Feedback

Two days ago I posted about elder depression. I received immediate replies, heartfelt thanks for airing this issue, and suggestions to ease such moods. All comments were terrific and welcome.

This reader reaction made me realize that many important issues are hidden from view. Issues that are common, painful and often avoided. Too bad. I think we would all be better human beings if we faced real issues with honest feelings and words.

Blogs number in the millions. Many are daily. The expansion of blogging is exponential. A lot of people have a lot to say. About ordinary everyday things. And that is a good thing in my opinion.

When I started this blog 11+ years ago, I wondered if people would even bother with it. I was stunned by a worldwide readership and hits of over 300,000. That told me idle thoughts are worth something.

The miracle of social media made this happen. A lot of other things happen on social media, too, and not all good. But I think blogging is a good thing in the main. It is electronic journaling. The discipline of journaling is healthy and developmental for the writer. I have gained much discipline, maturity and articulation skills through blogging. My perspectives have shifted continually. What I thought I believed ends up changing to another position with more information available.

Readers become my editorial board in a sense. They keep me honest and disciplined. They also offer different perspectives that help me understand an issue more clearly. I don’t always agree with the feedback, but I appreciate the depth and range of opinions and facts shared with me.  It makes me better.

This journey has also uncovered a wealth of issues to write about. Each has its place in our lives. Each needs to be heard and pondered. We all need to be stretched. This exercises the brain and helps us adapt to the world of change.

In the end, it is healthy to write, to read and to interact with one another. Thank you all for being my friends!

February 17, 2022

 

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