This morning, I read a blog post that got to my heart. And yes, I know that this post is completely out of character for me, as I like to primarily stick to humor on The Mommyologist, but this is something that needs to be said, and I feel that it’s something bloggers need to hear. Plus, it’s my friend Shell’s one year anniversary of her Pour Your Heart Out link up, and I’d be a shitty friend if I didn’t participate.
Back to that blog post that I read not even thirty minutes ago…but still can’t get out of my head.
As I read this particular post, I found myself nodding my head the whole way through reading it. I found myself taking deep breaths in and out and feeling validated after hearing this woman’s experiences. And I found myself wanting to reach through my computer and hug this woman, simply because SHE GETS IT.
I won’t go into any of the reasons why, but I just could not leave a comment on this amazing post today. But even though I did not comment, that post potentially changed my life. It resonated with me. It made me feel like I’m worth it. It gave me a little bit of peace. And I cannot thank this blogger who I shall not name enough for writing it.
Too often as bloggers, we let the number of comments we receive on a post determine whether or not we think the post was good, or whether or not anyone enjoyed it. And after my experience this morning, I feel the need to tell bloggers everywhere to keep on writing from their hearts…because you NEVER know who is silently reading along and feeling less isolated because you were brave enough to hit the publish button.
Be grateful for the untyped comment. Because the untyped comments are the most important ones you will ever receive.
You ARE making a difference. NEVER question that.
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Great post and I love reading things like this that are uncharacteristically you
. I think you have a good point. I love how you call it the “untyped comment”.
Well, since you just left a comment on my post, I know it wasn’t me! *grins*
In all seriousness, this is such an important reminder; something we ALL need to remember. You just never know when someone will read your blog and it will be what they needed to see at that moment.
I’m so glad you joined in and shared this- because it’s so true! We don’t know who is reading or whose life we have made a difference in. It’s not the number of comments at all. But, it’s a hard thing to remember sometimes.
I know exactly what you are saying. Sometimes the post is so incredible, I feel like my meager comment will be a little wet blanket to such excellence. I’d rather be silent than foolish.
Sometimes you can’t adequately express how something has moved you through words. I liked how you called it the “untyped comment”. It’s a reminder we all need that just because someone doesn’t comment it doesn’t mean they weren’t moved or impacted by something you wrote.
I can remember when I worried over having no comments. I was a lot different writer then and I debated on quitting. Now I don’t sweat the small stuff cause I know that just because someone doesn’t comment doesn’t mean it wasn’t read.
Such a great post. I often write this way, I am very honest and I used to wonder if that scared people because I would get less comments on those days but over time readers have began to comment or email me privately to let me know that they understand.
The best feeling in the world. Thank you for the reminder.
How encouraging.
Thank you.
So glad this post was tweeted out, So I could read it.
This is a post I needed to read. Sometimes I wonder if what I write really matters. But, the most important thing for me is that one day, it will hopefully matter to my girls and they will enjoy what I’ve written.
I don’t know if it was life stuff the held me back from writing, the pain in my arm getting worse, dealing with the “NO!” thing every 5 seconds with Sam, the Blogging community or I just needed a brake. But I was averaging only 2-3 post a week for a month or 2. I’m back now I’m not giving up my blog!
You are so, so right. When I’m really moved by something, I often can’t think of the right thing to say. So I say nothing at all.
You are spot on with this. Sometimes words cannot express how much a post effects me.
My post is the opposite – those who don’t comment and then try to start trouble. But I think we should still continue to write from our hearts.
The “Untyped Comment” is such a great term! I have had many of those in my heart after reading particularly challenging/inspiring/haunting/thought-provoking posts, and then never been able to type them out.
You are so right. Sometimes I dont type a comment, but will either actually write an email to the blogger and send it, or write one out and just put into words, like you just did, what went through my mind and why it resonated with me. I might use it later for a blog post, for instance
This is such a great reminder. We get caught up in what we can measure (traffic stats, comments made) that we sometimes lose sight of our real desired outcome: making a difference, moving people, inspiring, building community. The immeasurables matter most.
Amen! I know that there are times that posts resonate with me and I don’t leave a comment for many reasons. Sometimes I am so emotionally hit that I have to step away. Occasionally I’ll go back later in the day and comment once I’ve had time to process. Most of the time I don’t comment because I can’t express myself properly to convey what the post meant to me. I agree with Joy, I like how you call it the “untyped comment”. A great reminder to us all!
