I wasn’t going to write another post today, but I can’t let this opportunity pass. I need to get it out there while I still have this heady feeling.

I spent many hours yesterday writing my post about my abusive ex-husband. As a new blogger this was a scary thing to do, realizing complete strangers would be reading my innermost thoughts and feelings, but the prospect of that was very exciting too. After exhausting myself mentally and emotionally (as well as blurry vision from staring at the screen for so long and a MASSIVE ache in my neck) I spent another hour cleaning up–editing and making my post look great. I fell into a sleep like I haven’t had in a very long time.

When I woke up this morning, the first thing I did, even before having my morning coffee, was open my laptop, anticipating at least a few new follows and comments (I know there’s a lot other survivors out there–I have seen their blogs). But….nothing.

What went wrong? I didn’t know. As silly as it sounds I felt…rejected. I was ashamed of myself for feeling this way, because logically I knew it wasn’t anything personal. I’m a new blogger, and probably just not that many people saw my post. I tried giving myself a pep talk to be patient, but I’m not a patient person and it still bothered me.

So I wrote my rant, called “I’m frustrated.” I always aim to be completely honest on my blog, because out there in the real world, there aren’t many places and situations where we can totally be ourselves and talk about the way we feel without the fear of judgment and disapproval. I noticed the level of honesty by other bloggers, and felt I’d found a place where my true thoughts and feelings would be understood. So after writing my rant, I took a deep breath, then pressed “Publish.” And then I waited.

I did NOT expect what happened next. Opinionated Man, who’s been following me since I first started this blog last week, has a very popular website and cares about newcomers like me. He REBLOGGED MY POST on his site, and suddenly I was inundated with new followers, likes and more comments than I can even keep up with. It’s kept me busy all day.

I can’t believe the level of support here at WordPress. Some WordPress detractors have said people who blog on WP are snobs. NOT TRUE!

This morning I had a pitiful 19 followers. I now have 64 and may have more now even as I write this post. That’s how fast my blog is being noticed. It’s very surreal, but wonderful too and I’ve been smiling so much today my face hurts!

I’m not going to set myself up for disappointment by expecting my blog to suddenly go viral or something and get thousands of followers, like OM’s has. That sort of thing takes time. But his (and another blogger’s) generosity in reblogging my post has been an enormous boost, and I no longer feel dejected and depressed like I did when I logged in this morning.

I’m also discovering so many other people’s blogs in my Reader and from my new followers, people I feel I can relate to and who can relate to me.

So for all you bloggers who have reblogged, shared, followed, liked, or commented here today, I want to say THANK YOU! It’s very much appreciated. Hopefully someday I’ll be able to pay it forward and make some newbie feel welcome, just like you all have done for me.