Hey everyone - first a quick update. This week so far I've kept within my point balance every day. I'm going to the gym today for my first of four days of workouts. And I'm feeling really good about this week's progress! I've done everything I've set out to do. One quick note - Amanda - I'm not keeping track of January mileage because a) I'm more concerned about getting the weight loss started; b) I have no accurate count of my walking mileage from my 11 days in WDW. Doesn't mean I'm not putting mileage in. Just that I'm not going to keep track of a monthly total for KOTH.Now - today's topic was supposed to be a trip report. I'm pushing that back a day or two.
Yesterday I had a really rough day. Long. Work stuff mostly. But I also had a long talk with my mother regarding our trip. She had a great time, but is concerned about my health and my future. But one of the REALLY big things she's concerned about is this blog. And she asked me to tell you all about her concern.
She thinks that this blog has become a place for people to come together to dump on me. A place for me to recount failed goals and for you all to throw negative energy at me because of it. She thinks that putting myself out there is a bad idea - emotionally and spiritually. She is concerned that I give you all access to my private life through my posts - and many of you are strangers - you could be ax murderers - or just people who enjoy tearing others down. And if you surround yourself with negativity - you're asking for problems - both small and big.
She really thinks that I should shut down this blog and walk away from it. And from all of you. In fairness, I believe she's only really thinking about the non "team" members here.
I disagree.
This blog has existed for four years - and I had a separate blog for two years prior. It is a useful reflection tool for me. And it is a place where in the past, we have done MUCH good. We've raised a lot of money for charity - and formed a team of friends and supporters. The reason much of this blog has turned negative lately is because I've been moving backwards instead of forwards. And now as I turn the other direction and move forwards again - maybe you'll all turn around with me?
I consider most of my readers and commenters friends. Some of you I don't know. Some of you I don't agree with. Some of you make me downright angry at times. I can't even tell you how upset I was on Tuesday reading that Hug thinks I should throw my medal in the trash.
And mgreene - who I'll admit - is now starting to turn positive. Still upsets me. Why?
Because I'm making progress NOW. And yes - I have a long way to go to get back to where I was - but if you want to help out our charity drive - you start at the beginning and you stick with us the whole way. You don't choose an arbitrary line in the sand and say "Hey - reach this and THEN I'll support you." If I'm willing to put myself out there - you ought to be willing to put your money where your mouth is.
But long gone are the comments from Deb and Kate and Byron and many of the original posters.
So the question remains.
Should I shut down this blog?
I really want your opinions. Not only if you find what I post to be helpful or useful - but also if you think it's in MY best interest to shut it down.
If I do - I will remain active in Team Voice - and remain active in health and fitness and running - and continue with all my goals. I will keep raising money - I'll go on podcasts and plug our charity - I'll keep losing weight. So don't worry about that - I'm not going anywhere.
I just won't chronicle my life here for you all.
If I don't shut it down - I may change it. I may not. I'm really not sure. I know I don't want to shut it down - but sometimes we can't see past what we want to what we need.
So I'm coming to you.
My friends. My commenters. The people who apparently care enough to register for an account and want to comment.
And if you're a lurker - GET AN ACCOUNT.
Today is the day I need to hear from ALL OF YOU.
Tell me you'd miss me. Tell me you want this blog to stay. Tell me WHY you read this blog.
Tell me you think my mom is right and I should shut down immediately.
Just tell me what you HONESTLY think.
And I'll HONESTLY listen. And maybe we can get past some of this stuff and back to the business of doing good.
MAIN STREET AWAITS!
I understand EXACTLY how your Mom feels, that was why I originally posted. I'm not sure how long ago it was but it was before you ran in the Seattle marathon but I had been reading your blog for a LONG time before that and listening to you on the podcast. Being a mother myself (of a daughter who is a few years older than you) I just couldn't stand the negativity. So I waded in and ended my lurker status and I guess started being an “enabler” according to many here. I will continue to do that because I do not see my comments as enabling but as support.
