Historically I think it probably worked. When the only people we shared with were those closest to us -- our best friends, and closest family -- we could trust that whatever was said was said because we were having a bad day/week/phase. Now so many of us share on blogs or on Facebook. And what we've shared lasts, seemingly forever. Nicola was concerned that what she shared might leave a lasting negative impression, shaping the way others might think about her and her adorable children. And of course that is a possibility. Perhaps what I've shared has given the wrong impression about my children and about me. I don't know. I can't control that.
I know I vent here. Whether it is true or not, to me this is a safe space because it is my space, even though I don't know most of the people who read this blog. That being said, I'd like to believe that I find a way to balance out the negative with the positive. I hope that I share with you all the ways my children bring me joy, love, and an overwhelming sense of pride, as well as the ways they drive me crazy. I'm a mom. They can do all of those things in a span of 5 minutes.
Hopefully as parents, we all understand that we are sharing what is our perspective of the situation or event. No doubt our children see things very differently. I would like to believe (perhaps naively) that the impression we leave with others is merely our impression and not that of our children. At best, the blogworld knows a version of the blogger, but merely a shadow of the world around her.
Wishing you all a day filled with sunshine and fulfillment.
Anna
Thank you for this! It's nice to have one’s feelings validated, and to know that there are other mothers out there who, although on occasion may feel that the world is crashing in around them, love their children and their families fiercely!
ReplyDeleteI think we all need a place to vent. Nobody lives a perfect life - that is part of being human. I like reading your blog because you are honest and tell the "ugly" part of life - the disappointmens and challenges. But you also share lifes celebrations and beauty. It all keeps me reading!
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend!!
Thank you Gail and Grace!!!
ReplyDeleteYou do express all the good stuff! I suppose it could be my own lack of self confidence in what the he!! I am doing that makes me conscious of what I say. And stigma others put onto issues that should be accepted and cared for just like everything else. I know I am making no sense, but let me just say I never ever meant my post to make anyone else question what they are saying on their own blogs or feel like anyone else needs to apply a filter. To be honest, I had hit a spot where I was actually feeling more support from my online friends than off and it was my way of processing that, all while knowing my real life friends read my blog.
ReplyDeleteBabbling, sorry. So glad to know you through your blog. Nicola
Oh, Nicola, you just gave me something to think about and that type of musing often leads me to write. It is tricky to know what to say and when and to whom. I am so sorry that you have felt less than supportive of your friends. That is not a fun place to be in. Judgment is rarely ever helpful. I'm really glad I've gotten to know you through your blog as well. For what it's worth I think you are a great mom!
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