My Life, My Blog, My Breakthrough - 2007 Flashback

Saturday, March 28, 2009

It seems like I blinked and then two years passed. I remember everything that has happened since I started my blog on January 1, 2007 but time sure does fly. Every once in a while I go back to my first entries and read them for inspiration. When life gets a little shaky, prayer and those words from the past keep me grounded. Today is my 345th blog(!) and as I was reading number 55, I recounted why I blog. The re-post is below.


Why Blog? (2007 Entry #55)

Well, I am getting pretty comfortable with this "being open" stuff. So I thought I would start explaining a few things. The fact about my blog is this - I joined the blogosphere to give my clients an early preview of their pictures and to add narrative about my photo shoots. It has slowly turned into much more than that...at least for me.

I grew up with 1 brother and 5 sisters (see the Knight Clan). We all shared one bathroom and slept 2 to 3 per room. So much for privacy! Picture that, all of us trying to get ready in the morning for school - one shower!?! And don't even think that you were the only one sneaking to the kitchen in the dark for a late night snack...you were up against 8 other people in the house with the same idea. You were bound to bump into someone on the way back to your room. Needless to say, I never wanted to keep personal letters or a diary in my room (or the house for that matter).

Trust me, I'll tie this all together.

I have always had insecurities about writing. Not publicly, but privately. I always felt that if I was open and honest with my writing that someone would violate my privacy...by reading my innermost thoughts...and then using this same information against me. Fear of humiliation I guess. So for my entire life, I have been opposed to keeping a diary.

It wasn't until the beginning of this year (2007) that I discovered the concept of a blog. What made me most comfortable with sharing my thoughts and feelings were my readers. I have "you" to thank. Since I usually work late...I have ideas all the time. Some of these ideas just happen to pop up around 2 AM during the middle of an editing session. My blog has been the perfect place to jot these ideas down. Well, what do you know? After I post an entry, I usually get responses back within minutes! I'll have to admit, I don't always publish all of my readers' comments and some of you blog readers email me directly. But I will tell you this, all of you have been a great inspiration to me. Encouraging me to press on and sharing your similar experiences. It's great!

Out of 55 posts, I have received only 2 bad comments. However, I have learned to take all criticism constructively...even the harshest of words. I have learned to sometimes detach the emotion from a situation and look at things rationally. I ask myself, what can I learn from this?

You folks (yes I am "southern") have helped me to grow in ways that were unimaginable to me. Now I am not ashamed to share any of my thoughts and feelings. Heck, they are now public to millions of people. How is that for a diary? Thanks for helping me to speak my mind and thanks for not being judgmental. So now you know..my blog is as much for me as it is for you..

One day, I hope to print all of my blog entries, put them in a book and hand it to my kids as a gift. Then hopefully they will get a glimpse into dad's life - my accomplishments, hopes, dreams, wishes, failures, successes...

See, I believe that we should all have the notion to improve upon the next generation. Not just economically...but also in our children's spirituality, social consciousness, health, education...you name it. It's our God-given responsibility to do so.

I speak with parents all the time who ask me...how can I truly reconnect with my children? I tell the parents that I think the first step is to stop acting like they themselves have never experienced some of the same issues their children are facing! I believe it is important to sometimes show children your vulnerabilities so that they can understand that no one is perfect. Not even You. If you consider yourself to be perfect then read the biblical story about Elijah or Enoch and decide if you can take the same trip...

O.K. enough for now, I think I am starting to preach!! And I just wanted to talk about why I blog...

There you have it - My Life - My Blog - What a breakthrough!!!


- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination Wedding Photographers

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12 comments:

Mac said...

Hey Ross I love this Blog . Again you have spoken about things i am feeling so deep in my spirit . On the 4th of January we as youth group had a panel discussion speaking to the adults about issues we as youth face . How we nned their help not only as our church but as adult . the point u made about making themselves vulnerable . As a young person when we do something wrong first that comes to mind is that how are the adults especially our parents are going to view us . I am glad u made that point. Thanks again Ros for sharing your thoughts us . I am always glad to read them .

Love all the way on the small island of Barbados

Mia

Lechelle said...

Thanks for the update. I'm new to your blog (2009), but introduce to your craft in 2008. I just started my blog this year. It's encouraging to hear how blogging has helped you. It's also my prayers to see growth in me as a continue blogging.

Keep on posting

Dennis said...

Thanks Ross....I needed to read that my friend!

Darcita said...

BR...you always help to put a smile on my face. You influence, passion, gift and inspiration have encouraged people GLOBALLY!!! Just think..I am just north of you in another country, yet feel as if you are my brotha living down the street! I can't wait to see how the Lord will use you in your next decade:) Thanks for your continued transparency...keep shooting

Rae said...

Ross,

I was first introduced to you thru the "Remember The Ritz" video. I was touched by that video. It literally brought me to tears, actually it still does. From there I began to read your blogs. God has blessed you with the gift of photography but he also uses you thru your blogs. Your blogs often inspire, motivate and encourage me to be better, do more and be grateful for the many blessings that God has bestowed upon me. It has truly been a pleasure getting to know you and your family thru your writings. Thank you very much for sharing.

One Bride with Broom said...

Thank you for sharing! I feel like I came across this entry at the right moment. I'm new to blogging...very new (I started last week) and I can so relate about vulnerability and wanting to keep things private. But I'm learning that blogging is such a great way of sharing and expressing myself. As a writer, it's wonderful to have a space that I can share my thoughts with like-minded--or not-so-likeminded individuals and engage in conversation that might not take place otherwise.

I'm rambling now..but I really appreciate you sharing and I will definitely be reading :-)

MissAudrey said...

Lovin this post...you remind me sooooo much of my friend it's unbelieveable. I tell him, "You're Ross Oscar Knight only with a pen" (he's a poet). Both of you have amazing talents. Oddly enough he's in Atlanta too.

Continue on with the gift that God has given you. You are blessing a lot of people.

Have you ever thought about doing a v-log (video log) of yourself and posting it? Just a thought.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful...Ross. Doesn't it feel amazing when you can look back and say to yourself I made it pass and through somethings and events and I can truly say it made me learn?. Vulnerability is not always a bad thing. You don't even know me but I am so happy for you. I'm so glad you mention about your future "kids" and youth in general. I believe that statement you made, will have people thinking. Again nice job.


Natasha from N.Y

Unknown said...

My brother, my brother, my brother. You never cease to amaze me. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story.

~eRic

Lisa M. McGainey said...

Ross,

I have been a follower of your blog since 2007. I love your work, your passion and your drive. You've actually helped to rekindled my love for photography. Thanks for sharing your experiences with me because through that I have been able to share with others.

This was truly a GREAT post!

Lisa

Anonymous said...

I’d over the the world of to ascertain that too!

Anonymous said...

Remarkable phrase