Sticks and stones will hurt me, but words never should
Coaltown, Glenrothes, Scotland
This past weekend was the first time I took my blog public and I was extremely hesitant to tell anyone. Why? Because I thought it would be easier to take criticism from strangers than from people I know. I believe if you ask anyone who has gone public alone, it’s not as easy as you would think. There is always that thought in the back of your mind that everyone is a critic. Why did you pick that topic because you’re not saving the world? Why did you pick that photo? Why are you promoting that product? Why did you say that about a tea room? Why did you...? The list goes on and on. I know it’s not intentional, but just a natural reaction. So, the end result is a feeling of dread and failure on the person it all rests upon, the content creator.
No, I’m not saving the world, but I do feel I am putting myself out there to share with others something I love and enjoy. It’s that piece of sanity in my life I turn to when the world seems crazy. I believe they call it “quality of life.” We only live this life once and if you want to do it and it’s not hurting anyone, why not? Sticks and stones will hurt me, but words never should. They will sting, but everyone will have an opinion, no matter what, and that is how the world works. Now, if I receive constructive criticism, I welcome that whole-heartedly. I’m new to this so any advice or suggestions is welcome.
I am not a tea expert, nor will I ever promote myself as being one. As I said in my other post, I know what I like, just as you do. For some reason, whenever I travel in the UK, I love any tea I have there. I have no idea if it’s the tea, the water or how they brew it because it always tastes consistently good. It doesn’t bother me if it’s loose leaf tea or a simple teabag. I don’t need fancy. I do need it to be hot, though.
In case you are wondering, I don’t go to a tea room every week. But I have been exploring tea rooms for many years. They are not very common in the United States so going to one is usually for a special occasion such as a birthday or holiday. Even though the food and tea may seem mediocre to some, it’s really the person or people I’m with and that peaceful environment I enjoy so much. Tea at my home with friends and family is just as wonderful, but it is nice to have someone else do the cooking every once in awhile. And then for those one or two hours, I am no longer worried, hurried or stressed.
My son played the bagpipes outside a subacute and rehabilitation center during the pandemic for volunteer hours. I could tell he wasn’t overly thrilled doing it every week because he gets very nervous playing in public. I told him if he can make one person’s day, it’s worth it. And as it turned out, there was at least one patient or staff member who would wave and yell “thank you” to him through the window. Therefore, I know if I can put a smile on at least one reader a day, it will be worth it, too.