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As I mentioned in Thursday’s article, Raptitude is officially six months old.

I’m thrilled with how fast my readership grown, I really never expected this. I want let you know I’m very grateful for your time and attention.

This week my RSS subscriber count hit 700 for the first time, and I know that doesn’t account for the many regular readers who don’t use RSS or even know what it is. This last two months I’ve averaged over 1,500 unique visitors a day.

There is a fairly regular group of commenters (mostly fellow bloggers) whom I’ve come to know through their feedback, and I get emails from fans telling me about themselves and their stories. When I picture my audience, I tend to think of that small group of familiar names and avatars.

But the numbers indicate they are a minority, and there are hundreds of regular readers I know absolutely nothing about. I’ve published 68 articles, each one a mishmash of my own personal stories, opinions, rants and reflections, and there is a sizable group of people who invest some of their day to come here to read them.

I just speak my thoughts into my keyboard, but for the most part I don’t even know who I’m speaking to! Yet they listen. It’s so bizarre.

I was talking with someone last night about writing for one’s audience versus just writing what comes to mind. Some argue that your writing should not be shaped by the thought of who is reading it, lest it become pandering. It’s an understandable point, but I don’t agree. Readers are a necessary and equal part of the equation. Writing is communicating, not just pondering. This is not a journal; you are a part of it too.

So here’s my question:

Who are you?

Yes, you! The person staring at the screen right now. I would love to know a little bit about you. Even just where you’re from and how you heard about Raptitude. Something.

I know most people generally don’t leave comments on blogs, and I’m not asking that you start doing that. Most commenters have their own blogs and commenting is an essential part of promoting a blog.

But it would be so great to hear from long-time (and new) readers who have never made their presence known here. Even if it’s just this once.

One thing many people don’t know is that commenting does not require you to sign up for anything. The blogging software requires an email address, but it is kept private and is never used for anything. You can even enter a fake one.

So please, if you’ve enjoyed any of my articles over the last six months, I ask this tiny favor of you. It doesn’t need to take longer than thirty seconds. There is a living, breathing audience of everyday people behind those faceless statistics, and I am so, so curious to know who they are.

R

Photo by Izzie Whizzie

brigid September 21, 2009 at 3:35 am

Hi
First up, congratulations on such an awesome blog. Yep you are right we bloggers do tend to comment on other blogs, but I consider yours to be a highlight of this routine and I am always looking forward to getting the next post delivered.
Its a time I can allow my mind to expand, thanks.
A little about myself, I have 6 sons (some are in Canada), 1 granddaughter and work as a remedial therapist. I live in Australia.
Congratulations David on a wonderful concept beautifully executed
Cheers
Brigid
.-= brigid´s last blog ..THE 12 STEP GUIDE TO COPING WITH BEING AT PEACE in the 21st CENTURY =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 6:43 am

Thanks Brigid. I’m happy to have earned a part in your routine. You have become a regular face here and it’s nice to know a little more.

Jess September 21, 2009 at 5:32 am

Hi David,

Congratulations on six months of Raptitude!

I have commented before so I’m not exactly one of the unknown blog readers piquing your curiosity but I thought I should comment again, especially considering you asked so nicely!

Even though I love Raptitude I don’t usually comment because… Well, I don’t know really! I guess it’s a combination of the fact that you have a very intelligent readership and that the things being discussed are usually quite profound. That makes commenting quite an intimidating experience, for me anyway.

Hopefully everybody who reads your post today will at least comment to say hello. It’s the least we can do to say thanks for bringing Raptitude to us.

Congratulations again!

Jess

David September 21, 2009 at 6:49 am

Hi Jess. You’re always welcome to join the discussion. :) But I understand what you mean. There are a lot of blogs that I read and just don’t comment because nothing really comes to me to say about it. Always good to hear from you though :)

Positively Present September 21, 2009 at 6:01 am

I’m one of those fellow bloggers. ;) Great idea for a post!
.-= Positively Present´s last blog ..5 simple ways to cultivate inner peace =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 6:52 am

Dani! You’ve been around from the start, thank you so much for your readership.