ReplyDeleteSo this is for the ones who have nothing better to do than to hurt people and make Jonathan feel like he needs to stop blogging. Jonathan, you can delete this is you want. I will slide into my flameproof suit for what I'm sure is coming.
Maybe that is the mother in me but in my mind, you do not indulge in tough love with anyone, it does not work. Maybe you can get your results in YOUR mind but it won't be because the person you are trying to change is coming around to your ideas, it is because they can't fight anymore and will just give in. In order to help, you need to calmly and gently support from the behind. You need to let that person know that you love them unconditionally and will be supportive no matter what they go through or what they try and what doesn't work out. There is always an answer but sometimes it takes a while to find what works for each individual person. If you can go through what Jonathan has gone through this year and keep up with everything you do, all your goals, your eating and training plan, then more power to you. But I expect that you haven't or you would not have the time to do all that and still go after Jonathan for not meeting your expectations. He has been through hell and has come out on the other side because he is strong and he has a great family behind him. If he didn't “get it all done” in your eyes then you are not his friend and you need to look to yourself to find out why you take time out of your day to be so negative. Surely your time could be spent in a better way than to hurt people. When you are typing out your comment, do you ever stop to wonder if this will be hurtful and that there might be a better way to word it. And if there isn't then you might want to learn a couple of phrases that used to be very popular but has become “old fashion” in our e-society: “Do undo to others as you would have them to unto you” and “If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all”.
OK, I have had my say. I am so sorry Jonathan that you are thinking about doing this but I totally understand why and will support you on whatever you decide. We are friends. I will look forward to your big hug in august and I hope to wog proudly next to you at the half marathon some day!! I'm sure Amber feels the same as your Mom and I know this has been hurtful to her too.
Too Jonathan's Mom: I am so sorry you are going through this too!! My heart broke when I read about how concerned you were. It was nice to meet you in august at the mousemeet. I'll miss Jonathan's blog but I always thought of how this must be affecting you when certain people went off on him so it will be worth loosing it if this will give your family some calm. Not all of the posters are negative, some are his friends. It is the others who will ruin it for all.
Dana
OK, let's make this easier (nothing negative here):
ReplyDeleteYou said, "In 2011, I WILL LOSE ONE HUNDRED POUNDS." (caps are yours). Your gauntlet thrown down. I really hope you do this. In my opinion it will take more than just a casual following of Galloway's methodology to accomplish this (speaking as competitive runner for over 26 years).
On December 31, 2011 if you weigh 255 pounds I will write your charity a check for $1000. Simple as that - so actually it's up to you. But it will take into account your weight starting right now. And the results dictated by your own goals.
In fact, if you meet your goal this year, I MAY travel to WDW during marathon weekend 2012, hand you the check in person, pat you on the back, and say, "Job well done!" and cheer you on for the 1/2.
ReplyDeleteI was not ready to read this.
ReplyDeleteAs a mother I can understand your Mother's concerns. That's what we as parents do worry about our kids.
IF you choose to stop the blog, I will be here no matter what.
Being public you get the good with the bad. How you are handling it? Are you allowing it to effect your daily living? If so then your DONE!
If you see it as people with opinions then so be it.
I only got to meet your Mom briefly with Amber and the lil one, while they were heading into the cheer squad section. I am the one in the bright highlighter yellow shirt, wearing all black. :0)
I have been pushy sometimes I get REAL pushy.I am doing what I was told to do. Hold you accountable.
I am looking forward to this year, weather you choose to blog or not to. I have TEXT!!! Muuuuwwwhhhaaaaaaa......
Kate, had other issues she had to deal with, Byron went All Ears. Some others Went Dream Team.
We are Team Voice Many Goals one Voice..
