(Feb. 19/17) “Thanks To The Friend Who Told Me I Had Spinach In My Teeth”

Well, it happened, Wonderfuls….I went too far….and, thankfully, my friend, Neal….an amazing writer and encourager let me know in such a kind way! 🙂

What follows is an exercise in getting-back-on-the-horse…but, equally important, I offer this as encouragement if you find yourself stumbling of late…you aren’t alone and brighter days are ahead 🙂

My graceless stumble is as follows…

I had a really hard time writing yesterday’s post (https://trulyunplugged.com/2017/02/18/feb-1817-another-one-bites-the-crust/), and writer’s block wasn’t the issue.  I just couldn’t get my head around what I was trying to say…well, not in a relatively succinct way.

Now, if you’re familiar with my brand of creative writing—your know I use a riddled, whimsical, punny approach to amuse myself as I work through my growing pains…and, I share in the hopes of lifting your spirits/making you feel less alone/normalizing your challenges…any of these that apply.

I see now that I took a wrong turn when I focused too much on pop reference puns meant to engender a nostalgic, feel-good vibe….there were just too many and the message was lost.

That speaks to the kind of week I’ve had…I probably should have waited and posted next weekend…after I’d had the chance to process more of what is going on for me.  And, it’s not all bad…I have lots to be grateful for…but, some people I care about are going through some really, really painful things (eg. One of my friend’s partners is dying) and I’m not sure what to do with it all.

Also, I’m really missing my optimism….yes, it’s still here, but, lately, I sometimes need a magnifying glass to find it….and that is REALLY uncomfortable…I’m not used to that.  I know how it’s happened, but I’m not in a position to easily distance myself from toxic circumstances.  And, I know this is a learning opportunity to erect boundaries meant to keep negativity at bay….but, what a headache (literally).  The only way to get past this, is to go through it….so, that is what I am doing….the best way I know how.

If I want to reframe this post-flop in a positive light, I can say that I appreciate my (over-reaching) enthusiasm; I am proud that I took this as an opportunity to reduce the clutter in my post (rather than deleting it); and, although it took a while to edit it, I didn’t do so in a panic—mortified that people were going to read the original one and be disappointed/lose their appreciation for my brand of writing.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like that this happened…truth be told, I would have side-stepped it if I could….but, I appreciate my faith that it will make me stronger, (falling down and picking yourself up is the mark of a winner)…

And I appreciate that it has brought me that much closer to being a successful writer who connects with readers …

And, I really appreciate that I have a friend who cared enough to tell me I had spinach in my teeth (if you knew how much I love smiling, you’d know that he’s saved me a great deal of discomfort in the long run 🙂 )

Thanks, Neal (you can find him below).

https://quirkoque.wordpress.com/

And, thanks to you, too….you brighten my world in ways you don’t know 🙂

God bless you and your loves.

Affectionately,

Truly

 

37 thoughts on “(Feb. 19/17) “Thanks To The Friend Who Told Me I Had Spinach In My Teeth””

  1. If someone reads and is disappointed, its on him or her. Write for yourself as if no one will read it. That brings an authenticity lacking in this sometimes plastic world. To me, you’ll always be Truly Scrumptious- spinach in teeth or not!

    Liked by 8 people

    Reply

    1. You are an example of the earth angels I referenced in yesterday’s post…thank you for believing in me…having said that, he was right….I didn’t have a good feeling when I posted it (other than the relief that I didn’t give up, and had the commitment to share the best I could do at the time). I feel good about it now, having edited it…it feels better, and flows better…and, it allowed for you to lavish me with you unconditional regard and generosity of spirit…thank you soooooooooo much. 🙂

      Liked by 4 people

      Reply

  2. I love this reflection, Truly. We post the best we have to offer at that moment, and there’s no shame in that (unless it’s a fragment…yes, just one, published in error that people actually “liked” before I could pull it down). A friend who subscribes via e-mail alerted me to the spinach in my teeth. 😀 We can’t always be bubbly and encouraging; sometimes we need a break from being “On.”

