Several thoughts about this experiment in blogging
One: I’m noticing that I’ve had some emotional reactions that I don’t really like. The first couple of days, it was just like a new toy or something — learning how to use the system, how to organize categories, those types of things. Then, once I started to get a few comments from people, I started to notice that there was a bit of anxiety / discomfort attached to it. I don;t feel like I’m being interesting enough Of the “people aren’t going to like me” type.. Old, old stuff — emotional baggage I’d just as soon be rid of. But, yeah, it’s still there.
Two: Wow, it’s easy to make assumptions! Some of them “about” people, others of them even more basic. For example, someone whose written English sounds like that of a native speaker, and who hasn’t used word like “bloke” or “flat” (to mean an apartment — we Americans do use the word “flat” to mean lacking in 3-dimensionality) — must be an American. I mentioned Maine (a US state) in a response, then realized the person I was responding to was probably from Australia, and may not know the name of all 50 of our states….. Another blogger sounded so mature that I was surprised to see she was under twenty. When I meet a person in person, I think there are different kinds of assumptions I can make about them, based on age, appearance, clothing, the way they talk. but that may be less obvious to me, because I am so used to doing it. So, this is a good reminder.
Three: I find a lot of resistance and procrastination, even about things I really want in my life. I find myself writing messages to friends late at night, even though one of the things I want most are improved relationships. Why? Partly insecurity, I guess — it can feel awkward trying to reestablish ties, so there can be the resistance of “what do I say and how do I say it??” And partly habit / inertia. Focusing on keeping in touch has NOT been my focus recently, so it’s not part of my routine.
randomblog 2014 and beyond 
Sounds like you are making your way just fine. All the best with your blog! -OM
I’ve only been blogging for a month but I find that any posts written with honesty are interesting and this post was interesting! (:
Thanks
I’ve only been at this blogging thing for a few weeks and if you look at my beginning posts–okay, ALL my posts! there’s a recurring theme–fear! Fear of being vulnerable, exposing myself, worrying about being judged. So, I admire your honesty about your discomfort. I’m finding out that it’s okay. People like honesty. They like real. You got this 😉
I too have the insecurities that you have. At first there were many who followed me but after a few posts, they stopped following me. I was terribly insecure to begin with, and that made it even worse for me. I want to be more open, but my fears keep me from it. I decided to join the HerotoZero challenge as well to help me overcome this. I have only been blogging since the end of November so I too am very new at this. I wish you the very best with your blog and I also hope your followers don’t “split” like mine did. 😀
Hi Joy- thanks for your comments.
I don’t like the feeling that i “need” to have continual response — I’d really rather just connect with the people I connect with, at whatever rate that happens, no worries, but the emotional reaction … aargh!
But I think (hope??), like you, continuing to do it will lessen the reaction that I don;tlike in myself.
I am learning to set aside my fears about “putting myself out there” and just doing it (little by little). If the folks read it and like it great ! If not, maybe someday I will write something they will like. 😀
I really like the way you’ve organized your blog into topics, and you’ve made specific goals and/or update by category. I should try that if you don’t mind my borrowing your idea.
This was the organization that worked for me, with my goals for the blog, and if it works for you, sure, feel free to borrow!