Yesterday some one told me that reading my blog made her feel like a stalker.
I was taken aback by her word choice. Wow, really? Stalker? I get it, I suppose, reading my blog can feel like your following my life without me knowing it. But guys, I do know it. Everything I write here, I CHOOSE to share. I know full well anyone can and will find my words on this world wide web.
Do you view this blog as me airing out my dirty laundry? That is the cliché after all. Do my personal posts make you feel like my period-stained undies are flapping in your face? (Let’s all go EWWW together.) Let me assure you, I never put my dirty laundry on display. Clean laundry, new clothes? Yes. I might show you my favorite lacy bra, maybe a new pair of undies. (I’m speaking metaphorically. Don’t expect a “My Favorite Panties” Post, though I bet it would sky rocket my stats.) Even when I get personal, what I write is never me baring it all. This is only a slice of my life in the Big Apple after all. It’s filtered through my mind- that’s not a filter you’ll ever find on Instagram.
It’s not the first time I’ve heard my blog has made someone I know uncomfortable. “It’s too personal,” I have been told. Before this past week, I hadn’t written a personal post in quite some time. Were you relieved or did you miss them? See, I missed them. If there is one thing I have learned from six years of living in New York it is that “safe” doesn’t get you anywhere. Creativity is boring when it’s safe. When I say I’d rather be dead than boring, I’m only exaggerating the teeniest, tiniest iota.
Today marks the 6th year anniversary of the start of New York Cliché. SIX YEARS. Wow, there are very few things I’ve stayed committed to this long in my life. Would you believe in six years I’ve never regretted a single post I’ve written? It’s true. Now as my life goes, having now announced that to the world, something is going to blow up in my face tomorrow. Oh well, I’m taking that risk.
In six year this blog has seen me through a lot. The most valuable thing I’ve learned from this blog is finding strength in vulnerability. For a long time I was TERRIFIED of being vulnerable. DESPISED it, avoided it at all costs. This fear stunted my relationships and impeded my art. Then I started writing here, and it took awhile, but eventually I started sharing deeper pieces of myself, started admitting my fears and weaknesses. This was met by a bevy of support from you readers. Life changing- I am forever grateful. Vulnerability, you’re no longer my biggest fear. You readers helped me conquer my biggest fear! How fucking amazing is that?
Here’s another thing I despise…I hate asking for help.
I was on a picnic this weekend with friends. It was sunny and beautiful and perfect. And then it wasn’t. Then it was horrible and my head was spinning and the next thing I knew I was retching up my guts into an empty potato chip bag. I was violently ill and felt no better after thoroughly emptying my stomach. We were out in Queens, a borough away from the bed I longed and needed to be in! I lay on the picnic blanket, unable to move, my sick mind wrapping itself around the conclusion: I could not get home by myself. I felt helpless- it was terrifying. My friend Tom reached for the bag full of my puke. “No!” I said feebly, “I’ll do it! No one should have to touch that!” I was having trouble just standing up “Too late, it’s already done!” he said.
I had to let go and let my friends help me. I had no choice. No one was resenting me for needing help, no one felt obligated and annoyed by it. They’re my friends, they were happy to help.
It was a bit of an epiphany moment.
Why do I hate asking for help so much? I’m not sure. Maybe it’s cause I’m an only child. Maybe it’s because somewhere in my mind I believe being fiercely independent means never needing or never asking for help. How stupid is that?
I need help. Now. From you guys. There. I asked for it.
I’ve had this blog for 6 years and I’ve done so much in that time on my own. I’m approaching 3,000 subscribers! I publish multiple times a week! I was featured on Freshly Pressed! Brands are interested in partnering with me! Over 100,000 people have read my stories! But I want to take it to the next level, and that’s where I need help.
I’m nothing without you readers. And in this day of social media, the only way I will ever get to the next level is if you help me. Share a post you liked on my blog. “LIKE” a post when I post it on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know you appreciate what I do.
You may not know how valuable that is- OH SO VALUABLE. It would really mean the world to me. If you have ever gotten anything out of my blog- entertainment, schadenfreude- I hope you’ll consider it. I’ll never ask you for money, your support is worth infinitely more
So don’t be my stalker. Why not instead be my confidant? That’s the only way I’ll ever make it to year number 10! I hope you’ll help me out.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for getting me into year number 6. This isn’t going to be like a TV series, not like How I Met Your Mother, New York Cliché is only getting better from here on out. But I’m not on contract, some times your support is the only thing that keeps me going. xoxo
Here’s to many more years of New York Cliché …..congrats!!!! I simply adore your blog…..you putting yourself out there is what I like about your blog.
