It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere. I secretly call them soul whispers.
The messages are all around us
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This is the window at the Restoration Hardware store near Madison Square Park in NYC. (And, darn it, no kick backs for saying that, giggle.)
I walked past the store a couple of weekends ago and had to time the photo just right so I was the only one in the picture. I also, honestly, had to fight the urge to strip down to my undies to take the picture. I am just not that brave. But it is where my thought went first - what a great self-portrait, is all the photographer in me could think.
This message whispered to my soul with such strength that I have been thinking about it ever since.
Come EXPOSED (but not naked)
It made me think about blogging and what I expose, what I share, and how I communicate with all of you.
I share a lot on my blog but you probably also notice that there are many things that I do not share. (no front facing photos of Superman, no picks of my extended family, my friends or their children, no rants about my day job, and my address nor my phone number are published)
As a blogger I feel that I have an obligation to share, inspire, and motivate. But, and it is a pretty big but for me, I also feel that same obligation to honor those around with me with their privacy.
This is a personal choice, one that may change over time, but for now it is where I am most comfortable.
I want you to know that you will always be given the "real" me - I honestly don't know how to be anything else and consciously choose not to figure out how to hide. When you meet me in person you will find that I am outspoken to a fault, but kind, warm and intuitive in a way that cannot be explained.
I choose to always come exposed (but not naked) to my blog, my creative journey, and to my art. I want you to know me...but some things are private - I hope you understand.
How does "come exposed (but not naked)" whisper to your soul?
Thanks for keeping your clothes on Lori! LOL!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! I have to say, stripped down would have been a great self-portrait! :)
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about my blogging--I strive to be authentic, but without sharing things that are too private, or are not mine to share. So I totally understand where you're coming from!!! Great message :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree Lori. Living in a smaller city with an uncommon name makes me even more cautious.
ReplyDeleteThis wasn't my first thought when I saw the (fantastic) image though. It actually reminded me of my feelings this morning when I decided to play along with the Poem a Day Challenge on Writer's Digest. When I thought about sharing my poems on my blog (ya know, the one where I share what I create) I became filled with total anxiety. Apparently, sharing my art is one thing but sharing my poems feels like waaaay too much exposure. (Kinda like sharing my blog with my friends and family). It's been a very interesting process.
Thanks so much for sharing your message! xx
Just having a little catch up. I am behind in the blogging world. trying to disconnect while on vacation but its HARD! Always love to read your posts though so sitting here, glass of wine in hand, enjoying...Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJulie
p.s.still havent played tag yet...am i too late?
hey girl!! GREAT post! And yes, my mind went exactly at the same place as yours re: self portrait. I actually thought, "oh wouldn't it be cool to put yourself in the photo with nothing but underwear on" ?!? But then, had i taken the pic, i would've kept my clothes on too. So i get it.
ReplyDeleteAs to blogging, yes, totally understand, totally agree. I feel the same way. When i began blogging, i was actually anxious about sharing myself. But then i reminded myself that i only share WHAT I WANT. I've had a few people (family) tell me they couldn't share what i share with everyone - and then i kinda panic & think "holy crap, what did i share that they consider so personal?" but then - again - i remind myself that what feels "personal" for one may not feel personal to me. I know my limits (as you know yours) and what I'm comfortable in sharing or not. It is a form of exposure - definitely. But it is also a form of expression, and inspiration, and motivation... and sharing with like-minded kindred spirits. So i'm totally grateful for those out there who have the same objectives as i do & who are willing to share their thoughts & ideas as well. (like you, dear Lori!)
oops... sorry i wrote a book. :-)
xoxo
Yikers! Um, would never have considered posing in my undies, but you could get away with it! But I totally get where you're coming from on the blog. Finding that balance between being authentic and giving up too much can be hard sometimes. I, too, try to be aware of what stories are mine to tell, and which would violate my family's privacy. So far they haven't voiced any displeasure with pictures of the fam....
ReplyDeleteMy favorite post so far, I love the word "honor"btw and I like that you said ,"honor those around with me with their privacy". This is a good marker to keep in mind as we navigate that world of blogging. Thank you for lovely words and thoughts about this you are so insightful.
ReplyDeleteLove ya,
oxoxoxox