embarrassment into excitement
Kelsey's post, bluesky has a bot AND moderation problem, ends with this parenthetical:
(Please don't watch this space. I'm curious about who's even kept up with my blog, but I don't think I actually want to know because it's sort of embarrassing.)
I don't follow most blogs. The Most recent page of Bear Blog's Discovery feed is fresh enough most days, if not too fresh.
Do you know anyone who has kept up with your blog? I do. They help fuel our fire. I'm grateful for whatever they have kept up with. Their acknowledgment affirms I'm not alone in my effort.
If so, why have you found it embarrassing? For example, I can sympathize with having a part of you so visible to others without your knowledge. You can work on that if you want to. How do those you admire the process of work on that? Is it different offline or with other creative domains?
If not, why do you predict it will be embarrassing? It might not be the case here, but sometimes we hypothesize others' perceptions of ourselves. Talking with people can tell a different story, one of empathy and togetherness. We all tumble through the desert of life together.
Here's a thought experiment: how can you think of "who's even kept up with my blog" as exciting instead of embarrassing? Let your imagination find their fascination over you or your ideas. Try starting with the most comfortable subjects, then work your way through discomfort.
I find people keeping up with me an admirable group effort and technological feat. People from all walks of life read and engage with my words at instantaneous speeds. Yet, they won't stick around if I don't. That gives me another reason to continue my work.
Remember, pleasing everyone pleases nobody. Do your best to understand and reach those you care about, even if that's just yourself for the time being.
It's one thing to understand and truly accept the root of your embarrassment. You can then practice away the embarrassment to reveal your true, unburdened self.
Want to reach out? Connect with me however you prefer:
- Email me via your mail client
- Copy my email address or remember it for later:
yoursimperfect@proton.me
- Email me via Letterbird contact form or open it in a new tab