In the past week my beloved husband has undergone an operation and I’ve attended hospital for a series of tests. These are difficult matters to talk about. Not because they are embarrassing or anything. They’re, thankfully, not emergency type situations. They are private experiences, though and reasonably traumatic.
I find myself not sharing much about it all, but also feeling so very much in need of talking about it. And I am wondering where is the line between acknowledging your situation/your feelings about it/seeking support to see you through it and simply over-sharing?
It is like I want to wear the equivalent of an “I’m not fat, I’m pregnant” t-shirt; my version would read something like, “I’m not 100%, more shit than usual is happening”.
In this world of online friendships and transparent communications, there is a relationship that forms which is quite unlike our traditional relationships. I find myself traversing this world with great ease when everything is going well – but when things are more difficult? That’s when I seem unable to form a coherent opinion about what to share and what to ask for.
There are plenty of folks to whom this conundrum appears not to be at all problematic! If I’m being honest, sometimes all of the sharing makes me feel a wee bit uncomfortable. But I don’t ever think they should stop – if I don’t want to listen, then all I need to do is switch off, right?
Thankfully, my journal accepts all of my thoughts and doesn’t ever tell me I’m over-sharing. It offers me a place of refuge and exploration without fear of saying too much. But although it does these things, it can’t offer me a hug – not even a virtual one!
Peak of the Week Journal Prompts:
- Do you find the support you need easy to find online?
- Have your online relationships replaced a more traditional support network or do you work seamlessly with both?
- Do you think you offer enough support to those in your network who may need it?
(All questions I am asking myself, obviously!)
Online relationships are a bit like telephone calls. You can’t see their face or body language of the person you are connecting with, or maybe only a photo is what you can go by. However, Julie the other side of the coin is people can see your beauty through your wonderful art and how you connect with your words. My beautiful prints are now up my wall in my new space so I am sending you a big hug for sharing them with the world. 🙂 Really enjoying Peak of the Weak hope all is well for you and for family soon.
Oh, thank you Margaret! I do so feel honoured to be sharing your wall space – I truly do. xo
Hi Julie, this is a difficult one isn’t it? I tend not to share online when I’m feeling ill or low or there are problems – not because I want people to think I’m ok all the time but because I don’t want to re-inforce the negative feelings I might be experiencing (my problems tend to be emotional or mental rather than physical). I just retreat instead and don’t visit the networks. Having said that I also feel a real need to share sometimes – so how to get that need met? I tend to share with one or two IRL friends instead. I too feel a bit uncomfortable with some of the very open sharing but do hope that I give support when friends need it.
Truly hoping that your problems are resolved quickly and smoothly.
Love and light to you
Rachel xox
Aw, Rachel – you are a thoughtful and respectful friend indeed. I feel much the same way you do.
And I’m going to try and be a little more aware of when others may need a wee bit extra love sent their way. Thank you for visiting and sending the light xo