Joy Langtry September 21, 2009 at 6:05 am

Hi David,
This will be my first comment to your blog, in direct reply to your specific request.
I found your blog from your signature in a post on the Pavlina forums – specifically a post about being drug-free. I recall expecting you to have quit heroin, or at least something illegal, and when I found that you were referring to alcohol and caffeine, something about your sincerity piqued my interest further.
I think I’ve been subscribed to your feed for about a month, and in that time have never been disappointed. Your perspective and comments on life in general enrich my world, and I thank you.
And, “raptitude” is just a brilliant word.
With love,
Joy
.-= Joy Langtry´s last blog ..Jun 21, Easy Vegan Recipes :: Vegan Baby Boomer =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 6:56 am

Hi Joy, and thanks. Choosing a name for this blog took a while. I kept combining words, trying to make some new word and add a dot com to it. I had about a dozen that were almost good, but when I hit on Raptitude I almost jumped out of my chair. It was the right one.

Kelly September 21, 2009 at 6:34 am

Hi, I “stumbled” across your blog, (just recently) I am 45 , I have borne three children who I didn’t raise, I have sent them your blog also, wanting to share some of your ideas that I think are helpful. I love the article about “bad moods” it made so much sense to me. I hope my children check it out. I have a serious mood disorder and a poorly educated therapist..so I need all the help I can get. Thank you.

David September 21, 2009 at 6:58 am

Hi Kelly. That Bad Moods article is one of my favorites. I wrote it when I was in a genuinely rotten mood, and by the end of it I felt so much better. A lot of people have written to me saying it helped them.

Rob September 21, 2009 at 6:57 am

Hey David,

Found your blog after stumbling across you (or maybe you stumbled across me? can’t remember now, heh) on Twitter. I read it often and enjoy it muchly! And congrats on your blog-aversary!

Best,
Rob
.-= Rob´s last blog ..Hughes Guys: Community =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 7:01 am

Thanks Rob. Yeah there are a lot of people I’ve come to make acquaintance with on Twitter, and I never remember how the initial contact was made. I guess that’s what’s so great about Twitter: you end up exchanging with random people, and some stick.

Lisis September 21, 2009 at 6:58 am

OMG, David… I literally almost wrote this exact post recently (well, except for the stats part… yours are much higher!).

But I got to wondering who the “other” readers are? I’ve always heard that only 2% of readers comment, and I know that my page views are much higher than the number of comments on each post, so… how to learn more about those quiet readers?

You have found a great way to do that! I hope, I hope, I hope lots of your quiet regulars will pop up and at least say Hi. I know that would be a huge thrill for you.

Congrats on your milestone and fantastic achievement!!!!
.-= Lisis´s last blog ..Adventure: How to Get From Fear to Faith =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 7:06 am

Lisis, you are one of my very first blogging friends. You were reading when almost nobody else was. Always good to hear from you.

Yeah I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, and I planned to call them out of the dark one day. I realize also that I’m part of that “dark” for a lot of bloggers, as I don’t comment much any more. If they call me out, I’ll speak up :)

Lisis September 21, 2009 at 10:53 am

Ah, yes… I remember those early days, when I could pretend you were writing just for me. I’ll never forget the moment I noticed someone ELSE comment on one of your posts and thought, “Hey! Wait a minute! What are YOU doing in my conversation with David?!”

But then it hit me… you are having a conversation with the world out there, and every day more people are joining in… as well they should.

Now I’m loving the community you’ve built here, and look forward to their comments almost as much as your posts. But, full disclosure, I still pretend you’re writing just for me. ;)
.-= Lisis´s last blog ..Adventure: How to Get From Fear to Faith =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 11:38 am

I do write for you Lisis. You’ve been very gracious in allowing others into the conversation, so polite of you ;)

If there’s anyone you want removed, just say the word. :)

Rob September 21, 2009 at 6:59 am

Oh, oops, sorry about that blog link at the bottom. Would’ve unclicked that if I knew it did that. Like this time! :)

David September 21, 2009 at 7:03 am

No worries, that’s what it’s there for. Sometimes I reply to a comment in my own post and I link to the post I’m commenting on haha.

The_Timekeeper September 21, 2009 at 7:25 am

I think I linked to your “88 things” post in a series of Twitter-to-blog-to-blog-to-blogroll” executions … bookmarked your site, then eventually decided to follow you on Twitter.

I am in the neighborhood of 40, married nearly 20 years, and a mother of three boys, two of whom have special needs. I was born and raised in the Catholic Midwest and have lived in the evangelical South the past eight years (where I feel far more at home, surprisingly, religion aside … cultural community, travel opportunities, artistic outlets, and academic excellence a blessing and bonus). I worked in print journalism at a daily newspaper for more than 14 years; in agency advertising several years; and intermittently in freelance writing, editing, design and production. I have put most of my energy into being a stay-at-home mom.

