“You’re Offensive, Travis!”
Some days, when I hit "publish" on a particular topic, I know people will immediately hit "unsubscribe." It used to bother me, but I'm coming to terms with the reality this blog isn't for everyone. And even if it is, it might not be forever. No matter what, I'm grateful for each person who decides to make this part of their day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
The other day, however, I published an article I was not expecting to be controversial. It was about people who absolutely love their lives, and how they got there. I personally thought the piece was uplifting and encouraging, yet a wave of people unsubscribed. I was confused, and the self-talk started to creep in. Does my writing suck? Am I not funny enough? Or witty enough? Are my ideas not insightful? Are these topics not valuable to people? Are they too long? Too short?
I had some suspicions about why people might have unsubscribed that day, but with all the self-talk polluting my brain, I decided to seek outside counsel. I contacted a few friends and asked for their perspectives. The first person wrote back with the following sentence:
"That post was offensive!"
Wait, what?!?! He went on to explain that my entire post was about how living one's dream life does exist, and if that's true, it's up to each of us to pursue it—or not. "That's an offensive idea." He pointed out that this idea (and others I discuss on the blog) is culturally and societally challenging. It forces us to look in the mirror and reckon with our own journey. If our dream life exists, and we're not currently living it, the burden of decisions and consequences falls on the shoulders of the person staring at us in the mirror. "That's offensive!"
He then listed out my various offenses:
"Telling people they should find meaning in their work."
"Showing people they don't have to use debt. Especially your take on credit cards."
"Encouraging everyone to use a budget, even if they make a lot of money."
"Saying that money won't make them happy."
"It's ok to spend money on things you don't need."
"Continually telling people they should give more. Then telling them they should give even more."
"Every time you mention your huge pay cut when leaving your past career. This one makes me uncomfortable every time."
"Any time you tell people to openly share their ideas with the world."
He pretty much just summed up my blog, my heart, and my mission. Uh oh, where is he going with this?
"You're offensive, Travis. Keep being offensive. We need it."
I think he makes a good point. Living counter-culturally can come across as offensive to some. Even when well-intentioned and sincere, pursuing a different path from the majority looks weird. Many of you regularly share your meaning over money stories, and the reactions you receive from others could certainly be referred to as "offended.” That tells me you’re on the right track - keep it up!
I hope you have a meaningful and offensive day!