Wednesday, August 15, 2012

thank you.


The amount of encouragement and strength I've received from complete strangers these past couple of days is nothing short of mind-blowing. I know the Internet is full of all kinds of nonsense -- it's an election year, after all -- but your comments and tweets make up for all that.

I've tried to explain why I blog to people before, and I often just wind up giving up, because I sound kind of pathetic, and blogging isn't really a "thing" down here, and I don't make a lick of money, so I don't really think it makes sense to people. I think they just assume I keep an online journal, which I guess is accurate, but kind of demeans the whole thing somehow.

So I don't really tell people I blog. But if I did, and if they were to ask me why, I think I'd direct them to my past two posts and the comments you all left there.

There is something to be said for the encouragement of those you've never actually met.

My friends and family have been so kind and understanding (I have one friend who's jokingly begun referring to me simply as "Kathleen"), but I expect nothing less from them.

The Internet, though? The Internet you just never know.

This blog isn't big by any means. I don't have a ton of readers, nor do I sell ads or link to my posts on Facebook. This blog, for me, isn't a business, mostly because I don't have the time or the energy to try, but also partly because I'm not sure my content warrants it.

I've decided that's okay, because I love to write, and I love being free to write whatever I want, whenever I want, as often as I want.

The bonus is that some of you keep coming back. Many of you, I consider friends. All of you push me to tell a better story.

I love that God often moves when and how we least expect Him to. He's already given me so much this month, but these past two days, He's used the unlikeliest of sources -- the Internet! -- to provide me with the confirmation I needed that this is the right decision.

Taking this job is the brave thing to do.

Thank you so much for reminding me of that.

8 comments:

Melanie said...

i think it's so hard sometimes to make the decision not to be one of the big blogs, or big blog wannabes. lately i've been loving ones like yours the most.
and yes - taking the job is so brave! lean on god.

Anne said...

Annie, your blog has turned into one of my favorites! Your story about how and why you quit your job has been so inspiring,and I agree with everyone, you are so brave. I know you will not regret it. Keep sharing with us, I love the way you make me think about life and challenge me to live more intentionally!

jenna said...

I just went and read through all your comments after reading this post. Made me tear up. :) Lovely. It is all simply lovely. A gift to honor you from our very Loving God. :)

Chantel said...

:) Yes, I think the blogging community is the huge reason as to why I blog. I have met so many awesome people that I would love to meet in real life one day!

Shanna said...

"I've tried to explain why I blog to people before, and I often just wind up giving up, because I sound kind of pathetic, and blogging isn't really a "thing" down here, and I don't make a lick of money, so I don't really think it makes sense to people. I think they just assume I keep an online journal, which I guess is accurate, but kind of demeans the whole thing somehow."

I so get this. And I so get why you do it. Me too.

Brunella said...

In Italia si dice: la classe non è acqua.
Significa "valore aggiunto", un qualcosa che è superiore, che non è dato a tutti. Una voce originale e non costruita.
Non so se ci incontreremo mai, ma sei parte della mia vita.
Anche se lontane, siamo vicine. Tutto il resto del perché, del come mai, non ha nessuna importanza. In Italy we say: the class is not water.
It means "added value", something that is higher, which is not given to everyone. An original voice and not built.
I don't know if we will never meet one day, or if we meet near God's heart one day, but you're part of my life.
Although distant, we are near. All the rest of it, the why, the reason ...it's not important. (and i'm not sure to read well but the same...it's not important.)

Kristin said...

Annie! I've been MIA for the past week on vacation, and how much catching up I've had to do over here. I'm SOOOOO excited for you about quitting your job and starting this new adventure. You are inspiring, and you know I'm a great proponent of following your dreams. So proud of you for doing that! I also enjoyed your post about STUFF. I've been on this mission for the past several months too - which is where my current blog series on simplicity sprung from. I want to declutter my life of all the extraneous so that I can breathe, live, not feel like all my time is spent managing my things...

You know I could go on and on. My comments are always long and nodding in agreement over here...I love reading your thoughts every time I visit. Thank you for sharing them with us. Somehow, hearing other people voice the same things that beat deep in your heart, help affirm your own passions and direction in life. Gives you the courage and gumption that comes from knowing that you aren't alone. You are truly a kindred spirit!

Annie said...

here's hoping this annie will follow your footsteps into bookstore employment. :]

there are so many times, i think, that i have wanted to stop blogging and stop putting what feels like my whole life out on the internet for people, many of whom i haven't met and likely won't ever meet in person, and this post, i think, constitutes the singular reason why i have kept on instead. because at the most unexpected times, this community surrounds you and loves on you and right there in those words and actions and prayers, you see the Spirit move.