i think, overall, it wouldn't be a stretch to classify myself as an "over-sharer". i'm a complete verbal processor, and it helps me in nearly ever circumstance to share and talk through things. i started therapy recently, and i've felt compelled on and off to start a separate blog-type space to write candidly about what that experience has been like and process through what i'm learning and realizing. i planned to make it a private site and to only give the password to a few people whose opinions and insight i would want on what therapy is bringing out and helping to shift in me. i've gone back and forth about it, and after journaling some last night, started thinking about the possibility again. after i had drawn my token line to put an end to my entry for the night, i tangibly felt a pull inside to remember that some things aren't meant for the masses [or even a select few].. i sat for awhile reflecting on just how often i experience, write, think, pray, see, or do something and automatically think, "who can i share this with?". maybe i don't always think those exact words, but at some point, i very likely end up uploading, status updating, or blog writing about whatever it was. i do believe there is great joy and benefit from having communal experiences, sharpening and challenging others based on our own realizations or bringing others a little joy by posting a super cute picture of our kid-- but, i also think that there are times when feeling a need to let others in on what is happening within myself, or between me and a select few, keeps me from just enjoying whatever that thing is for what it is. why does it sometimes seem like it's more, or only, enriched if others get to see, share in, learn from, or give feedback about it? in a age when facebook shows everyone just how many "friends" we have, foursquare lets everyone know just where we are, twitter lets everyone know just what we're doing, and blogs let everyone know just what we're thinking, i'm going to start doing a better job of reminding myself that..
5 comments:
great post, alinna. that is such an excellent statement to make in this world of "everybody needs to know everything".
thanks for the thoughts this morning!
alinna, i was struggling with that same thought just last night. i find myself needing to validate the things that i do by having OTHERS validate them. as though the experience itself was not enough. and i'm realizing that sometimes i'm not even really present in the moment, which is so disappointing! maybe it comes from being insecure (as i am) or maybe because i don't interact with a lot of people during the day (when I work, it's only with children) but i find myself craving the praise of others so badly.
okay, i guess I'M the oversharer now, but at least you know you are not alone in wrestling with this, my sistah
this is not exactly the same issue, but still good to ponder... http://steppingintowonder.com/how-to-be-content-and-not-compare-yourself-to-others/ i went to school with Karl who writes this blog and he's got some great articles that you might like.
great great post! I can't agree more on so many accounts. I do agree community is so important but I think evaluating why we feel the need to share certain things with others is so important. What are we possibly trying to gain or validate by doing it. Enjoy your thoughts and it makes me miss you more knowing you are moving soon!
I'm so glad therapy is a good experience for you :) Remember, however you decide to process, be it with people or without, just remember that processing through things is healthy and wonderful and there isn't a right way or a wrong way to do it. Every single one of us is different. What I need might be completely different from what you need. I say go with your gut. If you want to keep some thoughts private, do it. If you don't, then share. Trust yourself and keep processing. I love you so much :)
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