There are those days where I consider shutting down this blog, cutting the Twitter and Facebook and turning my back on social media.
This is an outlet for me, a way that I can express as positively as I can the frustrations I come across, the joys I have, or just the stuff bouncing around in my head. When I get the feeling that this is being read and not taken in a positive light, that’s when I start to wonder if it’s all worth doing. My name is out there for this blog, my Twitter, Facebook, Edmodo, Class Dojo, and I’m sure other sites I’ve signed in with and never used. Facebook is locked down pretty tight, but the rest, the whole world it open to come and view, which is how I want it. But where is that line drawn about what you “can” write about and what you “should” write about?
I’m not sure I crossed a line with a recent post, but I blinked. I took it down. It was hard because those feeling are true and honest, yet, what does that mean? Do people care what that means?
So, not that there are many people who read the writings of a fifth grade teacher, but I’m not sure how how to move forward. If I blinked once, does that mean it will become easier? Does that mean I can’t write about what’s truly on my mind? If that’s the case, what’s the point?
Conflicted? You might say that.
The Life of a Conflicted Teacher 
October 11, 2012 at 4:14 pm
Seriously, Darin, I love your posts. Do we have people who don’t like what we say? Yup. I often think about those times and I wonder about whether I should post anything that is not perfect. But that’s not truth. I don’t want Twitter to be a PR tool. I want to be seeing about my growth. Speaking of that, remember the times when you learned the most? Were they the fun, life-is-easy moments? Or were they tough moments in your life or dark moments in your soul.
Stay honest. Tell people the way you really are, and the gift, as well as the challenges of the classroom. I’m listening, and so are others. You make a difference by being real. It matters.
October 12, 2012 at 8:11 am
Marcia, thanks!
I’ve thought about this a lot (probably too much) how this blog SHOULD represent the good, the bad, and the ugly of what goes on. We all know that it’s not unicorns and rainbows day in and day out, that is for certain! As I said to another commenter, that honesty part is what strikes me as most important about all this. If I give that up, then why even start to write?
I’m thankful that you are listening and it does matter that there are people like you out there who are fighting the good fight right along side me. Enjoy your day and thanks for the push forward! 🙂
October 11, 2012 at 4:55 pm
Hi! I stumbled upon your blog and even though I don’t know what post this is about, here’s my opinion on…well, opinions: I have one, you have one, everybody has one! And we all have our own. I know you know that, but I think I should tell you anyway, because I, too, had to learn this when I started blogging. Some might not like what’s going on in your head and what you deem important enough to share with this world. But really, you shouldn’t care if someone else has a different opinion than you. He or she might be just as frustrated reading something he/she doesn’t like, as you were, when you posted your thoughts. I use blogging as a means to let off steam and I’m grateful for helping, calming words. But (now) I am also grateful for disagreeing words and people who have another point of view. They open a door to a different perspective – and that’s it. Of course, sharing your very personal beliefs, thoughts and feelings makes you vulnerable. But if you have something to say, say it!
(Oh, this turned out quite a rant Oo I hope I could help you anyway. ^^)
Greetings from Germany!
October 12, 2012 at 8:07 am
🙂
Loved the rant, it’s exactly what I needed! I appreciate you taking the time to get it all down! 😉
It’s not that I care about what others think, it’s just being where I am and doing what I do, there’s always a political element that’s involved. Otherwise, I try hard to simply be honest in my thoughts and opinions. There’s no reason to blog if you aren’t going to be upfront with those (like yourself) who take the time to read!
Anyway, thank you again. Anyone who’s a fan of Freddie Mercury can write on my blog anytime she wants! 😉