What's On Your Mind? Really?

bright August sun
@bluesa (15022)
Johannesburg, South Africa
August 18, 2018 3:31am CST
What's on your mind? That is what Facebook asks. And I was looking at that question and thinking "Really?" Are you sure you want to know? This was the conversation I was having with myself at seeing that simple or not so simple question. Does anyone really want to know what is on ones mind? Don't we prefer to skim the surface? Don't we prefer to not make someone uncomfortable? What would happen if we really came out with what was on our minds? We can't be cheerful and carefree all the time, can we? I am at a time in my life where I would rather not say what is on my mind, because I am in turmoil, terrible turmoil. How about you? I still wish everyone a good weekend. Photo is mine of the bright August sun.
20 people like this
21 responses
@LadyDuck (471493)
• Switzerland
18 Aug 18
I am the only one who knows what is in my mind. Nobody must know, I have a very strict "filter". If I have problems they must stay mine. If I am happy I can share, but not showing what is in my mind.
5 people like this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
18 Aug 18
We are almost alike there, Anna. I also do not like to share what is in my mind, especially when my mind is troubled. When I am happy I share a bit, but I never reveal all.
3 people like this
@LadyDuck (471493)
• Switzerland
18 Aug 18
@bluesa I am shy and I think that sharing too much, especially private matters, is wrong.
3 people like this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
20 Aug 18
@LadyDuck , I am not quite shy, but I am a bit reserved and even though I am upset I don't like upsetting others.
2 people like this
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
18 Aug 18
This week I was with a friend that is going through some serious challenges and he asked if I had time t talk and so I took him to the gym in my building which is pretty soundproof where he could even shout as he needed someone to listen to what he was going through.Sometimes we need someone who will listen to us as we say what is really on our mind.
3 people like this
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
21 Aug 18
@bluesa A special friend is worth their weight in gold. I have had a couple. Often there is not much more we can do then listen and care but that is a lot.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
21 Aug 18
Thank goodness you are there for him. Yes, we all do need someone who can listen. Sometimes it is difficult to express what we are feeling or going through though, especially if it can hurt the ones we love.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
21 Aug 18
@1hopefulman that is true, having someone that listens and cares is a lot. I am happy you have some wonderful friends and that they have you.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
22 Aug 18
My mind goes to many places that I would prefer not to share with the world, your so right, no one really wants to know!!
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
24 Aug 18
@bluesa It is good to have one trusted friend with whom you can share anything without judgment and unload what is causing you to be distressed.
2 people like this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
23 Aug 18
I just wish I could control my mind and my thoughts at the moment. Peace of mind is so important and I am struggling to have peace of mind. Isn't it a pity that we know that sometimes it is best to keep things to ourselves, even if we'd want to share them.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218931)
• Walnut Creek, California
27 Aug 18
@BelleStarr I agree. I think it takes years to establish that level of trust.
2 people like this
@xander6464 (44250)
• Wapello, Iowa
29 Sep 18
Personally, I would love to have ESP and always know what everyone is thinking. It would make things so much easier. I would tell you what's on my mind but I'm thinking about the political situation in America and MyLot doesn't allow language like that.
1 person likes this
@xander6464 (44250)
• Wapello, Iowa
29 Sep 18
@bluesa That's why a lot of people fear ESP. But if someone is thinking something you don't want to know, wouldn't it be better to just know it right away rather than finding out the hard way? Being blissfully ignorant is usually a temporary condition, because the truth almost always comes out in one way or another. And things haven't improved since yesterday. I'm still thinking things I can't say here.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
30 Sep 18
@xander6464 yes I suppose that the truth eventually does come out, or true colours are revealed. Still not sure I would be able to handle reading someones mind. Until the situation is resolved, I am sure you're thinking things you can't say here. You could just use *bleep* alot?
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
29 Sep 18
ESP could also be a great burden, you might read something in a mind you'd never want to know. Oh, yes, "CNN" is a buzz with all that. Oh my, I can believe you would have to watch your p's and q's about the situation. No, myLot doesn't.
@JudyEv (340278)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Aug 18
I think that is one of the advantages of myLot. At least for me. I feel I can share a bit more here as I won't be upsetting anyone. But I am very careful about what I share even on here. I doubt there are many who share their deepest thoughts and feelings.
2 people like this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
21 Aug 18
There are some things that are just too raw to share, no matter where, but myLot can be an outlet to a point, as you say. Yes, I also think not many share their deepest thoughts and feelings.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
19 Aug 18
I am sorry to hear. I can relate. Does anything seem to help the turmoil? Sometimes, if it's with another person - I write it in a word file, that never gets sent to them, or anywhere. On all cases I do hope that sunny days are ahead for you
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
21 Aug 18
Thank you, Faye. Sorry you can relate, it is a pity we ever go through something like this. Nothing seems to be helping at the moment, it is not about another person, just some demons I am battling. Good idea to write it out. Thank you and I hope the same for you.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
27 Aug 18
@FayeHazel thank you, it does seem so. I hope only the best for you always.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
24 Aug 18
@bluesa You're so welcome. I am sorry too that this is reality for some of us, and it seems like the nicest people, too. True, I hope that writing helps.... and that you are feeling much better, soon
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
18 Aug 18
People from my country are known to be gossip monger and yes they would love to know what's on everybody's mind because they'd then relate it to their neighbours so they can have something to gossip about all day. That's who most people are from this country, especially those who are jobless and just stays at home all day. You would see thees people visiting their neighbours just to gossip.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
22 Aug 18
@bluesa That's why the people in my country would spend their whole day on facebook. But I don't. You won't see me posting there or even browsing at all.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
21 Aug 18
I suppose there will be those who wouldn't mind knowing exactly what is going on in ones life and mind @toniganzon . We have gossips too they are just bored and looking for entertainment.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121612)
• Gainesville, Florida
18 Aug 18
Unfortunately, as a high-profile government official, I really can't say what's on my mind sometimes for fear of retribution at work. I've gotten in serious trouble at work before for things I have posted on FB, and although I've reminded my employer time and time again of my right to free speech as guaranteed in the United States Constitution, they are also good at reminding me that they can terminate me at any time for any reason for "conduct unbecoming of a public official."