My husband tried your beer-and-coffee abstinence experiment this summer (when he usually drinks more beer b/c of social events, vacation, and pool-going … and because the recession brought Fridays off to save his employer utility costs). He is an insomniac, workaholic, a long-distance runner, mostly seasonal, light drinker but year-round, heavy coffee consumer :)

He concurred with many of the observations you made about your experience and also found he sleeps better, runs better, and that it’s much easier to give up beer than it is to give up coffee. It has been nearly two months, and though he still likes the idea of a beer now and then, but he doesn’t miss it and feels better for not drinking any at all. He is down to a max of two mugs of coffee each morning.

I appreciate the range of topics you address and your willingness to write longer than some blog “experts” might suggest is an ideal length. I appreciate honesty and risking vulnerability, and I think personal writing resonates with more people than tight, sanitized, canned-cliche “wisdom.” I’ll keep checking in from time to time (esp. now that I understand an RSS feed :)

David September 21, 2009 at 8:11 am

Nice to meet you Timekeeper. It floors me to hear that your husband has changed his lifestyle as a result of something I posted. I’m glad he found it worthwhile, I sure did.

That experiment was a real wake-up call for me. Both substances still have a role in my life but my relationship to each is forever changed.

I do proudly buck the doctrine of 500-800-word posts. I always enjoyed longer posts and mine seem to insist on being 1500-2000 usually. I take some flak for it sometimes but that’s okay.

Good to get to know you a little bit, thanks for your comment.

Jay Schryer September 21, 2009 at 7:48 am

Hmm? About me? Well, Since you already know more than you probably ever wanted to know about me, I suppose I’ll just let all of your other readers know that I’m inconsistent, irreverent, and quite possibly insane, but I love reading your blog and I appreciate the way you make me think about things, and question assumptions.
.-= Jay Schryer´s last blog ..God is Play-Doh =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 8:13 am

Always good to hear from you Jay. Your comments always add another dimension to my posts and you always seem to make me think about the topic in a different light. You are a real contributor to the discussion and a great writer yourself.

Mathieu D September 21, 2009 at 8:46 am

Hi David!

So I’m Mathieu, @mduchesneau on twitter and following you there, as well as your blog.

I think I’ve first been hooked by your posts about kettlebell training (which I’m also trying to do more often), but then I started noticing your other posts about self-improvement and the like, which I also felt they spoke to me.

One of my favorite posts from you is how you found happiness totally naked, which I even shared with friends and family because I liked it so much. I’ve made the same realizations some time ago, but not in the same fashion as you did and it’s really interesting how other people can be brought to common life lessons with different life experiences.

Anyhow, keep up the good work with your blog and your lifelong work, and I’ll be looking forward to your future stuff.

Ciao!
Mat
.-= Mathieu D´s last blog ..L’avant-bras en inox: The recovery =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 10:30 am

Hi Mathieu, thanks for your comment. I’ve been seeing your tweets more and more often. I learn a bit of French from you now and then. Montréal is a beautiful city and I plan to spend some significant time there in coming years.

Kev September 21, 2009 at 9:15 am

Hey man

I am a 18 year old college student at Vanderbilt University who has enjoyed your introspective posts and candor about life. I subscribe to your RSS feed.

David September 21, 2009 at 10:31 am

Hey Kev. Thanks for speaking up. Hope the new school year is treating you well.

Avi September 21, 2009 at 9:52 am

I’m a College Park student and I found this website a week or so ago through 1000 Awesome Things.

David September 21, 2009 at 10:33 am

I love 1000 Awesome Things. It’s an exceptional blog and its author, Neil, is a great guy. Thanks for coming by, Avi.

Andrew September 21, 2009 at 10:14 am

David — Congratulations on your success. I think I’ve been reading your blog for about 4 months now. I came across your blog through a comment you posted on Reality Sandwich. Your comment made me say “this guy knows what he’s talking about” and I followed the link from your comment to your blog. I can’t remember the specific post, but it was about overcoming social anxiety and it really resonated with me.

About me: 36 years old, married, one child, born and raised in California, now living and working in Santa Barbara. I’ve been practicing meditation on and off for about 5 years now and will voraciously read through anything related to philosophy or “inner mental work”, which is why I’ve been into your blog.

