There’s more to every story than what is shared, isn’t that true? Often times we only see one side of a much larger narrative and it takes time and perhaps multiple accounts for us to be the fullest and most-right perspective of what is being shared.
That’s one of the challenges of the online world as it can be very one-dimensional. That is, unless you decide specifically to become two dimensional (and the decision is really up to you).
You see, the internet allows you to portray and showcase all of the best that you are and that you have to offer, and none of the negative. From outward appearances there are some people’s blogs which portray them to without fault or without any error of judgement or execution. In fact, everything they touch seems to literally “turn to gold.”
And then there are those that go to the other extreme and just talk about how much they are failing and do it in such a way that it’s a badge of honor. This is depressing since it doesn’t show who they really are and all the positive things, strengths, gifts, abilities, and talents that they have.
People are entertained, for sure, but it really is just plain pathetic.
In the middle is the land of authenticity – the much needed breath of fresh air that allows us to be what we already are: Human, flawed, imperfect, but who have the potential to do incredible good.
That’s why I love the embedded video above since it most definitely showcases his unique skill with that bike but also shows some of the obvious failures to perform a trick or even showing him getting hurt. It’s not equal in focus or time as the vast majority is definitely him kicking booty but it’s just enough to show us that even he falls down.
But he obviously gets back up and goes at it again and again and again.
There’s so much that you and I don’t see when we engage with others online and we have to remember that no man or woman is better or worse than we are – some are simply better and more adept at presenting a clearer picture, a more compelling narrative, and who know how to use online tools and technology to their utmost potential.
But it’s what you don’t ever get to see that’s generally the most important.
Cool thoughts man. Sometimes the toughest person to be is ourselves.
I’m a little over a year into my blog and it’s still a struggle to really find “who I am” in the online world. I am gaining more confidence in my ability, but there are still many days of frustration when traffic isn’t what it should be or no one seems to be reading what I write, but I have been trying to determine in my mind why I am doing this in the first place.
Thanks for this post!
This might be the blog post that pushes my wife over the edge into the world of blogging.
I hope…
It’s a fine line between showing the blessed side of our lives and the pathetic side of our lives. Often times even when we’re honest and sharing a lesson we can read like super heroes… then again, God is powerful and does make us look better than we are I think.
Thanks for the honest and challenging post… Man I don’t like to think in the mornings! Thanks to Jason and Dusty for linking this up.
I am a huge fan of your blog. Love your tips! And I love that you stay true to your faith. God and Jesus above all things! Matthew 6:33
John, I was admiring the section below your post, “A Few Related Posts You May Find Helpful”. Is that something you added via code or is that something all Standard users can use?
Thanks,
jason