Tags
blog, blogging, catharsis, excuses, health, journalling, Mental Health
I unexpectedly did a little personal experiment. I haven’t written in my online journal (ie blog) for 1 week now and I notice the difference – in a negative way. It’s not that I had nothing to write about, because there’s always something going on. In this case, the primary reason is probably that I have not created the designated time, set aside for this personal writing. I am sure this is a common problem, which can delay or even derail the many benefits that blogging may provide. This is the same for any new health promoting activity, such as exercise or meditation. Critical tip to self (and anyone else who’s reading) – set a fixed time for blogging, while allowing for some flexibility.
Here’s the really interesting thing. During this week of ‘fasting’ from blogging, I found myself coming up with justifications for why I haven’t been writing (I am wondering what misguided excuses others might have – please share in comments)
-
I have nothing interesting to share in the blogosphere – don’t want to bore everyone with my bullshit
-
I don’t like the pressure of having to create something – mental laziness
-
Am I getting addicted to blogging? – maybe it’s not good for me
-
I don’t have enough time for everything I am currently doing, even without blogging – too busy with real life
In writing this post, I discovered others who also explored a very similar list of stupid reasons people don’t blog. While this author had his own reasons why these reasons are lies, my perspective is more about clarifying the goal of the blogging experience.
Once someone decides that their primary goal in blogging is to experience psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions (ie catharsis), then most of these excuses become irrelevant. Blogging is healthy. If it becomes addicting, like some people get addicted to running, then great. Finally, another healthy addiction. Don’t have time – make time. Lazy – just start… one key at a T-I-M-E! LOL
Whoa – I feel so much better already! I can’t wait till my next writing session, for this week’s Funny Friday.
nintschgo said:
Well, first of all, I get what you mean and we all have been finding excuses not to do things of which we know that they’re good for us.
But: If I force myself to do something (even if it’s something I like, for example blogging), I won’t benefit from it. Just like I don’t feel well when I go running although I don’t want to, these things tend to become just another obligation and that’s not what they’re supposed to be. If I have something to write about- great. If I don’t – okay as well…
Also: Addictions (and I mean real addictions) can never be healthy 😉
But back to your question: My stupid excuses for not doing what I should are similar to yours, in addition I can offer:
* Maybe I’l offend someone with what I write…
* Maybe I should save up some topics in case I don’t have anything to blog about later
…
Anyway, keep going 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
bittersweet1976 said:
Thanks for your comment – I fully relate to your concern that activities like these don’t “become just another obligation”, but if they are truely good for us, and we consciously feel it, then maybe it’s not a bad thing to push ourselves to keep up with it. Having a break, sounds reasonable…
I guess I am wondering – if we write anything, ramblings, poetry, or simply play some sort of word association, EVEN WHEN WE DON’T FEEL LIKE IT, maybe it can still be beneficial for our emotional health?
LikeLike
nintschgo said:
I agree, having some…discipline or whatever we could call it is a good thing as long as it doesn’t turn into pressure.
And I can’t really anwer your question because I can only write when I feel something, a topic comes up, I write about it. If I feel great I can’t write about sadness in that moment and the other way round. So maybe it would be a good thing but I don’t know how to do it…
LikeLike
Just Plain Ol' Vic said:
Even if you are not inspired to write anything, perhaps reading other posts first will help?
Another thing that helps is participating in prompts: writing, quotes or photo prompts.
Hope this helps!
LikeLiked by 1 person
bittersweet1976 said:
Thanks Vic. Great suggestions.
I guess writing when ‘uninspired’ may be one of the greatest blogging challenges. Another option could be to write about the feeling of not being inspired, which may ironically lead to inspiration.
My theory at the moment is that the act of writing may be the most important step… the rest will hopefully follow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just Plain Ol' Vic said:
Once the fingers start to dance and the keys…magic can happen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
dray0308 said:
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often and commented:
This is Dialogueftdepths!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
bittersweet1976 said:
Hey Danny,
Thanks for the reblog – your blog is great!
Take care
LikeLiked by 1 person
dray0308 said:
You are welcome! I appreciate you reading!
LikeLike
jacquelineobyikocha said:
I think I have used all these manners of dodgery myself 😄😄
LikeLike
Fitcoach99 said:
You are correct, this applies to a lot of things. If you want consistency in anything it requires planning, priority, and execution. If you don’t plan or it’s not a priority it’s not going to happen. Good reminder!
LikeLike
Pingback: No More Urgently….Bridegroom Wanted… | a cooking pot and twistedtales
Pingback: New year, New WordPress Username | dialogueftdepths
Pingback: The Blogger Recognition Award | Dialogue from the Depths