The prompt for today is how we choose to write about others on our blog. I thought this was an interesting topic because I actually realize that I do have a process that I go through when I include someone in my writing. I get the topic ideas for each post in a variety of ways and a lot of them indirectly come from other people. On the posts where I do include someone, it is probably either because that person sparked something in me which was what inspired me to write or I decided to include something they said or an action they took in order to tie my writing together.  I also have my family and friends in three categories in my head; people I will never mention, individuals I might mention and the ones who I know are definitely okay with me including them.

This blog is meant to be about my experiences, feelings, and actions. One of the reasons why I decided to start writing was because I needed an outlet where I could be completely open and honest to my loved ones. I want the people I care about most to know who I actually am and what I have been through. I also want others who may come across my writing during a difficult time to know that someone else understands so that they hopefully will feel less alone. However, even though I write with the intent to share with whomever reads this about me and all that I am, my friends and family are also a huge part of that. I wouldn’t be alive today if my parents hadn’t been by my side 24/7, just to give you an example. Instinctively other people are going to pop into my mind while I write. When they do, I check to see which category they fall into: someone I don’t mention, might mention, or definitely could mention. And I proceed accordingly.

I think I can speak for my fellow health activist bloggers when I say that our lives aren’t just about us. Our diseases and/or circumstances don’t just impact us. All of our lives are intertwined with the people that we are closest to. Our lives impact theirs and their circumstances help to shape who we are to a large degree. So when I write, I am sharing my own personal experiences and emotions/reactions but I didn’t get to where I am today alone. I have been lucky enough to have my wonderfully supportive family by my side every step of the way. I don’t really think anyone can have a health blog, unless it is purely for statistical or research purposes, that don’t include other people. Human beings aren’t meant to go through life alone (especially, those that have some type of health condition.) We all need each other and the people in my life have helped shape the person I am today whether they were a positive or a negative force. So, as long as I don’t have too many people on one post that could possibly cloud the purpose and I know that everyone I write about is okay with it… I just write.