Friday, April 30, 2010

Da Count-A Sense of Safety

In the past I have talked about how grateful I've been for the friendships I've formed here and for the supportive community. I think all of us who have been here for a length of time have faced various trials and found our blog pals to be wonderfully supportive in those times. I know I have. Without going into a lot of detail as to what brought about my most recent realization I'm going to count the sense of safety I have found in the blog world. I hope it makes sense.

It seems a strange thing because I'll grant you there are always security issues which pertain to online life, which perhaps don't exist so much elsewhere. However, the space I've cultivated here and the spirit so many of you bring to it have helped to make me feel safe in expressing things that might have otherwise stayed bottled up. I've been able to stretch myself creatively when I've wanted to and get feedback. I've been able to share things on my heart and receive encouragement and wisdom. We've been able to laugh together in amusement and without derision. On rare occasions when I've revealed things that have brought me to tears you've given gentle comfort. I've found among you friends I cherish as deeply as if you lived next door.

To those who have received me graciously and gently, thank you for being a part of my safe place.

20 comments:

Craig said...

And thank you for being part of mine. . .

It's difficult, in a way, this 'cherishing-as-deeply-as-if-you-lived-next-door'; 'cuz there are times when I'd love to just wander by for a spontaneous cup of coffee, or what-have-you. Or just wave and say Hi. . . KnowwhatImean?

G-Man said...

(Big Smile)
I've had the honor and priveledge of actually meeting some On-Line friends.
And hugging them.
And eating with them.
And hugging them again...:-)

Jazz said...

Thank you for having me...

Remember how when this whole internet thing started - you're old enough to remember that, right? - they said it would isolate people and bla bla bla. My experience has been the total opposite.

furiousBall said...

like everyone else is saying in comments - it's WE that thank YOU for allowing us to be observers in your life. we're like a line of crows on your power lines, just enjoying all the limeness :)

btw, Jazz is hogging the best spot on the power line

Jeni said...

Very true, Michelle, about the sense of security that does exist between many within the blog community. Support frequently given by kind words when we feel a bit out of sorts or are having really big medical problems is just one aspect. Uplifts from some zany posts too often do wonders for the morale. Advice on child-rearing, shopping, and well, you name it and often it comes through via blog friends. Simply keeping the mind semi-alive with trying to write a post at times is also a security you can't get anywhere else either, isn't it?
Great truths in today's "count" as far as I'm concerned!

for a different kind of girl said...

I find myself wanting to say "What everyone up there has said," because it's true. It's an odd, wonderful place, this Internet thing, when you find people out there who accept you even if they don't ever meet you.

Cricket said...

Well, for myself, I think the blog world is nicer with a little twist of Lime.

I can't believe how many posts I've missed these last two weeks. I've been doing my part to keep Bayer in the black. Hopefully next week will calm down. Nothing bad, just busybusybusy.

I don't like busy.

lecram said...

A wonderful count! And you have been and continue to be a fresh breeze in my life.

Gledwood said...

Nowhere in this world is totally safe ~ in a physical or psychological sense... but hey, it's good to find somewhere to come out of the cold...

Craver Vii said...

Lime, we all know people who get offended easily, and we have to walk on eggshells around them. Well, I just want to say that I appreciate talking to YOU, because you take things well, assuming the best in me, and making me smile the whole time. You are demented in the most enjoyable way, and bring a quality of life into the blogosphere.

word verification: sweest (sweetest)

cathy said...

Well that's just great!
Now I've got a lump in my throat.
... and consider yourself counted :)

Logophile said...

Yer welcome ;)
It's all true,
and I am incredibly thankful for you.

~Tim said...

Thank you. This is so sweet. And this blogosphere is quite the odd and wonderful place, isn't it?

Hilary said...

So nicely said. It is indeed a great community.

Bijoux said...

So glad you are here as well!

Anonymous said...

I simply have to agree with everything that has been said here. And I find the true sense of community that I feel here to be nothing short of miraculous. How so many disparate souls, from different countries and cultures, form such strong bonds in such a tenuous medium-and really CARE, and I believe it is genuine affection, never fails to move and comfort me. So thank you Lime for letting us in.

Commander Zaius said...

Bunch of scary and rude people out there, this is a nice group.

secret agent woman said...

Oh, I so agree. There are times when my blog friends have offered so much support and love that I wonder how I would have made it without them. It's a blessing.

Jocelyn said...

Oh, yes, honey.

I think the "without derision" part of your definition of safety is key.

We are all here for you, to catch you, to appreciate you, to admire you...

Dave said...

I too agree with you Michelle. I always feel a warm glow to be able to get to know other bloggers through reading about each other and comments we give and receive to and from each other. We form friendships without a feeling of unreasonable commitment. - Dave