August 23rd, 2011 
LeeAnn The blogging world has been both fascinating and overwhelming to me. I hesitated starting a blog for years. I had difficulty overcoming the thought that it was self-centered to assume that people would want to read what I have to say.
I am so grateful that I finally overcame my fears and entered into this arena – and a huge thank you to the friends and family who encouraged me.
It has already been a wild ride.
One of my earliest posts was called Fortytude. Several months after posting this, I was driving to the mountains and my blackberry started to uncontrollably buzz. I was worried that there was some crisis at work, so I glanced at it and saw that there were an incredible number of comments coming in on my Fortytude post. As I was alone (other than animals) in the car and driving, I couldn’t read the comments, but it didn’t look like they were from people I know. It continued at that rate all weekend. I had over six thousand hits on that post in one weekend. (I use only one email address in my life – and it is my work email. My computer support department was not happy with me.) Apparently, the folks at WordPress had posted Fortytude on something called Freshly Pressed which caused a lot of traffic on my site.
Because of that post, I received comments and subscriptions to my blog from complete and total strangers – and a lot of them.
I must admit – I was not certain at first if I was excited or slightly creeped out.
As I read all of the comments, though, I was extremely touched by them. The act of commenting, alone, is a kindness (someone is taking time out of their busy lives to show interest in what I said); but it is also the nature of the comments.
Another example is my recent post, My May December Romance. I have had that particular post written for at least three months but have been so hesitant to release it as it is very personal. I finally had to basically close my eyes and press publish. The comments, on both the post itself and facebook (and also by text, verbally, in person, etc.) truly touched me to my core.
People offer interest, sympathy, concern, support, encouragement and love. And these people are not only my immediate family and core group of friends – they are my extended family, with whom I have reconnected in significant ways; they are acquaintances, with whom I have forged tighter and closer friendships; and they are total strangers, with whom I want to become friends and, really, consider friends already.
It is easy to get bogged down in the depressing aspects of our world right now. That so many people are willing to take the time to offer encouragement and support is a huge reminder to me about the basic goodness of human nature. And also how incredibly important it is for us to reach out to one another.
It has caused me to reassess my views.
I have been reading various blogs and facebook posts for years but rarely commented.
Why?
When I was in my busy and stressed out phase of my life, I think it was a time issue. I see the absurdity of that now. How much time does it really take to reach out and pat someone else on the back (actually or virtually)?
I also struggled with feeling as if I was an intruder. There is a sense of voyeurism when reading people’s posts and, by commenting, you are admitting to being a voyeur (or so I thought at the time). I realize now how wrong that is.
I am reminded of the movie “Pay it Forward” starring Kevin Spacey. In it, a little boy does a favor for three people and asks each one to pay it forward by doing a favor for a third person, rather than returning the favor to him. It was a bit of an odd movie, but the concept of paying it forward is a strong one.
So please consider this my way of paying it forward in the social media arena.
For those of you considering a blog, go ahead and try it. It has been one of the more rewarding experiences of my life. I feel as if I am finding my voice and living a life more authentic to me.
For those of you who read blogs, please consider commenting on posts that you enjoy. Understand that by commenting and showing interest in a post, you are showing kindness to the author. Now when I read blogs and posts, I make the effort to comment on ones that I find interesting. And when I do comment, I feel very positive about it.
And then on a more personal level, for those of you who have commented on my posts or offered me encouragement on my blog, I give to you a huge and heartfelt thank you.
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I like your blog and also live in the mountains. I was hesitant to write but have always felt compelled to do so. Finally I said to myself who cares if the rest of the world doesn’t like it? I do! So I may not get too many hits, but I feel better getting the words from my soul onto the computer screen. 🙂 Your blog is really good and you have a “follower.” If you wanna read a fellow Carolinian’s blog, come on over and see mine. 🙂
Amy – sounds like we are going through similar experiences! So glad that you pushed yourself to start as well. Thanks for the kind words – and I am headed your way now!
Thanks for visiting! My blog is about all the interesting and entertaining thoughts that meander through my brain. It isn’t subject specific–just life. 🙂
Tuni: this morning’s blog was wonderful to wake up and read with breakfast. We love you and all you do for us — including heartfelt blogs.
Thanks Pops – I love you and Mom so and appreciate your support!
Funny, that i would read this today because I was thinking of my gratefulness for your introduction to and support of the yoga experience. it is wonderful to find women who support women and truly want to help you without judgment or criticism. When I place my towel on y mat, I am reminded of your generosity in enhancing my experience!
You are a love, my friend, and have been very vocal about thanking me. I have always felt that way about you – that you are a wonderful supporter of women as well. You could not have said anything more meaningful to me. p.s. your middle name scares me a little – makes me think of Silence of the Lambs!!
I llove, love, love your posts. I look forward to the email notifying me of a new post! Since I, as well as your many, many followers, enjoy reading your blogs, have you entertained the notion of starting a book? And, for the record,I love ”Pay it Forward” which offers much food for thought. I watch it whenever I happen to catch it on television. I want to thank YOU for your blogging and friendship. You inspre me.
Hey my friend – you are definitely one of those to whom I was sending out a huge and heartfelt thank you! Your enthusiasm has meant so much to me!! Looking forward to lunch tomorrow!!
WordPress has such a good community. When I first began blogging, it was anonymous, but I am all out in the open now, and I have not regretted it yet.
Rayme – I absolutely agree with you as to WordPress! So glad that you have had a positive experience as well. Thanks for the comment!
LeeAnn, I (as always) really enjoyed this post. On nearly every post you write, I have something I want to say in return, and I find myself holding back — not sure why. Remember the post you did about the elephants? That was fascinating to me; I collect giraffes and I’ve found interesting reasons that I think I feel connected to them and I wondered what it was about elephants that drew you to them. And the post about the couple who you wanted to help pay the vet bill? I wanted to write to you about your generous soul, but stopped myself. I always think of what you write long after I close the window. I also have my own dear love named Grace and I wonder how your Gracie is doing after her eye surgery. So thank you for this post, it somehow gives me greater permission to write to you. I love your blog. Thank you.
PSC – this is the exact reason that I am overwhelmed by this whole social media experience. Your reply blows me away. Thank you for your kindnesses. I regularly go through the struggle that you mention above – stopping myself from posting something. It is replies like yours that make me committed to fighting the tendency – I want to touch people like people’s replies have touched me. I have to keep reminding myself of that, though – it is a constant struggle. As for elephants, I believe my attraction started when I learned how emotional they are. The orphans that are so traumatized after seeing their parents killed grabbed my heart. I think I am also drawn to the thick, blocky body style (like my sweet Gracie). My Gracie is doing wonderfully, thank you – her eyes are almost fully healed. I hope your Grace is well. I love her picture – very soulful eyes. Have a good night PSC. You have made mine better.
Well said! I too was hesitant to start a blog but I am so glad I took the chance. It has been an amazing experience and a treat to meet so many like minded people here on WordPress. Keep the posts coming!
thanks f-stop mama!
I like the sentiment, and like you I’ve frequently held back from commenting because I don’t want to be one of those weird, creepy people lurking on some stranger’s blog. But the funny thing is, only a really uncreepy type of person seems to worry about that (which is kinda sad). At any rate, I enjoy reading your blog and love that idea of paying it forward!
Very good advice, not only in online, social communities, but in real life, too. 🙂