I wrote something on social media yesterday and it received no attention. A rare cryptic cry. I then glanced down my timelines and saw requests for prayers, pictures inside of medical facilities, splints, casts, ace bandages and other posts, simply words telling of upcoming doctor's visits, medical procedures and various health related concerns, whether they be physical or mental. The unbelievable amount of care, concern and attention these received was astonishing. Then I noticed a pattern.
The attention,comments and responses to the initial cry out for help were all immediately recognized with thanks and appreciation. There were hearts, smiles and words conveying all of these warm thoughts. Yet, there was one thing that was not addressed, should the concerned party dare to ask.
"What's wrong?"
Isn't it ironic, that in our time of instant access, our ability to convey to everyone out there, how we suffer, that we decide to keep this private? We so desperately crave the attention for each and everyone of our woes, that a triple bypass and a trip to the allergist receive the same sympathies?
Where does debt fall in? Is owing $1,500 the same as owing $150,000? Funny how when it comes to money we're able to suck it up and not post on social media. Is it vanity? We can post pictures of scare, scrapes, cuts and bruises, but nobody dare post abut their heating bill. "At least you have heat."
This reminds me slightly of the insomnia phenomenon, where someone posts they didn't sleep, then chastises insomnia, the thread then becoming a an online version of Name That Tune, until eventually someone ends it with "I didn't sleep....yet." None of this is in fact insomnia, as one bad night's sleep is something we all experience, but it makes us feel better one upping someone's trivial complaints.
So why then, when things sound serious, don't we divulge the real problem? Are we worried that to be open will deflate the importance or make us seem petty? In today's world, have we lost all forms of empathy and compassion, unless the problem can only be imagined?
I can barely walk. I am in debt and I am broke. I was essentially homeless for two months and may be again in the next few weeks. I have other ailments I hope to get diagnosed soon. I also lost two friends to cancer this week and would never dream of competing with the pain their families face. I do wonder though. Why is it then that full disclosure of one's woes gets nothing, but a cryptic or exaggerated post gets more attention than any other?
Maybe I've revealed to much about myself within this tiny blog. Maybe I'd be better off with a safer approach to dealing with life.
Send Prayers!
The attention,comments and responses to the initial cry out for help were all immediately recognized with thanks and appreciation. There were hearts, smiles and words conveying all of these warm thoughts. Yet, there was one thing that was not addressed, should the concerned party dare to ask.
"What's wrong?"
Isn't it ironic, that in our time of instant access, our ability to convey to everyone out there, how we suffer, that we decide to keep this private? We so desperately crave the attention for each and everyone of our woes, that a triple bypass and a trip to the allergist receive the same sympathies?
Where does debt fall in? Is owing $1,500 the same as owing $150,000? Funny how when it comes to money we're able to suck it up and not post on social media. Is it vanity? We can post pictures of scare, scrapes, cuts and bruises, but nobody dare post abut their heating bill. "At least you have heat."
This reminds me slightly of the insomnia phenomenon, where someone posts they didn't sleep, then chastises insomnia, the thread then becoming a an online version of Name That Tune, until eventually someone ends it with "I didn't sleep....yet." None of this is in fact insomnia, as one bad night's sleep is something we all experience, but it makes us feel better one upping someone's trivial complaints.
So why then, when things sound serious, don't we divulge the real problem? Are we worried that to be open will deflate the importance or make us seem petty? In today's world, have we lost all forms of empathy and compassion, unless the problem can only be imagined?
I can barely walk. I am in debt and I am broke. I was essentially homeless for two months and may be again in the next few weeks. I have other ailments I hope to get diagnosed soon. I also lost two friends to cancer this week and would never dream of competing with the pain their families face. I do wonder though. Why is it then that full disclosure of one's woes gets nothing, but a cryptic or exaggerated post gets more attention than any other?
Maybe I've revealed to much about myself within this tiny blog. Maybe I'd be better off with a safer approach to dealing with life.
Send Prayers!
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