Was It Worth It?

A year ago I started this blog.  I had to do something as I approached the yawning maw of my 60s.  It helped, plus it gave me an excuse to say things like “yawning maw”.  Occasionally I check the counter on my blog profile page.  Just a few weeks ago I had over 300 profile views.  373 hits to be exact, I told myself that was a respectable number given I only post on Facebook and rarely give out my blog address.  I didn’t realize -- there is a different counter tallying how many people have actually read my posts. That number is considerably higher -- 1,823.  Damn!  I’m flat out amazed!  Thank you friends, family and assorted unknown voyeurs, thanks for indulging me. 

Can’t express how satisfying it is when someone comments on my stuff, especially when they say “I relate or you have touched me with your words.”  I am elated when I receive a “thumbs up” from someone I haven’t seen in years or who hasn’t known me long.  These comments ease the sting of knowing that a close friend has never commented, or as I suspect, never even read what I have written. 

In addition to blogging, I’ve had a perfectly fine year, even though the world I live in occasionally scares me.  I am fortunate to have my health, a good husband, and a secure living.  These are things that should not be taken for granted; although, I am often ungrateful and yearn for my youth, more agility and my former sharp memory.  I can still recall the words to most of the Beatles’ catalogue but not the name of that guy – you know that guy?  The guy who’s in that show. 

I shall continue to do all the things I’ve done for years -- read at my normal voracious rate (162 books this year); see films; garden; attend plays and concerts; engage in meaningful conversation; be a political animal; take an interest in children and young adults; volunteer; pretend to exercise; try to eat less; curb my temper; let some things go; write even more and most of all continue to resist a routine existence.  It’s worth it.

I’m just saying…