Rae
Owner/creator of Team Voice
OK Jon, I want to meet Mgreene!!! HOLY CATS!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehaving some tech difficulties here:
ReplyDeleteAs a follower since 2008, I am not sure I understand where this is coming from. In the past 3 years, there have been maybe 3 or 4 posts total that generated these types of comments. Every other post usually has very positive rainbows and unicorn type comments with praise for you and your plans. And to be honest, aside from a snarky line or two, I don't even think they were that bad (certainly not "these people are the scum of the earth who have nothing better to do than try and knock you down" type). Most of them are what I perceive to be constructive criticism that point out accountability, and provide suggestions on how to reach your goals and make things more attainable. And honestly? I don't think anyone offering to support your cause should be turned away because you don't like the terms they throw out. I also don't think anyone who takes the time to read and comment on your blog is sitting there and routing for you to finish or is happy that you are where you are.
To me, it all comes down to accountability. If you can't handle people pointing out that you have not met the goals that you voluntarily set up for yourself on the internet for the world to see, then perhaps you should take the blog down. But (and I hope this isn't interpreted as a terrible person comment), if you do take the blog down, its just saying to me that you do not want to be held accountable. You really need to take a step back and look at the situation. You did amazing things in 2008, you lost a ton of weight, got in shape, completed at half marathon in early 2009. But you have gained it almost all back in the last year and a half. You did not finish two half marathons because your training schedule disappeared. This is no way makes you a terrible person, father, husband, etc. But in the last year and a half, you have been changing your goals, telling us you are ready, and saying you are going to do these things, and quite frankly, you haven't. If you cannot hear that, then perhaps you shouldn't blog anymore. And asking people to support you and donate in the name of your cause, is honestly quite "ballsy" considering you haven't given us any progress in the last year plus.
ReplyDeleteLike I said, I (and assume others) do not want to see you fail. We wouldn't read if we didn't want to see you succeed. But its up to you to do that. No amount of comments on here (negative or positive), no amount of money, no amount of donations, no amount of trips can make that happen but you. So the decisions are all yours: whether or not you want to blog, and how much weight you lose, and how many races you complete. I hope whatever you do decide, you are at peace with that.
ReplyDeleteDealing with the public means you get all types of people and all types of opinions, and some are not so rosy as you would hope....but we all face this truth when we blog.
ReplyDeleteI think your blog serves the useful purpose to you that you describe, which is a value that only you can truly appreciate, so I would hate to see you stop blogging.....however, if you feel a change is in order you can always stop blogging here and reopen under a new heading.
I would have to disagree on throwing away your medal--and I am one to take a tough line on the subject--if you were to due that, I would suggest donating it to a children's hospital for a worth child. If you want real motivation, you could always write "DNF" in Sharpie marker all over the ribbon to cause you to work towards the next race.
Finally, I would like to say that I think the best personal goals are ones that we really don't know if we can make. It is the real possibility of failure that makes succeeding so much sweeter. There is no shame in failing, only in failing to try.
Make your best decision and I will be supportive whatever it is.
GVK somewhat beat me to this...
ReplyDeleteYour question: Should I shut this down?
My question back: If you do, can you be accountable to yourself and follow through with all these goals? Only you can answer that.
As far as private info, sometimes maybe it goes too far, but that's just not you that's a lot of people. I cringe when people post such personal stuff on blogs/facebook/etc. It's just asking for trouble sometimes.
What Richard said: http://www.medals4mettle.org/donate.htm
Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteI say that you DO NOT shut down. First off, that'll just play right into what the nay sayers want. The ones who are attacking you (not those giving constructive criticism) just want you gone. If you shut down, you're letting them win.
Believe it or not, you are a "celebrity" in our community. You have a following and that following is there whether you succeed or not. Some will be constructive and encouraging, others will be mean and unhelpful. But, that is a consequence of "celebrity" status. If you put yourself out there, you WILL be criticied. No matter what you do, somebody will criticize you. I work for a senator. No matter what the man does, I am buried in calls with people complaining about his actions. The key is to just let it in one ear and out the other. These nasty people have nothing better to do but to comment and criticize. Just remember that.
