I've never really been a big fan of the concept of popularity because I really do believe that the way others look at us and the way we view ourselves are usually two totally diffferent perceptions. I dont think there is a person on this planet who hasnt had daydreams of being famous one day, regardless of one's age, and Lord knows that we as human beings do enjoy a certain amount of attention whenever it flies our way; however, I personally think that popularity is just like fame - it can last 15 minutes, 15 months or even 15 (or more) years but when all is said and done at the end of each day, I think what you think of yourself and your own truths in life, as well as whether or not you have any true friends who will love you no matter who or what you are, are some of the most important things in this world.
Usually when I come home late at night after working, I go through my usual nighttime routine - picking up my mail in my mailbox before I enter my simple little apartment, checking my phone messages, changing into something more comfortable (which usually consists of a cut-off t-shirt and a pair of shorts or sweatpants - a.k.a. my "flouncing attire" by many of my friends), throwing on a pot of coffee to brew, washing my face, brushing my teeth, popping any nighttime meds (I know, it all sounds kinda boring, doesnt it?) and then I get online, post my nighttime status and more often than not, it's like a giant floodgate of comments and/or greetings explodes onto my computer screen akin to the running-of-the-bulls in Pamplona, Spain! I gotta admit, it is a ton of fun and it truly is great to connect with so many wonderfully funny, kind, decent folks because I really do love catching up with as many of my friends online as is possible, whenever I can. Since this nightly phenomena takes place on sucha regular basis some folks have made comments like "Geese Spice, you sure are popular!" or "Well, if it isnt the Belle of the Ball!" which I find both flattering and funny at the same time because all I really want are the two things that I've strived for my entire life - I just wanna be myself and I'd like to have friends who truly care about me, that's all.
Now dont get me wrong, something that I also strive to accomplish is to continue to raise awareness and educate people about the issues of Hiv/AIDS, equal rights for the GLBTQ community and other issues I think are important, via my various newsposts and in this blog. In regards to those particular fronts, by all means, I wanna be damn near prolific. I like being an advocate for others as well as for myself, plus it makes me feel good inside knowing I am trying to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I dont plan on ever abandoning my Hiv/AIDS advocacy goals nor my writing in this blog for they both mean a great deal to me. Even moreso, I dont plan on giving up on any of my friends either.
Just as in real life, our internet friends come-n-go in our lives for whatever reason. It's a normal part of life - peoples jobs, social activities and priorities in general do change, nothing to get upset about - it's best to just roll with the flow as they say. With the friends you do have, the ones I refer to as "keepers," when you cant be in touch with each other as often as you'd like to I think the best any of us can do is let them know you are thinking of them, always be there with open arms of moral support whenever they need it and be as patient with them as you can, because that is the type of individual whom can be considered a "true friend." Someone who knows that regardless of what's going on in their lives, they can rest assured and secure in knowing that you'll always be there for them and vice-versa. Friendship truly is a beautiful thing and it's something I personally pray I am never without for as long as live.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is that popularity, whether real or perceived, can indeed be something wonderful to experience but nothing is better at the end of the day than knowing who your true friends are. In regards to myself, I'd trade in any ratings on any popularity charts for the sake of having and maintaining some good friendships. Now if a person is popular amongst their friends or circle of folks they associate with, that's probaly the best kind of popularity a person could ever hope to have. By the same token, popularity isnt everything, there are just so many things in life that are much more meaningful and more everlasting than something like that.
Between working as much as I do and the other internet projects I am always involving myself in, I dont always get the chance to touch base with all of my friends like I would like to but everyone I know out there needs to know that there isn't a day that goes by that I dont think about them or are sending a good thought to them. By the same token, it's also a two-way street so rather than beat myself up about my own shortcomings about not always being able to keep up with everyone else I do need to remind myself more often that those whom I dont always get to connect with also have the option and/or choice to make a little extra effort on their part to keep in touch with me too. At least all of this illustrates that I do have my personal priorities in order - friends come first and foremost above and beyond anything like popularity - always. Besides, popularity is a lot like physical beauty - in most cases it usually does fade with age, not always, but usually. For myself, I'd rather just keep it all real and I'm hoping that most folks out there just might feel the same way too. Thank you for reading.
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