Last Thursday I blogged like nobody was reading deciding to take part in the challenge over at Agent Mystery Case and I can’t believe the amazing response I have had to that post or the transformation that has taken place on my own perspective regarding my space here.
Thanks to all who visited my humble little internet home and/or left such lovely thoughts and words behind. I’ve been pleasantly overwhelmed.
Seems I’m not so alone after all when it comes to having a Doubt Monster on my shoulder scoffing most viciously in my ear degrading untruths that potentially may inhibit me from following my truths. I was very pleased to hear how many of you push on regardless no matter how loud he may protest. He gets around that pesky little Doubt Monster!
I found much strength from your sharing. Thank you!
Reflecting upon the whole exercise and inspiring conversations that have been taking place in the group who participated, I don’t think I could sum up the challenge or its effect on me with any wiser more meaningful words than Angie from The Little Mumma. Her words have spoken to me so profoundly.
If I was Marie Forleo from Marie TV I’d be introducing these quotes as a tweetable y’all.
“The amazing thing about telling your truth is that it opens up a space for others to tell theirs.”
And this gem…
“You’ll be amazed at the way the things that scare us most to admit are the things that bind us most meaningfully to others.”
Powerful words from Angie, yeah?!
(Angie also has one of the best About pages I’ve ever read. Check it out here.)
This exercise has had such a liberating effect on me at a time when I needed it the most. I was seriously considering silently fading off into the obscure outer layer of the blogging vortex, where I suspect many a doubting, self-questioning bloggy soul has gone before me; I have an understanding of the thoughts that may lead one to follow that light!
So I will take up the challenge that Kate over at From Katie to Kate left for me; Write for yourself… but I’m going to take it one step further and also write for you… you, who may be searching for souls at 2 o’clock in the morning who have the wobbly courage to ‘tell it like it is’… you, who may need to find validation and acknowledgement from what you masterly veil from others… you, who may need to find strength in the layers of others genuine truths; for I have been you and still are you.
Thanks to the validating truth of others I am now a searcher and a storyteller. Others sharing pieces of themselves really did open up the space for me to share pieces of myself… and I feel connected and indebted to each and every one of them for how they have enriched and changed my life.
And my Doubt Monster?
Well, he’s sitting on my shoulder with his arms crossed in a rite indignant huff with an old stripey sock shoved firmly in his mouth. I did take a little pity on him… it may be an old sock but it’s clean and not smelly… well, maybe just a little musty.
Until next time… stay true to you now,
Sandra
How do you hush your doubt monster?
If you would like to read some really honest posts written by some really lovely bloggers pop on over to Kirsty’s site at My Home Truths (who was kind enough to hold the link up) and be touched by their genuine heartfelt sharing.
Linking with the Weekend Rewind crew Bron’s blog (Maxabella Loves), Kelly’s (at A Life Less Frantic ) and Sonia (at Life Love and Hiccups)
If this is the only thing to come out of our first Blog Exchange challenge and the group as a whole, I’m already impressed.
I too have had a bit of a blogging rethink and refresh. Not something I would have thought I needed when I first launched the initiative but I too let that doubt monster in which had me questioning why I was in the blogging arena at all this past week. Pleased to say I’ve come out the other side with a new set of blogging eyes and a big part of that was the ‘Blog like there’s nobody reading’ posts, that really resonated with me on so many levels.
Thanks for taking part and for being a big part of our Blog Exchange community.
Oh Raychael, thank you so much for your encourging words. This has been a really insightful challenge to be a part of and I have enjoyed taking part and connecting with everyone. I’m very pleased to hear that you yourself have gained some unexpected but most welcomed new found clarity. It never ceases to amaze me the things that can happen when a group of like minded people come together. Thanks for popping over Raychael and of course for creating the opportunity to ‘blog like nobody is reading’. 🙂 Xx
Thanks Sandra. The experience is one that has me considering the direction of my blog- even though my blog is intended to be directionless…but you get the idea. And you’re right- that is one of the best about me pages I’ve read too…
Love Angie’s about page. It sounds like many of us are looking at our internet homes from a different angle and maybe for some of us it is igniting renewed passion. Thanks for stopping by Jo 🙂 Xx
Good to hear. We are too quick to jump on inner criticism. We need to see ourselves clearer.