Wish you continued success and thanks so much for broadcasting your insights!

David September 21, 2009 at 10:38 am

Thanks Andrew. Glad to know a bit about you. I’ve been focusing a bit more on outer work than inner in recent weeks, but I’m about to shift my focus back, I hope you enjoy.

I have to catch up on Reality Sandwich; it’s a great site, populated by interesting people.

christine September 21, 2009 at 10:15 am

I felt compelled to leave a comment since you asked so kindly!

I don’t remember how I found this blog… I think I may have stumbled on a random entry and I loved it so much I added it to my google reader. :)

I love reading what you write and you’re an inspiration to me to write! So kudos for writing and inspiring and captivating an audience :)

-christine
.-= christine´s last blog ..Ten Days! =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 10:43 am

Hi Christine. Thanks for your comment. I’m glad you enjoy Raptitude. According to your blog you’re getting married this weekend. Congratulations! Sounds like you picked the right guy. May you live happily ever after.

Brenda September 21, 2009 at 10:44 am

What? You’re asking 1,500 people to comment? That’s large.

You know plenty about me but not this: I don’t subscribe to any feeds. I understand RSS. I just prefer to follow my daily hunches. If I show up here, it’s because I thought of you. You’ve given me tons of enjoyable reading and a couple of quotes for my site. I mostly visit sites I’ve linked to on my blog.

I’m betaphi on Twitter. I thought of you today b/c a Twitter link showed that New Zealand has the highest per capita consumption of meat of any country in the world. Are you still moving there next month?

David September 21, 2009 at 11:27 am

Hi Brenda. That’s a great way to browse blogs. It’s kind of what I’ve been doing recently, though I do have quite a few feeds loaded in to my iGoogle.

Yes my New Zealand trip is coming up very quickly, though I have a few stops before then. I leave October 16th, and I’ll spend ten days on Vancouver Island followed by three weeks in Thailand, then eleven months or so in NZ.

I had no idea New Zealand was the meat-eating champion of the world. I don’t eat a lot of meat anymore, so I may have to dodge a lot of mutton out there. Seafood is big there though, I think I’ll lean towards eating sea creatures.

Patrick September 21, 2009 at 10:56 am

Hey David,
I found your site through Twitter. (I’m @pgann). Someone retweeted one of your posts – the “88 Things” one, I believe. I’ve been following you on Twitter and reading your blog ever since. I’m not much of a “poster”, in fact I am the poster boy for non-posters, but since you asked…

Here’s some random facts about me: I live in Chicago with my partner of 8 years, I’m soon to be 38 years old, and I study martial arts ( Kickboxing, boxing, Krav Maga, and a little Kung Fu). I’m also a pretty quiet person, which I believe you also said you are (or were). You starting following me on Twitter after I responded to one of your Tweets – which was very nice of you, but also unnecessary. Most of my tweets are pretty inane and mostly just for my, and my friends, amusement. So no hard feelings if you get tired of my Tweets and decide to “un-follow”.

I really enjoy your blogs, and even if I may not agree with all of them 100%, I always find them insightful – so thanks for sharing !

David September 21, 2009 at 11:29 am

Hi Patrick. I love inane tweets, they’re the best kind. You don’t tweet all that often so unless you start inundating my stream with affiliate links and porn, I think I’ll keep following.

Krav maga is something I’ve only just heard of. I’ve seen a few demo videos and it looks pretty impressive.

Roberta September 21, 2009 at 11:14 am

Hello David and everyone, I included the blog in google reader a couple months ago, but started to read and comment the last couple weeks. I found raptitude either directly or indirectly through inspiration.alltop.com. The 1st blog post that got me to follow on a more consistent basis was your recap on your alcohol free month. It resonated strongly with me and after that well I was hooked.

I am in Los Angeles, but travel whenever possible. I try to meditate at least 3 times a week and have been practicing for the last 2years. I see reading your blog as part of the inner work I am doing, it seems that whatever topic you talk about is exactly what I need to look at. Your post on a Life List came when I myself needed to reevaluate my own goals (still working on the list). I included my personal blog instead of my work one this time. Cheers!
.-= Roberta´s last blog ..RIP Frantz We had 11 wonderful years together =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 11:36 am

Hi Roberta. I had no idea I was on Alltop. Anyway, you’ve become a familiar name in the comments and I’m glad you find stuff you resonate with here. It’s always so interesting to hear which posts it is that affect people; it’s really different for everyone.

