blogging, criticism and privacy.

“I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself.” 
― Rita Mae Brown

Yesterdays post received a lot of negative comments, understandably. I think a lot of the criticism is valid because they don't see the life being lived behind the screen. I'm certainly not here to defend or win over naysayers but I do want to clarify my reasons for blogging.

I am not blogging to be popular or famous, I actually started blogging for reasons I won't discuss here. I know that's being vague again, some things aren't meant to be shared. I won't post photos of my exposed children and I won't share all of the personal details of my life either. So, sometimes that means I will be vague. This is a personal preference understand. I've seen bloggers post photos in which their children were exposed in a tub or running around naked**, it was innocent in motive I know but it is something that I will never do. I want to respect my child's privacy and also, it is not for the world to see. I understand how the vagueness is frustrating but it is what it is. I applaud the person who left this comment because they really get it.  (Thank you!)

Yes. I have many people to think of when I blog. I respect my children's privacy, my husbands, my parents, my friends and family. I try to keep myself to that, for me this blog is a journal of sorts. A place to record my thoughts and feelings. I think that those who can relate appreciate that for what it is.
There was another person who commented (and I think deleted their comment) that had some very wise insight to share. This person said that marriage was a sacred place, a place of refuge and if you go sharing all the details with others than it becomes a place of resentment. (something to that effect, if it was you then thank you) That totally sums up where I am. I love Marc and yes, I do want to share the good things. There is a lot of good to be shared! I want to share the real and challenging aspects of our life as well, but our marriage is sacred and I won't ever share things that aren't meant to be shared. I allude to it because the lesson learned has had a huge influence over the direction of our life. It has meant examining our lives and remembering what we really value, for me, it was worth noting.

It's natural criticize what you don't understand or agree with. We use cloth wipes instead of toilet paper and wash it with our cloth diapers. I can list the reasons why and they can make sense but people would still leave negative comments about it. (like they did) It's fine. I am totally cool with agreeing to disagree. I have a feeling that if I shared more I would be criticized for that as well. (over sharing is a term I think we are all familiar with)

So I guess all I am saying is that you are welcome to disagree with me here. I am blogging and therefore opening myself up to criticism. I blog openly about things that I could be mocked for, I am aware. For me, its worth it. I appreciate the community of people who have enjoyed reading and following along. Honestly. I think a unconventional life is worth living, even if it means others don't understand it.

I don't want to give a lot of attention to the negative comments and ignore the positive responses. To those of you who find encouragement, inspiration or even just enjoy reading, thank you. All of your  thoughts have resonated with me and have spoken truth into my life. I appreciate it a great deal. It is wonderful to have people cheering you on, isn't it?

“Make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you may previously never have thought of doing, or been too hesitant to attempt. So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservation, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. If you want to get more out of life, you must lose your inclination for monotonous security and adopt a helter-skelter style of life that will at first appear to you to be crazy. But once you become accustomed to such a life you will see its full meaning and its incredible beauty.” 
― Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild

Also, please watch this Tedtalk.


**edited for clarification