might say things a bit differently, but, hopefully, I’m not censoring myself to the point where I’m not actually me.
I’d say that it makes me take a ”position“ on things, but, I generally like to keep my options open.
The second statement that totally ties into this was from someone who appreciated me being ”transparent“ in my blog. So we go back to that question, if I am censoring myself, am I truly being transparent?
Am I’m using that ”censor“ word a little too liberally here. I don’t name names, but I might name the situation.
I do have other places where I can say what and how I want to say things. And if you read them, you’d wouldn’t be shocked like you think you would. I’m journaling. Who would want to read all the boring tidbits of my life? So, if I’m not being as transparent as I should, I’m sorry. Some things are better left unpublished. I’ll try to be as honest as possible.
So, why write? Maybe it’s the pressure of appealing to the masses. Maybe it’s the fleshing out of ideas. Maybe it’s a communication starter. Maybe it’s a way to document this season of life for myself and others. Maybe I’m just intrigued by the novelty that someone would actually read…
Am I being clear enough? (Ha, get it? The tie in to transparency!).
