Are You There World? It’s Me, Josh

Hi world.  How are you?

I’ve been thinking.  And what I’ve been thinking is that I should really introduce myself.  And I’m not talking about the usual, hi I’m a 28 year old writer who loves sunsets and sports.  Just because it’s true doesn’t mean it’s relevant.  I will add though that I’m a Pisces who digs sports.

What I don’t dig, and am not really great at is talking about myself.  Now I love talking, people will line up to tell you that.  But when I talk about myself and get all introspective I also get nervous and paranoid.  I get worried that you’ll see my pimples and scars and wrinkles in glorious HD.  You might even see some grey hair, and that scares the hell out of me.  But maybe it’s necessary.  Maybe you need to see my flaws to also see my charming smile and cute dimples.  Maybe my wrinkles will help explain why I feel the way I do about family and money and friends and myself.  And because I want to share those feelings with you all, perhaps it will all be for the best.

So here come the wrinkles.  I’m the oldest child in a large, expanded, extended and hard to follow family.  I’m the product of a broken home, low self-esteem and personal battles.  I’ve learned, lost, listened, laughed and loved.   And I’ve felt love from many.  My friends and family grow more precious to me every day.  They support me, love me, push me and pick me up when I’ve fallen.  And believe me, I’ve fallen, a lot.  At times it’s been very public, at times very private and at times it’s been nowhere but in my own mind, but they don’t care.  They pick me up and dust me off every time.  Yet I still find it hard to open up and share with them.

What they know and what I share, intentionally or not, is that I care deeply and often foolishly, I have an addictive personality, I’ve struggled with self-image and self-worth issues (and continue to fight them from time to time) I crave attention because I fear being forgotten, I routinely put myself second or third to avoid dealing with my own problems or situations, I hate confrontation and negativity and I love Batman and sports.

Now, you might be asking yourself, why is he telling me all of this?  Who is this guy?   The answers are right here.  I’m just a guy.  I’m not changing the world, I’m not breaking new ground, but what I am doing is looking to connect.  I want to write about things that matter to me.  Sometimes light and fun, other times not so much.  When I write about tough things though it’s important to me that you know I’ll always be looking for a silver lining because I hate the negative.  Likewise, when I’m writing about baseball or Batman I want you to see the giant smile on my face.  I want you to know that I’m feeling like a happy little kid and it’s okay for you to feel the same way.

I also want to write things that matter to you.  I want you to feel like you can say, “Hey Josh, what do you think about steroids or life or public transit?”

I want my writing to start a discussion.  And if I’m not the one you discuss it with, that’s cool by me.  If you read something and want to call your mom because it reminded you that you miss her and it’s been a while, I’ll be happy with that.

Note:  Call your mother, she loves you.  And if you can’t call yours, call a friend’s mom, or grandma or your favourite aunt.  Somebody’s day will be made by your call.  Trust me.

In the end I really just want you to know that no matter what I write, it will be real.

So, world, with your permission I’m going to re-launch www.thereviewsarein.wordpress.com

There will be some changes that you may notice right away.  Others will take time.  But if you come aboard now I promise to make it a fun journey.

Many thanks.  Keep smiling.

-Josh

Author profile

Joshua Murray

creator of content, daddy blogger, writer, coffee drinker, fan of the Batman. proud mo bro. prouder dad.