Yes I know how valuable it is because I´m just in the beggining. I´m writting in my blog since october 2013 and I really apreciate every sign of “There is someone in the other side reading me…”
I love your blog and the way you writte. I don´t tell you more things because my English is very basic. Congratulations from Barcelona!!!
Happy 6Th Birthday! I Love Your BloG!
Happy 6th bday! I wish you many more years. Your blog is such an aspiration for a new blogger like me!
Happy Birthday or Anniversary! Hope you do something extra special to treat yourself today! You deserve it!
Your personal information is one of the reasons why ai like your blog so much – I’ve only been following for about a year, but here’s to many more! Congrats!
I very much appreciate the truth you share in your blog. I must confess that sometimes your posts make me quite jealous. Reading about all your wacky adventures with our mutual friends makes me miss you and them.
Anyway, congratulations on the longevity of this lovely artistic endeavor.
Long live the Cliche life!
Congrats – Dancing Over Here – Forgot To Put My Crazy Pants on Today though 🙂 Happy Holiday Weekend!
You hooked me with “33 Reasons Why I Should Never Work A Desk Job,” which made me wonder how I managed to stay sane working a desk job for 40 years. I liked it because I could to relate to it. Since then I have come to realize that I don’t have to “relate” to the subject matter as long as it is entertaining, which it is, consistently. Keep it up!
Happy 6th Birthday! 3,000 subscribers is a hugely powerful number, you should absolutely take it to the next level, you already have so much goodness in place!
I think getting personal is an important part of blogging! Readers will connect with you, and you may shed some light on someone’s personal situation, or make a difference in their life. I think mixing it up is good and you do a great job with that. Keep on going with it, and congrats for sticking out the blogging journey. I can vouch…it ain’t easy! Cheers to another 6 years! xo
Congrats on 6 years 🙂
Dearest Mary
Thanks for six years of wonderful stories etc in your Blog. I’ve only been on here for about three years. But I’ve enjoyed every single Blog.
Sure, sometimes I’m surprised by your openness but I’ve never thought of being a stalker. That’s just too far out.
The only “complaint” I have is your use of the words your and you’re and the need to revisit Public School Grammer! But the positive feelings you engender in me far outweigh that one silly thing. Keep up the great wit and insight you inspire in every single Blog for the next six years.
PS I think a film of a single female in New York City with all her adventures would make a great film. And for sure you could end the film with you finally falling in love with the right guy.
Edward, Canada
Happy 6-year Anniversary! I didn’t realize you’ve had your blog for 6 years, that’s definitely dedication! I’m about halfway there, so that’s comforting! 😛
That is exactly what blogging is for, too, for whatever you want it to be. It’s nice and your words should be read, but it’s completely up to you and your free will what you want to share or don’t. I think you have done a great job on your blog, and count me in for the next six! 🙂
You write so well. Having to ask for help is the worst. I totally relate. I think you have a new follower. My son was very sick when he was a baby. I went to a Mothers Group because when he was healthier he wasn’t back to himself. He was left with multiple disabilities. The woman who ran the group suggested writing a journal( didn’t have blogs 34 yrs ago). I found it really helped. I started writing again when I was diagnosed with Cancer in 2006. Cathartic again. Keep writing. Even if know one reads them now, you may help someone later with your words and stories. Thank you for your Blog
Well done on six years, it’s amazing. Knowing how I felt after just one year of reflection I can only imagine how you feel on your achievement. I often comment and share and I’m please to show support in that way and be associated with your blog. Keep up the good work!
you are such an incredible writer! I love your personal stories and hope more people will come to appreciate your blog for all that it is, the pretty-ness and the puke!
Happy 6th birthday!
Many happy returns! You’ve got a great blog and if some people don’t like it, well, they don’t have to read it. Free country and all that.
Happy blog birthday! I always like coming here and when I see a new post has come up I look forward to reading it as soon as I have the chance. Keep up the good work!
Hope you don’t mind getting this mention http://pillsandpillowtalk.com/2014/05/28/the-most-influential-blogger-award/
Happy 6th birthday!!! What a huge milestone, and I agree, you should TOTES take it to the next level! Also, thought this would make you smile…best NYC sites and you’re on there! http://www.usedyorkcity.com/2014/06/02/the-big-list-of-new-york-city/
Happy 6th anniversary! Whoo hoo! I subscribed to this blog few months ago and loved every posts from this blog. The Internet is a great way to find a great amounts of people who cares about you. Of course there are trolls which you have ignore their ignorant comments. Anyway. Keep on posting! ^_^