Do Not Crush Under Pressure : Web Venting
Posted on 07. May, 2009 by John McCulley in Personal Views, Philosophy, Technology
Are you feeling it? Yeah, life’s hand has wrapped itself around you, and you feel helpless under its grasp. No worries, we all feel this way sometimes. Anxiety, believe it or not, is a natural reaction to stress. Those of us who have a bit of anxiety trouble naturally know what its like to feel this way ALL THE TIME!
Well, I’m happy to report to you that there are ways to deal with this. You can join a support group, consult your pastor, pray, and/ or go to your family. Just remember what I said earlier, anxiety is natural. You’re not crazy or different, you’re honest and real. Be proud of that.
The ways I want to talk about are web-specific. Given my creative nature – and the fact that I’m a web designer 
– I find solace in taking my thoughts to the web. We’ll start with the blog.
Well, you’re here! Simple Spot is my own personal world where I can control, manipulate, interrupt, and inject enjoyment into every element. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying to escape reality. I’m saying that no one can object, offend, or humiliate you on your blog. To do so, they must have your permission. There are many ways to get started. Here are a few free blog services:
1. Wordpress - My blog is written in Wordpress. It is the simplest and most powerful blog system on the net. You can sign up for free by clicking the link above.
2. Blogger - Blogger is another freebie with a few simpler template options and a more lightweight control panel.
3. LiveJournal – LiveJournal is yet another freebie that I’m not too fond of, but it does carry a little more simplicity with it.
The blogs above are what we call web-based blogs. This means they are hosted by the service from which they were obtained. The other type of blog is a hosted blog, such as Simple SPOT. I bought a domain name, and Slamdot gladly hosts it for me. This gives me complete control of the verbiage, layout, and traffic that is driven here. I recommend this option, and will gladly help you get started.
The next way is through micro blogging. Micro blogs, such as Twitter, provide a way for you to vent in a more abrupt way. Don’t use profanity or name names, but use your frustrations as a call to action, such as, “I’m having a rough day. Anybody got a shoulder?!” This adds personality to your posts as well as humanizes you. It’s also a good way to find a friend when you’re down.
The last way we’re going to talk about is support forums. If you Google your problem, you’re bound to find one of these groups. Support forums allow you to get feedback from more than one person in a managed arena. The joy of it is that most or all of the posters have the same or similar problem. This allow you to relate to a group instead of feeling alone.
Some of the most common problems disturbing people today are the economy, marital issues, money, and family. These are pretty broad, but they encompass most or all of the most common issues. Remember that you’re not alone in your frustrations. God has a way of leading people to those in need and providing advice that will sooth your soul. Shout out to Dr. Jim Bailey, Dr. Kevin Kragenbrink, Christine Beatty, my wife, Crystal, and my friends for helping me with my issues lately. The Drs in questions are not psychiatrists by the way folks! All these folks are intelligent, driven individuals who have been placed in my life to help my on my journey.
Everyone needs someone to turn to, so don’t turn your back. After you’ve let out some steam on the web, find someone living and breathing to help. Or just wait til they find you!
Related posts:
- Shokunin Kishitsu – The Craftsman’s Spirit, Part 1
- Great Read! Way I Work: Jason Fried of 37signals
- A Year in the Life of Twitter
- Baptists, Sex, Gay Marriage, and Evolution
- Semantics: Human v. Computer 2009
One Response to “Do Not Crush Under Pressure : Web Venting”
Subscribe RSS
If you’d like to stay updated with all our latest news please enter your e-mail address here.
Hi John,
Thank-you for the shout out! Great thoughts on finding outlets to take the steam out of stress. I once read a great piece of advice on avoiding the destructive habits or behaviors that come with stress. Give-give when it is comfortable and when its not. Give when you want to and when you don't. Give when you will get something out of it or nothing at all. Give to avoid stress and the destructive behaviors that often come with it.
I've tried this-and it works. It turns out it is hard to focus on stressors when you're openly looking for ways to help others-even if they are total strangers! All of these new social media avenues not only connect people on such a large scope, but it also allows us a chance to give randomly with positive messages.