As for mgreene, I don't believe he is trying to hurt you. He's trying to be helpful in his own way. Nothing wrong with a good kick in the pants from time to time. Remember that too.
No matter what you decide, I will support you. Email the team members, keep us posted on facebook and twitter, whatever, just don't drop off. I still say you keep the blog. Set it to private and only allow people you want to see it or only let subscribers in and shut them out if they're too distructive. Heck, open comments up to moderation and have someone else moderate them.There are other options to consider before shutting down totally. But if you feel that is what YOU need to do, then do it. It doesn't matter what we think... it's YOUR blog! To hell with the rest of us!
Take care buddy!
Why do I come to this blog? I come to this blog because I was a long time listener of AATM and so I started to read your posts. You and I are very much alike. We both battle with our weight, both love comedy, both love Disney, and both do races. I come to your blog to read what you are planning on doing. What goals you are setting for yourself. I get inspiration from those posts. Seeing someone that is similar to me making these goals and working towards with helps me. Even when you hit your roadblocks I still think to myself that you can do it. Because if you can do it then I can do it. I have run in 2 Disney races and have been successful in both races. And that is a huge accomplishment. And I worked really hard to run that marathon this year and part of why I worked so hard is because of people like you. Ordinary people doing the extraordinary. Certainly we ordinary folks are not lifting cars off of people. But we are doing things that most people can do. I comment on your blogs because I feel like sometimes you need a little encouragement. And honestly when I post things for you sometimes they are for me. Just reinforcing that I can do the things that I can do. So while you don't know me from anyone else on this board you have helped me with my training, and hopefully things I have written have helped you in some ways. I say keep the blog. You are a strong person and can handle this. I say please keep the blog going. Take all comments with a grain of salt. There are some people that might seem like they are trying to put you down. And maybe they are. But use that to stoke the fire. Prove them all wrong. When you cross your next finish line put a picture of yourself on this blog with a "whatup now" gesture. And all of us will be so excited for you.
ReplyDeleteSo keep the blog. And mama voice there are some really good people that comment on this blog. And your son has done a lot for us. he is in pretty good company.
Voice, best of luck with your more than attainable goals this year. Keep us posted because it is inspiring all of us.
Jonathan-
ReplyDeleteI really hope that you don't take down your blog. I'm terribly sorry that people have been posting negative comments, I don't usually read the comment section, so I'm not sure what has been going on. What I do know is that I've been a long time follower of your progress, and have been a friend (first virtually and then then in person) since your Mousetunes days. I have seen you accomplish amazing goals, and you have been a complete inspiration to me and others.
Its true that you sometimes hit road blocks and set backs, but that is true in everyone's life. Part of the reason I keep coming back is that despite the tremendous obstacles that you have faced over the past year, you have not abandoned your goals. The truth is that you could set very small and easily attainable goals for yourself, but instead you have chosen to think big and really challenge yourself.
Even if you do not make all of the goals you set, you are still working towards them and have not given up. Fitness and weight loss is not a one time accomplishment, but a lifetime quest. I love reading your blog because you share with us both the bad and the good of this quest, and do not sugar coat how hard it is, and I appreciate and celebrate your honesty.
Let me end with sharing how you inspired me personally. I gained 60 lbs during my pregnancy, which is about 35 more lbs than I should have. Losing pregnancy weight is a difficult task for anyone, but having to loose an extra 35 lbs on top of everything else was really daunting. I joined a yoga class and a stroller fitness class and every time I didn't want to go (which was most of the time), I thought about you, and about how many times you went to the gym even when you didn't want to. When I felt down about my weight loss, I would turn to your blog, and think about how hard you were working and know I wasn't alone in my struggle.
I am happy to say that one year after my son's birth I have now lost all 60 lbs of the pregnancy weight, which is in no small part due to your example.
Thank you!
