So, here’s the thing. I’ve written 85 posts for my all Kinds of Everything publication (what you’re reading now - thank you) I get varying degrees of engagement. Sometimes very little, sometimes quite a lot. My most popular posts - by which I mean engagement rather than number of likes - are the ones where I’ve shared really personal information that I would usually be reluctant to broadcast in a public space. I’ve talked about my struggles, the difficult circumstances we find ourselves in at this stage of life and my Dad’s death. I was worried that such raw honesty might put people off, that people might feel embarrassed or irritated by the heart-on-the-sleeve approach. It would seem not. Why do you think that is? I’ve been pondering and have come up with a few possibilities: we’re all looking for connection at some level and can identify when people display vulnerability; people are fundamentally kind and like to empathise; people like to explore emotions remotely and use it as a way to deal with their own existential questions. There may be other reasons, that I’ve not considered yet. I’d be interested in your views.
It’s making me re-think this publication. My original idea was to choose a topic that interested me, or something sparked by an event and write about that. I have favourite themes of course: nature, the environment, books, poetry, writing, art, sustainability, and the human condition. My broad range of interests and the fact I have an opinion on most things was one of the reasons for the publication title (‘All Kinds of Everything’) I was planning to be candid, but not necessarily to share anything deeply personal, especially not about my own current circumstances, but a number of difficult events with a lot of ensuing stress, made me re-consider - perhaps I could just write it as it is and people would still read it? This has certainly proved to be the case. The few readers I have lost, is more than made up for by the new subscribers and a core of people who choose to engage, talking about their own experiences and offering comments.
I don’t plan to write something revealing on a weekly basis - my life is not that interesting - but there is clearly a place for being real and sharing in a meaningful way and that’s heartening. In an age of so much shallow content, where the look of someone or something is more important than anything deeper, it’s refreshing to know that there are still people interested in a more meaningful exchange. I don’t want to be overly self-indulgent. There are lots of important topics to discuss, lots of things of interest to consider and plenty to talk about simply for the joy of it. This will always be a space for a mix of ideas, chat and exploration. I think I will be less worried about the occasional bit of soul-bearing and more open to encouraging a supportive community where we can be real and vulnerable without fear.
I tend to believe that in this dystopian society we currently inhabit with the eco crisis, political crises, cost of living crisis and an often bleak outlook socially and globally, many people are experiencing stress, difficult circumstances and despair. It helps to find community where you can be real and find a measure of support. And it helps me to write about things.
Thank you for joining me on the journey so far.
Debbie, Thank you for being real.
On Being Real a quote from : Margery Williams Bianco, The Velveteen Rabbit
Real isn't how you are made,' said the Skin Horse. 'It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.'
'Does it hurt?' asked the Rabbit.
'Sometimes,' said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. 'When you are Real you don't mind being hurt.'
'Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,' he asked, 'or bit by bit?'
'It doesn't happen all at once,' said the Skin Horse. 'You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.
Debbie thank you for your post. I am new to Substack so still finding my way. I enjoyed your writing. Keep it up, I have subscribed to read more. There is such a variety of opinions, life stories, culture and general advice. Me, I have taken to writing about house sitting and our travels,as two senior citizens on the run, exploring the world and meeting some amazing people along the way. All the best.