    Liked by 7 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Michelle…you hit the nail on the head…I was trying too hard to be positive and my usual bubbly self…I don’t ever want to spread negativity…but, I sooooo need a break from being on….at work, socially….I just wish I could take a week to relax and sleep and cry and grow and laugh…the roller coaster of emotions that are hitting me different right now….I was sooooo delighted when my challenges made for delightful writings…it was real and from the heart….what I wrote yesterday was forced….the edited version felt so much better…it reads like me…and that’s because I’ve learned a lesson and faced it head on…thank you so very much for your compassion, validation, and understanding 🙂

      Liked by 4 people

      Reply

      1. The blogosphere is a place of compassion. We all feel like you do sometimes, and it ain’t pretty, honey, but it’s necessary. I was too tired to prepare my scheduled post last night, but I did it anyway. I’ll look at it later, and I’m sure I’ll shore it up. I wasn’t sure I wanted to share what I shared, but the Spirit led me to do it, so I was obedient. My mindset is a little different today, so I’ll see what happens after I take a much-needed nap. Hugs and love, friend. ❤

        Liked by 5 people

  5. Reading your this post and the comments made me to go back and read your previous post. And man the glossary at the end itself speaks for the effort put in for the piece. You have and are doing a great work. Never doubt it. You’ll never be able to even anticipate what effects your writing has on its reader. And for the evading optimism, just always look around and observe. You’ll always get a motivation in something or the other to just stand and triumph over the miseries and the lows, even if you don’t always get a friend to point out the spinach in your teeth 😀

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

  6. Spinach in our teeth! What a perfect way to think about that moment when anybody comments in any fashion that is not 100% positive, regardless of how helpful their intent or how discouraging their comment.

    Many who are hoping for help with their own struggles seem, at times, to overlook the reality that those of us who reach out to help others have similar struggles. What we are able to DO for others can only reflect that at times, no matter how “professional” we are or how positively we approach the task of writing an article (or conducting a session).

    My own cautionary thoughts, as I read the former post, centered on the reality that those who already struggle staying focused on written text might get lost in the additional information. Since I didn’t consider that “spinach” I said nothing about it. I’m sure many who were able to read it chuckled their way through. I know I did.

    I admire the gracious way you framed your response in this post – rather than responding in a comment on the last. Good job!
    xx,
    mgh
    (Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
    ADD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
    “It takes a village to educate a world!”

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  7. Aw, you’re so vulnerable! I love how you shared your frailties, which were not at all apparent in the whimsical post you wrote. Such turmoil! Unbeknownst to the reader.
    I think there’s always sad things going on around us and that’s why whimsical writing can be a treasure and a diversion that we all need. So don’t apologize for that.
    Your post title was a delight. i’ll never forget as a teenager, having a meal with a good friend. We shared a spinach soufflé crepe and she had a big green spot on her front teeth. I agonized about whether to tell her and I believe I let it go. Thankfully, at the end of the meal it disappeared! Whew – I was able to dodge a bullet there. Leaf it to me!

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

  8. Hi Truly, I haven’t read the earlier post which seemed to have caused a little controversy, but I was captivated by the title of this post. And I must say, I found this to be extremely humbling and thought-provoking. As you say, only the closest of friends would point out the “spinach in our teeth”. Whilst we all write for ourselves and are amenable to positive feedback, it is refreshing from time to time to be reminded of the powers of constructive feedback in facilitating growth and renewal. As long as your friend has your best interests at heart, your reply is commendable and we all look forward to future postings from a writer as gracious as you. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  9. Whether a person likes something or not is completely subjective….as for my part, I love your writing and I sure do hope you find your optimism again and may all go well.🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  10. I appreciate your raw honesty, your genuine care for others is truly inspiring! Preparatory grief is tough especially when you are close, its ok to have some down days it makes you more real.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  11. Looks like I have disappointed a lot of your readers 😀 To be frank, I was in two minds initially whether to really blurt out the truth cause I had no idea how you would have reacted to my suggestion “which to others seems more like a criticism”. But then what’s the fun if I can’t be truthful to someone who connects with e so well. Ever since I have been on this wordpress, you have always been my soul healer. I always try to listen compassionately and creatively to the hidden silences of yours. You see, often secrets are not revealed in words, they lie concealed in the silence between the words or in the depth of what is unsayable. Thanks for understanding me. Thanks for this sweet gesture of yours. You always got my back and I mean that Truly. So for this friendship we possess, we owe this wordpress a debt, Perhaps the charm lies in the fact
    that we have never met. ^^