-Marissa
Johnathan,
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog and hope you keep with it. IF it becomes something that is not fun anymore however, then it's time to shut it down. Writing a blog should not be a job, it should not be a point of heartache, should not be something you dread. You have a lot going on and you really put yourself out there. That's very brave. Even when you fail at something you bring forward new goals. I admire that about you. A lot of people would just slink into the night, stop blogging and just disappear. You have to be prepared for negativity when you put yourself out there that much. If it hurts too much, make your blog about something else.
Whatever happens, I've been a fan for a long time. AATM was the 1st podcast I listened to and totally brought me into this wonderful Disney community.
Hope you keep blogging, I'll keep reading.
Jonathan, personally, I would be very sad if you shut this blog down. After all, I got to "know" you through your work on the podcast - and being able to keep up with you here was a big part of the reason I joined Blogspot and Facebook myself!!!! I even opened up my own blog, emichaelgannon.blogspot.com, as an indirect result.
ReplyDeleteBut of course shutting it down is your decision to make. However, if you do shut it down, shut it down for valid reasons. "Mother being worried" is not necessarily an automatic reason to shut it down. Are you exposing yourself to "ax murderers?" Well, yeah, if you want to consider worst case scenarios. But that's why we don't say things like "I'm taking a trip and leaving my baby daughter all alone here at 1235 Main Street USA for the weekend." Or post things that could cause us trouble or come back to haunt us at our current jobs or in a future job interview or political campaign. We use common sense.
I've got to admit, when I read your posts over the long run I see a pattern of two steps forward, one and a half back, and sometimes it's just frustrating - "why doesn't he stick to it?" - and when I get ready to post here I feel like I'm walking a very tough tightrope between being encouraging and being enabling. But I hope I have played at least a small part in "inspiring" you - having been a runner myself for several decades now I do feel at least somewhat qualified to "preach" on the subject where appropriate! :) Any help and encouragement I can provide you is the least I can do after the countless hours of entertainment you and Bryan provided me through your podcasts - which I enjoyed through many, many of my own runs and bike rides.
Ultimately it boils down to - is this blog a positive or a negative in your life? As long as you're enjoying doing it, and it makes you happy, there's no reason to feel pressured by Mom or anyone else to shut it down, and there's no reason to let anyone put worries in your head that you're old enough and mature enough to know have no reasonable basis for being there. On the other hand, if and when it becomes a burden, a pressure, something that just gets you down, well then it might be time to at least take a break from it, if not necessarily "shut it down" permanently.
With my own blog, I was posting every day or two for the first couple of days, and had fun with it. As the novelty wore off, the postings diminished. And oh my gosh, I haven't even posted since last year now. I've been busy, and other things in my life have gotten in the way. But I'm certainly not going to "shut it down." If and when the mood strikes me, the blog is always there for me to pick up and resume...whether I do it tonight, next week, or next month.
So it's up to you.
(But please please please please don't shut it down....I and other members of the legion of Mouseketeers would really miss you!!!!)
Here's the thing. I'm sitting here in the frozen Iowa tundra on this side of the screen and your sitting in Lynwood looking at your screen. We do not see what your family sees. Your family are the ones who witness your reactions and listen to what you have to say with regard to your blog. They love you and your true friends on this side of the monitor feel a little mushy about you too.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with "specialthings" on the tough love comment. Hopefully over the past few years you've come to know(at least from me)that I will celebrate your victories, encourage you and when needed get tough on you.
The past few days have been rough for sure. Lots of commentary mixed with strong and even nuetral opinions. Speaking for my own strong opinions they come from knowing that you "DO" have it in you to change your life. There is a positive in all this Disney Dibacle though. It has really charged up our team and challenged us all to do better this year. Jonathan I want you to succeed. I want you and the other members of our team to succeed and challenge themselves onto the next success and the next.
Don't go anywhere. Simba needs to work on his ROAR!!!
hello.
