Hello out there. Wow, there are a lot of you. And you certainly are an attractive, well spoken bunch. I suppose, by now, you’ve gathered that I started this blog on Monday. On Wednesday morning, I hit “publish” on my second entry and, over the next few hours, I watched as thousands of you poured in, many of you stopping long enough to say “Hello, you can see what’s inside my head, your pig is cute, congratulations.” For someone who doesn’t advocate fairy tales, I sure feel like the girl who stumbled into the glass slipper.
In case any of you out there are wondering what it means to be freshly pressed, it looks like this: 20,043 views from 124 countries, over 48 hours. Those are the numbers. Here’s the rest: I’ve had visitors from Micronesia and Zimbabwe, Bosnia and Brazil. Some of you have shared very personal stories about infertility, divorce, ill health, career struggles, and your desire and constant battle to have it all. One of you even shared a poem. It was about zombies, but I got it. If the internet’s downside is that it’s zapping our attention spans and turning us into information junkies, its very elegant upside is that it is able to connect people across great distances and cultures. This has never been as apparent to me as it has over the past couple of days.
What I’ve learned is that Wednesday’s blog post wasn’t about me. It was about all of us. And now you have added your voice to what appears to be a very universal topic. We’re all struggling, in one way or another. Day after day, we walk around, ignoring the fact that the people milling around us are also dealing with insecurities and impossible choices. How many times have I gotten annoyed with a rude cashier, an irritable co-worker, or an angsty acquaintance? The natural inclination to view our interactions through a micro-lens of self absorption is tempting. We’re so entrenched in the details of our own lives that we rarely stop to consider that someone else might be having a very bad day, or a very bad year, for that matter. And doesn’t that lighten the load a little, to know that we’re not alone? It has for me.
Since the theme here is truth (don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the cake), I’ll share that I was hesitant to start this blog. There are a variety of reasons, but the most personal one is this: I was worried that people might actually get to know me. Not the me that walks around in fabulous green pants and Ray Bans (I do love my Ray Bans). The me that thinks. A lot. Don’t we all do it, just a little bit— hold people at arms length, changing the subject to something light and fluffy when their eyes start to glaze over? I started this blog despite that fear because I had a nagging feeling that I wasn’t the only one looking for something real. I’d like to suggest that this isn’t just a blog, but a forum. At the risk of sounding like a John Mayer song, here is a place to say what you need to say, to speak your truth, whatever it may be.
Thanks for signing up. I hope you stick around for a bit. And whichever tiny piece of the puzzle it is you’re struggling with today—frustration at work, misbehaving kids, self doubt— I just want to say: Breathe. You’ve got this.
Rock on! I don’t think I’ve ever heard of someone being Freshly Pressed so quickly, but it sure seems like you deserve it! :) I was Freshly Pressed once, and it was so humbling. For the most part, bloggers are such a supportive bunch. I had no idea when I started a blog that I would make so many wonderful friends – I thought it was all about the writing.
And I know exactly what you mean about that nagging feeling. I look forward to sharing some truths together! And cake. And can we add vodka? :)
When I was thinking up tag lines, one of my original ideas was “Best washed down with vodka.” True story. Thanks for the support. I’ll be sure to check out your blog.
I, too, struggled with starting a blog because I didn’t want to let people in. Slowly…I am. Thanks for your honesty. It’s like a breath of fresh air.
Glad to know I’m not the only one ;) Thanks for your comment.
Great job :) I like your words :)
Congratulations
Follow me
http://100quotes.wordpress.com/
Thanks, I’ll check it out.
Congratulations on your blog — so many people out there publish for all the wrong reasons. It’s as if they think that by letting the whole world know what’s inside their head that it is better than telling those close to them. It’s so refreshing to read something that’s so honest — I’ll be watching this space :)
Claire
Hi Claire, thanks for the kind words. You also have some refreshing, no-nonsense honesty happening on your blog ;)
completely agree..though I’ve been careless most of the time with words (that! I sincerely apologize), its kinda liberating to express yourself with anonymity.. Rarely that I follow someone’s blog.. letting you know I have great respect for your ideas. Hope to hear from you more.
