I’ve been blogging for over 6 years. I’ve written 802 posts since September 2005. I’ve received almost 11,000 comments (that’s not counting the spam that gets deleted straight away).
In all that time – as far as I’m aware – nothing I have written on my blog has upset, annoyed or offended anyone. Well, nobody has ever told me that they were upset, annoyed or offended. I certainly don’t try to be controversial. I’m not that kind of person. I’ve never had any comments from trolls. I am so grateful for that, having seen on other blogs the damage they can cause.
I decided a little while ago that I would give myself more freedom to write openly and honestly here. I’ve been doing that.
However.
It seems that my last post may have offended some people.
For some reason, I feel like I should apologise. But I’m not going to, because I’ve done nothing wrong.
I understand that some people don’t like to read about God, but it’s my blog. God is a big part of my life, so I should be able to write about my faith here, if I want to. I try not to preach at people, and I always make a point of stating that my beliefs are just that. MY beliefs. Others are entitled to theirs, and if they differ from mine, I don’t have a problem with that.
Other people may have different opinions to me. That’s not actually a newsflash; I was already aware of it. Nevertheless, I still think I should be able to write about my opinions here, without being judged for it.
Not sure where to go from here. I feel a bit disappointed about getting a couple of negative responses to my last post (they’re not in the comments section, so don’t go hunting for them). I guess I shouldn’t worry about a couple of individuals when it seems pretty clear that most people knew what I was getting at in that post.
All I know is that my heart is in the right place. I was writing about my own personal experiences. My own personal convictions. My own personal feelings. I was not trying to tell other people that they should feel the same way as me. As one of my friends and long-time readers/commenters pointed out, “Life is about choice, only you can choose what is right for you.” I’m simply choosing what is right for me. That doesn’t mean it is right for everybody else.
Can I just ask one thing? Please don’t be offended if you don’t agree with something I write on my blog. If you know me, you will know that I am not the kind of person who tries to push her beliefs onto others. I am, however, the kind of person who thinks deeply and finds it therapeutic to write about those thoughts.
That’s all I’m doing here, folks. Just putting “pen to paper” and expressing myself in a way that works for me. I love to write. I have to write. I don’t share all my writing here, because some of it is too personal. I’m careful about what I do share. I want my posts to entertain, inform, amuse, inspire, motivate, encourage, challenge. I never want them to offend, upset, annoy, hurt, anger, irritate.
It’s interesting, really. I may have inadvertently offended a couple of individuals, but I’m actually the one who is hurt. I learned a long time ago that my skin is not very thick. Sometimes I really wish it was …
*from “Sticks and Stones” by mumsdollar
Sorry you had to have this happen to you – I thought your post was great – inspiring in fact as I want to be surrounded by positivity and have joyful moments too.
By: Beverley cunningham on January 11, 2012
at 3:25 pm
it didn’t offend me Hannah, in fact I totally agreed with your last post! Anyway, its your space to say what you feel.
By: ruthnzRuth on January 11, 2012
at 4:37 pm
So sorry to hear you’ve had negative feedback. It IS YOUR blog, you write what you want! and please don’t let anyone else put you off. We love reading what you have to say because you do think deeply and allow us to see this and thus make us think too. Whether we agree or not isn’t an issue, what is, is that you give us the opportunity to question and learn. Hugs.
By: trina on January 11, 2012
at 4:39 pm
I know how you feel. But then again, I purposefully push (way past) the boundaries of what people think is appropriate public writing. I have developed a thicker skin than I had before through this exercise (and I agree it is not for everyone, or even for most). But I still have a hard time understanding why people get so riled up if my opinions are different than theirs.
Write what you want, girl. And just remember, that to those of us who have faith, the things you have to say are truly encouraging. And if somebody is offended or argues, then that is actually a pretty good indication that you’ve said something worthwhile.
I think.
Love you!
By: authenticiit on January 11, 2012
at 5:57 pm
I’m sorry you got some negative feedback, Hannah. {{hugs}}
Try not to take it personally. Their opinions are just that..opinions.
By: Julia on January 11, 2012
at 6:12 pm
Wow – I can’t even begin to figure out HOW your last post could have caused offense in any circumstances! You have such a thoughtful, easy to read manner of writing, that I really enjoy how you make me think sometimes.
I also am sad that someone else may have offended YOU by questioning what you wrote about what you very clearly said was your thinking on some things. Agree to disagree – that’s always OK because in doing that, the second person may bring some equally valid and thoughtful points to a discussion….. but don’t get upset about what ANYone chooses to write on their OWN blog….. at the end of the day, if somone really doesn’t like what has been expressed, they don’t have to keep reading!!