ReplyDeletei have not posted much here, but what i have posted i thought were nice good comments toward you Johnathon. i admit i don't read much of the other comments. i did read a few from this post and i loved what Rae! said:
"Being public you get the good with the bad. How you are handling it? Are you allowing it to effect your daily living? If so then your DONE!
If you see it as people with opinions then so be it."
i agree with them. if this blog's comments are bothering you enough, then shut it down. would i miss it? yes. yes i would. i enjoy reading what you are up too and how you are doing on your goals. but maybe you need to take it to personal only. i have a blog on a website that is both public and private. when i post, i can choose to make it public or private. for me it all depends on what i am writing about. when i wrote about it being 5 years since my dad died, it was private. just for me to reflex on at the moment and to have in the future. i have also posted about movies i have seen, that is public:)
SO in the end it is up to you. weather you shut this blog down or not, i truly hope you obtain your goals and wish you the best of luck! :)
Jonathan....
ReplyDeleteI have an account. I lurk because I don't always have the time to click over from my rss reader to make a comment. But I have commented before. Since I don't click in from the reader, I had NO IDEA you were getting negative feedback on your posts.
I love your blog. I started out as a listener from All About the Mouse. I even sent you a story you used in your one presentation at the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. The podcast is what started me reading your blog.
I keep reading for several reasons. I love hearing about your life as a Dad. I had my first baby (a girl) this past July, so I can totally relate to your parenting posts.
I also can completely relate to your weight lost struggles. I've been doing Weight Watchers myself for 5 years. I had alot of success the first year. I lost 97lbs, and got within 12lbs of my goal. And then I slowly back slid. I can blame it on many things...meeting my husband...my grandpa dying...my sister's wedding...my own weddding (and subsequent Disney Honeymoon). But it basically boils down to, I just got tired of trying. By the time I got pregnant, I'd gained bakc 30lbs. With the pregnancy, I gained another 35. I'm having trouble getting started on the right path again...but I'm trying. Each day is a new day.
I hope you keep the blog open. I hope you keep sharing your life with us. You're a funny, passionate, intelligent human being. Ignore the negative posts. Dangling money in front of you isn't incentive to loose weight. Tough love....warmth & caring love...genuine support...people going through the same thing...none of that can really make us loose weight. We have to find the motivation from within. But I, for one, totally believe you can do it.
Only you can make this decision young one!
ReplyDeleteSeriously - you have to decide if it's worth it to you.
I have to say that you have total control over this blog. You can moderate your comments, but then we can't support you through the rough comments if you decide not to post them. You can stop allowing comments altogether, but then you miss good and bad support. You can stop blogging and turn to other means for support.
Blogs are public and sometimes we don't like what people ask us or tell us, but I think if you put it out there you are asking for the feedback - all of it. It's how you handle that feedback that will make or break you.
I hope that over the past couple of years that any harsh statements I may have made were taken as the push you need and not the straw to break your back. It can be tough when it feels like everyone is coming down on you, but 99% of that is coming from love. So many of us know what you can do and we want you to do it.
Whatever you decide on the blog, just make sure it's the right choice for you. And never forget that you have my email/phone number anytime you need tough love, a cheer, a kick in the pants, or whatever else you need!
Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry, but this is going to have a be a 2 part entry (character limitations).
I've known you a few years now, since relatively early on with AATM. I am NOT a Team Voice member, Club 8, etc., not because I don't think they're worthwhile (they definitely are), but they're not really what *I* personally need.
Before I weigh in with my opinion about the blog, let me weigh in a couple of other things (& yes, I am choosing my words carefully, I am NOT going to post here without giving my comments the thought that I feel they AND you deserve). Weight is a challenge to the majority of people in the USA. Some work on it, some do not. Those who have never had to struggle with their weight are often lucky, though I won't say that they always are. My best friend for the past 28+ years has never weighed more than 98 lbs in her entire life, and I have seen her down in the upper 70s. Regardless of what she does, she does not gain weight, though she often does not lose either (no, she does not have any of the "dreaded" problems, psychological or physical). The rest of us, if we do decide to try to change our weight, do have to undergo trials & tribulations that may or may not be successful.
