My three blog readers might have noticed my several month absence. The last time I posted was back in September. Well, nare you fret, I'm still alive and well. But something happened a few months ago, something that kept me away for a while. No, I'm not pregnant.
Someone didn't like something I posted on my blog. They didn't like my opinion and felt that I was responsible for how my words made them feel. Nothing came of it, but it shook me badly. I felt that my little corner of the blogosphere had been violated. My awkward bathroom selfies, workout recaps and low grade snark, made them unhappy. Well, I'm sure it was the snark. Who doesn't like a bathroom selfie and picture of booze?
I was upset, really upset. I am 100% responsible for anything I post, but my opinions are my own, and I'm entitled to them. Words are meant to make people think, and feel, and contemplate places within themselves that they may not always like. Some of the most defining moments in my life were when I received feedback that was tough to take. I remember each and every one of those interactions, how they made me feel and what I did afterwards.
I blogged for a bit after it happened but my heart wasn't in it. That's when I changed the name of my blog and locked down a lot of the personal information. Eventually I stopped all together.
For the last few weeks I've been thinking about it and I found myself getting angry. I like blogging, I've done it on and off for years and I enjoy it. I like having a creative outlet for my thoughts, I like how it holds me accountable and I'm mad that someone took that away from me.
So many times I've been told not to be too loud, not to be too outspoken, to temper your voice and what you have to say. When I was much younger I listened and I did. As I got older I moved into a career where it was expected that I'd be outspoken, I've taken on various leadership roles where those traits are prized instead of shunned and I surround myself with people who appreciate me for me.
Now it's happening again, and I let it.
FUCK THAT
Seriously FUCK THAT.
My opinion might not always be pretty, but it's mine. I try to be kind but I might fail. I hope my words make someone think or laugh or feel some sort of emotion, that's what life's all about.
I have another reason too, a really good one.
Two months ago Kev and I adopted a baby girl and I will be damned if she ever feels that she can't express her opinion or stand up for what she believes in. All I can do now is be the best possible role model I can be. One step at a time.
This is beautiful and your baby girl is absolutely gorgeous! Welcome back to blogging!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Now to get back into the swing of things!
DeleteLOVE THIS!! Snark on ;)
ReplyDeleteLol, yes I will. :)
DeletePeople get offended so easily - dont take it to heart if you know you are saying YOUR TRUTH.
ReplyDelete& you are so right - you have a BEAUTIFUL girl that needs to know her voice matters too.
Congrats again on your precious girl!!!
Glad to see you back here in blog world
Thank you! I don't lie and I don't make things up. I'll tell my truth and if someone doesn't like it, so be it.
DeleteYass! You go girl. And beautiful new addition to your family!
ReplyDeleteThank you! We're super happy to have her!
DeleteGlad you're back. I always enjoy reading your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteNow you and your daughter can both be "she who will not be silenced"! :-D
ReplyDeleteI'm late to the game, but welcome back and CONGRATS on the little nugget! She's adorable!
ReplyDeleteJust ignore the troll. Those people are just attention whores who have nothing better to do than sit in Momma's basement & cause trouble.