Tuesday, 18 September 2012
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Never Done Growing
When I first started my Xanga, I started with the full intent of it being political blog. I'd express my views, expose the truth, show how ignorant the other side is, etc.
Before I knew it, it started to morph into so much more, as did my views. I started making friends out there, I saw how blind some folks were, and how open others were.
Recently out of boredom one day, I went back to read some of my old posts. I also saw how my writing has changed quite a bit as well. I still keep it fiery a good amount of the time, but more level-headed it seems as well. I still research and many times even create an outline before I write a post. Never once thought I'd do that when I was in high school. I thought "nah, a good writer will just be able to sit and write." So, there's my official apology to Mrs. Gasser, my old English teacher.
Even though I never made a conscious effort, I was a bit amazed at how my writing has changed over the years. Admittedly, my old posts look well, amateur. I don't think my current writings are professional quality by any means, but they're a huge improvement on the posts I made six or seven years ago. I think now, I'm better able to put my thoughts into words, instead of sitting there going "oh, what's the word for that feeling" or "what is it called again when someone does that?"
I think one reason is because having taken part in so many debates on Xanga, I've been forced to rethink my stance on some issues many times. I've been forced to sit and REALLY think about things. "Is that how I really feel? Why do I feel that way? Is it justified?"
In being forced to think so much, many of my views have changed. Maybe change isn't the proper word. Morph? No... heck, guess I still have to sit here and think about how to put things to words sometimes! I guess you could say is, my views haven't changed so much as I have. What I mean is, are the views really changing when more information is available? By available information, I don't necessarily mean new discoveries, I mean opening our minds to accept that information that is already out there. Are we flip-flopping or changing our views when we start to open our eyes?
I still find it amazing how so many folks hold the same values and beliefs as their parents. I know it's the environment they grew up in, but it always makes me feel like they're not thinking for themselves. Of course, it doesn't mean you HAVE to disagree with them to show you're thinking for yourself. But if you agree 100% of the time on politics or social issues, there's something not going on there.
I was an adult when I started my Xanga. I was married, already had a few little reapers running around. But I wasn't done growing. I'm glad I wasn't done growing. Because I think when we are done growing, we are done living. A day without learning something new, is a day wasted.
I just still find it amazing how much I feel my writing has changed since being here on Xanga.
Has your writing changed since joining Xanga? If you're one of the folks always discussing policies and politics, have your views changed much? Call me nostalgic, but I just think all the changes over a few short years are amazing.
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Comments (11)
My views have changed quite a bit and they should always be in flux. During the Bush years I was extremely anti-religion. I was convinced religion was the root of all the evil in the world. It wasn't until Bakersdozen pointed me to Ayn Rand and I discovered it isn't really that simple a few years ago that really made me rethink my stances on every last thing.
I know you probably cannot see it as we stand in pretty much politcal opposition but from my viewpoint....it was rather profound. I always saw my side as the side of Logic and reason and the right religious extreamism and illogical.
I was dead wrong for years.
I morphed into many Libertarian views and understandings of things. Government has just gotten too big and I was unaware of the scope and function that the founders intended. All around things need to be much smaller and we need to let the free market work.
My views have changed. In a lot of ways. Debating has sharpened my views in a lot of ways. But it has changed my views of people too. I am at a place now where I feel that certain people are just hopeless and worthless to me as far as honing my knowledge goes. I don't have to hear a broken record but so many times before I have it memorized. It is only the ones who are also searching for more knowledge and willing to research and willing to change their views according to the information that I find valuable.
There are certain things I will never budge on, and they have nothing to do with my parents views. As a matter of fact, they have caused me to even butt heads with them. The main one being that the Bible will always be the final authority, so if ever there is any conflict, the Bible wins. And just like we don't get to pick the truth, we also don't get to rewrite the Bible.
And I really like this part...
"I'm glad I wasn't done growing. Because I think when we are done growing, we are done living. A day without learning something new, is a day wasted."
And, while I'm not one that discusses policies and politics, I will say that I've at least enjoyed your posts about it, because I always feel like I learn something. Typically, I feel a little... insecure in that area, as I don't know that much, but the way you talk about it always seems very clear and to the point and I certainly love how you stick up for truth!
"A day without learning something new, is a day wasted." <-- So, so very true.
And to answer your questions, yes my writing has changed quite a bit over the past 8 years since I joined xanga. (Thank God I changed my username so people can't goback through my blog now and see the way I wrote when I was 14!) And I recently changed the way I blog in general on here, I used to use it as a personal diary, never commented on anyone's site, never really looked around at other users or tried to meet anybody, I just wrote about myself in a very personal way and pretty much hoped that no one would really read it. Then I started finding these amazing bloggers on here and decided to start reaching out and becoming more a part of this community. I definitely am glad that I did that, but I essentially am the same person. Now though, when I post a blog, I do it with the intention for people to read it and get feedback.
And to answer the second question you asked, although I'm not really a political blogger I still am friends with/subbed to those who do post "controversial" political blogs. The big change in me since becoming a part of the Xanga community is that I've gone from having no interest in politics and only vaguely associating myself with a political party, to having clear opinions and ideas that I have formed through reading blogs on here, following links, and doing my own research afterwards. Now, I closely follow the issues and "hot topics" that are trending, and I've learned so much that I never cared to worry about before. That's a HUGE change for me, and I feel like it couldn't have came any sooner. I'm very passionate about my views on the issues, but I'm also one to take into account the varying opinions and am always eager to learn more about anything, as long as someone is willing to give me a clear opinion that is logical and based on facts. I'm not down to listen to trolls. Lol.
But anyway, hope my long. essay of a comment answers your questions. =) I really enjoy your blog and I hope you continue to post on here often. I'm annoyed that it took me this long to discover your site and finally sub to you!
My views have also changed in the last 5 years of being here on Xanga. I used to love debating but I'm not as passionate as I once was, even though I still do every once in awhile.
" A day without learning something new, is a day wasted."
LOVED this post =]
If one is not growing or changing then one is dying. I have come to also enjoy & trust your thoughts & ponders as a friend.
I agree on the whole thinking like your parents thing. I met a girl in college once that wore only skirts and dresses because "only men wear pants" and who thought giving your entire life and soul to the lord was the only way to be peaceful. Anyone else should be (insert horrific way of death.) I almost wondered if she put any thought into what she said.
I don't think I have changed since Xanga but have changed since blogging (starting on blogspot.) I looked back at my earlier posts from 2008 and my goodness I was a completely different person.
I enjoy reading your words. I hope you don't mind my silent visits.
Oooh, my passion is political blogging; thus my frequent absences from xanga. I do think my writing has evolved.....as Darwin, er, Mrs. Garrison would say, I am now the spawn of a retarded monkey fish squirrel!
See? I always try to post relevant and thoughtful answers to questions. I'm being very naughty, Grim, and you may spank me......and I'll like it.