Ez has a special post going on over at Creature Comforts – a special segment called Things I’m Afraid to Tell You, and I was just thinking about this the other day. About how bloggers may seem to have it all when the reality is that we are just human. I thought I’d join in because I’ve been in one way or another affected by this phenomenon and I want to put it out there that we’re all not as shiny as you think we are.

I have a limit for looking at blogs/Twitter/Facebook.
I get anxiety attacks when I read too much about what other people are doing. I am competitive by nature and having a web presence does nothing to quell these fears. Sometimes I feel like I’m being too hard on myself – while many people aren’t aware of how blogs are just a snapshot of someone’s life, likes and dislikes that it doesn’t represent the whole picture – I’m a blogger myself and I should know better; but I feel envious all the same.

Also, I’ve taken time to be in the present more as I pry myself away from social media. I’ve had bouts of loneliness wash over me at the most random times a few years ago (read this if you want to know more), and I’m careful to maintain a balance.

I love working with illustrators than actually being one.
I draw (more now than ever), but I’m not deluded – I still have a long way to go. I love how seeing how other people work and understand the reasoning and concept behind a piece, which was why I started the blog in the first place.

I also find that I’m drawn towards art and the subjective more and more – which leads to me asking myself a lot about what constitutes good art and illustration. I’m still exploring as I type this!

I used to be afraid to look at myself in the mirror for days
I had a really, really bad bout of acne when I was a teenager, and I had braces on top of it all. Back then, I couldn’t bear to have my pictures taken and I still fidget when I have to be in front of the camera up to this day.

So I totally understand what it feels like to be stared at for the wrong reasons and be asked all sorts of insensitive questions. For those who suffer from low self-esteem – I know exactly how you feel.

And there you go! Remember, behind every blog is a person with feelings, warts and all.

Thanks so much for putting this out there Ez!