One of my plans (I prefer that word to resolutions … a plan is something that is going to get done, right?) for 2014 is to blog at least once per week. Since January 1st, I’ve been reflecting on why I haven’t done it in so long and have come to realize that it’s because of that other 4-letter F-word … FEAR!
Along with my big desire to live a positive and drama-free life, comes a big fear of reading negative comments about what I write.
Serendipitously, my Facebook newsfeed was filled with quotes about that other 4-letter F-word this morning — the day I decided to write about it!
Amy shared: “Facing your fears robs them of their power.” ~ Mark Burnett
Sue said: “Courage is one step ahead of fear.”
Heshie noted: “Courage adds dimension to your life.”
Eve wrote: “Fear fuels me!”
Maryellen posted: “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” ~ George Addair
And … one of the 12 Gratitude Habits I created for Gratitude Boot Camp is Facing Your Fears.
So, here I come 4-letter F-word!
When I first started to blog years ago, I was taken aback by the negative comments that would come — always from anonymous posters. So, I stopped writing on-line. But, I stayed on-line. And, the attacks seem to have gotten worse. I’m always amazed and astonished at what, and who, people will lash out at in mean, and often downright evil, ways…
The 3 girls who were held captive, and tortured, for over 10 years in Ohio were called horrible names when they ventured out of their homes a short time after their release. The news of teenagers committing suicide, after being cyber-bullied, has become an all-too-frequent headline. And, already this year, a young girl was told to “go kill herself” because she tweeted that the earth was 2014 years old on New Year’s Day (whether she was kidding or mistaken, is telling her to go kill herself really necessary?).
Even the people you friend on Facebook can surprise you sometimes with what they write. Thankfully, Facebook affords you the ability to connect with positive people and the power to unfriend someone, if they do write negative or mean comments on your posts.
So, while I’m not ready to go out and hold a snake, I am ready to face that other 4-letter F-word when it comes to blogging. I will write every week, from now on. If someone says something mean or negative … I’ll read it, remind myself it’s their issue, say a prayer for them, and gladly delete their post. After all, I’m grateful my life is happy and I’m not afraid to keep it that way!
Sandy Speaks... 