Congratulations! It’s amazing to know that although at times we may think that we are alone in this world, with thoughts going through our minds which makes us feel as if we are going crazy, there are others out there experiencing the exact same thing. it’s so comforting! Keep on blogging!!
Manuela
http://www.smartieknows.com
Kudos, rock on Sista!!!
wow..u got freshly pressed pretty quickly! u busted my ages old belief that only experienced bloggers get freshly pressed! and thank you for sharing your thoughts :)
you seem to have a very profound train of thoughts..i love the way you write…it is so original, truthful and yet lightening :)
Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it.
Wow. Congrats. Your words were just what I needed today.
Oooooohhhhh someone who is delightfully IN the world! I really like you Rian.
Congratulations on your success!!! And your pig. LOL… but seriously, loved that you broke the numbers down because I was really curious about it all. Love your writing style ad from what we can see, your style too!!! Be encouraged!!!! You’ve really had an amazing time after hitting the publish button! I will definitely continue to read!
Thanks! I love your latest post–many similar themes and great suggestions for letting go of our tight grip on perfectionism. Glad you stopped by!
Yes! Thank you so much!
My wise old Dad taught me that everyone has a story, even if it doesn’t seem that way at first. And that the old chestnut, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, is a very good way to love your life. I try and remember this (with the occasional devolution into horn tooting or name calling at idiotish drivers) every day. Another excellent post – I’m pleased I’ve subscribed (although I admit to a little envy about being Freshly Pressed, even while I am very pleased for you!).
Thank you for explaining what freshly pressed meant. And kudos to you for being freshly pressed =) I am glad I stumbled upon your blog and subscribed. Looking forward to your future posts. I like the way you think.
You have such a talent for writing. Congratulations on your success!
Thanks!
“And whichever piece of the puzzle it is you’re struggling with today—frustration at work, misbehaving kids, self doubt— I just want to say: Breathe. You’ve got this.”
Well said.
Thank you.
I like what I am seeing/reading here so far and wish you the best as you settle into your blog. You definitely seem to be off to a fabulous start!
I really like your blog already, and I’ve only read one post. Keep it coming :0
I appreciate it! New one coming tomorrow….
That’s incredible!!! Congratulations!! I look forward to reading!
Thanks for the support!
I started blogging about a month ago, and I was freshly pressed earlier in the week. Already blogging has been a wonderful experience.
I do look forward to reading more of your blog!
Hi!
Totally loving your blog :) well done on being Freshly Pressed so quick! I started my blog just on Thursday so I’m hoping I can be freshly pressed too ;)
Looking forward to more blogs :)
Congratz :) I’m a new blogger too, started a day after you I think-u’re an inspiration!
Check out my blog- http://www.livelearnmature.wordpress.com :)
Great post! Keep them coming :)
Arent you lucky to be freshly pressed as you launch your blog :) I always wondered what it means to be freshly pressed so thank you for that break down really enjoyed it :)
Come visit us at http://arhitekturaplus.wordpress.com/
A very inspiring blog! Good work :)
I completely understand the fear of letting too many people see the real you, I too had those fears. But there is something so liberating about hitting publish and seeing where your thoughts and ideas go, and where others take them. Congratulations on being “Freshly Pressed” and keep up the great writing. I love your attitude.
I agree–there is liberation in setting your ideas free. And reading how others interpret them makes you reevaluate them anew. Thanks for your comment.
You are very gifted with your words! I love reading your posts–they’re almost poetic. So thanks for your honesty and thanks for letting people in…like you said, you’re representing more people that just yourself in what you say. Keep it up and congratulations on the blog-fame! Haha!
Thank you for the very kind words. I stopped by your blog–what lovely photos you’ve taken, each with its own interesting story.
Love the way you write..breezy yet poignant. Thank you for a good read :)
Breezy yet poignant–what a compliment. Thank you! I’ll stop by soon and see what’s happening in “thelearningfoundry” land. Sounds intriguing…
Thank you..would love to hear what you have to say!
I constantly forget other people are going through rough periods possibly at the same time as me. It’s surprising that I actually have to fight my selfish tendencies. Fortunately, I’m now working at a job that doesn’t allow me to forget and that pretty much re-trains me everyday to be sensitive and show compassion for others…I’m an instant fan of yours. You’re definitely not the only person looking for something real. Thank you for sharing!
