I can’t be everything to everyone
I’ve been reflecting on this topic for a while now, particularly because as my Twitter stream flows, I see some of my friends’ in the social media/PR/foodie scene tweeting from the scene of local events (and even some not-local) that I would LOVE to be attending. I made a conscious decision at the end of this past year (2009) that I would make 2010 the year where I focused on myself. So, I can’t be everything to everyone. I can’t attend every single event I get invited to. I can’t do every media trip I get offered. And it pains me sometimes. But I have to be selective about what I can do, and commit only to what I can physically do. And do it well. Be fully in the moment.
I was reading through my blog this afternoon (it’s Monday, and I’m about to head to the classroom to apply a mid-term for my undergraduate students) and I realized that I love my blog. I don’t really care if anyone else does, I do. I love how much my photography has improved. I love how I now have the technical skills to make the design and layout of my blog look the way I want it to. I love that PR pros keep pitching me stuff and I thoroughly enjoy organizing and hosting contests and giveaways.
It takes time out of me, it’s unpaid (although in the future, I may consider charging a contest administration fee, simply because my time is valuable, and it’s the only commodity I can’t dispose of), but I love it. I love blogging. I do it because I enjoy it. The minute I stop loving blogging and my blog (all of them, even my research blog), I should stop blogging. Hell, I even got nominated to the Canadian Weblog Awards 2010 (in 3 categories, no less! – and totally unexpectedly).
I have six giveaways active right now (see my sidebar), with stuff that is so varied and exciting from Flamenco exhibitions to Métis music festivals to theatre plays. I feel that I am at my best, doing the academic work I want and feeling physically complete.
I can’t be everything to everyone, but I definitely am something to myself and those who love me (and those who love reading my blog). I feel at the peak of my performance. And I love what I do. ALL of it. My consulting, my research, my teaching and my social media.
I can’t be everything to everyone, but I am working as hard as I can to be the best I can be, for me, for my family, my friends, my loved ones, and my students and scholarly colleagues, here in Canada and worldwide.
And I am INCREDIBLY HAPPY. That is something I feel incredibly grateful about.
No related posts.
Raul, just be you! Be you for you! Do whatever YOU want to do, not what other people want you to do. Be picky with what you do!
I, like you, love my blog. I don’t care if others don’t, but if they do, then that’s great too!
ps: if you want to pass any media trips my way (granted not during school hours) then I can help ya out
Thanks for the kind words, Tyler
As for the media trips – those are the ones I do prioritize
sorry! heheh
I love this post. Loving what you do is the best measure of success.
schmutzie recently posted..Me at BlogHercom – Drug Prohibition- Accessibility- and Addiction- This Former Addict Says Yes to Legalization
I hear you Raul! Very well said.
I’d love to everything that I was invited too, but if I did, I’d be a tired, grouchy Miss Poopy Pants and that really doesn’t benefit anyone.
You are a wise man!
Emme Rogers recently posted..irl in real life – A Van Sexy Review
beautiful post