Thank you so much for including me in such great company, Sue, including yours. I was blogging before blogs were called blogs (back when you had to know enough code to get by and FTP your posts to your website). I shared things there, not to lay myself bare but to remind folks they are not alone on this weird journey we share. And you have done a great job of that here, Sue. Just amazing. You are a connector and a conversation-starter, and that is a wonderful thing. Thank you. Of all the kind replies I received on that website way back when, one of the first emails I got and the one I remember most clearly said, "Who do you think you are to have a website like this?" It stung a little (that was a favorite phrase of my mother's), then I laughed. Who did I think I was? Well, a human with experiences, a mistake-maker, a lesson-learner, someone who likes to laugh and believes in the connection the written word creates. I'm so happy that man let you know what you do makes a difference. Remember that. xo
Sandra Ann, you are an OG! Thanks for sharing your blog beginnings, that is inspiring. And happy to be connected with you in our mutual journeys to change conversations and cultural norms. One of my favorite quotes: “You cannot be a powerful and life-changing presence to some people without being a joke or an embarrassment to others.” That’s Mark Manson. Sometimes I do get that queasy feeling in my stomach when people find my content distasteful for whatever reason, but I just have to remember, they are not who it is for. Thanks for the boost! ❤️
Another great post Sue! I was going to include the surgeon general advisory on loneliness in my latest roundup but couldn't figure out how to write about it in a compelling way. You did that here!
Christopher, we must be on a mind-meld! Love your work, thanks for inspiring me. And I must give the props to Leona my editor - I come up with the ideas and first drafts, but she makes the writing absolutely SING which is what makes TL so powerful. She’s an amazing writer!
What a pleasure it is to listen to this article voiceover in your own words Sue! It’s like really hearing you in real time at the present moment of our choosing. 😍
Thanks Tracy - I love the part when Leona and I have the post fully baked and I do the voiceover. I even use my hands while recording, so it feels more like me and the words (which come from the heart already) mean even more. Thanks for joining us here at TL!
Sue, I texted CC about this topic after reading this blog, # 26. First it helps to know that we have a biological need for connection!! It is not me being overly needy. It is also very helpful to know that the signals to stay quiet and private surround us on all sides!! That is good to know in this culture of ours. Be tough, figure it out!!!
I am still thinking about rolling the dice more.....I also heard you say, "that this isn’t a battle we will fight once and look back on with pride. We will be fighting to stay on the unerring path to connection for the rest of our lives." The main signal or message I hear that says, "don't share!" is the message to stay quiet because I am giving a piece me to others who aren't in my inner circle........ and I feel they don't need to know or don't deserve to know. Only my friends deserve to know. That is the main thing that has held me back. And, I do know I love to share with my good friends. Thank you for articulating this topic so we could all look at it a bit more! Love to you
Thank you so much for including me in such great company, Sue, including yours. I was blogging before blogs were called blogs (back when you had to know enough code to get by and FTP your posts to your website). I shared things there, not to lay myself bare but to remind folks they are not alone on this weird journey we share. And you have done a great job of that here, Sue. Just amazing. You are a connector and a conversation-starter, and that is a wonderful thing. Thank you. Of all the kind replies I received on that website way back when, one of the first emails I got and the one I remember most clearly said, "Who do you think you are to have a website like this?" It stung a little (that was a favorite phrase of my mother's), then I laughed. Who did I think I was? Well, a human with experiences, a mistake-maker, a lesson-learner, someone who likes to laugh and believes in the connection the written word creates. I'm so happy that man let you know what you do makes a difference. Remember that. xo
Sandra Ann, you are an OG! Thanks for sharing your blog beginnings, that is inspiring. And happy to be connected with you in our mutual journeys to change conversations and cultural norms. One of my favorite quotes: “You cannot be a powerful and life-changing presence to some people without being a joke or an embarrassment to others.” That’s Mark Manson. Sometimes I do get that queasy feeling in my stomach when people find my content distasteful for whatever reason, but I just have to remember, they are not who it is for. Thanks for the boost! ❤️
Another great post Sue! I was going to include the surgeon general advisory on loneliness in my latest roundup but couldn't figure out how to write about it in a compelling way. You did that here!
Also thanks for the shoutout. That was very kind!
Christopher, we must be on a mind-meld! Love your work, thanks for inspiring me. And I must give the props to Leona my editor - I come up with the ideas and first drafts, but she makes the writing absolutely SING which is what makes TL so powerful. She’s an amazing writer!
:)
What a pleasure it is to listen to this article voiceover in your own words Sue! It’s like really hearing you in real time at the present moment of our choosing. 😍
Thanks Tracy - I love the part when Leona and I have the post fully baked and I do the voiceover. I even use my hands while recording, so it feels more like me and the words (which come from the heart already) mean even more. Thanks for joining us here at TL!
Sue, I texted CC about this topic after reading this blog, # 26. First it helps to know that we have a biological need for connection!! It is not me being overly needy. It is also very helpful to know that the signals to stay quiet and private surround us on all sides!! That is good to know in this culture of ours. Be tough, figure it out!!!
I am still thinking about rolling the dice more.....I also heard you say, "that this isn’t a battle we will fight once and look back on with pride. We will be fighting to stay on the unerring path to connection for the rest of our lives." The main signal or message I hear that says, "don't share!" is the message to stay quiet because I am giving a piece me to others who aren't in my inner circle........ and I feel they don't need to know or don't deserve to know. Only my friends deserve to know. That is the main thing that has held me back. And, I do know I love to share with my good friends. Thank you for articulating this topic so we could all look at it a bit more! Love to you