My kids read my blog, for the most part.  Sometimes they hit me with “Oh, sorry Mom, I have to catch up”.  One of my sons told me recently that although he enjoys reading my blog, it isn’t edgy.  It’s very “safe” writing.

When he said that, I couldn’t help but think of that old Kenny Rogers song, The Gambler.  In the lyrics, Rogers uses a poker game as a metaphor for life.  I like to think of social media the same way.  Have you ever read something on Facebook that made you cringe?  Sometimes I can’t help but say to myself, “whoa”, “ouch” or the ever popular, “TMI”!

You may think I’m being judgmental, or maybe just mental.  I’m actually empathetic and embarrassed for people who seem to live without boundaries.  You can say I’m hypocritical, since I’m writing this in a blog post.  That’s okay.  See, I’ll run that risk, because I feel like this is something that needs to be said.  Maybe you think I’m old-fashioned, or maybe just old.  I’m alright with that too.

It never ceases to amaze me the things that people will post about themselves in a public forum.  It’s as if some people think it’s a form of journaling.  It’s actually the opposite.  While journaling is a private, cathartic exercise,  Facebook is a broadcast medium.  Who will see it?  Well, just about everybody!

I’m not huge on political correctness, but I don’t want to be provocative, or cause hard feelings.  I just don’t need to express myself to that extent, at the risk of hurting someone else.  It doesn’t mean that I don’t have a dark side, or that I’m not opinionated, or that I’m not “edgy” at times.  I just have some modesty and some manners.  I’m not perfect, I’m just not inclined to show off my shortcomings.

You can have a discussion or debate just about anything, without adopting a “me vs. them” attitude.  It’s okay to stick up for yourself, but not so cool to poke someone in the eye.

Like Kenny says, “You’ve got to know when to walk away, and know when to run”.

What do you think?

– Cat