Well, it seems I’ve ruffled more than a few feathers of late. Most of those feathers seem to be firmly attached to Trump supporters, and that’s perfectly okay with me. I can’t imagine that we’ll ever see eye to eye.
Here’s the thing. I’m not a journalist. I’ve never claimed to be one. I’ve never wanted to be one. If you’re looking for facts, you’ll want to look elsewhere. What I write are for the most part opinion pieces.
My whole life I’ve been told that I have strong opinions. For decades I took that as a character flaw of some sort. I tried really hard not to have opinions, but it just wasn’t in me. Those failed attempts caused a great deal of self-loathing and wasted time.
Then, with maturity, I realized that everyone has opinions. I just tend to express them more than the average person. So why not turn that into an asset by way of writing a blog? Well, that isn’t going to make everyone happy. So be it.
I think the confusion occurs when people assume that I insist that everyone should agree with my opinions. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. After all, who the hell am I to dictate what anyone else thinks? I don’t consider myself an influencer.
I speak for me, not for anyone else. My opinions are mine. This blog is mine. It’s therapeutic for me. If this were the 19th century, I’d probably be writing a diary. It’s wonderful to have a broader forum. But rest assured that your participation is voluntary.
I’m writing it for me, and if my readers enjoy it, I view that as a delightful side benefit. Many times you give me broader insight, or inspire other posts, or get me interested in topics that I would never have thought to pursue. I’m grateful for that.
But if in the process of writing this blog I step on a few toes, I’m guessing those toes will take themselves elsewhere eventually. I hate to say this, but I really couldn’t care less either way. That’s one of the few facts I’ll lay claim to.
Namaste.
Ruffled Feathers
The View from a Drawbridge 
Like you, I have strong opinions and I don’t hesitate to express them. I have never much cared what other people think and the older I get (71), the less I care. Opinions are how we see the world and that view of the world is unique to each of us. I especially don’t mind offending trumpers as they must be the most ignorant people on earth; the sooner they go away the better.
Keep up your good writing and expressing of opinions–I enjoy reading your blog.
Thank you so much MaryLou! I appreciate that.
Only you can be you. Be proud, be strong, be you.
Thanks.
LOL! My tombstone will be planted next to the pond. It will say. “Go ahead Carole, you can now make waves.” I am so tired, of watching everything I say. It is My World also.
I do admit, sometimes I have sizzled, squirmed and muttered opposition to some comments, but a good case of ruffled feathers is so stimulating.
Carry On Dear Friend. Keep speaking for those of us that can’t or won’t. Tell us those stories of places we will never visit. Open our eyes to seeing ourselves in a mirror and liking what we see. When I read your blogs, I like myself much better, believe that more things are possible and that I can also make a difference. I am forever grateful to the Cigarette Girl, and the Waving Man, and all the gits you have sent my way. Carry On.
Bless you, Carole, for being one of my favorite cheerleaders and for lifting me up when I’m not feeling like I’m my best self. As long as you keep reading I’ll keep writing.
Opinions and beliefs are not facts, but even if you sited only verified facts you’d still ruffle feathers. It’s harder to challenge facts than opinions without looking illogical, but they’d still try. Maybe a disclaimer, before each post, of “Just My Opinion” in large bold text would warn them off. Or would they just take it as an invitation? 🙂
I’ve given up even trying with these people. Logic doesn’t do it, that’s for sure.
…but that’s just my opinion.