Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Truth be told, I've been struggling with this blog thing for the past few months. Some days I think I should delete it and pretend it never existed. Some days I miss the days when I had something to say. Some days I miss the days when I felt unguarded and authentic.

Sincere apologies to those of you who check in on my blog on a semi-regular basis. I know you're there, and I feel like I've failed you. I'm not sure why you bother, but at the same token, I'm glad you do. It gives me some sense of importance, even if I don't know who you are.

When I started blogging, it was *somewhat* anonymous. I started because my friends Eric and Laura were active bloggers (they are now divorced), and this seemed like a good source of communication with them, and other ex-mormon bloggers. I was befriended immediately by many great people including sistermarylisa, who I now consider a very close, personal friend.

When I started blogging, I felt welcomed, and part of an amazing community. I miss that feeling, as most of us have become sporadic at best.

In the past couple of years, I've had many new readers-- including siblings, parents, future dates, message board buddies, boyfriends, ex-boyfriends, co-workers of boyfriends and ex-boyfriends, random strangers I don't know of, co-workers, and life-long friends. Some of these have even been invited by yours truly! However, knowing that they're there, has left me guarded and insecure about what I write.

There have been so many things this past year that I haven't blogged about. Things that I didn't feel like I could be expressive about, because then some of the aforementioned people would know what I was *really* feeling or experiencing.

So yeah, that leaves me feeling stuck and unmotivated. I don't know when or if I'll return to regular posting. If you want to know what I'm up to, look me up on Facebook.

13 comments:

Adrianne Miller said...

Hey, I am a co-worker of your ex boyfriend!! You blog about anything your heart desires. I won't read!!! Or if I can, then I will have some at work entertainment. Cause lets face it, its boring here!

Unknown said...

I miss your posting! But I totally understand your feelings, as I rarely mention anything regarding religion (or lack thereof) on my blog because I know my whole family reads it. I'm trying to get over it!

Christy said...

Adrianne- yeah, you were one of those I was referring to. :) You know I love that you stop by here, I really do! You're more than welcome to read anything I write. I just don't know what to say or how to say it anymore!

Kimberly- thanks girlfriend. I may just have an extended case of writers block... perhaps I just need to step back, stop worrying about it, and carry on.

Anonymous said...

Blogging, and whatever alternatives I had before this, has always been an outlet for me. It serves a purpose in my life, even when it doesn't seem to. It's something of a foundation. It's something of a sounding board. It's something of a moldable reality that I have control over.

When I was leaving the church, blogging helped me get through it.

When I was struggling in my marriage, blogging helped me through it.

When my spouse moved out and I became "separated," blogging got my through it.

When I dated, blogging got me through it.

When I was sick, blogging got me through it.

When I met Jill, blogging got mt through that, too. ;)

My blog has been a portion of my life at any given time that needed to be offloaded, celebrated, or ignored. I could make fun of myself, praise myself, or simply teach myself a lesson. I could, even when totally ignoring something going on in my life, move forward simply because I had a place I could go where I was the one in control. I was the creator, crafter, and captain of something that requires only one thing: me.

Sometimes, it's the most liberating thing in the world. And... other times, it's the most confining thing in my life.

I'm sure I speak for other when I say, blogging or not, I will come and see if you've written. And that's because, your blog serves a purpose in my life as well.

For what its worth, thank you.

Eric

Anonymous said...

Loving Eric's comment.

I too wish I could find the feeling of being free to blog what I want to. I don't actually invite people to mine, but they inevitably find it. And then there's the whole, "blog NOTHING about work" thing.

*Sigh*

I still stop by all the time to see what you're blogging these days. I don't blog much either anymore.

- wry

Emilie said...

For what it matters... I stop by to see what is going on in your life and mind. Considering we haven't seen each other in years I still feel like I am a part of your life. That little insight that I miss by not seeing you or talking to you everyday.

On the other hand I do not blog because I think know one will care what I have to say or think... it is all in your head.

Still love you though!

Ems

ruadamu2 said...

Have you ever considered blogging under an anonymous name? You could invite only those you are comfortable with to the new blog, then it wouldn't matter what you blog about or who reads. Only those people you choose, will know your true identity.

Think about it.

Anonymous said...

I am one who is always checking your blog because I love hearing about how you are doing, about how your girls are doing, and because it's just plain a good read. I do miss you writing in it regularly.

I don't update my blog very much either. It's hard to write anything when I am trying to stay anonymous because I have so much I want to say but can't for fear of being "caught". So I understand why you feel you have to hold back.

I hope to see you blog more but if you don't I understand. I do know where to find you on Facebook! :)

Tracy/DDP

Anonymous said...

Yes. I totally understand. You remember the incredible following I had on my blog, which was designed for public viewing. When certain readers started suggesting topics for me, criticizing my subject matter and telling me I should use it to further their own agendas, I was done. I read your blog regularly because I miss you and like to know what you're up to, and to marvel at the parallels our lives have taken. People turn to blogs as journaling, which taps into our inner voyeur on some level. A lot of us are titillated at the thought of exposing ourselves to people we can't see, but assume are watching. When we turn on the lights and see our dads, sisters and neighbors watching us, we become embarrassed and ashamed of the things ALL of us experience and feel. Perhaps you're starting a point in your life where your therapy is more personal and private, or perhaps you're healing from the wounds you have cleansed by sharing them with us. Either way, I'm proud of you for opening up like this.

JulieAnn said...

I SO get it. You know I do. And I'm back, doing it anyway. If people can't handle it, they can sod off. ;0) Come back!

Aerin said...

I hear you as well. That's why I'm still doing the boring semi-anonymous thing (although I'm sure a person could potentially figure it out).

I've enjoyed your posts but I understand - the spotlight can be pretty d*mn bright.

Sister Mary Lisa said...

:) I've been thinking of how much I want to say or not on my blog lately, as well. I'm hoping to be brave enough to just say what I feel without worrying what anyone else has to say about it.

((((C))))

Jennifer said...

And then there is me who blogs MOST of whatever the hell I want. Though I haven't blogged much about my MIL on my personal blog since my SIL reads it and it wouldn't go over well. But otherwise, it's fair game. Then again, I don't care who I piss off anymore.

And if it's TOO personal, I can post it on my secret blog that only 2 other people have access to as it's where I bitch excessively.

Christy, if someone has issues with you and who you are and how you feel, that's THEIR problem. You do what YOU need to do. Say what YOU need to say. Everyone else can get over themselves.

P.S. I love your blog.

SN