Now you sometimes wonder, "He says that he shares these thoughts for himself, why is it necessary then for him to publicly post a blog smack in the heart of the internet, and post it on his facebook, and etc. etc. etc.? Can't he just simply think his own thoughts in the privacy of his own mind, and leave the rest of the innocent cyberspace users alone?" Well, I have definitely thought about that in the past, I've wondered why so many people waste so much time talking about who knows what on their facebook status, or why it is that when you decide something, or create a new thought, or set a new goal that we feel the insatiable desire to log in, and share with 1,000 people these thoughts, desires, and dreams? I think we are more than aware that 975 of those 1,000 don't care about the 10 pounds you dream of losing, or the quote from a man deceased for over 200 years, or anything else you could possibly concoct in the deepest depths of your free thinking spirit and soul. I've found it an interesting topic as i've reflected on the motive that makes up these posts i've considered several possibilities, most of which I feel are true contributors to one of the most trendy actions that possess this generation.
I could never begin to claim to understand why people post things, or what their motives in doing so are. I could ever only begin to express why I post things, and although I am perhaps a little odd, and maybe not the average poster, I do believe that some of my desires for posting things are shared by at least some of the general public. I'd like to examine for a minute why I share with the world these thoughts, why I've ever posted anything on Facebook, and I suppose why this Blog has come into existence.
My insatiable desire to be loved-
I believe with all my heart that an innate and natural characteristic implanted within all of us by a Divine creator is the insatiable desire to be loved. To feel that other beings care about you, will protect you, and will consider your well being. "You're nobody til somebody loves you", "Love is like oxygen" "All you need is love" "Yea it is the love of God... The most desirable above all things... yea, and the mos joyous to the soul." I believe fully in all of these popular sayings, and because all of them are true, here are some of the posts and tactics I've used to receive this love.
- On hard days I've posted my trials so that I might evoke the empathy of my Facebook friends, that I might draw love out of them for my own personal use, and consumption. Times that I've done this I've drawn some comfort, but not much, and I've felt some love, but not much. I'd like to talk more about love in another post, but for now I'll continue. This I feel has been my cheapest way of seeking love, love created through pity I feel is the least rewarding, and satisfying, and can often bring no love at all, and leave you really down.
- At other times I have sought to feed my ego. Ego is a tricky item, that is deadly if not monitored or properly maintained. It's a very hungry entity, that feed mainly on love, and recognition. If there was ever a way to kill love, or compassion, and suck feelings of admiration out of a room it is by an ego with a healthy appetite. I am definitely guilty of posting things in order to gain recognition, in order to make people think that I was funny, or that I was witty, or that I was deep, or sensitive.
My desire to give love, and in return receive love.
In my opinion the healthiest, and most effective way of meeting our human need for love is by abundantly giving it. As we express our love our experience disseminating it in turns increases our depth of understanding concerning the topic in general. It's like the old adage that mentions the best learning method is teaching, I can't tell it to you off the top of my head, and I'm too lazy to move my mouse over to Google so I'll keep going, you know what I'm talking about. :) When we explain our love, and express our love we begin what has caused that love within us, and our ability to see what would then in turn be the most adequate way of receiving love increases! Also, an interesting insight is that it is often the giving of love that turns out to be the most lovable characteristic of all! Another thing I'd like to mention is that loving is a skill, a gift, and a treasure that must be practiced, consciously sought after, and found. It's something that like piano playing, or dancing, or football throwing improves the more you do it. I also mention, that one of the most endearing, and worthwhile saving graces of Facebook is that I observe a healthy dose, and many opportunities seized to express love, and receive love in a healthy way. That is a great thing my friends, truly great.
The power of public affirmation of your thoughts, and words
Another reason that I've posted is to simply validate my thoughts, and dreams. I am at times so unsure of my thoughts, so unsure of my pursuits, so unsure of whether I'm no the right mental, and life path that I need affirmation. An easy way to get it is to appeal to the Facebook masses by posting these thoughts and gauging the response. It's a non threatening environment in which I can measure the masses acceptance of my mind. It's incredible how non threatening it actually is considering the fact that you are sharing what you think with thousands of people... It's kind of like this I suppose... You are naked in the middle of time square alone... really awkward. You are in the middle of time square and everyone is naked... awesome! This is a common practice of mine, to take a thought I am unsure of and put it up to a Facebook vote. A vote in which no one really knows that they are participating in, however that little "Like" button determines more than we know.
The power of personal affirmation when publicly posted
There is something powerful about posting something publicly that really helps your own thoughts, it kind of rallies you to actually achieve what you've dreamed. It's a public verbalization. In a way it's a sort of accountability tactic. You've declared to everyone that the game is on, that you've cast the die. It makes it somewhat official, and somewhat empowering that you've actually gone public with it. I suppose this is the main of all reasons that I post things online. I like when things are official, I like when I am held accountable, and I feel that publicly announcing things creates both of these qualities.
Essentially all of those reasons make up the motives for this blog, It's a search for love, it at times will probably be a search for pity, it's got a little or a lot of ego mixed in, and at times I will share my love for those whom I love truly, and the things even that I really love. But most of all, I need an outlet to focus my thoughts, and share my ideals mainly with myself, but have them publicly and officially announced as well. :) anyways, til next time.
I've learned more about you in these couple of blog posts then I ever learned watching you. That's the amazing thing, Sometimes we look at a situation and think we know or understand someone when in all actually we don't have a clue to the depth or degree that person really is...behind that boyish flirty charms is a young man who is wise beyond his years...I'm glad that you've decided to do this blog. I'm glad that my misconception of you has been changed. Not that my opinion matters! =)
ReplyDeleteWith that said, to me Facebook is so superficial, whereas blogs give you a totally different perspective into ones soul and beliefs. There is substance in a blog that you can't get with Facebook! Also Facebook is social whereas blogs are for the individual....it's the place that I've found I can be totally honest, because it's not for anyone else but me, it's as you said a way to gage growth and accountability. It's also wonderful to see growth as gospel principles are lived and your testimony grows. Take Care Robert, and be safe!