Thursday, August 30, 2007

Full Esteem Ahead

Self-Analysis, In A Roundabout Sort Of Way

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


In the past few days, the issue of self-analysis and self-worth has come up in a few forums. My take on it is simple. Everyone at some stage analyses a) what sort of person they are and b) what sort of person they want to be.

I'm happy with who I am. Always have been. And I reckon I'm on track to becoming the person I want to be. So it was great to see the issue raised by two very good bloggers, Colleen and Dan.

It was refreshing to see Colleen writing, "I'm pretty secure with myself." Terrific, Colleen, I'm with you. I think you have every reason to feel that way.

And Dan asked, "How would you rate your self-esteem on a scale of one to ten? Of course, you don't have to answer. Mine used to be low, until I recognised that I am who I am and that's what I am. I have my faults like everyone else, but I have honed my strengths into feeling better about the person known as Dan Mega."

That's it, Dan. That's it. That's the key to life. That's the key to fully enjoying life and all that is around you. It's called self-belief. It is such a great blessing that sometimes we don't fully recognise its true worth. Dan, you are an enlightened man - and you deserve to be.

The greatest power lies within us. And there is only one person who can unlock it. We can. Ourselves. No one else can do it for us. That's how we glean the greatest power that life can offer us. And that's how we harness it. Through our acceptance of ourselves.

So why do I spend so much time advising other bloggers about their writing, about their photography, about the layout of their sites? And why, six days a week, do I direct people to great posts on other blogs? Because I believe we all blog not just to have people visiting our sites, but to actually make contact with others.

And because I believe blogging is a vital validation of life. Do you agree with me?

34 comments:

Lindsay Blau Portnoy said...

G'day David.

This was a timely post. I returned from my vacation and couldn't wait to write about it in my blog.

I agree with you, there is something really special about connecting with people through this medium. There aren't judgments or assumptions plaguing our impressions, there is merely writing.

And in this space, we can write what we like, and if people are interested it does validate us in a way. It makes us feel as if there are other like us. And at the end of the day, don't we all want to know that we aren't alone?

Anyway, it's nice to be home, and it's nice to see your blog.
All the best,
Lindsay

Shrink Wrapped Scream said...

Hey David, this is very deep for someone who prefers not to expose himself. We are all born insecure. Accepting and loving the best in who we are is an enormous freedom to enjoy. I only regret it's taken me far too long to actually reach that place, but I am eternally grateful that I think I have finally got to there, in the end. x

FHB said...

I think it's very hard to see yourself the way others do, when you're hard wired to see things differently. It's a huge chore to reprogram yourself, but only you can do it. Tough, but rewarding work. Wish I'd started much sooner.

BRUNO said...

Hell yes, I agree with you! I've never been so "well-traveled" in my life until this blogging-thing came along. I can't hold a candle to YOU, but then again, no one EXPECTS me to!

I'm not a 24/7-style of blogger like most. But like it says in my header---"I do it for fun, how about you?"

Sometimes it's nice to "get out of the house", and never actually LEAVE...!

KaiBlue said...

Fixiations of a fancinating life indeed..Fab foto David.. Im over from Denise's blog checking out the *F* photos..
As you write would you give me your take on post. 448 on my blog? Ta mate!!
PEace, Kai :)

Berni said...

Good post. I am secure with myself I think the problem is the other people who are not secure with the way I am. Oh well I may have another 25years to go before I turn up my toes and I have no plans to change in the meantime. I have always been a square peg in a round hole but I never wanted to fit in with the crowd anyway.

Fletch said...

Whew! That was a bit deep for my shallow persona.

I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure.

Digital Flower Pictures said...

You, sir, are quite inspirational. This is another brilliant post that made stop surfing and think.
I still not sure what blogging is exactly doing for me but it has been a very positive experience.

I wanted to tell you that I inadvertently omitted you from the ABC links. You are on there now.

B.T.Bear (esq.) said...

I'm a BEAR!

b. said...

I give you a big Amen, David.
It's the reason why I respond to each commenter individually.....for connection.

Colleen said...

David- Much oblidged! It's interesting, I really appreciate the interest you take in reading not only mine, but everyone else's stuff. As an aspiring writer, this "place" helps me to cultivate ideas and reading yours and other people's writing inspires better work in me and everyone else I'm sure.

Colleen

Colleen said...

oh yes, and I commented on Sigmund Fried!

Alex L said...

Well we all struggle with our own self image dont we. I guess thats why I like blogging it gives me a chance to create someone so completley far from what I am. Does that mean I'm not comfortable with myself, I dont know, it might, but I feel comfortable, and I like having people laugh at what I do, even though I may not admit it.

whimsical brainpan said...

Absolutely!

david mcmahon said...

Hi Lindsay,

Welcome home. Visted your blog a few hours ago and left you a warm, sincere welcome.

Thank you for those wonderful thoughts, so succinctly expressed.

You're so right - no blogger is EVER alone.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Carol,

As the only blogger in this ever-widening circle who has actually spoken to me on the phone, you have hit the nail on the head here, as you always do with unerring accuracy.

Your journey has been so much deeper than most of ours.

God bless

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

G'day FHB,

Doesn't matter when the process starts, really. And you, my buddy, have many friends around the world.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

G'day Bruno,

I do so enjoy your observations. It's such a pleasure to read your blog and have your regular feedback.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Kaibluecreations,

Welcome, thanks for visiting. Yes, checked out your site and left a comment, as you know by now.

Happy to walk beside you as you tread the literary path.

You can always count on my help, as can any aspiring writer, blogger or photographer.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Vic,

You are certainly surrounded by many e-friends around the world who have the deepest admiration and respect for what you do.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi El Tel,

Mate, you, shallow? I count myself lucky to be among your friends.

I have gleaned so much from you ...

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi digitalflowerpictures,

And you, sir, are so kind. Thank you most humbly for that very high praise.

I'm sure I speak for every blogger ...

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi BTBear,

You are a bear with more human attributes and more talent than any other bear I know.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi B,

That is SO vital for a blogger. I seldom return to a blog where comments are not acknowledged or returned.

Keep smiling

David, er, Davy Mac

david mcmahon said...

Hi Colleen,

I really do appreciate that, so deeply.

If I ``inspire better work'' it is only because I believe that a community of bloggers is far better than many individuals pulling in different directions.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

G'day Your Eminence,

We all enjoy your irreverence and the journey you share with us on your blog.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Whims,

Thank you. Value your support.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi again Colleen,

Off to check it out ...

Keep smiling

David

Jo Beaufoix said...

I agree totally David.
My blog has become such an important part of my life and really keeps me positive.

I love reading comments from people who really seem to care or who make me howl with laughter.

I love the connections and friendships I have made with others across the world.

There is an intimacy that is not always available in day to day lives where time, responsibility and the pressures of face to face conversations mean we often don't say what we feel.

Thanks for the link by the way.
Looking forward to your next question, and to reading more.
I've added you to my blogroll too.

david mcmahon said...

Hi Jo,

Thank you for that wonderful comment. Yes, you;re right - blogging does help keep us all in a positive, focused frame of mind.

You are so right about people who care. It is wonderful interaction where you ``choose'' whose sites to visit - because of a connection across the miles.

Thanks for adding me to your blogroll.

Do keep in touch.

B.T.Bear (esq.) said...

David,
How menny Bears do yu kno?

:@}

david mcmahon said...

Hi BTBear,

Our home has welcomed many bears over the years - but none as fine as you.

Keep smiling

David

Victorya said...

*stands up and claps hands* yup, blogging is good, contact is good, life is good, reading your posts is good, I am good.


And that's a good post :)

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.