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. I believe we would be friends regardless of geography….and, I am so pleased that you were real with me….and, I agree with your assessment….I really like my edited version and that has nothing to do with others liking it (although, of course I’m thrilled that people do)….I didn’t have my usual good feeling about the original version….it was too wordy….you did me a huge favour. And, yes, I will always have your back and you will always have my friendship….I am blessed to be connected with you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. You are so blessed, Truly! I have not read your previous post yet but am thankful for your honesty in sharing how hard it can be to post parts of our deepest selves for all to see. I often wonder if my posts written in the middle of things are worth publishing, much to my surprise, these are the posts that garner the sweetest comments . I’m currently looking after my Dad who has suddenly slipped into needing more care and I know my next few posts may hold some of the sorrow I’m feeling as I traverse this new woolly wilderness! My heart goes out to you and your dear friend, continue this great work, it touches us all!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you, my friend….you are such a blessing and I really value you so very much–our connection is so important to me and I am praying for your Dad and for all who love him…which obviously includes you. I look forward to reading your posts….thank you for taking precious time and energy to read mine… 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. Well, I’m reading these back to front so I shall comment upon the errant over-punned post in a moment. However, I will say at this stage of your up and coming youness, that never ever think you Absolutely must post a Fab script every week. I suspect you want to, but growth is to be nurtured to ensure it remains on track. Over pressures on yourself will not help the calmness of mind required to stay mindful and away from overthinking things. I know this after last years courses. In fact, I could be advising myself here too 🤔

    It is also easy to lose the purpose of some writing too, happens to everyone so never over stress about that either. Often it takes someone, in this case Neal, to gently point things out and then clarity can be restored. In writing there is an adage regarding feedback…good bad reviews are better than bad good reviews. The former help you grow, the latter tell you nothing. Stay strong my friend!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Uplifting as ever…thank you my friend…although, I will point out that the post that Neal read/commented on has been edited//is 300 words shorter…I feel great about it now…it reads how I mean it to….the original did not sit well with me, but I was too tired to try and do anything with it at the time…yes, I am grateful that he told me…by the way, I miss you….sorry that I haven’t messaged you as much as I would like…energy/stamina is at a premium right now…but, I know that won’t always be the case….talk to you soon 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. That explains why when I read it after this Neals comments had me head scratching !! I suggest you do what I do…forget scheduling and if you finish a post and feel it’s not where it should be, just fleet on it. There no rush unless one builds self imposed deadlines. Right now that just adds pressure so take your time. Don’t worry about messaging…when times right it will sort itself out. Remember mindfulness when negativity hits. Live in the moment and not the past 😊

        Like

  14. wow… umm ignore my last post’s comment where I stated that I liked it… I was just being nice…(please read this with sarcasm).

    I honestly liked the post but I have been reading them for some time and I am already mentally prepared. I am not a talented writer so I can’t offer any real critique and it is awesome that you have a follower who can help you grow in your craft.

    Neal showed that he is a really caring person by offering his criticism… it is so easy just to hit like… as many of us do.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Neal is absolutely wonderful…and, in his defence, my original version had 300 more words (in the body and P.S combined_….the P.S ended up being huge because of the wordplay and was just too long…and, yes, you and I have come a long way in terms of you understanding my brand of writing….I am so grateful that you’ve stuck it out with me…you are the sole reason why I added my P.S’s in the first place…that is a gift you gave me when you let me know that there were things you didn’t understand….it’s all in how we process written information…I write in a very abstract way that is so different from the writing that we are used to….I can write straightforward, and do–but my creative writing is just that….you are so loyal to stick with me…thanks….I am really privileged as a result 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. Great subject- it’s true that I write to please myself when I write. Still, I also want others to enjoy my writing. Notifications of spinach in my teeth are always appreciated- it means readers care 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  17. Truly – hello! I have not read that ‘post’ yet, so I need to do that. But can I say, at the risk of being hated, that apart from the post in which you gave me a ‘shout out’ (thank you so much!) this post is one of my favourites of yours. Hardly any puns, wordplay, esoteric rambling (I mean that kindly :)) I didn’t have to read this a few times to make sense of it. Wonderful! Could you indulge me from time to time by doing more writing like this? lol This is not to say that your puns don’t delight me, because of course they do, but sometimes it’s just so easy on the mind not to have to do too much unravelling.
    You know I love your writing Truly and I hope you are not offended by my response to ‘Spinach in your Teeth’. 🙂
    …and Neal is such a lovely person! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. You are so sweet….no offence taken–I hear what you’re saying and can appreciate the desire for straight-to-the-point messages 🙂 I’m happy this writing appealed to you, and, I’ll share this way with you sometime in the future 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. And you are very sweet not to be offended. You know how AFTER you have pressed the send button, you instantly think was I wise to send that? Well until I saw your message just now absolving me of any offence I felt really uneasy. Mainly because I know the written word can be open to misinterpretation.
        Thank you for being wonderful and taking it in the spirit it was meant and I look forward to both esoteric and plain simple writing from you in equal measures. :):)

        Like

Leave a comment