I love writing. Every once in a while, though, I get a sinking feeling.
Why? Because people – including those I know in real life (gasp!) – actually read what I write. It might sound silly. What writer doesn’t want people to read the finished product and engage in meaningful discussion? Isn’t that the intent? Yes, it is; that doesn’t diminish the scariness, though. It’s easy to get sucked into the cathartic-writing-for-myself-only attitude while blogging. It’s easy to be vulnerable that way. Therein lies the problem, which Brene Brown argues is not a problem at all.
Whenever someone includes mention of a blog post in a face-to-face conversation, I always think, “Did I portray that correctly? Would I have said that the same way – out loud – to someone?” So far I have balanced the vulnerability and transparency, stretching my comfort levels. If that’s even possible.
We can chat more about it the next time we see each other.
jparadisirn
December 5, 2011 9:58 pmExcellent post Joni, and thanks for sharing the video.
The Nerdy Nurse
December 11, 2011 10:19 amI have encountered the very same thing.
There is something about writing. putting it on a page, on the interenet, or someone else permanent that makes you question what you’ve put there. It’s the permanence of it, I think.
I had the great fortune of a very exciting phone call the other day in which someone mentioned that my blog was discussed in a meeting. My initial reaction was “wow, a group of people talked about my blog” but then immediately that sinking feeling came up in me as well and I thought ” I wonder what the read. I hope there weren’t any spelling or grammar errors. I hope it was accurate. I hope they liked it.”
Vulnerability, that is what it is.
But the conversation went wonderfully. I took a deep breath and decided that it is what it is. If I felt confident enough to post it online then I should own it face to face.
Great video.
Nursetopia
December 13, 2011 6:48 amThanks! Yeah, it’s an interesting feeling…excited and nervous and frightened at the same time. I agree. I read my posts several times before publishing them, so at that moment I try to remind myself of that as well as the fact that others are entitled to their opinions and views, too. Brene Brown helps reframe my perspective, though. Glad you liked her talk. Keep up the great writing!