It’s been a while since I’ve updated this blog. I still get tons of emails from people who want to know why I stopped writing. Many are long-time readers who love the blog and want to read more. Some are clearly new to the blog and are just curious about a specific post or topic. And, of course, there are those “other” readers who still wish to kill me or who are otherwise happy that my “sexist,” “cocky” (horrible pun definitely intended), “hateful” vitriol is out of the public eye.
THE TRUTH IS
The truth is that since mid-2010 I haven’t really felt a need to write on the blog. It isn’t that nothing of consequence has happened since my last post. In fact, some incredible things happened during the last six months or so. It’s just that I don’t run my life by internet. I never did. Long-time readers know that the focus of this blog was never to provide commentary re voluntary simplicity. This blog was never conceived as some sort of simplicity newsletter.
I started this blog to try to understand the source of overwhelming unhappiness. Somewhat surprisingly, the blog was actually instrumental in allowing me to chart a course towards a certain amount of healing and genuine understanding. But the blog itself was never the answer. It was merely a tool I used in the middle of a tempest. And it was a tool I stopped using once I got to shore.
BLOGGING REDUX
Today, for the first time in a long time, I feel like blogging. Let’s see how long that lasts.
THE TRUTH IS
The truth is that since mid-2010 I haven’t really felt a need to write on the blog. It isn’t that nothing of consequence has happened since my last post. In fact, some incredible things happened during the last six months or so. It’s just that I don’t run my life by internet. I never did. Long-time readers know that the focus of this blog was never to provide commentary re voluntary simplicity. This blog was never conceived as some sort of simplicity newsletter.
I started this blog to try to understand the source of overwhelming unhappiness. Somewhat surprisingly, the blog was actually instrumental in allowing me to chart a course towards a certain amount of healing and genuine understanding. But the blog itself was never the answer. It was merely a tool I used in the middle of a tempest. And it was a tool I stopped using once I got to shore.
BLOGGING REDUX
Today, for the first time in a long time, I feel like blogging. Let’s see how long that lasts.
Posts
22 comments:
I've been a longtime reader, but never commented. You were gone so long and I was pretty worried. Glad to see you're still alive, and continuing your journey. Best of luck to you, and an occasional update is much appreciated!
Nice to know you are doing well! I have pulled back from on-line writing as well. Life is better when in it than dreaming up blog posts. :O)
I've seen your blog for the first time tonight and can totally understand. I too used to write a blog. At first i suppose as a kind of therapy, a healing of what i'd been through the previous few years.But then i found having to blog was stressing me out and hindering my healing. It's great to hear another person say they don't live for the internet and can take it or leave it. Keep on enjoying the simple path xxx Julie
Welcome back. I just cleaned up my feeds and seems I kept yours. Wonder how many other bloggers I've disconnected who are now blogging again. :|) Life is a journey, not a destination. If you're ever in Portland again look me up. I still haven't made it to the top of Hood. :-)
Hey Jack! Glad to hear that the incredible is still there.
I'm glad I didn't delete your blog ... hoping you would be back! ;)
Just an ever now and then post would be great... to know you're still on your journey.... great reading.
First time to comment..
Jack
I seem to have the same reaction as those who have commented so far.
Didn't feel that you had an obligation to keep blogging. It's just that when you write such a personal blog you make some level of connection with many of the people who read your thoughts on line. Just wanted to know that you were okay.
That's a good point: if you were using the blog as a tool to complete your journey, then it's no longer necessary once you reach your destination. Also, I suppose blasting on the Internet isn't exactly "simplicity".
I think what had everyone so concerned, though, was the suddeness of your departure, with no real explanation. We're strangers on the Internet, so it's not like you owe us a damn thing, but like Weston said, when you write such a personal blog, and your readers become a part of the conversation, a personal connection is developed, even though none of us has ever met.
I don't think anyone took it personally, though. They were just concerned. I'm glad to hear everything is going well for you.
You forgot "narcissistic".
Wow it has been forever, welcome back!
I have always enjoyed your blog. I can completely understand the need to get away from the internet, or at the very least not feeling the need to write. I have a couple of blogs myself, but I dont update the, very frequently, nor do I have more than a few followers...its more for just myself to write..you just do what you need to do for yourself. :)
Strangely enough, I put a new post on my own blog after a few weeks of nothing. Like you, it's not that there weren't things going on, but I was (and am) too busy to get to it sometimes. I decided to follow your blog because I enjoyed your writing, and like a train wreck, I couldn't keep away. Even though your followers enjoy your blog, you aren't obligated. Just live, Jack. Be happy.
Welcome back, Jack. I hope you still remain inspired to write on your blog. Any bike trips planned for the upcoming year?
Nancy
Jack,
You are an inspiration to me. Thank you for creating this Blog.
Well, I just found your little corner of the web today, so I missed all the worry about you being absent... But, I hear you, ebbs & flows...the desire to blog.
Last year, I went on the road twice, month long adventures, and I didn't miss being online at all.
It's here in the house, so it's easy to walk by and want to connect with others who exist between my kitchen and my hallway (where the desk sits) I could take it or leave it, either way.
Nice to meet you, Jack.
@Kimberly,
Thanks. I think you are right. If it happens again, I will be sure to do so.
@Heather’s…
That’s definitely one way to look at it. Thanks for the comment.
@Anon,
There is an element of stress and frustration. I think the way I dealt with it was to not focus on having to write in the blog. I would only write if I felt the need to.
@Bon vivant,
Sounds like a plan! Good to hear from you again.
@Jerry,
Always good to hear from you, one of my oldest readers. Hope all is well with you.
@Carolyn,
Thanks for YOUR comment. And yes, promise to do a status post whenever I take a break.
@Weston,
As I said above, I think you have a point. I will keep it in mind in the future. And yes, things are fine on my end. Sorry for not updating.
@Fonk,
Thanks man. And as I said above, I totally get it. Frankly, I didn’t really think about it until some of the comments made me pause. Will be more conscious of this stuff in the future.
@Jung,
Yeah, I guess I did.
@Penny Lane,
Thanks! Glad to be back.
@WyldeSage,
Thanks for the kind words. And for your comment in general.
@Three Hundred
“Be happy”
That’s damn right.
@Browneyedgirl,
Nothing on the horizon right now. But just you wait…
@Anon,
Thanks. Appreciate the kind words.
@Cam LaBelle,
Nice to meet you as well. And don’t be a stranger. Any adventurer is a friend of mine.
I just read my Google Reader today for the first time in nearly a year. What a great surprise to see you're back.
I've been blogging on and off for several years. I do it for me. I completely get it.
I started blogging this week; and remembered your blog; and did hop on yesterday and today.
I have ten days off from work; and more time to thing with the Spring Weather; writing sort of make me formulate plans or see things that were a bit scrambled in my head.
Best to you always jack..
Betty Ann
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