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
21 Aug 18
Ah, the skimming over . Yeah, I can imagine you would have to be careful on Facebook. Nice new profile pic @moffittjc
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
26 Aug 18
@moffittjc uh oh, watch out Facebook! Great memory captured in the shot . You're still so darn lucky you get to go to Disney World!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121612)
• Gainesville, Florida
22 Aug 18
@bluesa Just wait until I retire Cathy, you will see all kinds of funny and crazy stuff by me on Facebook! lol Yeah, the new profile pic is me and my daughter goofing off at Disney World.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218931)
• Walnut Creek, California
26 Aug 18
I enjoy posts that do more than skim the surface. They invite conversation. Each of us has our own "boundaries," but I don't mind discussing things like emotional conflicts, disappointments, what makes me anxious, how I self-soothe, etc.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
28 Aug 18
@TheHorse , I tend to go mute when I have too much on my mind or too many emotions to deal with. It is great that you don't have problems expressing yourself.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
29 Aug 18
@TheHorse I was already a bit jealous you can play guitar, now you can play piano too! It is great you have that to relax with.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218931)
• Walnut Creek, California
28 Aug 18
@bluesa I do isolate sometimes, though. Lately, I've been working on getting back into piano.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
22 Aug 18
My husband is the only one who knows what is on my mind, besides you! Lol!
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
28 Aug 18
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
30 Aug 18
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26689)
• Singapore
28 Aug 18
Our mind is like a monkey - prancing around branches full of emotions. I try to keep a positive attitude but then I let my emotions play without hindrance or pretenses - siva
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
28 Aug 18
Whereas I try to block my emotions. You're so right about the mind @Shiva49 .
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35621)
20 Aug 18
That's like people saying "what's going on," which is a prevalent comment in my Country. Thinking about it, maybe it is just another way of saying hello. Because I doubt if they really want an explanation to that question. So, I understand what your saying. If their is nothing good to say, best to keep your thoughts to yourself.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
21 Aug 18
Yes, strangely enough I don't mind if others need to vent, but when I am in turmoil I tend to clam up. Anger I have no problem expressing, maybe a bit of sadness too, but with other issues, I clam up.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
24 Aug 18
@dgobucks226 Yes, I also internalize and for the same reasons, plus I don't want to upset my loved ones. Good your friend feels he can vent to you.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35621)
21 Aug 18
@bluesa I have a friend who vents all the time. It can get tedious at times, but he is a good guy with many great qualities. So, I guess like a psychiatrist, listening to him is being helpful. Myself, I tend to internalize my issues, probably because I don't want to come off as a complainer or bother others with my problems. I guess as you say "C," it depends on the problem and also you comfort with that person.
1 person likes this
@Courage7 (19633)
• United States
27 Aug 18
What a good point you make. On the surface, everything seems cordial and fine, but underneath could be some torrential storms that no one will ever see.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
28 Aug 18
Yes, storms we hide, or try to hide.
1 person likes this
@banksim (5256)
18 Aug 18
quite deep thoughts
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
21 Aug 18
Yes, I suppose there is a time of introspection for us all.
1 person likes this
@banksim (5256)
22 Aug 18
@bluesa ok introspection from time to time improve our personality
1 person likes this
@shaggin (72146)
• United States
22 Aug 18
I am sad reading you are dealing with such turmoil in your life right now I do like knowing what people are thinking but think it is usually best if what people say is kind. I have a post I want to write about something that my boyfriend and his friend said that bothers me but I am already behind on responding back to comments on the posts I have written that I dare not write another one yet.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
23 Aug 18
Thank you, my mind is just a mess at the moment, I am trying to remind myself to live in the day and only the day. Some thoughts are just too much to handle. I also think it is "best if what people say is kind" as you say @shaggin . Once you've caught up a bit maybe you can write about what your boyfriend and his friend said that bothers you.
@marlina (154131)
• Canada
22 Aug 18
I like to keep my thoughts private.
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
18 Aug 18
somebody i know often puts her health status on FB but nobody likes and comments. neither do i.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
18 Aug 18
Yes, there are certain things that one does not approach on Facebook.
1 person likes this
@YrNemo (20255)
24 Aug 18
Just read some news re: the situation in South Africa and thought lots of you (while sitting on the trains). Hope you take care.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
28 Aug 18
@YrNemo , thank you, trying, trying my utmost , all of us here can only hope everything will be resolved.
1 person likes this
@dya80dya (36657)
18 Aug 18
I am also in turmoil.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
18 Aug 18
I am sorry, it is awful when ones mind struggles to find peace.
• Philippines
18 Aug 18
,,,for me,,, im not active in facebook.. but I sometimes post important events in my life... Thats it... Im not posting some very personal like my emotions or everything that I do...
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
18 Aug 18
Yes, same here, I also don't post about my emotions on Facebook, I basically keep in touch with family overseas.
1 person likes this