It's October. It's been over two months since I've blogged. In some ways, it's nice to be back, but in others... I just don't know. But I'll come back to that.
First, a quick recap. The CFPN Reunion was fantastic. The travel was smooth, the facility was perfect, the speaker was amazing, and the fellowship was oh-so-sweet. No one wants to wait until 2017 for the next one, so we're eyeing 2015.
Ten days after getting home from Milwaukee, I went to BC to visit my family. I had a great week of boating, geocaching, exploring, playing with the niece and nephews, and just generally having a good time.
To be honest, I don't really remember much of September, except one thing... I started a part-time job helping a good friend with her three kids. One is autistic, and the other two are on the "spectrum" as well. In addition to helping around the house, I'm teaching crochet, and piano. It surprised me, but I'm enjoying teaching piano a lot more than I thought I would.
Second, a confession. I don't really know what I'm doing with this whole bloggy thing. I mean... I'm not funny like Marla, I'm not candid like Sheila, I'm not good with words like Monica, and I don't think my story is interesting, like Kristina's. I'm just... me. I know lots of stuff, and I have things I'm passionate about, and I'd love to write about them, but I'm not sure if anyone is interested in reading my thoughts, or if I'd just end up talking to myself all the time.
I'm really not sure what I want to write about. Do I write about our hopes and dreams for the future? Do I write solely about our journey with MTHFR? Do I write about social justice issues that are becoming near and dear to my heart? Should I blog about the books I'm reading? All of the above? None of the above? Something else entirely? How open should I be with my own thoughts and feelings? Other bloggers seem to lay it all out there, and not worry about what other people think. But... my family reads my blog. Do I really want to lay it all out there for them to read? Why is it easier to lay it all out there for perfect strangers to read, but for some reason, when it comes to people who love and care for me, I suddenly want to hide all my thoughts and not blog at all?
So... I'd love some feedback from my readers. What do YOU want me to blog about? Leave me a question in the comments, and I'll answer it in a blog post some time soon. :)
I want you to blog about everything you want to blog about :) I kept trying to fit myself into a niche and I realized I don't just want to be a niche - I want to talk about everything that's interesting or important or that I just want to talk about. And yes, sometimes it's scary to be so vulnerable, because sometimes I write very honestly, but I have found that I love to write honestly. And last night I found out that my dad reads my blog and I thought for a moment "Should I change what I write?" And I realized, no, I don't want to change what I write. It's hard when your family reads your blog, but sometimes (like my dad) they can unexpectedly become your biggest cheerleaders. Do what you want to do with your blog Steph. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa. :) It's nice to hear from another blogger whose parent(s) read their blog. I know in my head that I should just write about whatever I want to write about, but it's hard for me to make that jump. I really don't handle judgement, criticism, negative feedback, or opposite opinions very well, and I suppose that part of me is worried about offending someone, or getting in over my head.
DeleteI don't actually handle them all that well either. It's honestly a bit scary sometimes to put myself out there. But I have overwhelmingly found love and support out there and very little hate. Does it exist? Yes. But overwhelmingly there are good things. Two things that help me if I'm going to blog about something very personal I put a disclaimer at the top that if you don't want to know really personal details about me quit reading and also if I'm going to blog about something that's super personal that I'm afraid will get negative feedback, I usually say that mean and nasty comments will be deleted. I know those don't stop people from reading or commenting, but they make me feel like I've taken control of the situation and they make me feel like I gave people a fair warning first.
DeleteSounds like a good way to handle it. :)
DeleteUsually I agree with you, but I'm going to have to disagree on this one. I think you're very good with words Steph. I enjoy reading your take on issues because your blogs are well thought out and eloquent. Best of all, your opinions are based on your relationship with the Father. I'd like to read whatever he puts on your heart to share. So I guess that's (c). All of the above.
ReplyDeleteAlso, how is your job going?
Oh look... you asked me a question. I guess I should work on a blog post about that. I'm not sure when I'll get it posted, since I'll send it to my friend to review first, since it's her family and all, but I'll write about it soon, since I really do enjoy my job. :)
DeleteBlog about it all!!! (: (: I started my blog as a journal for myself..... andthen to document wedding planning.
ReplyDeleteI love having my blog for myself to just look back on our journey through life and all that I am thinking and feeling at this time.
if other people smile and feel inspired then that is just icing on the cake. (:
Write to reflect. write to process. write to inspire. write because you were inspired. just have fun and write.(:
-Monica
Thank you for your encouragement, Monica! :D
DeleteI'm with everybody else. ^^ Blog your heart. People can tell when you're blogging sincerely about things you're passionate about and when you're blogging just to gain followers or whatever. Sure, there are a million voices out there, but none of them are YOURS (except yours). Stay true to you!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Marla. :) That's pretty much just what I'm reading in your book now. I do hope you'll stop by on occasion and be one of my bloggy friends.
DeleteI think you should blog about everything! I struggle with the same things you mentioned though about blogging. I'd love to get back into it and am constantly thinking of stuff to write about but then I never sit down and do it.
ReplyDeleteDo it, Kate!
ReplyDelete