Yesterday, I mentioned this blog to a friend. And her response really pissed me off because I don't expect my friends to read my blog. It's totally up to them. I love it when, with some friends, we can talk about what I wrote or when they comment. It means a lot if they do but I know that people use the Internet differently.
So what pissed me off? That she said: " you know, I just don't read your blog. It's just not for me." Blogging is part of my life. It's not something that I consciously do. I have been keeping a journal on and off since I was 7 years old. Having lived in different places, my journal was a constant friend.
I decided to make my blog public 4 months ago after going to a conference about Inventing Your Future where I attended a lunch session on writing a book. The speaker told us about some very impactful stories of how someone shared their story in a book and ended up helping other people through their stories. While I'd love to write books, like millions of other people who share this fantasy, I am sharing my stories in this blog in the hope that I may help other people and maybe even start a dialogue with some of you so we can help each other.
My perspective is that life is all about learning. We all end up in the same place so it really is about our journey. We don't learn this early on in life. We get our heads filled with crap about what success is and we start to chase the dreams we are told should fulfill us. So here I am today, unlearning and redefining my dreams and passions. It's not easy but my journey. I am constantly in conversations with people who expect me to be dating right now and I have stopped defending my choices. I am stopping to breath right now and explore. So I appreciate any one who comes to my blog, reads and hopefully, returns to share their perspectives. I am in no rush and know that in 12-18 months, I will expand my readership with likeminded people. I don't really want a friend to feel "they have to" read my blog. I just don't expect it and will not mention it again to this friend. That is sad because she will miss out on part of my life. Her loss!
I agree with you wholeheartedly. It is her loss. End of story.
It's unfortunate (for her) because you are such a gifted writer. She is missing out on an experience I truly value: a window into your heart and mind. You have a lot to offer the world and I learn and grow from reading your blog every day.
Posted by: Sheila | August 13, 2008 at 02:58 PM
I know what you mean. A friend of mine told me a while back that she refused to read my blog. I guess what bothered me most about that was by saying she "refused," she made it seem as though I had asked. Like you, I don't expect anyone to read what I'm writing. But it's sure nice when they do.
And if they don't, well, they can hardly get mad at me for not updating them on what's going on in my life when it's, you know, PUBLIC!
Posted by: d. | August 15, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Thanks so much for the comments. I had dinner tonight with a friend who just started reading my blog and it was so cool since I didn't have to re-tell some stories and we could just laugh about my massage adventure in Italy. Having a friend say they "refuse" to read your blog sounds a bit harsh. Their loss though since your blog is great!
Posted by: Ayelet | August 15, 2008 at 10:31 PM