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I came online today after Bo had gone down for her afternoon nap (yes, she is sleeping today – progress!) to write a post about honesty, a post about my internal struggles and to find the courage to speak. Instead of that post, I find myself compelled to write this one.
When I logged on to WordPress I read a recent comment, written by a reader in the dark cloak of last night. I’m used to wonderfully diverse comments from my readers. Some agree, and some disagree with my ideas, and I’m happy, grateful for and open to all kinds of discussion about parenting methodologies, lifestyle choices and both life and babies in general. What I am not happy to indulge in however are personal attacks.
In response to my recent posts about respect, posts in which I try to make sense of my own feelings, choices and responsibilities in this diverse and crazy world – posts where I talk about standing behind one another and our decisions… came a lengthy comment, a short essay, which not only stated quite clearly that this particular reader does not indeed agree with my decisions but went to great length to make judgement on my actions, my relationship and my [selfish] parenting of my daughter. Assumptions were made about my relationship with my husband, my background, my living situation, my daughter and indeed the village in which I live that were not only false but some of which were extremely offensive.
I have not approved the comment as I do not encourage the disrespect of anyone, myself included. But I did feel it necessary to make comment on it, I’m not sure why, I guess because I’m disappointed… disappointed that I was misread, or misunderstood… or perhaps just disappointed that this was waiting to meet me at the end of what has been a pretty difficult week for me personally. Or perhaps because after a conversation with a friend about honesty on blogs, I had prior to reading this comment decided to bear my soul a little more.
Hopefully tomorrow brings a little lightness and colour for all of us.
xox
Roshi - oh my gosh sash I am in complete shock that anyone has made you feel this way with what were obviously very rude and actually, what a plain stupid thing for that douche to do. every time I get a new blog from you to read through, it’s exciting, and so inspirational! I like what someone else said to you about people being attracted to your light, the more it shines. shine bright and clear anyway. please keep sharing with us…I really do enjoy your writing so much 🙂
cathtravelsandteaches - I have no idea what this person said, nor do I care to hear it, because disrespect isn’t okay. The person is clearly… well, I can’t even begin to say what I think, because that in itself would be disrespectful.
For the record – I think you’re doing amazingly well. And I think I’ve said before that you inspire me a lot – the way you live your life is what I want to be able to do. Just do something because it feels good, and right. You inspired me when we were 16, you continue to do so 🙂
Take care of you and yours chicken xo
stacey cuthbertson - i hope your week ahead is much better you breathe strength in your honesty and im sure that will light your path to follow you have a beautiful heart that needs no doubting
Jo - Hi, this is my first comment ever – I just wanted to say that I’m impressed with your honesty – blogging is about baring a bit of your soul and putting it out there for others to take and read what they will. Different people obviously have different experiences and opinions, and in all honestly perhaps it is hard to treat everyone with respect if they do things a different way. However, one would hope that this in itself is a reason to read blogs, step into someone else’s world and space and experience new ‘stuff’. I’m so sad and disheartened for you that someone would turn around judge you, in words, when it’s so obvious you are beautiful, caring and trying to find your way through motherhood and myriad other issues (eg. cultural). Your posts are fascinating. I am a young mum of 3 under 3 (incl twins!) and each step I take teaches new things, including respect for different ways and possibilities.
Don’t take on someone else’s issues – as you well know, a young first time mum is the obvious target for a thousand words of ‘advice’ or just plain judgement. Go forth and conquer!
x
travelbarefoot - Hi Jo! Thanks so much for coming by, I hope your comment is the first of many. You sound like a mama with your hands FULL of experience! Twins! What absolute joy they must bring. Go forth and conquer indeed 😉
This village life. « Inked in Colour - […] a really difficult week and the real downer that one of my readers decided to vomit all over my blog to really top off its shitty end – I […]
allieandhenry - People are so mean! They are just jealous, brush it off and keep being an awesome mama! Loving your blog!
travelbarefoot - Thanks Allie! Love your blog by the way! x
louise - I’m so sorry… words can be bruisingly powerful. I hope you realize by now that you are enjoyed in this blog and that your relationship, your village and your love for your baby are inspiring. :o)