February 24, 1998
A note passed in the hallway to whoever…
I know that our notes are not a diary, but I have so gossip to share and you have to promise that YOU WON’T TELL ANYONE. I promised her that I wouldn’t tell anyone, but I have to tell someone…so I’ve decided to tell you. I’ve always been a trustworthy friend, right? Well, the only person’s secrets that I have trouble keeping are my own. Because my secrets are too good not to share. I also have trouble keeping Rachel’s, Elisa’s, Emily’s, and Stephie’s secrets…those are also good ones. I know that there’s a good chance that Mr. Blunt will see you reading this in algebra…that he’ll take it away, give you detention, and read all the dirty details for himself. But that doesn’t matter because you need to know this gossip. I’m worried that if I didn’t tell you, someone else would first. If I didn’t write you this note, you would go on thinking that I had kept this big secret from you. You would know that I was lying by holding it in. You would always wonder what I was thinking. So don’t tell anyone, but let me tell you.
July 6, 2012
So, I guess I’m a lifestyle blogger, right? I have no idea what blogging box I fit into, but I do know that sometimes I want to immaturely use this as a platform for sharing my every inner-thought.
The expectation of the blogger is to be honest. The more honest, the more people read. I totally get that! You are a busy guy, and I don’t want to waste your valuable time with in-authenticity. That being said, there is a fine line that I, as all bloggers do, have to be careful about crossing. My co-workers read this, so it’s probably not appropriate to publicly make fun of my boss or talk about how I steal office supplies. My family reads this, so I don’t intend to share intimate details of my dating life. (In fact, my older brother refuses to read my blog because he claims it may be too personal. Luckily, I can now tell the entire world wide web that he smells bad without him ever knowing.)
Sometimes I want to write, “Hey ex-boyfriend! I miss you!” or “Hey there friend, you’ve hurt me!” But for me, at least, the blog is the not the place. We have to understand the value of a diary and the difference between personal writing for ourselves and personal writing for others. We also have to understand the incredible value of mature conversation. I am horrible at confrontation, but sometimes you have to suck it up and say the things you’re thinking. I am better off every time I take that chance.
Earlier this week, everyone celebrated the 4th of July. As I watched the fireworks and ate delicious flag cake with my friends, I felt pretty moved. The fireworks are so ceremonial, and they asked me to reflect. So much has happened in the last year, probably most importantly, starting this blog. Although this is not my diary, I’ve learned a great deal about myself through puberty take two. I know that I have a lot more learning to do, still, and I feel fortunate to have this community by my side. Thanks for reading about my insecurities, triumphs, stories from the past, and hope for the future. I could do this without you, but it wouldn’t be nearly as fun.
How do you let out your inner-thoughts? Do you confide in trusted friends, spread your gossip like wildfire, or hold it all in until you explode? What do you people do if you don’t’ have a blog?
Colleen, we are extroverts and we think out
loud not always editing before we speak. But you do very thoughtfully edit puberty take two
like unfolding chapters in a book. And thanks
for not over sharing. Confess the secret details
to your friends not your mom! But if you watch
Zach’s movies, he should read your blog.
Don’t worry, Mom– keeping it clean for you. And YES, you should force Zach to read this!
How do I let out my inner thoughts? I over share to good girlfriends like you
I’m so glad you do, Tera! We’re both pretty awesome at over-analyzing.
With blogging, there definitely is a fine line between over sharing (especially about work related things) and keeping things interesting. I changed my post about what I do for work because I realized that you can see it when you google my name (my dad pointed this out)! I think you keep things interesting and appropriate
Yeah, if someone is googling you and they find something non-lady like, you’re in trouble. In terms of work stuff, I try to be honest but restrained. Especially serving in the external facing role that I do, I have to always be aware!