It’s often very creative to look at things from within a different perspective I believe. Thanks for popping over Lydia 🙂 Xx
The amount of times I have let my Doubt Monster nearly convince me to just shut up shop on my blog… then something will happen; I’ll get a message from someone, or a comment on a post and I’ll remember why I write again. Am really looking forward to reading more from you writing for you. (that’s a bit of a tongue twister!) xx
I’m glad you keep receiving those signs posts to continue on Jane. Let’s keep going! I’m looking forward to reading more from you too. Thank you for stopping by 🙂 Xx
Love this. I’ll never understand why talented and awesome people walk around doubting themselves while people who are gigantic asshats roam the Earth completely unconcerned that they’re asshats. One of the great mysteries of life! I’m glad you’ve silenced your doubt monster a little with your sock. That image has me chuckling. xo
Oh I just love your comment. Asshats ha ha! Maybe all the self-doubters care too much about their impact on others which over compensates for all the asshats who don’t give a shit! Hmmm… maybe! Thanks so much for stopping by Ness 🙂 Xx
Oh, I just love these 2 comments above, SO true
what a wonderful, thing to learn from blogging,
you know… your comment to “just breathe” when we started our move still sounds in my head.
I read stuff like this to hush my doubt monster. Thank you lovely lady. x
Too kind Sarah! Mwah! Xx 🙂
I LOVE that you gave the Doubt Monster the “what for” – it should have been a smelly sock Sandra, that would have really “socked it” to him (sorry, I couldn’t resist) x
Ha ha Kirsty, I’ve saved the rotten ones for when he re-surfaces! Thanks for popping over 🙂 Xx
Love the ‘doubt monster’ phrase. I call my inner critic ‘Myra’ after a crotchety old aunt in an attempt to silence her but I’m not always successful.
And you’re so right – about the impact being authentic and honest has on others. I’ve really enjoyed the Blog Exchange challenge for that reason. It was almost like getting permission to write something I needed to write, but was afraid to write.
Yes, it did feel a little like permission to write! I hope we all continue to give ourselves permission to write from deep withing our hearts when we feel the need, without letting the Doubt Monster or fear of judgement stand in our way. Thanks for stopping by Deb 🙂 Xx
I have some extra smelly socks I can send your way for that doubt monster… you just say the word! I love this realisation you have had and it is so spot on. I know when I have opened up and spoken from the heart, others have done so in return and that just makes my heart sing that people can connect over the things that we usually work so hard to keep buried. I’m all for digging them up and sharing now. Now remember socks.. word 😉 xx
Your Peeling Back the Layers series had a profound effect on me Sonia. So honest and courageous. It has really inspired me to do the same… it’s still a work in progress. And if I need more socks you are my go to girl 🙂 Xx Thanks for stopping by Son. x
Oh Doubt Monster, thinks he ‘s got the smarts, but he’s just like Santa, visits everyone! 🙂
I hadn’t thought of it that way Majella. He does seem to pay everyone a visit from time to time. Thanks for dropping in 🙂 Xx
It’s my first time on your blog so what wonderful timing. I love that opening yourself up a bit has given you confidence to do it more. That pesky doubt monster sure does get around though – good on you for putting a sock in it!
Hi there Vicki! I’m quite amazed at my shift in perspective by doing this challenge… I like it! Thank you so much for stopping by 🙂 Xx
You always get straight to the heart of the matter. I had an awful doubt filled week – convinced myself I was no talent loser
Ah sorry – kids and phones 🙂 anyways, my husband ended up talking some sense into me but that doubt monster is a persistent beast. So glad you have found a way to silence yours. Xxx
I only used one sock out of the pair… I can post you the other!!! I totally love what you are doing over at The Mummy and The Minx Robyna (go check it out people). Find a smelly sock for that Doubt Monster and let him have it. Keep going Robyna… your words are beautiful and meaningful… your site is beautiful… you are beautiful. 🙂 Xx
Oh Sandra, I am so glad you have taken up my challenge and love the way you have taken it further. I look forward to reading what you do write for you, your reader and you, yourself, I am relieved to see that you are now encouraged to continue with your courageous storytelling, rather than fade away.
Thank you so much for your kind words kate and your comment that really got me thinking about direction. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving your words of wisdom here 🙂 Xx
This is awesome: “The amazing thing about telling your truth is that it opens up a space for others to tell theirs.” Are those Angie’s words?
Yes they sure are Angie’s words Kelly! I’ll edit to make that clearer but isn’t that quote one huge nugget of gold? I love it! Xx
I love that quote, “the amazing thing about telling your truth is that it opens up a space for others to tell theirs.” Doubt monster be gone! Just keep telling your truth, ok?! Your words matter x