Embracing Passions and Paradoxes: My Journey to Blogging 

My dad was named Professor Emeritus yesterday by the college where he teaches. I can tell he is really moved about it, and my mom and I are proud of him and his many accomplishments. Mom’s no slouch either, having had many goals and multiple careers as well. Between the two of them, their recognition, their many degrees and all things they’ve done, it’s been a lot to live with. I mean, it’s hard to live in the shadow of these icons. It’s a little inconsiderate of them to be so awesome, don’t you think? Punks!

But this isn’t about them. Over the last year and a half I’ve been finding myself at crossroads, really having to switch things up. And so it is I’m writing a blog. Why? Do I love hearing myself think and talk so much that I absolutely must create a vehicle for it out of thin air? Yes! No! I’m joking. Not really. Honestly though, it’s because my book coach wants me to do it, and so here we are.

But that doesn’t mean I don’t have anything to say – oh no, I’ve got a lot to say. I mean, if you really must press me about it, it is true that I published a weekly e-mail newsletter to some work colleagues called “YO!” for a while in the 90s. And yes, if you must know, I did also send out a daily quote of the day (“QotD”) for a few years more recently. In each of these I shared my thoughts and opinions about things, sometimes little stories about what was going on, and so forth. But that doesn’t make me a blogger. It might make me an egomaniac.

The other day I was all (yes, I like to use the expression, “I was all,” “he was all,” – ugh, my references are so dated…):

me (to me): I don’t want to write a blog.
me: Well, you need to write a blog.
me: I don’t want to.
me: Well, you’re a writer now so what’s the big deal? Just do it.
me: Oh, I’m a writer now?!
me: Yeah, you’re a writer. You should be able to do it no problem.
me: Oh.

After this hilarious self-talk I thought, well, yeah, I mean, I can write a blog. (Based on the actions in my past, it would seem that I want to.) So this morning I’ve been thinking about motivation and how we limit ourselves and how we deny ourselves the permission to follow our interests – or better – to avidly pursue our passions!

We need to follow our interests in life. We need to pursue our passions. We need to cultivate our hobbies. We need to give ourselves the luxury of permission and time to do things that we like to do. I know some people do, but I know some people don’t. I often fall into the latter category, just trying to fulfill my responsibilities and not doing anything of value in my downtime. “And that’s okay,” but it’s also okay to chase after the things that perk us up, get our attention, even get us excited!

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For a while I painted. These magnificent masterpieces are really just me throwing paint on canvas. I always thought it was a stupid endeavor. But then today I see hundreds of Instagrams of people literally throwing paint on canvas. Look, we all know that Pollock’s “art” is ridiculous, but we have to concede that Pollock’s art is also fun to look at. I mock him, but I respect him, too. “Pollock, you’re a hack, but also, I’d like a piece for my bonus room.”

This doesn’t sound relevant but it ties in with what I wrote above – we need to embrace these paradoxes, these conflicts, these damn contradictions that we face in every aspect of life. I don’t want to write a blog, but I do want to write a blog. I have things to say, whether anyone hears it or not. I like to throw paint on a canvas and I like the results, regardless of what anyone else thinks. And despite that voice in my head telling me I can’t or shouldn’t do this or that, I can give myself permission to do those things anyway, because that voice is fucking annoying! – but more – that asshole’s wrong and needs to shut the hell up.

“Be encouraged.” If you are a Christian and specifically a Baptist, you might know this expression well. It’s a wonderful thing to say; it’s a wonderful way to support and uplift others. We have a responsibility to do this, to encourage others, and – guess what? – we need to encourage ourselves as well. Be encouraged! Do the thing! Go to the place! See the person! Seek joy and fulfillment. Encourage others. Don’t forget to encourage yourself along the way.

(And now we segue into the shameless plug. Just being transparent! It’s my blog, I’ll do what I want. Shut up!) Several years ago I underwent enormous change in my life and I felt compelled to write about it. I had always wanted to write a book but it was never going to be about religion. So naturally the first thing I did is write a book about religion. Not really though, it’s more accurately about faith, spirituality, and the resistance that I had to any of it. Spoiler alert, I embrace it in the end. It’s pretty damn good, and coming soon to an Amazon near you.

So there it is. Blog #1. Love it? Hate it? Okay, that’s good with me. If nothing else, be encouraged today. Make it a great day, every day. Cheers!

Your friend,

Rock Rockstead is – despite your protests to the contrary – an author, blogger, artist and professional procrastinator. His accomplishments are few but he did write a book (shameless plug). Website and social media links to appear here soon. Worst. Signature. Ever.