Inhibitions are good things. They keep us from doing and saying whatever (ridiculous things that often) cross our minds. They stop us from telling the boss where he can stick it, or discretely cutting in front of people in the grocery line when we only have one item (it’s still rude!), or trying to do a cartwheel when we haven’t done one in years just because it looks like fun! (ripped tendons anyone?).
Without inhibitions, most people would very quickly make a crap pile out of their lives (figuratively speaking of course). Which explains why so many people wake up after a ‘night on the town’ with a need to perform serious damage control.
That said, sometimes letting inhibitions take the reigns won't necessarily work out for your benefit. If you would ‘never go talk to that hot guy you like’ – how will you ever know if he’s really as cool as you think he is? He could be just a pretty face or the future father of your children, but you won’t know unless you give your inhibitions the slap down.
What about signing up for that writer’s conference and pitching to an agent solo? Scary?- Yes! But if you can overcome your inhibitions, be yourself and represent your writing, you might make a very important friend.
Starting a blog takes guts. It’s putting yourself and your writing out there, standing on a platform in front of God-knows-how-many people and yelling ‘This is ME! I have a goal! Watch me as I fail… or succeed!?’
I respect anyone who’s taken the leap into blogging but this post is mostly for the those who haven’t but are wishing they could. For those who lurk on the sidelines, wanting to comment but afraid of their words hanging out there on the internet for all of eternity. And those that miss out on some great things life has to offer out of fear or embarrassment-- Don’t let your inhibitions keep you on the sidelines! You’re worth knowing!
*CQG*
31 comments:
I found starting a blog so scary. I opened the account more than six months before I started using it regularly. But my confidence has increased so much as a result. I, like a lot of the people on here, have a WIP, but I was finding it very hard to give time to it. I'm giving more since I started blogging as I have more confidence has increased so much since starting it. Confidence has always been my main block when it comes to writing. Thanks for the post Katie!
When I started blogging, I was happy thinking no one was reading my blog. I never made the effort to follow anyone (I didn't understand what that meant). And I only checked out at few blogs (QT and MSFV). My posts were only once a week, and I really thought no one cared if I posted or not because people rarely commented. (Apparently I had a number of lurkers I didn't know about).
It was scary when I started blogging for reals a year ago. When people (lots of them) starting listening to what I had to say. Okay, that was really scary because then I had the THINK of something to say. But it was definitely worth it in the end. :D
Yay to the future bloggers!
Just back from my first writer's conference and WOW! I'm so glad I didn't let my inhibitions stop me from signing up because it was fantastic!
Fantastic post. Inhibitions are good sometimes, but if they're only holding you back because of fear then they have to be let go of.
I used to be scared of letting anyone read my writing. Then I joined a critique group and they really helped me let go of that inhibition.
Really great post. My problem is that I often have no inhibitions and couldn't really give a F what people think of me. I do say though, that I try never to be rude.
Right. If nothing else it helps your confidence. Helps writing tight. Helps you to see what people respond to and work with that. And best of all - the friendships!
I think inhibitions are good for me, to help me 'screen' people and situations. Then I can apply further thought and gut instinct and decide which I will struggle to overcome, and which should remain in place.
BTW, to join the parade, I started and deleted 2 blogs before finally nerving myself to stick with it.
I still haven't told my own mother or sister that I'm attempting to get published- talk about inhibitions! Somehow, it's easier to put myself out there in the blogosphere. Easier to fail in front of strangers, I suppose (though I know it's awful that I assume I'm going to fail!)
I have strong inhibitions when it comes to doing any sort of dangerous (or slightly risky) act. But putting myself out there makes me nervous, but I do it anyway!
And I have a sudden urge to find out if I can still do a cartwheel...
Yes--at work, we talk about kids who are severely inhibited--those are the poor, anxious little things who want to play with others but can't manage to get over their fear. It's important to help them get over that so they can actually enjoy their lives. And then there are the completely disinhibited ones--those are the kids who hug me and tell me they love me the first time we meet. We have to help them, too, because that could cause just as much trouble for them! A healthy middle ground is what makes life easier.