Srinivas Rao September 21, 2009 at 11:44 am

David,

That’s an amazing result for just 6 months of work. You know me from my blog and of course the fact that I’m a surfer in every sense of the word at this point in my life. BTW, if there’s one thing I’d love to see you write about is how you have grown so fast. What have been the things that have propelled you to the level you are at so quickly. I’m still not breaking that mark and would love some pointers.
.-= Srinivas Rao´s last blog ..Successful positive change always starts from changing your internal reality =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 5:52 pm

I’ve thought about that, writing about blogging itself, but I do want to stick to my chosen topic as most of my readers probably aren’t bloggers. I may find an angle that works for everyone though.

Dayne | TheHappySelf.com September 21, 2009 at 11:49 am

Well David, I must say…congrats on your blog and the big 6 month mark! :) I’ve become a big fan of your blog and it has been an influence on my own blog. I’m 3 months into mine so far, and it has been quite a ride.

About me: I’m also a self development blogger (TheHappySelf.com) and other random things about me: I’m in Kansas, I love to run, I love indie music and art, Chipotle Burritos are my crack, and I dig meditation. :)

Cheers!
Dayne
.-= Dayne | TheHappySelf.com´s last blog ..41 Ways To Take Your Dreams Seriously =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 5:55 pm

Hi Dayne, thanks. Blogging really does affect your life in a short time, doesn’t it? I can’t believe that at this time last year blogging was not a part of my life at all. Seems like a long time ago. Quite a ride indeed.

JoElle September 21, 2009 at 1:14 pm

Hi David! I am a stay-at-home mother of two, living on the campus of a boarding school in Northern Arizona. I discovered first your Twitter feed and then Raptitude from itstartswith.us. I enjoy what you have to say. Many times, your blog reminds me of things that I have started and never finished. It has definitely helped me to reflect in healthy and positive ways, anyway. So, thanks for your insight and here’s to the first 6 months!

David September 21, 2009 at 6:00 pm

Hi JoElle, thanks for commenting. Nate from Itstartswith.us is an awesome guy, he has a real vision and has created quite a network in a short time. He has mentioned me on his blog more than once and sends a lot of thoughtful people my way.

Daniel Edlen September 21, 2009 at 2:02 pm

You ask and you get comments! Rock on. I love the way you respond too, even having picking up details from commenters’ blogs. Wonderful.

I’m not entirely sure I’d call myself a regular reader yet. I haven’t made the time yet to read the whole thing as I used to, you know making my to-do list and prioritizing my time. As I find the balance, I’m sure your’s will make the list, especially after our month is over and you are off to your adventure.

Anyway, I am foremost now an artist. A soon-to-be-stay-at-home-dad as well. That’s what I’d say.

Peace,
@vinylart
.-= Daniel Edlen´s last blog ..Focus On Course =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 6:02 pm

Ah you’re regular enough Daniel :)

Good to hear from you, as always.

Louise September 21, 2009 at 2:32 pm

David,
I’m not sure how I round your site. I think it was through Twitter also, maybe about a month or so ago. I liked it so much, I book marked it and read it whenever there is a new post. I enjoy your outlook on things. I send your links to other people so maybe that makes up for some of the new traffic!
About me – I am 30ish, live in Texas. I was actually born in South Africa but I’m a British Citizen (figure that one out ;)
Keep writing!
Louise

David September 21, 2009 at 6:07 pm

Hi Louise, thanks for introducing yourself, and thanks for the referrals. Personal recommendation is the strongest source of traffic for a website, I really appreciate that. If I write something people find worthy of sharing, then I feel like I’ve done a good job.

Suzanne September 21, 2009 at 3:29 pm

I found you via a comment on Q4B (I believe it was). And, like someone else said, your comment piqued my interest to see what you blog about. I’m glad I did. I enjoy seeing Raptitude in bold on my reader as I know that I’m about to read something grand.

I’m a Californian, born and raised here for 34 years. I believe in living fully (although struggling with that at the moment!) and thinking positive, with no time for false friends. I’m also a mom, a wife and an unpaid therapist to my friends.