So true and beautifully stated. Thanks for posting.
What a great post!!
Man, you don’t know how much I needed to hear this today. Thank you.
I know *exactly* what you mean – I often feel the comments I leave on serious and heavy posts just seem stupid or too light, so strangely the more your post touches me the less likely I am to comment. So don’t think people aren’t being impact, they might just be dreadful readers like me!
GREAT post. Too many bloggers do measure their post’s success by their comments. I try not to but I admit I am a bit disappointed when a post I make doesn’t garner the response that I felt it should. On the flip side of the coin, when a blog post I read fosters something inside of me, I give credit where credit is due (namely, the blog post) and leave my comment. There are just some posts and some reactions that are so powerful they’re best left internalized.
Mary,
This is so spot on. Loved it. I think we all sometimes get caught up in the number of comments, but I also often wonder about the lurkers—what they are thinking & not saying. So this was a great read!
I never thought about it like that. I know my IRL friends read because they tell me instead of commenting. Thanks for sharing this perspective.
I was just going to leave an “untyped comment” here but as usual could not not leave one. (-: What a great post, it has helped me to “Step AWAY from the comments!” – We are so used to judging ourselves by what others “say” or “think” about us – so it’s easy to get suckered in by how many comments a post might get, or might not get. You’re reminded me that if I just write what I know, and write what’s honest…I’m good. Whether or not anyone reads it or comments on it.
(-:
- Ado
You’re post is so honest and moving. Thank you for giving us something that is from your heart. I agree with the “untyped comment”. I experienced having them at times. I just don’t know what to say or how to react after reading something that’s so heart-warming, sad, out of the ordinary.
Thank you for verbalizing what I’m feeling sometimes.
Take care.
What a great reminder! And you are so right! It is about the passion we put into our words…. not about the numbers. (hmmm….eerily similar to the mom sexy revolution).
Great post! I agree wholeheartedly. There are some posts that leave me completely speechless and I don’t leave a comment either. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t move me and change my perspective some.
this is wonderful! i have often felt the same way and then click in the comment box and say to myself… how can i put into words that all i want to do is jump through the screen and embrace in one teary eyed “i get your pain” kind of hug. sometimes, as great as the written word is, it cant do justice.
so thank you for the reminder as i can get sucked into my stats and low comment numbers
Whoa…I never looked at it that way…but I think you’re right!! THank you for doing a more serious less ha-ha post…
This is such an inspiring post! Thank you for realigning my perspective – I think everyone gets a little comment crazed from time to time! Glad to see it’s not just me after all.
YES! so well said…htere has been I comment (because I know how much the blogger appreciates it) but I feel like what I’ve said was so trite…like there were no words to adequetely express what I meant to say…and what a great post it was…
and hooray to you for not being a shitty friend! haha
I have read many blog posts that I really liked but I couldn’t find the right words for a comment so I completely agree with you on this one.
Thank you so much for writing this. My blog is a place for me to work through my thoughts, tackle my life, and ride on my journey. I have followers, but very few commenters. This reminds me that they really are reading, though they may not have the courage or ability to write something. I know my story can help somebody else. Thanks so much!
What a great perspective!
there are so many times i don’t comment, because nothing i could say would convey my feelings…this happens a lot. the untyped comment. love that.
What a great point. I’ve been in that situation too; great post, very moving, but couldn’t express myself in a comment. I’m glad you posted this!
Ooh, so true! I read a lot of stuff that I don’t comment on for various reasons, mostly time. And commenting is frankly a blogger thing so I know a lot of people read and don’t comment. None of that matters as you pointed out. Write from the heart, have fun. Lovely to see you were touched by someone words
Great post. Sometimes I stare at the comment form for a while trying to find the “right” thing to say after reading a powerful post. You’re right, sometimes the words left unspoken are the most powerful words of all.
Some of my very favorite posts have lower comments:) Glad you ran across one that touched your heart:) Have an awesome day!
This is so true! You really don’t know who is reading a post and what making still be running through their brain and hearts long after they have read it.
It’s so good to hear this. It’s true, when we don’t have a lot of comments we can get discouraged. We have to remember to write what’s on our hearts. Someone will read it and get it!