Having a blog isn’t all a bed of roses. I’ve been blogging for well over a year, and you’d be surpristed at the amount of angst that comes along with it.
Sometimes it happens when I get a phone call from a friend asking if everything is okay—-because I missed writing a post for a day or two. As if I’m supposed to be punching a time clock. Even without the phone call, sometimes I feel guilty when I skip a day— like I have homework due every morning.
Sometimes I wonder whether to avoid something that’s borderline tasteless or inappropriate or offensive. Whether it’s okay to be gossipy or petty or whiny when that’s how I feel. Whether I need to maintain any standards or limits; whether I owe anyone any explanations or excuses; or whether it matters if something makes sense— or is funny— to anyone besides me.
Those are the times—-when I ask myself—Whose blog is it anyway?
P.S For the reason I mention this—check back tomorrow.
After becoming a writer, artist, TV journalist, mother and breast cancer survivor----I realize nothing turns out the way we expect. So I blog about handling the big and little things — with humor, humanity, and hope.
Of course, it’s your blog to do with what you will! Instances when you wonder about what you are going to say, etc., are the times when the voice in your head tells you that you better be a nice girl, you better be on time, you better not fail anyone. A piece of chocolate or a nice glass of wine will muffle that annoying critic.
For me…
1. I love reading everything you write, but I’d rather read your blog when you feel like writing it vs daily if it’s done only because of pressure you put upon yourself.
2. You wrote: “Sometimes I wonder whether to avoid something that’s borderline tasteless or inappropriate” — I live for such subjects. This probably says more about me…
3. “Whether it’s okay to be gossipy or petty or whiny when that’s how I feel” — see #2.
4. “Wonder if I owe anyone any explanations or excuses;…or is funny— to anyone besides me.” –Getting inside other people’s heads is a never ending quagmire. OY
You’re both wonderful! Such thoughtful —and very wise comments. Will take all you said to heart. Seriously. And really appreciate you taking the time and effort to help me avoid worrying about “that annoying critic” or “getting inside other people’s heads.” Thank you.
Marla and Ruthie said it all perfectly. No pressure but I look forward to your blog being in my mailbox every morning. That said, if you don’t do one, I will be waiting patiently till you want to send the next. Each is a gift to us!! Almost as good as Chocolate. (note ALMOST)
As a life-long contrarian, I have to say it’s my blog–to read, mull, and offer commentary on. You must be writing it for me; I certainly need the reality checks it offers, and without it, I’m not likely to have to come to grips with many of the issues you raise. So, as I said at the outset: my blog, mine, mine!
When I started writing under debidrecksler.com (269 columns ago)I found it a challenge to write every day. I found my comfort zone (Mon, Wed & Fri)and have never missed a deadline. I think I agonized more about deadlines when I wrote a once a week column for the Asheville Citizen Times.
Being my own writing “Boss” has been liberating!!
As far as content, I tend to be a fairly private person but suddenly I’m exposing the “real” me to the world. Kind of like standing there naked for the world to see.
Based on the emails I receive…I feel like I am touching people’s lives and that is exactly what I want to be doing!!
Jeanne—so glad to hear from you and know you enjoy the blog—and I’m happy just to be in the same sentence with chocolate.
Mark–What would I do without you to keep me in line—so I’ll have to be willing to share YOUR blog.
Debi–Obviously we’re “on the same page”….From the desire to keep self-imposed deadlines—to the feeling of being exposed out here.
I guess feeling naked is worth it—when you know you’re touching people’s lives. And connecting with people—as you and I have —which I think is what life is all about.