Everyone Has an Opinion…Including Me
A year ago, when I decided to write a blog, I knew the only kind of writing that interested me was an honest sharing of experiences delivered from my gut. My website clearly states on the home page, “Life Stores. Real. Fresh. Honest. Truth.” And this is what I aim to deliver. My anecdotes aren’t tied in a neat bow, but articles about a perfect life are not my objective. I intentionally expose my life, sharing my honest feelings and experiences, knowing that reactions will range from undying support to outrage. Living a full life consists of experiencing every emotion including sadness, anger, happiness, grief, confusion, disgust, and joy, and this is what drives me to share what’s stirring in my brain.
Comments about my blog all circle back to me one way or another, and I’ve been thinking about how these remarks provoke feelings inside me. I’ve been called a role model, a bitter woman, brave, and I’ve been asked when my “angry blogs” will end. I’ve been thanked for making people feel seen, and understood when they felt alone, and I’ve even heard someone comment that my blog is merely a weekly “rant.” Ultimately, my blog is a forum where I share my experiences, inviting readers to identify with their own similar situations and emotions. Those who have lived through any hard knock in life appreciate my intentions. I unmask topics and emotions that most are afraid to admit publicly, and I understand there is some discomfort for readers, but my goal is for someone to find comfort in my words knowing that someone in the world has shared their experiences and feelings. I’m intentionally revealing my raw emotion and open the door for dialogue and inner thought.
Despite my varied blog topics, entries that expose any anger seem to trigger the most whispering. At first when the commentary made it back to me, my defenses rose, and I began an internal debate justifying my blog topics. I defended myself and my inside voice began stammering, ‘I write about joy! I write about humorous experiences! I contemplate love and growth! I write about friendships!’ I then became frustrated how women are immediately labeled “bitter” when they display anger even if they are profoundly wronged and bravely speak about it, yet if a man were cheated on, lied to, humiliated, stolen from, and delinquent on payments, “bitter” would certainly not be the adjective used to describe his behavior. He would be seen as strong and justified. When my mind quieted, I was able to interpret the feedback through another lens. All human beings are entitled to be angry, sad, or happy in reaction to situations they find themselves in, and I am not unique. The noteworthy difference is that I am exposing my thoughts and experiences in black-and-white on a public page, bearing my soul for readers to scrutinize or applaud. Some appreciate it, some relate to it, some object to it, and some just like to make fun of it. Whatever the reaction, if I’m getting people reading and talking, I’ve done my job.