In lieu of recent events...a GATHER related repost PART II

*originally titled "What Gather Means To me" 

I think 'gather' means different things to different people. To some it means a place to publish, to show themselves and their journalistic talents. To others, it is a means to have communication and conversations with a chosen few. To some it's a molten mass of glass. To even more it means collect. To me, it means a place to look inside myself. A place to compare my views with the world's around me. A place to observe. Both myself, and others.

I come here to see the world from someone else's perspective. It's taking the time to learn from others. If I understand someone else's viewpoints, it makes me re-examine mine. I become a better person. Sometimes the things I learn scare me. Sometimes they thrill me. Things about people, and things about myself. But, I'm better for it, I always learn something. I think passion keeps me learning.

Not text book learning. I have a diploma, but that's it, no degree. No alphabet behind my name. I'm a mom. I'm a wife. I'm not a scholar, or a corporate executive. I'm normal. Just like you. I just think that until people take a look at the people around them and truly 'walk a mile...', you won't understand.

So, I try to walk that mile through words. Both those of others, as well as my own. How this relates to other's work is obvious. How it relates to mine is different altogether. I write about the things in my life, [past, present or future] that concern me. Everything that concerns you, effects you. Both who you are now, and who you'll be tomorrow. If I am constantly striving toward 'better', then my 'tomorrow me' is bound to be a better one. Does that make any sense? It does to me. And I guess, that's what counts.

I don't write here to impress or to get points. I admit, I do hope to open an eye or two here or there. What's the point of expression, ANY expression -if it falls on deaf ears? But ultimately, as long as it falls on mine, again, that's what counts. By writing down my concerns about my life, I am able to examine how the other person might have felt. To look at things from a different angle. To put on their shoes and take a few steps. See how that effects my view of them, and the situation. Does that change it?

Usually it does. Sometimes, I feel angry, some times I feel pity. Sometimes I feel guilt. Other times, I feel sadness. Sometimes joy, pride or even elation. Sometimes peace. Other times I just feel the same. But either way, I know where I stand on something. More importantly, I know why I'm standing there. I gave it an opportunity to be looked at again.

I like to read the works of others who stimulate me to think. Articles that express opinion. Explaining your passion for something can go a long way toward helping someone understand you. The real you, not the person the world see's everyday. Not the mom, or the wife, but the real you. The deep place where your inner thoughts can be found. The place that you keep your morals, values, and ideas -the place that holds your spirit. Only when you have connected with someone's soul, do you truly know them. Even if that someone is yourself.

I also like the works of those who have excellent expression. Not of items. I can think of objects all day long but feeling...now that's a hard thing to convey. A form of conceptual artistry, I think. Yet there are those here, that do a fantastic job. They too, force me to look inside the opinions that I formed. The preconceived ideas from different experiences or, simply the far depths of my brain. Either way, the exploration is an opportunity to see things differently.

People aren't always going to see things the same. Opening yourself up to the possiblility that there are more viewpoints than the one you have, makes a monumental difference. Not constantly living in an "I'm right" world. It's not always about being right. A lot of times, I find it more productive to be open minded. You can learn a lot when your wrong. You shouldn't be afraid of it. A lot of future good, comes from being wrong now. It's knowing and accepting it, that will ensure it.

So, I guess when I think about it, what Gather really means to me, is that my 'tomorrow me', is off to a good start...

This was originally left as a comment on the original article. I am leaving it without a name attached. If the poster wants to add it, fine. I'll leave that up to them. They will recognize their words. It belongs here too however because apparently, I am not the only one who feels this way.

" I agree also, though sometimes I wander through Gather and see a lot of impassioned diversity. (I'm being nice here!) I like to read opinions which aren't the same as mine. It may not change my mind, but I am open to hearing what is on the minds of others."

[end of original comment left] 

*MSG FROM WENDY WORLD*

(as also stated in PART I)

 The childish behavior I have seen recently boggles my mind. If everyone would accept that not everyone will always see 'eye to eye', Gather could be a much better place. There is no need to attack...There are just those times when people need to 'agree to disagree' and move on...

I think this is one of them.