Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Introducing My Blog: A Warm Welcome

'The Samuel White Blog': An Overview

(TW: Mentions of mental health struggles)

Introducing My Blog

  Hello, dear reader, and a warm welcome to 'The Samuel White Blog'. This is, for now, the official home of my many random thoughts, kind words, intriguing questions, and - in general - incessant ramblings; I do hope you enjoy it here, and you're welcome to stay if you'd like. Let’s begin by mentioning two matters at the top of the page (and the start of my blogging journey).

  Firstly, I always try to support my writing in academic literature. I do this by referencing books, articles, and journals, aiming to provide a deeper and more contextual understanding of what I mean when I write. So, as you read my words, you’ll notice some phrases are underlined and coloured blue, here's an example. It's nothing malicious, just a hyperlink to whichever paper I read at the time. It's a pretty cool feature, rather professional I'd say! Oh, look at me, Mr. Professional Blogger, fancy stuff.

  Secondly, on a more serious note, I am by no means a professional author. I’m sure my grammar will fall off in places, and spelling will take a nosedive from time to time. Therefore, if you do notice an error (or ten... or fifty), and if something doesn’t make literary sense, please let me know with kindness and tender love. Then again, any form of feedback is always valued and appreciated, and it’s a free world after all, so you can make your own decisions and act as you see fit. My blog does have a ‘report abuse’ feature. This is a safeguarding measure, which I have implemented to keep everybody out of harm's way. What this means is that if you go around spreading horrible language, or aim, with malevolence, to put others down, you will not be able to read this blog going forward.

Content

  Continuing the serious theme, this new endeavour has no set tone. Because of this, posts will fluctuate between being earnest and silly, introspective and lighthearted - which I think, is very much on brand for life itself, for nothing is ever truly one or the other, this or that, yes or no. While one post may revolve around a film I have recently seen, or aim to recount a day trip I have taken, another might focus on my experience with battling, for example, an eating disorder, or my periodical depressive episodes. The internet is a wonderful thing, and it has truly revolutionised the way in which we humans communicate and interact with one another. I can't think of a better, more delightful way to utilise this miracle of ingenuity, than spreading peace and love across space and time (possible time traveller confirmed?).

  When the idea for this adventure was born, I told myself I wanted to be as honest, open, and raw, as I possibly can be when describing things that I have been through. I must stress, this is not to overshare or rant, but rather because I trust that everything which occurs in life, does so for a solid and sure reason. Therefore, I firmly believe that the pain I have endured over these last few years was suffered so that I could possibly help others avoid (or mitigate) similar battles to my own - similar, because matters of the mind are complex and entangled in nature, so no two cases are ever the same. Essentially, my words in this series are merely a guiding light, a gentle breeze, a reverberating echo through the tunnel of consciousness, hinting at its end. Unfortunately, though, I cannot tell you the exact directions to reach such a place, for that is an individual journey.

Signing Off

  To close, and to lighten the mood, above all else I want you to have fun. I'd love nothing more than to know that a smile grew across your face while your eyes scanned my words. To me, that is worth more than any amount of money. Happiness, contentedness, and caring, are priceless. If you do enjoy an article or opinion piece, then please do let me know by leaving a comment below (or seek out my many social media pages, here - all of which I solely run and manage).

  From the very beginning of my journey, as an online creator, I have held nothing but total tenderness and love for you all. This online journal, along with everything that I do, is a safe space. You are accepted here, free from judgment, fear, and anxiety. You are accepted here. That's all I have to say, for now. What I will do is publish the scheduled posts below, so you know what is coming up, and what to look out for. Happy spooky season, my friend (leave a comment as to what you are doing this Halloween), and all my love forever and ever.

Samuel White
Aged 21
A human being from planet earth
Full-time silly sausage/goose


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