What should I do?
This blog began as a vehicle for the expression of thoughts about psychological concerns and experiences and a tad of creative writing.. Back in the late 1950’s as managing editor of the summer UF Alligator I had a weekly column that tended to be somewhat political called Artifacts. Later I received a PhD in clinical psychology and headed a sex offender treatment program at a state prison. In the meantime I had given birth to four children, the last of which was a cute redheaded daughter with Downs Syndrome. I had always been interested in writing, and at the time I began this blog in 2015 I had published a book on my experiences as both a treater of sex offenders and as a survivor of sexual abuse.
The old pull towards political activism (reduced now at 85 to this blog) has reared its head again, with subsequent loss of readership. I don’t do a good job at the political angle, and have left the enotional aspect to hang out to dry somewhat. I’m not looking for warm fuzzies but your considered suggestions.
Any suggestions as to where I should go? I’m running out of energy and almost no one visits my many pages, which I therefore fail to regularly maintain. I can’t just quit–this is my main outlet, especially in the age of self quarantine. It would be too boring to simply pass along other good sites. Starting an additional blog feels draining and I am already behind in that I don’t do the Gutenberg editor, partly because I haven’t the excess energy to cope with anything new…
Nan, so you spent some time in Gainesville? My mother and brother graduated from there. AS for your question, I am not the best one to ask, but I would suggest reaching out to folks who like or comment on blogs you frequent. I have found they are usually folks worth reading from and they may return the favor. Personally, I write for my own sanity, so writing a second blog seems too time consuming. Keith
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I graduated from Miami Jackson High in 1953, got my first degree at UF in 1961 and my PhD from Georgia State in 1973. Good memories of all three institutions.
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Yo! I write for my own sanity too. Not on a leash yet. Smile. Your suggestion is one that I recently discovered and enjoy. Thanks for responding.
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How about sharing memories and lessons learned raising your family?
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Unfortunately I wasn’t that good as a mother. I know now what I should have been and done, but did not then. I was unable to re-script my own experience as a child. My only advice is to glory and nourish your kids rather than attempt to mold them into who you are. And teach them empathy by modeling it with them! It’s too easy to get task-oriented rather than love-oriented. Looking back, my failures are so obvious to me. Although none have become addicts, been in prison, or become Republicans, they communicate with me frequently, contribute to our society and have produced four healthy grandchildren.
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Love your reply to nedhamson! Writer’s Digest has a poem a day coming up in April. Why don’t you try and take part? One can both post in one’s own blog and paste the poem into the comments section in WD. https://www.writersdigest.com/.amp/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-guidelines?__twitter_impression=true
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Thanks for the comment and the heads up, as they say.
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Write For Yourself Nan
Always A Loyal Reader
You’ll Have Or Do Like
Me And Write it
On Everyone
Else’s Blog
Copy And
Paste Create
A Free Verse EPiC
Long Form Poem About
(All 9 MiLLioN
Words in 90 Months
The Last 5 MiLLion
Copied In Facebook
Profile Pic Areas
In The Last
45 Months)
Being An Avatar
Visiting The
Globe Through
This Fiber Optic
Cable At the
Speed oF LiGHT
Yet try Not To Go
Faster Hehe Should
Be No Problem Now😊
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Sounds like a winner. Thanks!
Nan
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Welcome Nan😊
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My advice is to keep going if it makes you happy. I am in the same boat as you. I no longer concern myself whether my writings are viewed or liked by anyone. I write to get things off my chest, and I feel better when I do so. It’s therapy to some extents so keep doing what you are doing for as long as you are able to do so. BTW, I always enjoy reading your blog.
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Thanks so much, Guis.
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