A good friend of mine often used to say that half the battle in life was about "showing up". After almost fourteen consecutive years of blogging, I have a slightly better understanding what she meant by that.
Between 10-12 times each month, I show up in this virtual world via publishing a post. Some days I'm less confident about what I publish than on other days. But I continue to hold myself accountable for showing up in the virtual world, regardless. This is not always easy for a few reasons.First is that nasty inner critic mentioned here on numerous occasions. Equally vexing is the challenge of being reasonably certain I'm saying at least one thing in each post that is really mine. Anyone even remotely familiar with this blog knows how much I enjoy reading. When writing here - unlike my private journal where I can plagiarize to my heart's content - I'm hyper-conscious about claiming only what is truly mine as mine. As recently as two nights ago, while re-reading Emerson's essay Self-Reliance for perhaps the hundredth time, several ideas I had jotted down in my notebook for use in near-future blog posts went out the window. In that moment, those ideas struck me as being far too close to what Emerson had already covered.
The final reason that showing up - even in the virtual world - can sometimes be difficult is even more basic. What difference would it make if I didn't show up? No difference I guess, except my own sense of being in the world.
So, you not showing up would make a difference to me. Funny thing - I am reminded of the old saying "if a tree falls down in the forest, does it make a sound?' or something like that. When your blog had issues with it showing up as an easily accessible email, I suddenly realized I hadn't seen a blog for a while and went online to find them. I am grateful for the emails we are now getting again. Keep on going on!
ReplyDeleteInes; If not for folks like you - reliable readers and frequent commenters alike - it would be easy to avoid showing up. So thanks for your unwavering support as well as this gracious comment. And I'm glad I got that e-mail service back online too. Definitely helps keep me on folks' radar.
DeleteHey Pat. I had to laugh when I read the comment posted by Ines. I did find myself thinking about missed Blog Posts when your emails returned. I admit to similar feelings of missing your posts. Almost sad that I needed an email to remind me, but ... it's become a way of life I imagine. At least for me. The need for reminders. So, with full credit to Ines, I felt the same way. And, welcome back - lol.
ReplyDeleteBe well,
Bob
Bob; It's humbling for me that you & Ines - two of my most reliable commenters - were the two people who first weighed in on this post. I can never thank either of you enough for your encouraging words. You made my day.
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