In spring 2007, I started writing this blog as a way to allow family and friends to have a window into my world as I travelled to the West coast, where I worked as a wildlife biologist and had the fortune to encounter many wonderful people, places and sights. Since my return home, I have kept the blog up as a way to document my life events, goings-on, and overall feelings about these happenings. In essence, this is an on-line diary of sorts that I've felt rather comfortable sharing with close family and friends. And, to be sure, I still do.
Recently, someone who reads my blog accused me of being too negative in my postings, of advertising a "poor me" attitude and being generally ungrateful for the life that I have. I was really surprised by this accusation, mostly because I have tried, even in my most depressing stories and accounts, to mention the gratitude and appreciation that I have for the life that I lead. The accusation was tinged with such vehement anger, however, that I felt a need to re-read my blog and give a little introspective thought to the way that I present my circumstances. While I admit to using language sometimes that could be considered exaggerated or hyperbole, I also make the claim that I have a right to a certain amount of poetic license as I write my narratives. Not everything needs to be taken in the exact literal sense.
As a diary of sorts, I take it for granted that I am allowed, without judgement, to document my feelings about what is going on in my life. I don't think I have ever asked for anyone's sympathy or tried to make people feel sorry for me, even when I might have been feeling a bit sorry for myself. Life is hard. My life can be hard sometimes...but I am well aware that everyone's life can be hard sometimes. We all need a place to vent, to have a sounding board. Some people confide in their friends, others their clergy, and some keep it inside. I use this blog, and allow folks a (very big) peephole into what's going on in my head. I still don't regret that. Over the years I have gotten some really GREAT feedback from folks who can relate to what I have been going through at a certain time, or who have had similar feelings about an issue and want to talk about it more at length. I am grateful for the wonderful community of people that I have gotten to know better because of their receptiveness to the open quality of my blog.
I suppose, at the end of it all, we are lucky enough to live in a country where we have certain inalienable rights. The right to free speech, the right to peaceful assembly, the right to choose (or not choose) your own religion...and the right to not read any blog that might offend you. Feel free to delete me from your site history if my blog fits that bill.
5 comments:
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..... Wow, I've never thought of your blog as negative. Actually, I appreciate your candor. If you are ungrateful and/or too negative, it makes me feel like I must be too because I can indentify with what you're saying a lot of the time. I hope you'll still be yourself. In my experience, the things that make me want to take time out of my day and write are often things that annoy me and I need to vent. They are usually a moment in time and after I've written about it, I feel better. It's sad to think I couldn't do that for fear someone might think I'm negative or ungrateful all of the time because of a few glimpses inside my life.
Keep writing and being you!
No way! Keep on keepin' on!! I am always checking to see if there is a new blog from you for me to catch up on and when there is not I am anxiously waiting for the next. Life is not all rainbows and butterflies all the time. I think you approach those not so stellar moments with a sense of humor which is great defense mechanism! :)
I saw your Facebook status (yay internet), and immediately came over here to see if there was a new post from you. I truly enjoy your writing ad hearing what's in your head, especially now that we live far apart. I've never thought of your blog as anything other than honest, thoughtful, and funny. I've always appreciated that you see the humor in things, but don't sugar-coat the stuff that is difficult - 'cause life gets difficult and it is okay to say so. Please keep up with the blog the same as always!!
Hey girl. I've never thought of you as a whiner or a complainer. Anything somewhat "negative" you might have said has always been tempered by a look at the positive, and a great overall perspective about things. Cuz that's the kind of gal you are!! :)
lauren, this is my first time here (just sent you an email) so this is the only post i've read. but i always appreciate honesty and real-ness on blogs since it is so easy to pretend everything is perfect and portray your life as such. i have had several people ask me lately if our life is always perfect and if i wear rose colored glasses. i hadn't realized by *not* posting the negative stuff that i haven't been giving an accurate portrayal of who we are. that said, i don't know if i am quite brave enough to share the hard stuff with the interwebs, my mother in law, my grandma, etc. i have been debating this with myself lately. we should talk. anyways, all this is to say, i REALLY admire your honesty.
Post a Comment