Your writing style, and willingness to put yourself out there, have made me feel like I know you. Now you know a bit about me too. :-)
.-= Suzanne´s last blog ..The Power of My Choice =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 6:12 pm

Q4B was one of the very first blogs I ever commented on after I launched my site. It’s a great blog and I’m so glad I came across it, because I met such a great group of bloggers (and readers) by posting there.

Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself. California represents the greatest concentration of Raptitude traffic anywhere according to Google Analytics, the Bay Area in particular.

Char (PSI Tutor:Mentor) September 21, 2009 at 3:37 pm

Congrats for your 6 month milestone~ me so jealous :-) and

Blessed with detachment
Better seen from a distance
Fallen fruit graced
Striven poetess
Lover of life and learning
Woman of two worlds

Thank you for sharing as you do.

David September 21, 2009 at 6:14 pm

So concise, something I wish I was better at. Thanks Char.

John September 21, 2009 at 4:40 pm

Raptitude… it seems like just yesterday that I stumbled upon this blog. I still remember the first post I read (I think it was the 88 Truths of Life one).

All I can say is congrats, David. You’ve done well, and no doubt you’ll become an even more well-known blogger in due time.
.-= John´s last blog ..My First Steps Towards Lifestyle Design =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 6:22 pm

Yeah John you’ve been a real presence here, it almost seems like you’ve been around since the beginning. I always appreciate your feedback and retweets.

You’re mature beyond your years and destined to be an authority blogger… when I was in college I couldn’t even handle my schoolwork, let alone run a blog. In fact, I don’t think I was organized enough to write a blog even one year ago, and you’re already blogging full force and exploring lifestyle design in college. You’ve got almost a ten-year head start on me.

Tim September 21, 2009 at 5:00 pm

Hi David:

I found your blog in its early days and have really enjoyed it. You are a very good writer who seems to be exploring some of the same things I am — so I can really appreciate where you’re coming from. I have also enjoyed reading about your experiments and how much they have changed you.

Me, I’ve been blogging on and off for about a year and a half and have just launched version 2.0 of my blog. I don’t really have any agenda other than to explore some of the topics that I am interested in (books, culture, marketing, spirituality, career exploration, etc) Hopefully, in the process, other people will enjoy these topics, as well.

Other than that…I’m 40, I live in Chicago and I’m in a career transition…again! Besides blogging, I’m trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. Thanks for keeping it real and I look forward to reading about your traveling adventures.
.-= Tim´s last blog ..Arrr! It’s Talk Like a Pirate Day! =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 6:25 pm

Hi Tim, good to hear from you again. I am also in the process of figuring out what to be when I grow up. If you figure it out, let me know!

PhD Depression September 21, 2009 at 6:30 pm

Hello,
Been reading for a month or so, first time commenter. It’s funny, I just made the exact same request of my readers on my blog yesterday. I’m nowhere near you in numbers though and getting 3 comments in response was a big deal for me =)

Lovin the blog and your experiments.
.-= PhD Depression´s last blog ..Monday Pep Talk – You’re not expected to be an expert yet. =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 7:01 pm

Hey PhD. I think I might call out the lurkers like this once a year or so. I’m thrilled with the response today. There are a lot of familiar names, and some not so familiar. Hope to hear from you again.

Chris September 21, 2009 at 6:43 pm

Heyas there! I’ve Chris, from Naples, Florida, but I’m currently going to school at Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN. I love photography, reading, writing, tennis, and philosophy. I’m studying education and physics (to be a physics teacher). Love your blog – your thoughts always seem to mirror the way I like to look at life, and seeing someone else actually organize them and put them down in a cohesive manner helps me to sort out my own thoughts as well. I am almost inspired to start my own blog, in fact.

Keep at it David!
.-= Chris´s last blog ..Tennis Playe =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 7:06 pm

Hi Chris, you’re the second Vanderbilt student to reply to this post today.

It’s cool that you share a lot of the same points of view. Sometimes I think I’m just crazy and wrapped up in my own opinions, and then someone comes a lot and says, “Yes, that’s exactly where I’m coming from!” Very gratifying feeling.

I’d give some thought to starting a blog. I’m so glad I did, I just wish I did it earlier.

Ben September 21, 2009 at 7:03 pm

Hello :)

I’ve only been reading your blog for a couple weeks, but I enjoy your writing style and optimistic attitude about life. Thank you!

I spend most of my time making music and taking pictures of random things. My piano music is available for free on my blog if you’re interested.

Blog on.
B
.-= Ben´s last blog ..New TouchOSC Template For Ableton Artists =-.

