First, I sincerely want to thank you for your post on my thread the other day. I believe I knew your intention was to support my standing. I love what you wrote above, in clarifying your post, and that each LBS needs to do this in their own time and their own way to grow and make the decisions they need to make. I admit, I was a bit taken aback by the encouragement I received to go ahead file myself....It bothered me to read that. I'm starting to dig deeper when I feel bothered. So I went and read a few poster's threads, thinking it would help me learn where they're each coming from. Doing that was very telling. They had some terrible things happen, obviously, and I could guess what they were trying to tell me based on their painful experiences, and on their growth. Knowing that only I know my own sitch 100%, I try to remind myself that others only see a tiny "snapshot" into my world. I'm trying not to take things personally, because I know people can come across through their writing differently than they intend. But, since everyone here has their own experience, too, and lived through different problems, I began to see that, although it was a blunt, direct, almost confrontational comment, I had to consciously choose to look at it from the perspective that someone was trying to show me another way to see my own sitch. I know I can get stuck in viewing things only one way. It is a very unique thing, this board. The different personalities and styles.... I choose to believe everyone is here to help. Whether they are or not, that's on them. Some of those styles are not my style...lol... But, often it is the different styles that make us uncomfortable enough to think differently. It opens our minds, if we can get past the hurt ego, ugh. Yeah, my ego hurts a lot. I seem to have added to my diet, a big helping of humble pie.
Second, I am sorry you sometimes feel "invisible" on the boards. That is an awful way to feel. I don't know for sure why some threads have more or less posts than others. I have followed you since I came here, but I haven't gone through your threads with that question in mind....so I'm not going to speculate. For me, I have noticed that when I'm just journaling, I may have less people post to my thread. But, when I struggle or ask specific questions, typically someone out there will contribute, or direct someone with that experience to contribute. BF, please don't assume your thread is less interesting, or that you need to be exciting to get help. There are insightful people here ready to jump in....just ask. And then if no one answers, bump and ask again. Might not be the timing you want, but I'm sure someone will chime in.
Ok, here's one other "theory", if you will....oftentimes, you will receive advice from job and bea, who are of the most knowledgable, educated people on MLC. They offer some of the best advice of everyone here. I know for me, when job or bea post to you, I ain't following that, lol!! I'll make more effort to let you know I'm following, if that would help. From what it seems, and gauging by the number of views listed for your threads, you have many, many people that follow. We can't really know why some post and some don't.
Your reference to MakingMagic made me laugh....somewhere there is a wall signed by all here who have beaten their heads against it...
You are not stupid. <<<<<THAT is stinkin' thinkin'. You belong here as much as anyone else. No 2x4 from me.....Lovingly, I'm "wafting" a firm, but gentle slap....no, love-tap upside your head. You are hard on yourself. I get it, I am the same. Don't do that to yourself. You are one bright, sincere, caring, and loyal person. Hang in there, Bright. We can come out of it greater than before. (And I said "we", because I'm in it....ooohhhhh, I'm so in it. ).
