Last weekend was the first time in 2.5 months that I missed writing a gratitude post. I was feeling blah and less than thankful, which is so not the attitude I like.
Thankfully, this week has been different.
This has been a blogging week full of sunshine, rainbows and unicorns, and I’m grateful.
I had an awesome guest, one of my bloggy idols, Sandra for my Guest Star series. I wrote a guest post I was really proud of, I successfully baked for the first time this yummy coconut bread, and it was #BlogBoycottDay on Friday, which meant more time on Twitter!
However, there was a dark spot in the week, when I encountered a hurtful situation, my first one in blogging (at least the first one that truly bothered me). ‘Inspired’ (or incensed, depending on how you see it), I wrote this post.
Over 100 comments. 105 tweets. Countless retweets.
I’m not quoting statistics to brag. I’m telling you because I was completely blown away by the unexpected reaction to the post. Before I hit ‘publish’, I took a deep breath and crossed my fingers that I wouldn’t lose too many readers, face too much backlash. After all, I was writing about something that was sensitive in the blogging world. I was calling out the bloggers who do not blog by the Golden Rule.
I wrote the post in a fog of hurt, anger, indignation and sadness.
I published it in under a cloud of self-doubt.
I read the comments basking in the warm glow of kind words of support and understanding, from regular readers and complete strangers, all bloggers who understood where I was coming from and where I wanted to head with it.
From a dark place, the blogging world pulled me back out into the sunshine, and restored my faith.
And for that, I am grateful.
What are you grateful for this week?
Linking up with Leigh Ann of Genie in a Blog for Attitude of Gratitude.
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I’m glad it was a good week for you. I’ve been in a funk lately & need to pull myself out of it.
So glad that you got so much support on that blog post though. I think you definitely hit a nerve for a lot of us. Congrats on having the guts to hit publish.
Krista ‘s last awesome post..May these children teach me well
Thanks Krista, for your support. We all get into funks, you’ll get your mojo back soon enough!
I don’t know how I missed that post Wednesday, but I’m glad I got a chance to read it…
I think that’s happened to all of us…
And I admit, I try really hard to reciprocate and visit and answer comments, but man, sometimes I just have to empty out the reader and email and start over again…
That was a fantastic post, I’m glad you hit publish…
Not a Perfect Mom ‘s last awesome post..Back to School Shopping Done Easy
Thank you Holly. The thing is? You try, and that is all we can do. Try. And thanks for reading!
That post that you wrote on Wednesday was beautiful. It hit home for so many of us. Yes, there have been darker times, but one of the best things about this community is all of the great friends and supporters who are right there to catch you when you fall. The outpouring of love was overwhelming, I know, but you deserved it all. You’re a wonderful, kind, and thoughtful person.
Kimberly ‘s last awesome post..Blog Boycott Day
And you were the first one to catch me, for that I am so thankful (again) for our friendship. It’s people like you that make this blogging thing special for me. YOU are wonderful, kind and thoughtful.
Alison.
I’m grateful for a blogger like you.
Someone who breaks the mold.
Who puts themselves out there and tells the world how they feel even if it might not be popular.
Often by doing this we find out we aren’t alone.
Thank you Leighann! I’m grateful for having you as a fantastic friend. Love ya. xo
I’m a new reader, but I think the post you wrote was great. It spoke to feelings I am sure many of us have had. You put into words what many of us have thought, fumed over, vented to our spouses about and wished we could say.
You are only as good as your words and your actions. It does not matter if the relationship is on-line or in person. The rules remain the same.
I am dealing with an issue of my own along those lines, I feel frustrated.
I am most grateful for my family and all the wonderful new bloggy friends I have been making lately. For the most part, I have found the blogging community to be kind and supportive.
JamieAnne ‘s last awesome post..Garden Gab, week 21….a cool down, a loss and a nursery rhyme
Hi JamieAnne, yes, I too have found the blogging community to be largely kind and supportive. And I love that you said this: “You are only as good as your words and your actions.” Exactly that.
I love you and promise not to swear on your blog anymore. HA! Okay, I’ll TRY not to swear on your blog anymore.
xoxo
tracy@sellabitmum ‘s last awesome post..Summer Fun Show Off in Pictures.
