Discover more from a very messy life
I love a good old grumble. I like getting my old lady grumps on, tut, shake my head and have a little self-righteous rant about things that I believe aren’t quite right.
So far, these grumps manifest in broadly three ways:
wild, angry, sarcastic, rude, full-fury rants on social media, where I march in with full awareness that these posts are going to hurt someone - and I don’t care; in fact, I hope they do! (this way makes me feel good for about half a day, before I’m eventually overwhelmed with guilt for flying off the handle and I inevitably go back to delete the post)
furtive, secretive grumbles under my breath to very close friends who I know share similar views and will not only understand but wholeheartedly agree with my points of view (this way makes me feel like a big ole coward)
I don’t say anything to anyone but revisit these thoughts over and over and over to myself in the shower, get increasingly frustrated that I can’t express these opinions to anyone and start acting like a haughty know-it-all in every other area of my life
So. I thought it might be about time to find a space to work through these thoughts and share them in a relatively healthier, safer way.
The thing about these thoughts is that they’re bound to upset someone because they’re usually centred around issues that are already socially and culturally provocative, divisive, polarising or sensitive. They’re things that can be easily misunderstood, that people already have very strong beliefs or opinions about, and are therefore bound to react strongly to.
So, before I start this ‘Messy Opinions’ section in earnest, I thought I should share a little intro post with a few disclaimers and a few things that I’d love for readers to bear in mind as they dive into the deep, messy spaces of ‘personal opinion’ with me:
These are strictly my own personal opinions. I don’t expect anyone to agree with or adopt any of the beliefs, opinions or thoughts that I share here.
By that same token, although I always welcome respectful discussion, exchange and the opportunity to learn something new, I’m not here for you to try to dissuage me from my opinions and force me to adopt yours.
I believe that just because I don’t share a similar opinion or view as someone else, it doesn’t mean that “I am against you” or that we cannot be friends. I am firmly of the opinion that people can hold different political, social, cultural, religious views and still form deeply loving and respectful relationships.
I’m not sharing these thoughts to be deliberately offensive, hurtful or to tear anyone down. They’re just things I think about a lot and want to share, with the hope that it might be resonate for some people, or give others something a bit different to chew on and consider (even if they don’t agree)
And finally, a loving reminder that if you don’t like me or what I have to say, you don’t have to stay this space.
There are lots and lots and lots of excellent spaces, run by lots and lots and lots of brilliant people, which might be a better fit for you. Instead of getting angry and riled up here, with me, I encourage you to go hang out with the people who will make you feel good instead!
Right, let’s go. I am so ready for some messy grumbling.