Each and every one of us needs and deserves a safe place to share our thoughts and feelings. A place to retreat to and rejoice in. I’d like to remind you all that the internet is not that place.

The moment you post something on the web you have put it out there for the world to see and judge. Most people know and understand that what you post on Facebook becomes the property of Facebook. Even on a private account, material can be taken and shared without your consent. The internet is NOT a safe place for your intimate thoughts.

Having a blog which is not set to personal is akin to standing on soapbox in the town square telling the world what you think and feel. You are putting yourself out there for the whole world to see and judge. You can’t control who reads your blog or what they think. You can only moderate the comments which come through.

If you don’t want to hear people disagree with you or judge you… DON’T POST IT ON THE INTERNET!!!!

You’re not sitting in the privacy of your own home with your friends talking about life. You cannot expect that anyone who reads or follows your blog is going to be nice, be a friend, or even like what you post most of the time. Again, if you want people to like what you write and agree with you… talk one-on-one or in small groups with your friends face-to-face or over the phone. A private online chat even a better option than a blog.

I haven’t posted about the pandemic because my views are contrary and unpopular. I keep those thoughts to my private life and those I know I can have comfortable conversations with. I do that with all my content.

I learned to censor what I put on my blog by having a very bad interaction which led to numerous breaks in friendships and hurt feelings. I pick and choose what I write about and when because I’m sensitive and I can’t always handle negative feedback. On those topics, I keep them private… or post at times when I know I can handle whatever comes.

A blog or social media is not your safe place. If it is, then you have to be able and willing to deal with whatever negative feedback you get!