First off, I never thought I would ever write a blog. Never, ever.
Second, I'd like to tell you why I've titled this blog, "This is NO Soapbox." You might be familiar with the phrase, "to get on one's soapbox." This usually refers to someone speaking about a topic that they are very passionate about. I thought it was humorous that an online definition put it this way: "to start expressing strong opinions, especially about a subject that people are bored of hearing you speak about." (http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/get+on+soapbox)
Apparently, in days gone by, traveling salesmen, politicians, or anyone else interested in getting the public's attention would find an old, discarded soapbox and step up on it before addressing the crowd. The advantage was obvious: to elevate yourself above the crowd so that everyone could hear your voice easier as you went on an on about the subject of your choice.
This blog is no soapbox. I don't want to elevate myself above any of you. (I'm not enough of an authority on ANY subject to deserve such a position!) I don't want to push anything down your throat. I'm simply going to share some thoughts ... some serious and some frivolous.
I've come to the point in my life where I don't listen to those who shout ... to those who think that they are the only ones who are right ... to those who think they know better than everyone else. I listen to friends. I listen to the people who have earned my trust and respect.
This is one of the things I've come to love about much of the online community, including many of the blogs I've come across. It's friends helping friends. People sharing thoughts. People connecting with each other. And I want to be a part that.
I want to speak to you as a friend. There might be some things you can learn from me. There might be some times that I can make you smile or even chuckle. But whatever I do or share, it won't be from an elevated position ... a position based on ego or judgment.
This blog is no soapbox.
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