I was telling Laura the other day that sometimes I am frustrated with blogging and I've been trying to pinpoint why......
This issue has been going around in my head since that conversation and I think I have boiled it down to a worrying issue (I am a worrier after all).
I worry about finding my own voice....yes it's rather embarrassing to admit that I still flounder around in that pond more than I'd like.
I worry that my posts or thoughts aren't original, and I really want them to be. I don't want to feel like a copycat, but sometimes I post pictures or thoughts or analogies or craft projects or recipes that are similar to others. This is usually inadvertent, but still I feel sort of silly and then I stress about it and delete the post or just leave it in draft form. I have so many posts in draft form. I am tired of agonizing at my computer, worrying about what others think about me, because I view my posts and my words as an extension of me. I've always assumed that people think "She sounds just like so and so...." I'm tired of comparing myself to others. Why do I purposefully make myself feel inferior?
That is the real question......
The great thing about reading others' ideas is that they give me things to ponder. I think one of my main worries is that I give nothing in return and when I leave my post in draft form or delete it, I'm not.
So......out with the "I'll never do this like so and so!!" Self comparing and self doubt......you're my numero uno (and numero dos) thing to get rid of this year! It'll be a struggle, as it's a lifelong habit, but the reward will be so worth it!
Your posts always make me smile. You have a knack of making things fun, and seeing the world through your delightful sense of humor. This can never be duplicated. You are unique! Rejoice in that. I love to hear your ideas, both the silly and the serious. Keep on blogging; it is a pretty fun little club.
ReplyDeleteKim, you shouldn't worry at all.... you are a true original! Love you my friend!
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent question - "Why do you make yourself inferior?" You know that is a question I need to ask myself as well. When I first started my blog I felt like "everyone else is doing it too where will I fit in?" And you always hear "find a topic for your blog - a way for it to stand out." You know what my topic is? ME!
ReplyDeleteI want to post what I want to post and about whatever I want. That's my blog attitude! Who cares what other people think it's my blog. That's also my attitude.
But you know what? I love you dearly! You're an amazing woman, you're smart and hilarious, you're a wonderful mom, you have an amazing memory (always quoting those movie lines)- I LOVE being your friend!
You know what you should do? You read so much you should post about the current book you read. You give me reading suggestions - turn them into blog posts.
I have a challenge for you. This next week the "save as draft" and "delete" button does not work. Each day blog about the first thing that pops into your head - don't censor yourself. Just type away and hit publish :-) You can do it!!!
You guys are all very sweet ~ I promise I was venting some frustration and trying to self-motivate, not fish for compliments, but I really do appreciate your kind words and ideas!
ReplyDeleteAnd Steph...I love the book idea and have done that occasionally, but haven't much because I have a cousin who does something really similar and I didn't want to appear to copy, but you know what? Who cares! We don't read all the same books....it's just the foundational idea.
I like reading your blog too. I just post too often and don't save as draft often enough. =) Now I'm curious what else you had to say...
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the posts. I know you weren't fishing for compliments but I'm going to give you one anyway - you're awesome and I love your guts! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is my take on blogs. We all read different blogs and different people read ours. Great ideas are out there and inspire us to be better, have fun, try new places, recipes, etc.. Blogs are about us and what floats our boat. It's a journal, idea pool, venting ground. As long as you are happy with your blog, that's all that matters. And for the record - I.love.your.blog!
I love each and every post....just let loose, and post away!!!
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteI think it must be obvious how amazing you are. Sometimes I think "Surely she knows how desired of a friend she is. She must know." You are one of the most original, funny, and amazing people I know. It's frustrating seeing your insecurities, but then again if you were conceded you wouldn't be you. You are awesome, your blog is awesome!
And you know what? There are a lot of book blogs out there so your cousin got the idea from someone else! So go for it!
ReplyDelete