By: Kelly on January 11, 2012
at 6:45 pm
Dear Hannah,
Your last blog on God was really Amazing! I’ve never followed blog’s before but often look for site’s relating to scrapping that inspire me but when I found your site it was different but so much more that it’s one of the first blog’s that’s held my intrest! Trust me I’ve been through so many…
You have had great blog’s about your Nana that have brought back found memories for me that I’ve needed being far from my loved ones!! Your have played a special part in my weeks to the point where I eagerly wait for your mails to fill my box…. And yes, I’m the worst at letting you know my feelings on what I my have just read but chin up as we love your blog even though I’m a new kid on the block!!! God Bless:)
By: Joanvmetzjoanvmetz on January 11, 2012
at 7:30 pm
oh that sucks:( is nobody allowed to have an opinion or even bring an interesting topic into discussion?? So many times these days I think the world has gone PC mad and unfortunately their are many people driving those crusades. Glad you didn’t apologize – no need AT ALL:)
By: topkatnz on January 11, 2012
at 7:35 pm
Like others have said, it’s your blog, write what you want, and Hannah don’t develop a thick skin, we love you how you are. I wonder if there’s a passage in the bible that you could keep in your head for times like this – you have a really strong faith and I love that you share that with us.
By: Trace on January 11, 2012
at 7:38 pm
oh my goodness…..what the???!!!!
Han why oh why would anything you write offend anyone!!!
its your blog write what you want!!!
if anyone doesnt …HIT THAT RED X IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER!!!
come on ladies….be nice…..leave Hannah and her blog alone!!!
if you dont have anything nice to say…then bugger off!!!
By: mandyb on January 11, 2012
at 7:49 pm
See, I told you there were more positives than negatives in your comments. LOL. Keep on doing what you are doing – its your blog.
By: Vicki on January 11, 2012
at 8:49 pm
All I can do is shake my head Hannah. People need to learn to keep their mouths closed sometimes! In fact your title couldn’t be any more fitting – “Garbage Out”.
By: Julie on January 11, 2012
at 8:52 pm
Unfortunately Hannah, I am not surprised. I am learning more and more this/last year that people are very happy to hurt your feelings without a moments thought. In fact, they usually don’t even know or care that they have, and certainly don’t dwell on it afterwards. I’m sorry it happened to you though as you don’t deserve it.
By: Megan on January 11, 2012
at 9:02 pm
Hannah – you just keep writing what you choose to write! I have also been on the receiving end of nasty comments and it says more about that person than it does about you!
By: Jenny on January 11, 2012
at 9:17 pm
Happy New Year Hannah. Just been catching up on your blog. I always think Christmas especially the first one is hard when a loved one is no longer with you physically. Loved that you still had reminders of your grandma around the home leading up to xmas, and of course on the day. What a wonderful Christmas and New Years you had. I found I have hardly taken photos in the last six weeks. Shocking I know. The strawberry picking looked like it was so much fun. As for the movie it wasn’t “Bridesmaids” was it? I finally watched it early December after people raved about it. Lets just say I laughed but then cringed my way through the rest of the movie. I am no prude but I couldn’t quite get why people raved about it so much. But hey differen’t things for differen’t folks. I feel the same way about the News to be honest. I dislike how some media do anything to add to the story, such as checking peoples facebook and tweets. I feel some poeple need time to grieve but it’s hard when the media want to get thier story….okay rant over. Once again I will reiterate what I have said before, your blog your life. I get grumpy when people have to express negativity at any reference to religion or spirituality or anything that you write on your blog.
By: Janine on January 11, 2012
at 9:58 pm
I’m saddened that someone has felt the need to voice their negative opinions and upset you. I try to always follow the saying “If you have nothing nice to say, then don’t say anything” but I’m always amazed at how rude some people can be. I have just read your last post and take no offence, in fact it’s lovely to read of others with the same outlook. Religion or no religion the post made a lot of sense and as it’s your own personal blog you should be allowed to write whatever you like freely. I enjoy reading your genuine and thought provoking posts so please don’t let a few negative comments get you down!
By: Rochelle on January 11, 2012
at 11:23 pm
Sorry to hear about this Hannah (I have had next to no broadband since Christmas Day so haven’t been reading blogs).
I haven’t seen this happen on too many NZ blogs but have seen it happen to some of the overseas ones that I have read. Not sure why people feel they have to put down those that share their own thoughts but it has been something I have been wary about with my own blog – I’m not very thick skinned either.
But I am with the others – Your Blog, Your thoughts.
By: Nicki on January 12, 2012
at 7:13 am
Your blog you get to say what you want, if anyone is offended by that there is the little red box in the corner of their screen that they can click on, no one is making them sit there and read it. Each to their own if they dont like it dont read it. I lvoe your blog and reading your post
By: Alison on January 12, 2012
at 2:53 pm
Some people are just looking for something to be offended by. I have opinions and often let them be known, and while I never intend to offend anyone and try to say things in the least aggrivating way I can, I won’t sit back and shut up just so someone else can have their opinions heard (loudly) when they won’t listen to mine. It’s your blog and you’re entitled to say what you like and how you feel, and anyone who gets upset about that just shouldn’t be reading, never mind commenting. Don’t take it to heart, as I said in the beginning, some people are just looking to pick a fight.
By: Louise Williams on January 13, 2012
at 1:28 pm
I’m sorry you’ve been hurt, Hannah. People often get defensive when they read posts such as your last one because it makes them look at their own lives and they may not like what they see. It’s easier to point at you than at themselves. HUGS.
By: Angella on January 15, 2012
at 6:17 am