Rule #2 in this great book- Don’t Take Anything Personally
Do you ever find you keep learning the same lesson over and over? Sometimes I feel like the singer Nelly repeating, “It’s all in my head, I think about it over and over again.” Two weeks ago I was starting to question why I don’t get very many comments on my posts. I posted two lessons on my Blogging Your Way class forum and hadn’t received any comments from other students. I try to make time to visit a handful of student’s blogs each day, but it can be difficult due to the number of people enrolled and the time I have. It’s hard enough keeping up with my own blog, lessons, home and other responsibilities. There are a lot of bloggers with a variety of interests, and I’m sure some of them are feeling the same way. However, I still fall into that ugly little trap of taking it personally when I know better. I start to compare myself with other people and question what I’m doing wrong.
I thought about my own behavior. I read a lot of different blogs and a few on a daily basis. The truth is, I haven’t made much of an effort in the past to leave comments on blogs. It isn’t because I didn’t like the persons post or blog. I simply didn’t take the time to comment. There’s the old saying, “you get what you give.” I’ve made it a point to leave comments on other blogs lately and guess what happened? I’ve gotten a few comments back from other students as well as friends along with some sporadic spam comments. I could do without the spam, but beggars can’t be choosers.
I hope my readers always feel like they can leave a comment. It’s very much appreciated when you do, but I won’t take it personally if you don’t. Is there a lesson you keep learning over and over again?
<3 I've probably learned enough lessons over again that I've earned the title of 'repeat offender'…(probably why my mom says I'm stubborn! lol)
Ooh very witty, I like that “repeat offender”
Haha I can so relate to this post! I have the same feelings and challenges. Finding time to comment on others’ blog… That’s why I like to connect through facebook so I can at least LIKE their post in the newsfeed.
I was hoping you would share more about the book. The title sounds interesting. Are you planning to review it?
Louise from BYW Bootcamp
HI Louise, I was torn on if I should review the book as well. I will probably review it in another post because it is very simple wisdom, but very hard to do on a daily basis. It is one of my favorite books and have recommended it to a lot of people.
I am guilty of the same sin. Before I began my own blog I didn’t realize how much a blogger appreciates comments and feedback and never thought to leave any comments. Now I try to do better and appreciate the comments I get on my own blog. So, yes, do onto others is definitely the lesson here.
Amalia from BYW
Thanks for confessing as well Amalia. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one 🙂
I tend to take things personally often. I do feel with age this seems to be diminishing a bit, but I do catch myself doing it still. I needed this reminder today. 🙂 Thanks!
I really enjoyed your post today, Dawn! My mom was a neat and wise lady. I used to take things very personally, too and one day she said to me, Cindy, most of the time when people do (or don’t do) something it has nothing at all to do with YOU. Over the years, I learned that she was 100% right. Rarely do people do something with ill intentions. Once I allowed that to soak in, I stopped having thin skin and taking things too personally. I thank my mom for that lesson and the many others she taught me! Thanks for sharing this today – it made me think of her…and SMILE!
Your mom taught you well. I’m glad this made you smile 🙂
Hi Dawn, I have been reading faithfully everyday since I started getting the email updates. You’re right….I just haven’t taken the time to make comments. I am enjoying your blog by the way. The lesson I repeat repeatedly is worrying about things. I worry, then tell myself to stop worrying that it will work itself out and give it up in prayer since He is in control of things anyway. Maybe by writing this I won’t have to relearn this again tomorrow.
Thanks for sharing Betsy. I think it’s human nature to worry. We all do, but you’re right worrying serves no purpose when it’s out of our control. Everything happens for a reason and it all works itself out. All we can do is pray sometimes and think positively.
Hello my friend! I’m so happy you decided to do something about your love for writing … You have made me smile =) Enjoy every minute of it!!
Thanks Kyra. I’m glad you stopped by my blog. I’m enjoying the creative process and sharing what inspires me. I have so much still to learn about the computer and social media!
Dawn, I’m so glad you wrote on this topic as I had just decided NOT to write a comment on CANDY CORN. Why? because I had just written a comment on the soup and bread and because apparently, I am unschooled on Blog Etiquette. My oldest daughter is one of the original facebookers. (You know, back in the day when it was reserved for college kids). And then when it was opened up to the rest of us, she made me painfully aware that I don’t need to comment on EVERYTHING. I’m afraid she made me sort of comment-shy even in the world of Blogging.
Thank you for setting the record straight. And since you quoted Nelly, let me quote Fifty Cent who said “you can either pray about it, or worry about it, but don’t do both.” That has sure helped to keep that worrisome stuff out of my head! I am enjoying your blog and will not be afraid to let you know.
You can comment on anything you want Angela. I truly appreciate it and I know other bloggers do as well. I love that Fifty Cent quote! I remember him saying that on an interview with Oprah, but had forgotten about it. I’m going to have to keep that in my memory banks because it’s so true.