I've been struggling with finding my online "voice" as well. I mean, there are so many aspects to my life--how I can I just focus on one?! So, I totally feel your pain. I also understand how frustrating it can be to have negative comments on a blog posting. Sometimes I write something that I think is completely mundane, and I get attacked for it. Keep your head up, and remember that you aren't defined by what you do or others' perceptions of you; you can make it up as you go (if, that is, that's what you want). ;)
WasatchGirl
· 9 months ago
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Lauren. I appreciate it. Yeah, something about that post all of a sudden burnt me out on blogging. But I think it was good... I think I was spending too much time on this site and climbing in general. Never a bad thing to re-analyze priorities. Hope you are well! Rachel
Kush
· 10 months ago
Hey Rachel,
I'm one of the lurkers on your site...actually, no, I did comment on one of your blog posts when you visited my 'home state' of North Carolina. I found your site a while back by accident, but lingered on. Now its high on my blogroll, and I usually visit your site weekly.
I'm a little saddened by this post. As an avid climber, I visit a lot of climbing blogs on the Internet. You stood out as a fellow enthusiast who wasn't necessarily chasing big numbers , or trying to make it as a pro, but simply offered honest observations and perspective in a detailed and lucid style. I've enjoyed all your writings, ranging from trip reports to my past stomping grounds in the SE, to your life / career aspirations 'ticklist', which you so ingenuously shared with us. As another weekend warrior dude, I've identified with your goals and the constant struggle to juggle climbing and career.
Also as somebody who's always falling behind on their blog, I am aware of the kind of discipline and diligence it takes to find the time and energy to write on a regular basis. I'm terrible keeping mine updated but find inspiration from writers such as yourself.
Please keep writing. I missed reading your previous post and your associated comments. But I'm certain that there wasn't any material there that you didn't express as facts or as your honest opinion. I've no idea, but there's a chance that I could have disagreed with what you wrote. I disagree with my friends all the time, doesn't mean that I slander them ?! Please don't let anonymous invective from armchair climbers deter your spirit.. There are a lot of us who enjoy your blog and look forward to it regularly.
Thanks, Kush
ps - perhaps you could change your blog settings where you could approve each comment made?
WasatchGirl
· 9 months ago
Kush, Thanks for reading my blog and taking the time to comment. I really appreciated this post and am going to follow it up with a personal email right now. Hope you are well. Best. Rachel
Zirkel
· 9 months ago
Interesting realization/evolution of your online voice.
I played around with digital media under the guise of an artistic outlet before coming to the conclusion that my own personal fulfillment comes from within, rather than how others respond to me. But that's just me. Although I don't do "tech" as an occupation, I realize my most fulfilling moments in life come from being outdoors and away from technology.
By the way... I'm the guy sitting a few tables down from you each morning at Black Sheep. Stop by and say hi!
WasatchGirl
· 9 months ago
Zirkel, Thanks for the comment and stopping by to say hi the other day in the Black Sheep. So great to meet you! Best. Rachel
Zirkel
· 9 months ago
Addendum -- You may find this interesting and obliquely relevant:
Zirkel, Thank you for the addendum. I really liked this article as I have been pondering many of these thoughts lately, especially as I am started to contemplate a job move and what I really love to do. Thank you for including this link! Best. Rachel
Gumby Adam
· 9 months ago
Happy for you but bummed for me, dude! I LOVE reading about your adventures! Thanks for sharing and teaching me so much over the years. I'm lucky beyond words for having had the opportunity. Your blog's been like having a rockin mini-Rach on my shoulder. One that occasionally flashes cool pictures, tells crazy stories, and mutters out thought provoking life-insights. The latter of which I always picture spattered out in a tourettes-esque snap.
Anyway, I totally understand your decision and support you 103% in making it. There's no reason for your sanctuary to be littered with other people's negativity and nonsense. Do whatcha love. Love whatcha do.
You're the best, kid! Don't ever forget it!!!
-ad
P.S. On second thought, perhaps you and CB tie for "best". I'm sure you don't mind sharing the limelight a bit, right? ;)
WasatchGirl
· 9 months ago
Ha ha... Gumby Adam, you crack me up!!!! I love when you comment on my blog. I will still be writing on this blog but trying to focus more of my time to the Wasatchgirl blog. Don't worry, the mini Rach on your shoulder will still be around.
And, I would completely understand if CB took the "best" award. She is soooo cute... how could she not? Hope you are well. Rach
All Comments
Hope you are well!
Rachel
I'm one of the lurkers on your site...actually, no, I did comment on one of your blog posts when you visited my 'home state' of North Carolina. I found your site a while back by accident, but lingered on. Now its high on my blogroll, and I usually visit your site weekly.
I'm a little saddened by this post. As an avid climber, I visit a lot of climbing blogs on the Internet. You stood out as a fellow enthusiast who wasn't necessarily chasing big numbers , or trying to make it as a pro, but simply offered honest observations and perspective in a detailed and lucid style. I've enjoyed all your writings, ranging from trip reports to my past stomping grounds in the SE, to your life / career aspirations 'ticklist', which you so ingenuously shared with us. As another weekend warrior dude, I've identified with your goals and the constant struggle to juggle climbing and career.
Also as somebody who's always falling behind on their blog, I am aware of the kind of discipline and diligence it takes to find the time and energy to write on a regular basis. I'm terrible keeping mine updated but find inspiration from writers such as yourself.
Please keep writing. I missed reading your previous post and your associated comments. But I'm certain that there wasn't any material there that you didn't express as facts or as your honest opinion. I've no idea, but there's a chance that I could have disagreed with what you wrote. I disagree with my friends all the time, doesn't mean that I slander them ?! Please don't let anonymous invective from armchair climbers deter your spirit.. There are a lot of us who enjoy your blog and look forward to it regularly.
Thanks,
Kush
ps - perhaps you could change your blog settings where you could approve each comment made?
Thanks for reading my blog and taking the time to comment. I really appreciated this post and am going to follow it up with a personal email right now.
Hope you are well.
Best.
Rachel
I played around with digital media under the guise of an artistic outlet before coming to the conclusion that my own personal fulfillment comes from within, rather than how others respond to me. But that's just me. Although I don't do "tech" as an occupation, I realize my most fulfilling moments in life come from being outdoors and away from technology.
By the way... I'm the guy sitting a few tables down from you each morning at Black Sheep. Stop by and say hi!
Thanks for the comment and stopping by to say hi the other day in the Black Sheep. So great to meet you!
Best.
Rachel
http://www.illuminatedmind.net/2009/03/04/if-it...
Thank you for the addendum. I really liked this article as I have been pondering many of these thoughts lately, especially as I am started to contemplate a job move and what I really love to do. Thank you for including this link!
Best.
Rachel
Anyway, I totally understand your decision and support you 103% in making it. There's no reason for your sanctuary to be littered with other people's negativity and nonsense. Do whatcha love. Love whatcha do.
You're the best, kid! Don't ever forget it!!!
-ad
P.S. On second thought, perhaps you and CB tie for "best". I'm sure you don't mind sharing the limelight a bit, right? ;)
And, I would completely understand if CB took the "best" award. She is soooo cute... how could she not?
Hope you are well.
Rach