Friday, March 25, 2011

It's My 2nd Blogiversary Baby!!


Ever blink your eyes and feel like you've woken up years later? That's kind of how I'm feeling right now, because two years ago today my blog was born. I decided to start this as a way to cope with lingering emotional effects after a car accident, I won't get into the whole story again but more can be found in "What Makes Me Tick" at the top of my sidebar if you're interested.

In the beginning I never intended to post any of my own writing here, but time went on and as I changed my blog changed with me. What's even harder to believe than the time that's gone by is the people I've met. At first I pictured in my mind getting maybe three or four steady readers, never thought I'd see my words read in eighty-eight countries. I hoped to one day make a few friends, but the relationships that have formed are beyond anything I could have ever hoped for. I didn't realize just how close you can get to people on-line, it's amazing isn't it?

It's been an amazing adventure. I've had memorable conversations about almost every subject imaginable. I've been blessed for the chance to speak with people about their battles with depression, anorexia, abuse, rape, an inspiring recovery from a life-changing car accident. Women have given me insight to their experience of orgasm, pregnancy and raising children. Most recently I've been able to talk with someone who survived a shark attack and is courageously regaining her life.

People have criticized me, praised me, harassed me, shared fantasies about me. Quoted me, which is always incredibly flattering. Through it all I've developed a greater sense of compassion, tolerance and under-standing. I've found there's always something new to be learned, often from those much younger (this generation needs to be heard more than they are). I've learned that someone who's a thousand miles away can be felt as close as if their touch was upon you. And I've learned we all love, we all hurt, we all have something that scares us. There's commonality and shared comfort in this, I think. I've also learned I don't want to stop writing and being around you guys. Looks like you're stuck with me for a while.

Thanks for everything you've ever shared with me.  Yes, you.

13 comments:

  1. Love this. happy blog birthday. you and your blog have changed my life. i mean that.

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  2. I'm not a religious person, but I truly believe it was fate that you and I met. How else can you explain how two people, from different countries and generations and walks of life could be damn near soulmates?!

    I'm so thankful you started your blog. It is a wonderful source of inspiration (and hilarity). You are such an amazing guy and I'm glad that so many people (like me) were given the chance to meet you through it. You've helped me through every aspect of my life in the past two or so years we've known each other. And I know you've done the same to countless others who have dealt with horrible tragedies...you are truly a comfort.

    Happy blogiversary! I love you!!

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  3. The big thank you(!) should go to you for starting this blog in the first place Barry.

    Happy Birthday blogs, and wishing you many more to come xx

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  4. Since I'm the only one who knew you before ... I can honestly say that I am truly amazed at your transformation. I loved the man I met then married very much. Somehow you've made me love you even more. The changes have been amazing. The stuff we've had to deal with would have ripped a lot of couples apart, but your patience and understanding has literally changed my life. You've pushed me beyond my comfort zone in so many areas, I'm not sure you'll ever really know the effect you've had on me. You make me want to be a better, more understanding person. I am so proud to be your wife.
    With all my love.
    S.

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  5. Happy Blogiversary!!! :)

    I also love the people I've met from my blog. Some I feel I've known for a lifetime <3

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  6. Thanks everyone, what a great way to end off the week reading this! You're what keeps me going, and I feel lucky to know each and every one of you. xx

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  7. happy anniversary barry. you really are a wonderful writer and person. good for you! glad to have connected with you :)

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  8. Congrats!! I probably wouldn't even have thought about doing a blog if it wasn't for you. Never would have thought 20+ years ago that this is what you were destined for, but I'm happy you found happiness and something fulfilling and meaningful. Cheers buddy!!

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  9. TG and Tony, thanks. It's amazing how much of an affect something like this can have on a person isn't it? :)

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