I’ll admit that I don’t always like hearing about other dreams. But, bear with me, because I promise I’m going somewhere with it!
In this recent dream, I was back in high school and competing in a speech tournament. While walking somewhere, I noticed three popular girls from my school just ahead of me. I hollered up to them, asking them to wait up. They looked at me — but then turned back around and kept going.
Even in that dream, I felt self-conscious and awkward.
The next morning, I thought about the dream and the times I have actually felt that way…
My first day of high school, when my friend and I could only find a table in the center of the aisle.
My first day at my new school in Nebraska, when I asked an older girl I had one history class with if I could sit with her — and her friend laughed.
And, a few different encounters (or lack thereof) with “big bloggers.”
Then, I started thinking about how sad it is that I still feel self-conscious and awkward because of a community that I willingly participate in. So, rather than just dealing with it because of the prevalent upsides of blogging, I’m aiming higher. Here’s how I’m seeking to improve my own experience with blogging and your experience as a reader of Pursuit of Healthfulness.
be a better blogger
This is where it all starts: I need to treat others as I want to be treated. I like to think of myself as a caring, responsive and conscientious blogger — but saying that’s always true would just be ignorant. The truth is, I’m not always the best at responding to comments or sharing other bloggers’ best posts.
It’s easy for me to write it off as, “What does my opinion matter?”
But, chances are that if you’re reading my blog and taking the time to comment, my response is going to mean something. (At least, that’s how I feel when I get blogger’s return comments!) And, who doesn’t like a little extra publicity for her post with a social media post?
don’t take things so personally
As a sensitive person, I sometimes have trouble realizing that if someone doesn’t reciprocate a message/comment/tweet, it’s (likely) not because of maliciousness. It’s probably just because of the million other things that she has going on in her own life — and who can’t relate to that?
So, I’m vowing to keep things in perspective. If someone doesn’t reply to a comment or doesn’t follow me back on Twitter, it’s likely because of a reason totally unrelated to me and my own worth.
focus on quality, not quantity of blog friends
Just as in high school, one of the best ways to survive the trials and tribulations of blogging is by leaning on a few good friends.
The very best way is to meet up in person. I’ve had fun getting together with both Natalie from Follow My Fitsteps and Stacie from The Daily Diva. I’m also pumped to get together with Alyx from Every Day is a New Adventure and Alana from Mrs. Alana’s Miscellany back in Nebraska soon!
I’m fortunate because those girls live close. But, it’s also cool to connect with women from all over the country.
That’s what’s cool about blogging.
