3rd September 2006

	blog
Definition:	to author an online diary or chronology of thoughts
Etymology:	1999-2004; abbr. of Weblog
Usage:	blogged, blogging; blogger,

I’ve said before that I came to this forum as a way of journaling to compliment my foray into counselling training. The need to get in the habit of writing is one reason. Why not just write privately you may ask? Well, I confess to wanting to be heard, whether that be by receiving replies or not (or course actually getting replies is much better). It the knowledge that it’s out there for someone to read that gives me the satisfaction.

This is far removed from newsgroups that I have been involved with which were predominately discussion and support forums and can remain static.

Brenny suggested I write on this subject. So, here is my take on it all.

I prefer this forum for the following reasons: -

As a child I was told “Little boys should be seen and not heard”. This, I believe knocked my confidence in many ways and, because of that for many years, I would not be heard in conversation with people because I did not think I was worthy. So.. having gained confidence with life experience its easier now, but writing here means I can allow my thoughts to blossom or bloom as Brenny put it, without being interrupted.

Things I have learned so far in the “Listening Skills” counselling training is to be aware of ones own judgement and prejudice (which needs to be put to one side in helping interviews). As a result, I've learned to embrace in a much greater way, folk from different backgrounds, creeds and cultures. I have found common traits in all human beings…. Needs and wants, dreams, expectations and yes, even some prejudice and judgement although looking back, there is less P & J than I guess I might have judged myself prior to training. We are all, of course a lot more alike than we realise. The funny thing is, as I see it, honesty seems to bring this out.

With the encouragement of many (not the least for Yahoo 360 for featuring me recently) I’ve begun to find I really enjoy writing and I guess I’ve discovered (dare I say) a bit of a talent for it. This is borne out by the comments I’ve received from folk. In a paradoxical way, there is for me a feeling of safeness in writing and sharing here. There are dangers of course, but I'm aware of these having seen what has happened in newsgroups. How many of you have read back through your blogs and noticed how we change, adapt and grow? Unless you are new, say less that a month or two and have not done this yet, try looking back. Its facinating!

Surfing round 360 is like a (virtual) mystery ramble in the countryside. “Shall I go here? Shall I go there? Hmmm, that looks interesting… oops.. there’s a dead end… ooer that looks scary and dangerous.” There’s a menagerie alleys, tracks and roads to go down. In a lot of cases, I set up camp somewhere for a while and take in the experience of one particular blogger for a while, then find some follow me, or I follow others.

Finally, I get a real “feel” for people and what makes them tick from the pictures, graphics, poems, stories, wit & humour, video’s, recipes etc etc… they share. There’s a whole iceberg worth of people and information out there of which I feel I’ve taken just a small scoop with a desert spoon.