The Day My Bubble Popped

The day my bubble popped.

Lately, I’ve been rubbish at posting here. It’s been a mixture of life getting in the way and apprehension. Apprehension because the real world stumbled across my blog.

When I started this blog I never used my real name. You’ll notice that I always blog and comment as ‘Tee’, which is what my husband calls me, but my real name is Nadine. I also never really exposed much about my life other than that I’m a teacher, I’m from up North and I have a little boy who I call Little One (although the eagle-eyed might have noticed I do call him by his actual name at times!). The reason for this is that I never wanted people I know outside of the internet to discover my blog. I made sure that those who knew I had a blog – my parents, sister, husband and one friend – did not follow me on Social Media (they didn’t/don’t even know my usernames).

Then Instagram went and popped my bubble!

Early last week I was scouring my new followers on Instagram when I noticed a familiar name. Surely not? I hadn’t even used my details! But my eyes weren’t deceiving me, a friend had found me. On investigation, Instagram had recommended my page to her. After that, several others that I knew began following and my sister text to say it appeared on hers – she doesn’t even live up North!

So why am I bothered?

My first concern was how people I know would react to my blog. I worried that people would be negative or would be thinking, “Who does she think she is?!”. I also find it extremely cringeworthy, I really have no idea why though!

My second, bigger concern was my job. Despite being extremely careful with my writing and how people might perceive me, I still worry. Being discrete had alleviated that worry.

So what now?

My bubble has been popped and there is nothing I can do about it.

Surprisingly, those who read my blog had some really nice comments which has been a huge lift for me. I still cringe at the thought of them reading it but I’m beginning to care less that they have access to it.

As for my job, I can hand on heart can say that there isn’t a single post that I wouldn’t want my employer to see. I am extremely careful with what I share and that’s how it will remain. I have also noticed that there are lots of teachers who blog, which definitely helps with my worries.

I’m not ready to give up blogging just yet.

No, I’m not going to start telling every Tom, Di Dan and Harry about my blog but I’m okay with people reading and sharing it. And yes, I will still cringe at the thought. But, I absolutely love blogging so it’s a small price to pay. From now on, I’ll care less about being discovered and get back to enjoying it!

So, if I know you outside of the internet Hi! 

– Tee ????