David September 21, 2009 at 7:07 pm

Hello Ben,

Blog on I will.

I love music and I love pictures of random things. I will definitely check it out.

Kylie September 21, 2009 at 7:32 pm

I don’t remember how I found your site but I know I landed here on “88 Important Truths…” and clicked around, liked what I saw & subscribed! I’m happy I did. :)
.-= Kylie´s last blog ..The Reason for my Absence =-.

David September 22, 2009 at 6:24 am

I’m happy you did too Kylie. Welcome.

Walter September 21, 2009 at 8:29 pm

I’m one who is inspired by your achievement. Congratulations David, you are definitely a success. :-)
.-= Walter´s last blog ..How to unleash your true capacity =-.

David September 22, 2009 at 6:25 am

Thanks Walter.

Blair September 21, 2009 at 9:29 pm

Hello,

I have been reading your blog for about a month or so. I discovered it through 1000 Awesome Things, I think. I’m guilty of lurking; this is the first time I comment. I enjoy all of your posts! They are very thought-provoking.

I’m an English and Intercultural Literature major at university and I wish I could muster enough motivation, time, and courage to start up a blog.

Congrats on 6-months of internet success and keep on sharing your stories with us! :)
Thanks

David September 22, 2009 at 6:28 am

Well thanks for coming out of lurk-mode, Blair.

Blogging is well worth it, IMO, but you do need to be prepared to keep it up to date. It’s too easy to let it go stagnant if you are otherwise busy. Someone with the language skills of a Lit major should definitely think about it though ;)

Tina September 21, 2009 at 9:51 pm

Congratulations on the 6 month birthday of your blog, David!! That’s awesome!

I’ll admit…I’m one of those people who found your blog by asking Google a question. Google answered by giving me a link to your “One Ingredient Necessary…” post. I’m definitely glad that I stumbled upon this blog:)

Oh, about me: I eat ice cream and cookies so I can run…I love music (Clapton, Bob Dylan, the Doors, Portishead, Modest Mouse, and I could go on until I run out of breath)…I’m still learning the guitar…I keep trying to figure out this game called life-some days are better than others:)

Anyway, I’m glad that you started this blog, and that I found it. Your words and insight help others, probably more than you know. Take care!

David September 22, 2009 at 6:37 am

Hi Tina. That’s awesome, I don’t get a huge amount of Google traffic. Maybe 5%. I guess you asked the right question at the right time. :)

James September 21, 2009 at 10:21 pm

Wow! You have an impressive readership for only 6 months. I didn’t realize this blog was so young! I must have started reading close to its inception.

I found your site through the Steve Pavlina forums.

If I see you when you come to NZ I’ll come up and shake your hand. Maybe even give you a hongi!

David September 22, 2009 at 6:40 am

Haha how bout the hongi/handshake combo?

What part of New Zealand are you from?

Jarret September 21, 2009 at 10:50 pm

Hey David. Yes yes, congrats on the 6 months and thanks so much for sharing your insights and stories. I too am a Winnipegger (@2jae on twitter).
I cam across your blog on a day where everything in my life felt painfully routine and dull. I made a stop over onto 1000 Awesome Things for some cheering up and decided to check out some of the recommended blogs. Turns out that was the exact same day you posted about how nothing that is happening now will ever happen the exact same way again. Struck me as so suiting that I should read a post like that on day when everything seemed so uninteresting! Needless to say I was hooked and I have yet to be disappointed :) Cheers!

David September 22, 2009 at 6:50 am

A fellow Pegger, right on. I remember tweets but I don’t think I realized you were from here. Hope you’re enjoying the unseasonably warm September. There are some years I think mother nature might forget to deliver winter. Hasn’t happened yet though…

vomle September 22, 2009 at 1:50 am

hello, i’ve commented a few times here. i like good writing so thats why i stick around, thanks for letting your thoughts out into the world.
i think you know i’m from NZ.. oh man you are gonna love the seafood! its getting warmer and warmer here and my flatmate has been going out diving and bringing back heaps. oh by the way have you seen this video? its kinda taking the piss out of the kiwi accent…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdVHZwI8pcA&feature=fvw

David September 22, 2009 at 6:54 am

Hi Vomle, of course I remember. I think I found you on Couchsurfing too.

Springtime in NZ, great. Summer is tapering off here, and I’ll leave just as fall gets into full swing.

