Rhymes and Reasons

Ok, so how many of you come across something that you know is going to add both insight and direction to your life, so you watch, read, or access it, and then realize you are not the salt of the earth you thought you were? Ugh…
 
Now, I am not a follower. I am not an insecure shrinking violet. I am not a person who makes decisions based on the thoughts or interpretations of others. But once in a while, I fall into the pity pit of personal doubt. Fine. It is more often than once in a while, but who’s counting?
 
I started listening to an audiobook by Amy Lupold Bair, “Blogging for Dummies.” The excitement I felt about finding this treasure was nearly titillating. Any person who writes, be it for business or pleasure, always needs to find inspiration somewhere.
 
It started out pretty rudimentary (as “for dummies” would imply). Yet there were still immediate entries that provoked avenues for clarity and creativity.
 
But the waters started to muddy for me. I realize this author intended to reach all audiences, especially those bloggers looking to create a business venture. But one statement shut me down emphatically.
 
She suggested that if you write only for yourself, you should perhaps just keep a daily journal and not blog. What? Even Kurt Vonnegut once said, and I paraphrase, “…write according to your purpose.” Uh, my purpose is me.
 
Why did this impact me so much? I have declared many times I am not here to become a renowned writer. I am not here to establish a platform for anything. I only blog to get irritants off my chest that might make someone else laugh, cry, applaud, or whine. Geez, sometimes they even boo.
 
But words do impact us, don’t they? The funny part is that she, obviously, was not even talking to me. This was a blanket statement that could well motivate someone to give up the blogger dream – someone who probably should not be blogging in the first place.
 
It did, however, remind me that we are all affected by the thoughts and actions of others. Yes, I know, this is not a mind-boggling revelation, i.e., sticks and stones and all that bologna.
 
It is wise when searching for your voice to understand that every word you choose may influence the emotions of others. But it is also wise to understand that words used by thoughtful writers are most likely chosen for a reason as well.
 
I will never be able to please every reader every time, and more importantly, I have no intention of even trying. But I will respect and applaud your right to voice your thoughts and opinions every time.
 
Funny…I had decided to write about the essence of friendship this week. Without the support of friends – and you know who you are – I would not survive the insanity. While I do believe in divine intervention, sometimes there is no rhyme or reason for misguided trepidation.
 
I may need to find “Self-esteem for Dummies” next. Ah, but that is fodder for yet another rant.
 

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