It feels like I’ve been waiting and waiting forever for things to go back to the way they used to be. Of course, life doesn’t work that way - time marches on and yesterday is left in the dust. But, at least, I think I’ve just about reached the fifth stage of grief: ACCEPTANCE.
Why the grieving? Because of the seeming death of the blog!
I remember when I first began blogging - nearly 3 years ago. It was something I never felt I really had before: an outlet for complete expression. It was both comforting and therapeutic for me. It connected me with people from all over. My Mac was always with me, and since illness is a very common thing for me, it became a companion to me on those long days by myself.
Me...in the beginning.
During the first year and a half, my readership reached almost every state and nearly every continent. Then, most of my local friends took up blogging too. It was…wonderful.
Then, all of the sudden, everyone just stopped blogging…and reading. I was in complete denial about it, but it must have affected me since I began to blog less and less often myself. It turned into a big vicious cycle. And I felt like I was being left on a cold mountain alone.
Then, on the news the newscaster said some words that took my breath:
“Blogging is so 2007!” - Apparently due to Facebook and Twitter and the ease of typing in quickly things like: “I’m sitting on my porch with my dog” and “I love this weather!”, the art of the blog has been left in the dust like the telephones that used to be “tethered to the wall”.
Those social networks that trade full expression for easy quips will never really do it for me. Being more of a writer than the text-messaging type, I will always miss those days - the days of “Happy Wednesday!” and “The Remains of the Day” and that time in the day when I would read everyone’s blogs…
I just miss those days a lot.
I’ve been sick quite a bit lately - basically for the past month or so. So I guess that has made this loss feel more profound. Anyway, I’m doing what I’ve always done when the weather’s a little stormy for me…I write…I blog. I have to.
Even if that’s as far as it goes.
I guess ,in the end, I have to remember that I can’t change what others think or do. I can only change myself…my perspective. I can be my own “Happy Wednesday” and be thankful for those years that my love of the blog carried me.
After all, I can still express myself…in the remains of the day.
Peace.
I love reading your thoughts! Don’t stop blogging!
Your words can be so on-point, eloquently inpirational, well-appointed, and completely heart felt. So even if it’s just me(which I’m sure it’s not!), I will keep reading and enjoying!
I still read it when you blog, and you can come read my blog anytime.
I guess what I’m trying to say is blog when you want to, as often as you want to and don’t worry about who is and isn’t reading it! Its your blog, and you should blog if you want to! So what if its 2007 (for some of us that was a good year)!
I love reading your blogs…it’s like sitting down and having a conversation with you.
Thanks, Colleen - you’ve never failed to be with me…your comments always feel like your great hugs!!
You are so right, Cyndi! Thanks for being such a sweet friend…I mean it.
Lisa, those sweet comments about my writing could be describing you! Thank you my sweet friend.
Facebook comments:
Kayleigh Bledsoe
I love reading your blogs…you funny and deep all at the same time…..something I was never very good at when blogging. My blogs were always…..deep….with little “funny.”
Dawn R. Simpson
In the little bit of time I’ve been reconnected with you, you’ve so often said what I feel but dont really have the ability to put into words. Or at the very least, I’m able to feel a little of what you’re feeling. And, YES, acceptance is a huge blessing.
I love reading your expressions of you
Kayleigh
You’re always sweet to you ole Mom. I loved that you blogged - and FYI, when I was your age I wrote just like you. Love you so.
Dawn,
You have been such an encouragement to me - it means more than you know!