I haven't written a blog post in over 6 months. Yes, I've been busy with selling/buying houses, moving, starting a new job, etc. But the real reason I haven't blogged since March 2014 is that I started to feel narcissism setting in with each new post. I would check the stats, share the news of my new post on Twitter multiple times, and basically beg for readers. Low numbers for one post would spur me to attempt to outdo that post, hoping for increased readership. The truth is, I was seeking validation through the number of people who at least clicked the link to a blog post.
Moving to Murray State University has been a much needed change, both personally and professionally. I previously did not work in a positive or supportive environment (possible link to seeking external validation), and have now found a work environment that is positive, supportive, and nurturing. I now work in a place where my past experiences in academe are valued. Now, I find validation in my daily work and interactions with colleagues, many of whom are quickly becoming friends.
I'm not too busy to blog, but I am too content to use blogging as a vehicle to seek external validation. As I have ideas or reactions to share beyond 140 characters, I'll do so via blog posts, but don't expect any regularity to my blogging. I'm getting back to writing daily (well, during the work week), but that daily writing is now geared toward publication, not blogging.
Don't get me wrong, I think blogging can be great. There are some folks whose blogs I really enjoy. But for me, blogging isn't the ideal medium. I got caught up in attempting to present myself as a brand, rather than focusing on sharing ideas.
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