In the Background of Posting

Social Networking study reported on Yahoo
Another study reported on Slate.com

After controlling for several factors including race, gender, religious beliefs and whether the volunteers were unattached or in a relationship, the study found links between hours spent on social networking (Facebook, etc.) and attitudes. The first connection was that frequent social networkers thought others lived happier lives. This perhaps isn't surprising when you surf the web and are bombarded with images of people smiling and having a good time. Of course, the image is merely an image, a collection of pixels that was selected to be displayed. A person, who is smiling when the camera shutter opens, could very easily be unhappy.

Considering that, I would have to admit that this blog could be guilty of misrepresentation. It's not that I'm trying to show off my "well-adjusted, happy" life, but the fact is that some people stop by and reach that conclusion. My main intention is to showcase moments and people and locations which I find positive. At some point in my life, I decided spending a lot of time criticizing and focusing on the negative can be left to other people.

For example, when my Mom was in town, we visited Opryland to see their holiday displays. I took photos, prepared the images for the blog, but I simply couldn't find a lot of positive about the experience. I stopped writing. A partially written draft still resides in my post list, though it's unlikely I'll finish it. Yes, there can be a lot of value in intelligent criticism, even if it's unbalanced and negative, but considering the time I have to blog, I'd much rather write something which could inspire someone to see and try something.

Though, in my private life, I can be very quick to criticize negatively even about actions which don't matter to me one way or the other. To criticize is a very natural thing for me to do, though I believe it rarely advances me or the world. I have spent a lot of time examining the reasons and feelings behind my sharp words. One of the things I've learned is that focus is a key. It helps for me to remind myself of the good things which happen daily in my life.

This blog is, in some ways, a set of reminders, therapy in action. There are many experiences which I find beautiful and rewarding. In writing about them, I hope to inspire myself to see more.