Ha! I won’t love you less if you did. xo
It’s amazing how sunshine can come from a dark spot. I keep thinking about Jen Perillo-who lost her husband and the entire food blogging community pulled together in love, friendship and support.
She reminded us that it’s time to hug those we love a little tighter.
….yeah, I’m grateful.
HUGS to you!
Ann ‘s last awesome post..The Biltmore
Thank you Ann – hugs to you too!
Sometimes it’s hard to put ourselves out there, but those are the really important posts. It was honest and real. And true!
I’m glad you had a good week! PS I missed one a couple of weeks ago because I was just too busy and wasn’t going to stay up until 1am to do a gratitude post!
Leigh Ann ‘s last awesome post..An Attitude of Gratitude
Thanks Leigh Ann, you’re an awesome bloggy buddy!
*So relieved I wasn’t the only one who missed a week!
I’ve been back to that post three times to read all of the comments! It’s not only a great discussion, but a beautiful union of your words and thoughts with those of other bloggers. I am so glad you wrote that post! It’s now listed as one of my favorites on my sidebar of my blog! Thank you
Kim ‘s last awesome post..The Baby Baby
Kim, thank you so much for your continuous support. I’m glad the post resonated with you!
Fabulous post! So glad that you had the courage to post that. I could, or should say more…but for now, I am just basking in gratefulness – to you.
RoryBore ‘s last awesome post..Mom? Mama? MOM!!….oh, you’re up
Aw, thank you Rory, that is so sweet of you.
I’m grateful for bloggers like you! You were one of the first to follow/comment when I started my blog, so thank you!
Bits of Bee ‘s last awesome post..Attitude of Gratitude
Aw, thanks, you.
It’s wonderful how good things can emerge out of the bad, isn’t it? I’ve had a pretty rough week in some ways and just didn’t have the energy to blog at all. But I’m so grateful that by taking a step away from my blog (also from homeschooling) I got the break that I needed.
Also? I’m grateful for bloggers like you who care to give me advice about tweeting – I still haven’t figured it out and need all the help I can get! Happy sunshiny Sunday!
Mama, Hear Me Roar ‘s last awesome post..How to get a successful start to breastfeeding (Part 1)
There is a bright side to things! A break is a great idea, I probably need to do that. Soon
And you’re welcome, ask me anything, anytime, happy to help! Have a great week ahead!
Glad to know you’ve bounced back into sunshiny happiness. So sorry to hear about that hurtful incident you had. Who could even think of hurting sweet Alison here; it baffles me. Well, it’s over and it’s time to look forward to better things to come. Have a wonderful week ahead.
mom2kiddos ‘s last awesome post..Tipsy Friend – MG of Mumsgather
Yes, moving on!!! You have a great week ahead too.
So glad you’ve gotten through the darkness and into “sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns”! And even better that you were able to get that kind of validation in your response to being hurt. Hope your week continues to be sunshine-y! :>
Karen @ Time Crafted ‘s last awesome post..Friday { Flash Mob } Fun
Thank you Karen, you have a great Sunday!
Twitter: amountainmomma
says:
I am glad you wrote that post. I hope it was a good reminder. It is hard when you get busy and forget what it is all about.
xoxo
Theresa ‘s last awesome post..Mr. Mom… {Leave the Nest Momma}
Thank you Theresa. xoxo
Just read your guest post, and it was really great! I know exactly what you mean. All the stuff that seemed so important before, isn’t so important now. One of my favorite “skills” I’ve acquired as a mom is the ability to carry 100 things at one time, without dropping any of it!
Momma Teacher Lady ‘s last awesome post..Because of Sh*t Like This
Aw thanks for heading there to read!! Carrying multiple items? A very useful skill!
It’s the posts that you have to take a deep breath for before you hit Publish that are the best ones b/c they come from your heart – those are always my faves because they are real. Love your gratitude lists, and I’m not surprised at the # of comments and retweets – everybody loves your blog. (-;
You’re such an awesome friend, Ado. You’re really to kind
I’m so glad you wrote that post! And I’m so glad your week was full of “sunshine, unicorns, and rainbows”. You deserve it! XO
Runnermom-jen ‘s last awesome post..The Butterflies
Thank you Jen, I’m glad I wrote that post too!
so glad that the blogging community was there to lift you up! You’re right — it does matter. I’m so grateful for what all my blog friends do for me. It’s just simply amazing.
