In hiding

I have, at long last, decided that I need to be more open. Since I'm not in the habit of being particularly open, I'm not quite sure how, so I'm starting with this blog. A blog is a less risky way begin because of the anonymity. People can read or not read, they can read part and then quit in the middle, and I'll only know if they tell me. Similarly, since I don't know who reads my blog, it's like writing to an anonymous person.

Many are of the opinion that people share too much over the internet, but I am not afraid of this. Whether it's a good or bad thing, people are doing more and more communicating over the internet, and it's no longer "weird" for an average person's personal life to be available on the web. Besides, why do we censor the things we say when we're talking in person? What makes some things "too personal" to share? Social norms. Social norms tell us that it's inappropriate to let others see what's going on in our inner lives. Social norms tell us to only show the good parts of ourselves and we do our darndest not to let weaknesses show. And yet, it's common knowledge that we all have our inner demons. When it comes to our weaknesses, we either don't mention it, or we fake it. Deviation from these social norms subjects you to judgment by others (which, I think it's safe to say, no one likes). However, if I believe that God's judgments are the only ones that matter, and he already knows everything about me, then what do I have to fear in being open and honest? As long as the things I share are not destructive to others, what reason have I to hide myself?

So this is my official warning for readers who don't really want to know the dirty ins and outs, the things I think and the things I struggle with. You may want to proceed with caution, but the good news is that you're anonymous so it won't hurt my feelings :-)