I spent a great deal of time over the past weekend thinking about whether or not blogging is for me. I have decided that it is.
Even though my wife has accused me at times of being overly methodical and meticulous – we’re still in discussions about whether or not these are actually faults ;) – before I completely throw myself into this, I need to articulate why I’m doing this and what I hope to accomplish.
1. I think most clearly when I take the time to put my thoughts into writing.
2. The more writing I am doing at a given point in my life, the better able I am to verbalize my thoughts in face-to-face interactions.
Compelling though these two motives may be, it was a third that, in the end, actually pushed me over the edge, giving me the final impetus to go for it:
3. Throughout my life, I have been told that I have some great ideas that really should be shared with the world. The message has been consistent and ubiquitous, coming from a wide range of people – many of whom have known me well, and many of whom have hardly known me at all.
I’m not always convinced of the value of what I have to offer. (I am more than a little embarrassed by the fact that I’ve only just recently figured out what I want to do when I grow up … not really something for a 34-year-old to brag about!) But nonetheless, I want to start listening to those who’ve encouraged me to put my brain to good use for the betterment of the world.
It is time to set my thoughts free.
While I’m not comfortable pronouncing on the meaning of life vis-à-vis purpose and destiny (more on that in future blogs, I suspect), I can’t shake the sense that, if I can do some small thing that will make the world an even slightly better place, then I should do so.
So, what is this blog about, and where will all this self-expression lead? I have a couple ideas for focused blogs on specific topics, which I hope to undertake in the near future, and which will likely require their own homes. But I consider Ryan’s Ruminations my space for exploring the whole range of what goes on in my head, and sharing my personal journey.
As such, I am giving myself permission to write about anything and everything here. I believe I have some interesting thoughts on everything from my pet peeves and books I’m reading to relationships, religion, and life in general – and I’m excited to begin writing about them.
I hope that my thoughts and experiences resonate with at least a few others.
