I have wanted to blog consistently for some time. Many of my friends have encouraged me to do so but I have always argued that I do not have the time. Now, I am making the time. This is something that is important to me and I am determined to make it a priority.
This blog is about me sorting out my life and my thoughts, not about having it all figured out. So please read with that in mind. I’m attempting to answer the questions that plague me, to process day-to-day observations, to pay attention and to reflect on what I notice, and to chronicle ongoing struggles and successes.
Primarily, I am looking to be honest with myself. I hope that my example might encourage others to evaluate their lives and to live authentically as well. There will be no censorship or ear-tickling, I’m just putting my journey out there. If that is of interest to you, please read on. If not, I will not take your lack of readership personally (being a follower, often isn’t a good idea anyway).
These words are me. Take me or leave me. I’m not trying to impress or offend (so if I impress or offend you, it is purely coincidental). I’m just trying to be real.
My life is demanding. Lots of people want a piece of me: my husband, my four kids, my family, my friends, my students and the list goes on. I need to blog for me as a way of clawing back a bit of myself amidst the demands of daily living. I have learned that I need to practice self-care first in order to care for others and, for me, blogging is a way to do that.
I have always had the compulsion to put pen to paper, so to speak, and I have come to realize that is a necessary thing for my life. I believe in the therapeutic and clarifying power of the written word and I have taught many classes and workshops that promote this belief. Despite my own understanding of its importance, I have not practiced what I preach. I want to change that.
I believe journaling (blogging) can be a type of spiritual discipline: a way to record and remember your journey and to reflect on your personal growth. And since, the palest ink is stronger than the most miraculous memory (Chinese Proverb), I will write my life as a way of remembering. (Lord knows if I can’t remember the names of my own children, I will need a little help!)
With that said, I will try desperately to write a blog and not a polished article. Yes, Lori, I am taking your advice: blogs are not meant to be fine-tuned. In light of the conversational tone and my tendency to perseverate on the small details, I ask you to keep the English teacher jokes to yourself. I can hardly type a Facebook status update without scrutinizing every word because of my professional life! This is not an assignment that I am handing in for your review. Please be forgiving and I will try to extend the same courtesy to myself.
The other day my husband texted: Just blog it. It is good for the soul. Ultimately, that sums up my purpose in starting down this path. I will write because it is a spiritual need.
And, if my transparency and pondering can encourage or inspire one of you, I guess it is worth going public.
