I’ve been writing this blog for just over two years. I wanted a place for brief, insightful, thoughtful, analysis and opinion on current events, social issues, politics and life. Short, positive reads that were both accessible and articulate. To a large degree, I think I have accomplished what I set out to do.
I am super grateful for the near 10,000 views the blog has received! When I started this I didn’t know if it would have an impact or not. Well, I still don’t really know the impact beyond what it has done for me but I am glad for those of you who have taken the time to read and share my posts. Thanks for sharing this journey with me. I can’t count the times someone has said to me “Thanks for this or that you wrote it meant a lot to me.” Okay, I probably could count them, but honestly, it has been more than I can remember and more than I had anticipated.
Something else happened that I did not anticipate. My writing really changed me. I found myself filtering and tempering myself in ways that were both positive and unexpected. When I would feel some kind of indignation and want to quickly go to the keyboard and pound out some snarky response to current events something in me would say, “Don’t do it.” I would ask myself, “Instead of finding a way to blame others, what are you doing to fix the problem? Are you contributing to the animosity or helping to alleviate it?” Instead of trying to ‘fix’ others, the process of writing over the last two years has mostly helped improve me.
When I take a step back from the reactionary lens and allow a more proactive approach, I find that my writing is productive and moves me to action more than demanding action from others. I feel a sense of obligation to deeply think about my position, research it, and talk about what I can do instead of what you should do. That has been a huge blessing in my life!
Along the way I’ve also written some things I liked, some things I thought were important, and some things that really resonated with others. Here is a highlight reel of the blog over the last two years!
Mind the Gap! This was one of my least viewed but most important posts. It has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with life. The concepts here helped me have the courage to write. My writing over the years has helped me see the world in a more hopeful lens. Have courage! Create something! Mind the gap! Read the post here.
Should We Even Talk About Race Anymore? This post caused me serious reflection on my own thoughts, beliefs and actions regarding race. It was a much needed reflection. Read the post here.
If You Can’t Stand Your Liberal Brother-in-law, Blame the Caveman! I have spent the last two years really trying to understand why people think, believe and vote the way they do. Like many of you, I’m worried about the hyper-partisanship we see in the country. I’ve read a lot about tribalism this year and understanding that has helped me understand others much better. Read post here.
The Reason You Don’t Like Baseball Is Probably the Same Reason You Don’t Like Politics and Frankly, It’s Your Fault. Unwarranted certitude is not a virtue. In fact, I believe it’s a threat to democracy. Being informed doesn’t mean knowing your talking points–being really informed helps you understand how much you don’t know! That kind of humility increases intellectual curiosity and subdues unwarranted certitude. Read the post here.
I Am Patriotic, Just Not Like That. This has been one of my most popular posts. I don’t why. Perhaps because it tells a personal story that resonates with so many. Read the post here
An Open Letter to My White Friends: The research I do for the posts I write has as much, or more, value to me than the process of writing. This post was for sure like that! I learned a lot about the country I live in and love and a lot about me. Read the post here
I’m a Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and a Liberal and That’s OK. This is by far the most popular thing I have ever written. Nearly 15% of my total views have been of this post. Ironically, I almost didn’t post it. I thought it was too simple and too personal. It definitely speaks to a lot of people. I’ve had a ton of feedback and it is definitely something I need to write more about! Read the post here
Instead of Something Controversial Let’s Just Talk about Guns and Abortion? These are two separate posts where I take a heated political issue and show that, really, we probably have more common ground on it than we think we do. I have ideas for like five more of these. I just to get them written! Read the post about guns here Read the post about abortion here
We Must Be Honest With Who We Are and Who We Can Be. This is one of my shortest posts but one where the prose really speaks to me. I always hate everything I write but sometimes when I review it later, I think, “That’s not too bad.” This is one of those. Read the post here
Thanks again for reading and sharing the posts! It really has been a learning journey. One I am excited to continue!