Seeing into one another’s minds, and finding ourselves. Beautiful.
I am very much a fan of your blog.
Congratulations on the brilliant start – you deserve it!
Thanks, Jenna! I hope you’ll stop by again soon.
You are an American in Vancouver (I’m guessing), married to an Afrikaans South African man, who loves many things and understands the lovely juxtaposition of cake and truth. I am a Canadian living in Belgium to a Flemish man (languages are very similar) who loves similar things to you and recently started a blog/forum called… wait for it, Mother Sugar. We’ve got Americans and Canadians and artists and writers and wedding planners and mothers and the truths you write about feels right at home with what we think about. Maybe you’d visit us one day? Even contribute?
http://mothersugar.wordpress.com/contributors/
I love that you’ve taken an experience that is truly all about you (you know – your fabulous voice and style, not to mention and that wise, green-frosting-fanatic swine) and turned it into a reminder that life should be quite a bit about everyone else. Remarkably done. A substantial dis-course. Now, I had heard tell there is also a cake-course…? Looking forward to dessert.
;)
Congrats on being freshly pressed & thanks for sharing what the impact of that looks like – clearly, you’ve gone global! I’m shallow enough to have peeked in because you’re all about truth and cake, but I’m staying because I like your style (in every sense). And I love your closing thought here: “Breathe, you’ve got this” – same goes for you, start blogging with such a big bang! Congratulations again and thanks for your blog.
Thanks! What a unique blog you have….love the underwater hotel entry. It takes real skill to unearth those sorts of gems ;)
Congratulations on being freshly pressed so quickly. I’m glad you were, because that’s how I found you! I’m looking forward to following your train of thought.
I’m just getting in to the whole blogging thing my self :) I like your writing and WOW! I didn’t know it was possible to get freshly pressed that quickly. very impressive :) and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Just checked out your blog–interesting discussion about written vs. spoken words. Good luck on your new blogging adventure, and thanks for stopping by.
Congrats. What do you think your secret was? Intriguing and very pleased for you. I was intrigued with the authenticity of the post and the content. Related to my own work is the realization that a lot of people are searching these days, recognizing that the new “truth” they are discovering is quite different than what we learned as the truth in years past. It takes thought provoking conversations like this to consider to open ourselves to new viewpoints. Well done!
Love you honesty about getting to root cause of human nature!
I really discover you press in fresh topics, as some one else…
You did a great job! I never saw that number, but I believe in writing with your heart.
xoxo
Carla
http://apasionadablog.wordpress.com/
Hello! just to let you know, I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! :)
Thanks, how kind of you! *googling versatile blogger award*
Great work so far, young lady!
You are an amazingly talented lady! Your writing has a sense of ease about it.
Congrats on being freshly pressed! This whole blog world is very new to me but so far I love it! Look forward to following :)
Mon
Your writing merits another heart on the map, this one from Point Venus.
Thanks, Whitt! How sweet.
So I’m in the planning/research stages of blogging right now. I have my blog made, but still setting things up. I’m new to everything, aside from the aesthetic stuff. And I just wanted to say that this post really hit a nerve for me.
Since graduating high school back in 2005, I’ve gone from the “fun” friend, to a 27-year old living in a middle-aged woman’s body. I don’t see any of the people I used to know, and it’s not just because of the busy life I’m living now. It’s because I have a hard time finding ANYONE that can relate to me, on any level. the older I get the more I evolve into this new person. This is one of the reasons I wanted to dive into the blogging world.
I want to find more like-minded people to create relationships with. I have so many interests that I feel passionate about, so many things I want to do in life. Yet sometimes feel all of that energy is dimmed because I have no one to share it with. I do, as you’ve mentioned in another post of yours, have a fear of sharing my words with the world. But I feel that this will be an escape for me, possibly like a form of therapy, something I’ve needed for a long time. As I said, I’m starting off here from square one, but your posts have given me hope for the things I want most. I can’t wait to get the ball rolling and I can’t wait to start meeting all the people I wish I’d always known.
Oh! And congratulations on the “Freshly Pressed” achievement, about 4 days ago I had know idea what that even meant! :)