The Not-A-Rant Blog Post

I often ask for input about what to blog about. Because, let’s face it, I only have space in my head for so many new ideas, thoughts, inspiration, squirrel…. And sometimes I get requests to write about things that hit just right. Sometimes, it’s crickets. Other times it’s something relevant but controversial and I sit down and wind up typing up a rant. And, let’s be honest, there are plenty of people out there doing that. I really don’t want to be one more. So, most of my rants either stay put in my docs, get written and erased, get shared with a select few (usually the St@lkerSisters), and never make it to publication. And, that’s okay.

I’m not saying people shouldn’t rant. Or share their honest thoughts. I’m just saying that’s not where my headspace is right now. Could that change at some point? Absolutely. I’ve published written rants before. It’s just not where I need to be right now.  It’s not that I’m not passionate about things happening in Romancelandia. I definitely am. I’m just choosing to make my feelings known in other ways. 

Maybe it’s by heavily promoting a certain author, book, page, or group. Maybe it’s by specifically not promoting a certain author, book, page, or group.  Maybe it’s taking place in chats with specific people, reassuring them—and by extension, myself—that we’re going to be okay. That everything has a season. That the course will be bumpy but steady. That we are enough.

Because ultimately, isn’t that point of a rant? To feel seen? To feel valued? To get your point across and find solace and feedback in like-minded individuals?  To know you’re not alone?

But the rant has its downsides too. The inevitable backlash. Because not everyone will feel the way you do. And I’ve seen how damaging and devastating some of that pushback can be. Because not everyone is kind in their words or actions. Some people’s hurt manifests in very destructive ways. And that is not a path I feel I can personally travel right now. 

So I will continue to reach out to others when I need support. I will continue to write words that will never go beyond my cloud. Or my direct messages with my support system. And if you’re feeling like you need to be seen or heard, but also harbor the same fears I do, please know you can always reach out to me. Finding safe, trusting spaces is invaluable, and so incredibly important. And if you’ve read this far, I sincerely hope you have one of those spaces. And if you don’t, please reach out. Because being seen, heard, valued, understood, and appreciated are necessary. And you are enough.