Are you wondering why someone as ordinary as myself would feel the need to contribute more information to this crazy world? Probably not, but if you were, that would be a reasonable thing to be curious about. I have been asking myself this for some time now, and I managed to think of 5 reasons to finally get started.

Reason 1: I need to journal.

Writing is therapeutic for me, and this will help me be disciplined with a regular cadence of writing. Processing through pen on paper gives me clarity, and sharing it gives me purpose. I have no expectations for what you gain from my blog, but I am certain that I will gain alot. So, while I am very curious about the responses you may have, the first reason I am doing this is for my own growth.

Reason 2: Perhaps I feel “called” to it?

This area is a space I am respectfully curious about. I had a Christian upbringing, and I have questions about how it impacted me. I believe it had some very positive effects on who I am today, but I do wonder if much of my life I have been pursuing too intensely THE purpose that will be the MOST impactful use of my “gifts.” I have experienced much anxiety and depression throughout my life, and I question whether my religious rearing may have exacerbated those challenges? Who knows what impacted what, but I am thankful to be growing in understanding of myself and my place in this world. It seems likely that my space of influence is rather small, but in case others can be helped by my words, I share them.

Reason 3: I have experienced some hard things.

Like most people, I have been through some difficult experiences that have shaped me. Some of these areas are now really important to me, and they are things that other may have questions about. I have a gay child, whom I celebrate! If there is anything I can do to help other LGBTQ kids or their parents, I want to be accessible. This will not be the key topic of conversations here, but it will come up from time to time. If my curiosities can be helpful to anyone else in this journey of LGBTQ understanding, it is worth all the effort.

Reason 4: Social media is not a safe place for questions.

Questions have been so valuable to me. They have given me a wonder that brings me peace and surrender. Is it possible to have life all figured out? I do not believe so. The freedom to as questions opens me up to understanding the deepness, complexity, and beauty of each and every human being. I want to explore questions and thoughts here, with patience and understanding. Social media does not give space for understanding and respectful questions. It is important to me that my contributions help provide time and space for safe conversations that promote understanding.

5. I am going on a very cool trip!

My best friend and I are going on a trip of a lifetime this fall. The Road to Santiago is a pilgrimage that many have traveled over the years. It has been a dream of mine for awhile, and it will finally be a reality mid September! I expect this trip is one that will provide much content to share. I felt compelled to start writing early, so I could practice blogging in preparation for the journey. This will not be a travel blog, but our trip is sure to provide many opportunities for respectful curiosity.

Thank you for tolerating this, my very first blog post. I appreciate your interest, and am so excited for many conversations around all the things that we together can be respectfully curious about!

Respectfully curious with you,

Joy