I know you read my post about starting my blog by 'accident'. Who does that? ME. I was simply checking out how this whole blogging thing might work and BAM! I had started Writers' Ally...and not even the way I wanted to spell the thing! Hah...but that's another testament to who I am as a blogger, mother, and writer. Some of my best work has been when I simple let go and let it flow.
I still question my judgment of revealing some of the things I reveal on my blog. (And I think I'm pretty good about maintaining some privacy/distance and being tactful.) I'm okay with it now, but how will I feel about this info being out there in 5-10 years?
I had a blog during my last year of college, when the concept of blogging was still somewhat new, and I cringe -- CRINGE -- at what I put up there. And I was using discretion! My 22-year-old discretion!
Oh well. As long as I keep it honest, hopefully it will all be okay.
I think all things in moderation is a great way to live and this applies to inhibitions. We need to inhibit some things like you said but at times let them go.
Yes!!!! Drop your inhibitions and get blogging! Yay!! You don't even have to put your pic or use your real name! You could be a different persona altogether too!!! And you meet some fabulous bloggie friends!!
Great post! Take care
x
This is such a good post. I was so nervous to start a blog about my writing journey and it turned out to be so enjoyable and a great incentive for me to keep writing so I had things to post about on my blog.
I just love it that you called that one grocery item you needed an "article." Is that a French term for it?
LOL! "All of eternity" does make me think I should consider this comment a little more carefully. :)
My problem is I have few inhibitions. Can you show me how to shut up!?
Sometimes inhibitions are good. Ever notice French men peeing on the side of the road...in a single file line?
I just started a new blog today for another pen, so this post really hit home. Putting ourselves out their in any way-shape-or-form is hard. Only the strongest survive in this crazy world of writing. Once I read an agent blog about how writers cannot be "wall flowers" or they won't make it. Your post reminds of us that!
~JD
Great encouragement today! I had started reading blogs a few months before having enough courage to start my own. And I'm so glad I took the plunge!
Awesome post, so encouraging!
Wow, this is an awesome post! With rather fabulous timing. I just went against my inhibitions and filmed my first vlog. Nervous to release it next week but going to do it anyway. Thanks for the encouraging words :)
When I started my blog I was afraid of not having any readers. I was right because I neglected it and didn't post that often. I reinvented it three different times. Finally I got 6 followers. They were all people I knew, but I was so grateful for them. Then I took part in the April A-Z challenge last year and this year. I've gotten a good amount of followers and a fair amount of actual readers. I'm so appreciative that people actually want to read my insanity. It never would have happened if I wouldn't have put myself out there.
LOL at the cartwheel example... *a'hem* hellew. :D
You're right, and what a fun, well-timed post. I just had a good friend finally start a blog. She's been wanting to do it forever and now she did. Yay for her! I'll be plugging her Thurs~ <3
I found starting a blog scary too, but the rewards have been awesome. If I'd not put myself out there then I wouldn't have the awesome CPs, writing friends, blogging community support that I have now. :)
As someone else mentioned, no one in my real life knows I wrote a book. Well, except my husband - I didn't want him thinking I was having an online affair since I was on the computer so much! ;)
erica
Hello Katie,
Yes it's me, shy and humble me, visiting from my very unknown blog. That would be after over four years of being proactive within the great blogging community.
Anyway, I firmly believe that blogging can be a most cathartic and therapeutic resource. It's wondrous thing to verbalise our valid thoughts and feelings through the power and the magic of the written word.
I have no inhibitions when it comes to my blog. I write in a whole variety of genres and greatly enjoy doing it.
Most importantly, is the positive interaction within the blogging community. I go around a comment on several blogs. Which reminds me, I haven' had you grace my site in ages :) Don't be shy.
Nice to see you continuing with the great 'Alphabet Challenge'. Always good to see further awareness of the alphabet.
Take care and have fun.
With respect and kind wishes, Gary
I hear you. I had the sweaty hands and cotton mouth when pitching to editors at conferences last year. Definitely out of my comfort zone. Very encouraging post!
You...inhibited? LOL!!!!!!!! :)
I still am not as comfortable with blogging as I'd like to be. I can't count how many posts I have sitting as drafts because I don't think anyone would want to read them. *sigh*
As Frou Frou would say, Let go!
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