I am overweight. I have chosen to deal with it in my own way and with my own methods. I do not use Weight Watchers or any of the other formalized systems, because they don't work for me. I know many people who have used them successfully, and I am glad that the systems exist for those who find them of benefit.
I am physically incapable of running (and I include the sustained jog/wog/whatever other types of long distance sustained motion taking place using feet at greater than a normal slow walking pace), and am unlikely to ever be capable of doing so for physical reasons (not WEIGHT reasons, physical limitations). In my younger years, I was capable of greater physical motion activity than am I now; a combination of physical factors and injuries prevent me from doing some of the things that I was capable of, say 10 years ago. I know many people, you among them, who do fast walk/jog/run, who choose not to COMPETE but choose to try to COMPLETE structured distance activities like the half or full marathon. I am not among them, but that is not the point. I am glad that these activities exist for those who find them of benefit.
Now, finally, let us get to the original question you asked. I do not do a daily/weekly/monthly blog. I do not daily/weekly/monthly commit to posting or contributing to an organized online presence. When I have something that I feel is of great importance to me, I contribute it. When I have something that I feel is important to contribute to someone else when I am invited to be part of their organized online activity, I contribute. But I am not among those who gets satisfaction with creating a structured entry on a structured schedule. I am glad that these opportunities exist for those who find them of benefit (whether emotionally, spiritually, financially, or in any other terms possible).
The original question you asked is should you shut down the blog. I strongly encourage you to turn the question around to ask it not of your friends NOR your enemies (not that I truly feel that anyone is or wants to be your enemy in this... your taskmaster perhaps, but that is NOT something that I feel is due to engendered ill-will). It is not something to ask your mother (I will come back to that in a moment or two, I promise). That is not something to ask Amber, or even were she a couple of years older, Elizabeth. The question is, do YOU find that the blog is providing YOU a benefit or not? Moreover, is the benefit outweighing the toll that the blog takes on you?
CONTINUED IN PART 2
PART 2
ReplyDeleteI promised that I would get back to what your mom has said. She is not wrong in suggesting you shut it down. She is not right in suggesting you shut it down. She is your mom and whether you're 3, 30, or 300, she will always be your mom and you will always be, in her heart, the 3 year old boy that she needs to protect from the world whenever possible, even if you may feel that your job is or some day may be to protect HER from the world whenever necessary. The question to ask her, and Amber, so that you can make an RATIONAL INTELLIGENT and EMOTIONALLY CORRECT FOR YOU choice is this: WHY do you worry that I should shut it down, for reasons other than safety from axe murderers, etc? Are they seeing something that we, who are staring at pixels not people, cannot that has them worried about you? Is it that you are always going to be mom's son who she has an instinct and duty to protect, or is it that she's seeing something about how this blog has been affecting you that has her concerned or worried? If she does, that does not mean that you need to automatically shut down the blog, but it does mean that you should take the time to analyze it and decide whether you feel her concerns are warranted. If they are, do they change the balance of benefit/risk for you that you should reevaluate your decision to have this blog?
I, like many others, was very unhappy when you and Bryan chose to stop producing episodes of AATM. However, I was unhappy at the loss; I was NOT unhappy at you and/or Bryan. You both chose to take that path because the "loss" was greater than the "gain" for you both. I respect that and I respect you both for not only deciding it, but for having been honest with yourselves, your families, and your listeners in recognizing it, owning it, and choosing to do something about it.
So, my friend (& I truly DO consider you my friend, as you know), it is time for you to look not so much outward, but inward, and decide for yourself. Are you doing this for yourself or for your friends/fans/etc? Even if you're doing this for us (the blog, that is), would keeping it be good or bad for you? Even if you're doing the blog for yourself, would getting rid of it be good or bad for you?