Amanda Austin ‘s last awesome post..Celebrity Round-up: NOOOO! Say it ain’t so!
Thank you Amanda – you guys are truly amazing.
I’m so glad you’ve had such a wonderful week. I think your post on Wednesday was wonderful, and spot on! I’m glad you posted it and didn’t turn back. All the responses just vaildate that what you have to say is true and meaningful! Loved it!
Hopes@Staying Afloat! ‘s last awesome post..Sunday Sweetness: By Leaps and Bounds
Hopes, thank you so much. Glad you loved the post, it makes me glad I published it.
As always I’m grateful for bagels.
Here’s to another happy week.
Bagels are awesome. Happy week to you too, KLZ.
Oh Alison, after rain the sunshine always comes! And if there happens to be a rainbow in between, even better.
Stasha ‘s last awesome post..Scavenger Hunt
Stasha, you are so right!
Twitter: krrobi
says:
—You are beautiful & generous, Mama,
xxx
this is why readers keep coming back
Kim, thank you, for your lovely words and support. xo
Sunshine, unicorns, rainbows and can we add some frolicking kittens into the mix just to make it extra perfect?
that was a fabulous, honest, direct post. I love it that you laid it out there for the world and that so many had such great support to offer 
Here’s hoping you get to keep feelin’ the love
I am grateful for pancakes this morning…that’s what made my kids happy. And happy kids usually = happy mommy
have a wonderful Sunday!
XLMIC ‘s last awesome post..The Postman Rang Thrice…
Thank you, you’re one of those who lift me up!!
Happy kids – always a good thing! Have a lovely week ahead!
I’m happy that those comments and reactions were so validating and encouraging to you.
Hmm… I am grateful today for my husband, because he’s going away for business for a week and it makes me remember how MUCH I love him. There is no one more perfect for me than my husband is.
Lady Jennie ‘s last awesome post..Dijon Mustard Tarte
That’s fabulous, that you’re grateful for your husband. So often we take for granted our loved ones. Have a great week ahead!
See you had nothing to fear…we all love you!
Natalie ‘s last awesome post..Life’s Lessons: All Things Car Edition
You guys are too sweet!
It’s always those posts that we are most afraid to publish that turn out to the be the best ones. I’m glad you posted it and that you had all the support you did.
Jessica ‘s last awesome post..My War Story
Thanks Jessica, as always, you are awesome.
I loved that post you did. LOVED IT. I’m sorry that someone hurt you. I don’t know who they are or what they said, but I know you don’t deserve it.
I hope they know that post is about them. Jerk!
Carri ‘s last awesome post..Twitter for Seniors
Thank you for loving the post. And thank you for being on my side so unapologetically!
I’m grateful that the bloggy world gave you the support that you needed and deserved.
Aleta ‘s last awesome post..Cloud Confession
Thank you Aleta.
I loved that post and I was so proud of you for posting it. I’m still in awe at the beauty of your language in that one. To be able to write something so personal in a moment of hurt and have it come out like that is a testament to what a great writer you are. But even more importantly, you’re a genuine person, and that’s why we love you.
Robin @ Farewell, Stranger ‘s last awesome post..The Me I Am Today
Thank you Robin. It means so much to me to have you say I’m a writer. YOU, the purveyor of gorgeous writing. Love you too.
It is in the way that we share pain and joy that we create these rotations, mini-life cycles, through our blogs.
Again, simply lovely.
Amanda ‘s last awesome post..Ruminating on legacy
Amanda, that is such a beautiful quote/ phrase/ turn of words! Thank you.
I am so sorry you had to go through this and were hurt by someone. I recently found out something that hurt me as well…it’s not fun. But you know what? There are way more wondeful people out there than there are ones that are hurtful. Great post!r
Tina, sorry that you were hurt too. I guess it’s inevitable when we put ourselves and our blogs out there. And you’re right, the good definitely outweighs the bad!