A Fine Line
Let's clarify this right now.
There are those out there who think that blogging = narcissism. Ah-he-hem...allow me to elucidate.
In this life, there are egotists and narcissists. You can be neither. You can be either. You can be both. Westerners in general fall under one or both banners. It's an interesting idea, figuring out which camp you fall under.
Narcissism and egotism have a fine, but tangible distinction. That is, the object of their affection - one's self versus one's abilities and accomplishments. This is not to say one is better than the other. This is merely to make the following statement.
Ladies & gentlemen...The Evidence:
1) I do not take "selfies."
2) I do not blow up news feeds with photos, rants, or gushings about my dog, my job, my significant other, what I ate for lunch, etc. etc. etc.
3) If I write a particularly personal blog post, I intentionally craft it around an idea. And more often than not, create a theme within it to which everyone can relate.
While this is a personal blog, it is strongly synced to thoughts, imagery, metaphor, and stories. Even in those "stream of consciousness" moments where I address my own mood swings/feelings, I (generally) put it in context and attempt to create rational lines of inquiry. And it's always in effort to inspire or sympathize or educate.
My cousin once asked me why I never got angry or upset anymore when someone disagrees with me on something controversial. I thought about it for a moment, then told her it was because I always assumed they were ignorant and needed to be educated...why would I be angry at someone when I could simply inform and/or question them?
Egotism at its finest. But let's be honest...in this line of work, is that a bad thing?
To be a writer and even think for one second you have a chance of rising above the noise of media, self-publishing saturation, and superstars, you have to be a little big-headed.
It allows the itty-bitty-but-scrappy amateur pen-scratcher in the shadows to withstand the rejection, the heartbreak, and the daily grind of doing what you love when everyone else says you have no shot in hell.
And eventually (if you can keep ego in check and temper it with humility and willingness to learn), it can be what keeps the wind in your sails when others are busy shooting at them with AK's.
You know "they" (i.e. everyone who opposes you) are wrong because you know you are
just
that
good. :)
Echo and Narcissus, by John William Waterhouse
There are those out there who think that blogging = narcissism. Ah-he-hem...allow me to elucidate.
In this life, there are egotists and narcissists. You can be neither. You can be either. You can be both. Westerners in general fall under one or both banners. It's an interesting idea, figuring out which camp you fall under.
Narcissism and egotism have a fine, but tangible distinction. That is, the object of their affection - one's self versus one's abilities and accomplishments. This is not to say one is better than the other. This is merely to make the following statement.
I am NOT infatuated with myself.
(How boring would that be?)
I AM occasionally infatuated with my abilities and accomplishments.
(AKA Egotist. Not narcissist.)
Ladies & gentlemen...The Evidence:
1) I do not take "selfies."
2) I do not blow up news feeds with photos, rants, or gushings about my dog, my job, my significant other, what I ate for lunch, etc. etc. etc.
3) If I write a particularly personal blog post, I intentionally craft it around an idea. And more often than not, create a theme within it to which everyone can relate.
While this is a personal blog, it is strongly synced to thoughts, imagery, metaphor, and stories. Even in those "stream of consciousness" moments where I address my own mood swings/feelings, I (generally) put it in context and attempt to create rational lines of inquiry. And it's always in effort to inspire or sympathize or educate.
My cousin once asked me why I never got angry or upset anymore when someone disagrees with me on something controversial. I thought about it for a moment, then told her it was because I always assumed they were ignorant and needed to be educated...why would I be angry at someone when I could simply inform and/or question them?
Egotism at its finest. But let's be honest...in this line of work, is that a bad thing?
To be a successful writer, artist, performer of any kind...
you gotta be a little bit of one or the other if you EVER expect to "make it."
To be a writer and even think for one second you have a chance of rising above the noise of media, self-publishing saturation, and superstars, you have to be a little big-headed.
It allows the itty-bitty-but-scrappy amateur pen-scratcher in the shadows to withstand the rejection, the heartbreak, and the daily grind of doing what you love when everyone else says you have no shot in hell.
And eventually (if you can keep ego in check and temper it with humility and willingness to learn), it can be what keeps the wind in your sails when others are busy shooting at them with AK's.
You know "they" (i.e. everyone who opposes you) are wrong because you know you are
just
that
good. :)
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