Blog Strike

With the Writer's Strike coming to an end soon (that's the buzz anyway), I figured it was time to start my own. Actually my intentions aren't to try to make anyone change, or feel like they are doing something wrong. I'm just exercising my agency. Last night was a doozy. I started looking at the usual blogs I read, and I was enjoying myself. Somehow, about 20 minutes later I found myself completely unhappy, discontent, and overall just an ornery little thing. I think that blogging is a wonderful thing, and it's fun that so many people have started participating in it. I guess I'm just too insecure to go "blog hopping". I know I seem to mention this a lot, but it's because I think about it a lot. I know people who won't blog because they feel that they can't appear as fun or talented as others. I know people who blog and are so consumed with what others may think of them, that they omit things from their blogs on purpose. I also know people who write WAY too much information on a public forum, and it makes me seriously uncomfortable to read so much about their lives. And then we have the inbetweenies. I like to consider myself one of those. I hope nobody ever reads my blog and thinks "wow, she's got it made" or "if only I was more like her". Let's be honest--the very fact that I'm even considering the idea is embarrassing to me. I know I'm not icon status. I'm just doing my best to get by. In fact, I bet most of you don't know the internal challenges that pull at me every single day. I'm not trying to say that I have a harder life than anyone else, because that is completely false. I guess I just want you rest assured that I'm not trying to portray an ideal. I'm trying to portray reality. Someday I hope the two are synonymous. At this point--it's a long shot at best.

For some reason, I have developed this horrible habit of feeling like I don't measure up to everyone around me. It is something I constantly struggle with. I admit that I'm extremely frank and open about most things in my life. But when it comes to this--I hold back quite a bit. I don't like people to see this particular weakness. It's my pride. The only thing I can think to do about it, is avoid it. If an alcoholic is trying to stop drinking--they'd better stay away from the bars. If a chain smoker can't kick the habit--it'd be pretty dumb for them to have cigarettes lying around the house. If a blogger struggles to maintain a healthy sense of self-image and/or worth from looking at other blogs, that blogger needs a break. Not forever. Just until they figure things out for themselves.

To sum it up--if I don't drop by your blog every day and comment, please don't feel bad. Don't be offended if you comment on my blog, and I don't comment on yours in the next 48 hours. I really don't know who all reads this blog...and I'm actually considering taking it private. But until I decide what to do--just be patient, that's all I ask. My blogging strike begins...now.

Comments

Stephanie said…
"Dear brave Cera..." Name that movie.

Anyway- your candid honesty is refreshing. I wish I could be like that, and I'm serious. I guess I COULD... I hope you are only striking from reading other people's blogs and not from writing on your own.

Loves and Jolls.
mae said…
Its funny. I have felt the same way about visiting other peoples blogs too. Strange how something so fun can become so depressing for the rest of us normal, "boring" people.

Regardless, I love reading your blog and I'm glad I can stop in for some good ole, down to earth, RaeTime humor! Don't be gone too long!

Love ya!
Dave said…
What the crap? First, no Office, 30 Rock or Chuck, and now your blog is going on strike? What do you expect me to do with my free time? Something PRODUCTIVE???

And, sorry, but every time I read your blog I think, "if only I was more like her".

Minus the feminine pronoun, of course.
Rae,
It's no wonder you feel that way, you have like a million blogs to check! J/K, I have one person on my blog list that used to make me feel sad, or wanting more of my life, blah, etc. I still visit her blog, but I just wanted to share something with you that has helped me. In sunday school this past week we were discussing Nephi chapter 2 and although I had forgotten my scriptures, I got a lot out of the lesson. I just wanted to say that when I feel inadequate as a mother, wife, woman, I stop and try and remember my DIVINE and SACRED roles. I have a problem with not feeling good enough when my house is not clean. One time last week Kendall came home and I was so sorry that we had NO dishes to eat on I was apologizing to him, and he just looked at me blankly and said, "Honey, I would much rather come home to a happy wife than a clean house." Seriously, that one comment made me put things into perspective. Just like on the song you typed below. So when I start grieving over things I wish were different or things I wish we could buy and have (which happens frequently) I have just been remembering what Kendall said to me.

Sorry this post is so long. I love reading your blog, and I used to be sad when nobody commented on my blog (cause other people get like 10 comments per post) but I don't anymore. I blog for myself, and for my family. I blog because I look at blogs as a personal journal. Not for community entertainment, although they can be for sure! And I hope my comment on Sunday didn't make you feel bad!

I support your strike, because I want to support you. If you need anything let me know, I'm just a few doors down!!

Love ya!
Kathy said…
*raising my hand to answer steph's quote question* "Land before time"!!!!!! yesssssssssssss.

anyway - take your time rae. i'm glad you can be honest - too many people aren't - i admire you for that. come back soon :)

loves and jolls als from me :)
val said…
Enjoy the peace.
Kristen said…
Something I often remind myself of is that if "so-and-so" seems to have it all together, I'm positive they also have trials they are going through that I wouldn't want in a million years. We all have our struggles - some we're public about & some we're not. I think comparing yourself to others is something a lot of women struggle with these days. And I know you didn't post this for praise, but I think you're great Rae. You have a lot of qualities I've admired since we were in high school together. I enjoy your blog, so keep posting. I won't feel bad if you don't comment on mine. :)
Beau and Rach said…
My Grandma once told me she was sorry she learned late in life that “you shouldn’t compare your insides with everyone else’s outsides”. Such wisdom. Your life is a gift to all who know you, thanks for being such a good example!
Amy said…
K, Rae, for real, David really does wish he was more like you. As for the "she" pronoun - well, I did catch him wearing your clothing the other night... akward.
DWT said…
Hey, I think its been waaaay longer than 48 hours since you last commented on my blog - so I guess I shouldn't be upset about that either. I'll miss your funny-ness. Could you and Steph come visit again so I can get some major laughs around here? I'm sure that would help a lot with the comparison issue. It can only help to have me sitting there telling you you're the funniest ever!
Farnsworth Fam said…
If you go private will you please include us? Reading your blog helps me stay happy. It's nice to here other people struggle with the same things as myself, and your blog brings a smile to my face, or laughter to my ears.
Good Luck...
Amelia said…
Hello, blog lurker officially commenting! WJ alum, found your blog through Janet's. I love your honesty and second what everyone else has said. I love reading blogs of people in the same circumstances as me, it reminds me I'm not alone in the sleepless nights and crazy kids department. Keep it up! Amelia (Bickmore) Davies
karlin said…
Rae... you've updated a ton since I checked last. Blogging is addicting and it is easy to compare lives. I always love how real you are. Sorry to hear about your back. Back pain is the worst (I know through my husband) and FHE with little ones is impossible. I am trying but my lessons tend to be directed to my brother and sister who are older so I hope Avaree is getting something out of it... maybe just knowing that we spend time together and sing a few songs. I don't know. It's crazy. I can't get Avaree to sit still for 2 minutes unless she is watching a cartoon. Just want to let you know that I enjoy being in touch!
Kellie Glade said…
I hear ya sista! I got into the blogging thing because all of my girlfriends said it was fun, so I started one and I found myself in the same boat as you. I think I'll go back to writing in my Journal and consider deleting my blog. Family comes first and I feel that I waste too much time looking at others and comparing myself to them. Maybe blogging just isn't for me. Strike on my friend, strike on!
Kerry said…
I have had times where I've felt that way myself. I often catch myself thinking that way and then I'm mad at myself for it. I think you are so awesome for being honest about it and taking time to reflect! Good for you!