I awoke tonite ... unable to sleep any longer..so of course I came to check out the BB. I was even more awake...as I read the flaming thread, as I'm sure you all know ....still continues on...and
suddenly I was saddened by it all...
You all know...I have particiipated in some very lively discussions....no agruements....plain and simple! But they have always seemed to sooner or later fall by the way side...and everyone has just continued on. But this one refuses to die...and that saddened me.
I went back...and I realized someting...that when Susy K...made a statement...that I thought was hurtful...because "I" thought she had made the comment on purpose...."I" was hurt by it....and "I" made a statement back to her to disprove what she had said about my possible not working in such a such place....and that was what "I" meant when I said "again your post doesn't hold water".... not her opinion about where she worked . But you know...in my hurt feelings...I didn't see or maybe "I" didn't wish to see...that she may have misunderstood what I was saying!
You know someone on here posted ....that the problem with having discussions on the BB...is that it is difficult for one person to discern exactly what someone is meaning...or to detect an inflection of tone or feelings...because you can't see the other person's face ...expressions or body language to adequately judge what is meant by a term...or a word written on the screen.
It makes it difficult to grasp the real meaning behind those words.
I'm saddened by all that has transpired...because I have an overwhelming feeling, that if we were able to sit down together face to face...most of the misunderstanding....not all mind you....as we all still have different opinions and beliefs systems. But we would garner possibly a better understanding of each person's personality and achieve a clearer idea of whether or not someone is joking..sincere....or even hurt by a statement. We could look in their eyes and determine more...than trying to surmise true meanings by reading emoticons...bold type or capitalized letters.
Many times when I read posts on this BB...I'm taken back by some of things I read.....but just as often I'm impressed by the knowledge ...the caring...the experience..and the dedication I see in those who chose to share who and what they are. Here on this BB ...many of us older..:) and younger alike...are able to share and communicate with many across the country and around the world. I'm in awe so many times...that I have been given the opportunity to become imspired ....encouraged....and to have my emotions taken from joy to tears...to feelings of pride ..just by moving from thread to thread.
But in the same light....I'm saddeded today...because I fear that hurts from unintended statements made in the heat of anger may threaten to keep us from truly sharing what we think and feel...because ...no matter how powerful this medium called the internet is....it has it's limitations. The limitations are that....no matter how hard we try to screen our words...this form of communication can never take the place of talking face to face. Yes there are some among us who are able to cross the divide and bridge the barrier that exists here....and impart so very well ...their inner most feelings,.....so artfully...that we all can relate. But that is the mark of a true commnicator....and this sadly I am not.
In conclusion of my long winded post....I can only submit that it is my true desire that everyone who reads the posts presented here...will take into account...that although we all are very talented...intelligent .... humans beings...who seek out a way to impart their experiences...their concerns..their wisdom...their fears...and thier disappointments...I just wish ....we could all just try to embrace the fact....that we are not without error...fault....misunderstandings...but we are all care givers through and through.......and some may need a little more care and understanding......than others....including me!
I respectfully submit....that I would love for all those hurts to be toss aside...and let us continues in the spirit of thouthful exchange....so we might be able to move pass this plateau to a higher existence...that is lined with acceptance...and not with disdain....no matter where our paths may lead us...
Whew...I know...climbing dow...again..:)