The bottom line is both simple and complicated. Is the blog a good thing for you or a bad thing for you? No one can know that truly but you. I urge you strongly to put aside the question of what doing the blog can do for others; you are doing a lot for others between your charity fund raising and your work on Team Voice. You say (& I do believe you) that you are committed to working on your weight for you, for your health, and for your family. Whether you "always" succeed, "sometimes" fail, or even decide that whatever you do, you're always going to have to be continuing to struggle, that is NOT our decision to make; the only impact that we have on it is this: Does our interaction with you through this blog and/or the material that you choose to put up on this blog something that you can truly say is helping you or hurting you? If it is clearly helping you, keep it up. If it's clearly hurting you, shut it down. If it is NOT clear, then do what you need to do to make that decision, even if it's take a hiatus from the blog itself as you (& Bryan if I recall correctly) had to do at times from AATM.
I'll sum things up in this way. You and I have talked at times about some of our similarities. Yes, we are similar; no, we are not the same. No one is quite the same as you, or anyone else alive or dead. To quote Tom Smith in his song in tribute to Jim Henson entitled "A Boy and his Frog", "No one could walk in your shoes,Nothing can make me forget you, But that's not a thing that I'd choose." Regardless of whether it is time to recommit to the Voice of Mousetunes Blog or to choose to completely shut it down, there are many of us who "have been and always shall be your friend."
Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteThe title of this posting almost broke my heart. This may be the first time that I've commented, but you have become my inspiration. In fact, you were plugged in my blog update this week (personal plug: mousecacher.blogspot.com). I, too, am overweight, and am using running as a Disney race as a goal/motivation to push myself to get active again. I know that I can do it, but I lack the support team that helps one reach goals. You (and your supporters) have become my support team. I follow you as you succeed, and as you suffer setbacks, and it helps me remember that I will also have succeed and setbacks in my journey.
Ultimately, though, the decision to close this blog is yours. We can tell you how much it helps us. But the real question is, Does this blog help Jonathan?
As opposed to closing or changing the blog, have you also considering making it private?
Jonathan, the final choice is yours. I will support you in any decision. I will greatly miss this blog if it goes away. But I want you to do what is best for YOU.
I have never commented before, but I've been reading your blog for a few years, when I had started listening to AATM. I felt compelled to write something here because when I saw the title of your post today, I was startled! Your blog is so inspiring. Because of blogs like this one, I am considering running a Disney race in 2012. We all have our ups and downs with weight loss and exercise - but it's real! You can't be perfect all the time! And you're trying. I didn't know you were getting such harsh comments; that's really terrible. I hope you don't shut down this blog, but you should do whatever is best for you.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck!
Jonathan
ReplyDeletePlease keep the blog. I miss the podcast and this is where I keep up with what you are doing, and can send you positive feedback.
It saddens me that most reasons that people end their blogs is because of the negative people out there.
I personally love your blog. I like that you post your goals (and they are only goals) and you are honest when you can't reach them. But then you set new ones which is very very healthy and completely human.
I love hearing about your trip reports (so I am sad this has been put off for another day), I love seeing Elizabeth grow and hear your struggles and joys as a new parent.
I am not a runner, but I enjoy listening to your plans. My husband and I both agree that you are crazy to run (lol), and are proud of your efforts in both 1/2 you ran this year in Disney World. Neither of us could have even attempted the idea and we are both under 190lbs, young and healthy. I honestly think you would have finished the last race if Disney didn't have a pace you had to keep and have the sweep bus. You had the drive and were on a good pace for you.
I hope you keep the blog, I would miss you dearly
sorry for the late post......I would miss you bunches...
ReplyDeleteHey JD
ReplyDeleteI surely hope that you keep this going. It is a way for me to stay in touch with and keep up my knowledge with someone who I consider a great friend. (That would be you) You inspire me and your struggles give me the kick in the 4th point of contact that I need to keep moving myself. Now I just need to figure out why when we live only an hour apart but rarely see each other.
My friend, you keep writing, I will keep reading, and we will both keep moving forward.