It's time for a break

I'm going to take a break.  Well, maybe more than a break.  I'm not sure.

I started "swimming" a little over a couple years ago now.  It was the beginning of the 2008 presidential race and I was all full of enthusiasm and hope (by the way, I find it really sad that "hope" has now been turned into another word for naivete).  There were so many issues to write about and debate - and it was fun and stimulating and enlightening. 

But it feels differently to me now.  It's become really difficult to write about big important political issues and not despair about the quality of the debate and the honesty of the participants.  The issues are high stakes and shouldn't be reduced to just some kind of game where some players are up and some are down.

It's way too easy to become cynical and hard about the whole process, and I'd consider it a failure if "swimming" just turned into some vitriolic rant.  I don't want to write it and I wouldn't want to read it.

To the folks that have visited here - thank you.  To the ones who've commented and provided feedback and encouragement - I'm indebted. 

I may be back.

Who knows?

Comments

[Jeannie]

Bummer! I just recently found you loved your writing and your straightforwardness (Is that a word?) You will be missed!

[Tina]

I will leave the light on and hope to see you back. :)

[Wes]

Very sorry to hear Jay! You're very influential to me and I always enjoy your work. I hope you re-capture your inspiration and return soon.

[Jay McDonough]

Thank you all for the kind words.

[Steve]

Jay - I'm sorry to read this. I don't recall how I first found your blog. However, you're the first blogger whose material made me want to keep returning for more. I hope you'll return with more soon.

[Bart King]

I'm sorry to hear this. Yet even the manner in which you're taking a break (just a break, right?) reflects the integrity with which you've always conducted yourself.

Well done, sir.

[thefunrev]

I will keep the site bookmarked and check frequently in hopes of finding that your blogging mojo has returned. I will truly miss your insights!

[Minnesotastan]

I suppose if you're going to be true to the "freestyle" part of your blog title, it's appropriate to modify your blogging approach as your worldview changes.

I'll move you to my "check monthly" folder while you search for the meaning of LifeTheUniverseAndEverything. In the meantime I hope you'll leave the blog "up" to keep the archived material available, rather than delete it all.

Then perhaps six months from now, you'll wake up some morning, say "42!", and dive back in with renewed enthusiasm. I'll look forward to that.

[Tfteacher]

Hoping all is well with you.