That video made me laugh, apparently it’s a bit controversial. 5 million views! I love the Kiwi accent and hope to bring back a hint of it to Canada.

Usha September 22, 2009 at 3:03 am

Hi
I am Usha, an aspiring cognitive neuroscientist and neurosurgeon from Sydney. I am also the mother of a beautiful 15-month old daughter. Your writings have helped me stay sane in difficult times and recognize my sanity in easy times. Reading what you have written helps me be a calm mother even if it is nerve-racking within me. Please keep up the great work. I read this blog everyday. I love it.
Love and blessings
Namaste!

David September 22, 2009 at 6:57 am

Hi Usha. Thanks so much. I love to hear that I’ve actually improved someone’s life, not just entertained. I will certainly keep up the writing!

David September 22, 2009 at 8:08 am

I just wanted to say this is so cool. What a great response. It’s awesome getting to know a little about you all. Thank you so much. Keep them coming!

Sergio September 22, 2009 at 11:09 am

Hi there!!!
I’m 32 years old brazilian and I think, it has been some months now, that I came to your blog following a comment you did on reality sandwich. Not much to say, mostly because my language skills are not that great. I have always saw myself as a writer and just hope that I can express myself the way you do some day.

David September 22, 2009 at 12:54 pm

Hi Sergio. Good to see Brazil represented too. I’ll have to visit Reality Sandwich again, I’m starting to miss it.

Maria Giovanna September 22, 2009 at 4:38 pm

Hi David,
I subscribed to your blog about a week ago and I’m gradually reading all your old posts and I find them so inspirational. And I think this idea you had of getting to know your audience is really kind, so thank YOU!
Maria

David September 22, 2009 at 7:13 pm

Thank you too, Maria. I’ve gained quite a bit of insight into my audience over the last 36 hours, I’m glad I did this. Enjoy the archives.

Anne September 22, 2009 at 6:50 pm

Hi, I discovered your blog a few weeks ago via Google and have been trying to catch up on earlier posts. I’m enjoying what you’ve written so far; so much of it applies to my own life that it’s a little eerie. As for myself, I’m a homemaker, mother of two, approaching 50 years old, trying to figure what to do with my life once I’m done with raising children.

Congratulations on your half year anniversary & thank you for sharing your insights!
Anne

David September 22, 2009 at 7:19 pm

Thanks Anne. Eerie is a real compliment for a writer. It means I wrote something you can identify with.

matt September 22, 2009 at 8:30 pm

hi
im 19 and live in southern ontario
ive commented before but im jst poking my head through cyberspace to say thank you once again

David September 23, 2009 at 8:12 am

Hey Matt, thanks for poking your head through again :)

Josh Hanagarne September 22, 2009 at 10:19 pm

I’m a fellow blogger and fan. Seeing what you come up with is always one of the highlights of my week. Your success is well-deserved and I hope it only ramps up exponentially from here. And I’ll be able to say I knew you Way Back When…
.-= Josh Hanagarne´s last blog ..Twenty-Two Things I Learned During My Week With Adam Glass =-.

David September 23, 2009 at 8:10 am

You too, Josh! You’re on a blogging tear, destined for fame, and I can officially say I was there on the ground floor.

Ian | Quantum Learning September 23, 2009 at 12:44 pm

David .. wow! I’m really impressed and your success is very much deserved. I’m delighted that your blog has grown so fast and I’m sure it will only get better.

I’m a big fan of your writing and (as you know) comment from time to time and we kind of know each other in a virtual way. Just for the record … I’m Ian Peatey, born and raised in the UK and living in Poland and Romania. 45 years old last time I checked, 2 kids (6 and 17) and one on the way (January).

I also keep a blog about bringing peace into our day to day lives .. and am amazed by the power of this wonderful blogging community.

Here’s to another 6 months and more of Raptitude!
.-= Ian | Quantum Learning´s last blog ..A world of deals and exchanges =-.

David September 23, 2009 at 6:45 pm

Hi Ian! You’re one of my original blogging peers and I’m happy to be in such company. Congrats again on your impending bundle of joy. January will be here in no time. :)

Jeremy September 23, 2009 at 4:32 pm

I am J.J. I teach 8th grade science have a lovely wife and daughter. I have a blog that I am becoming increasingly proud of and have learned lessons along the way. I have enjoyed your articles and lists.

Thanks for putting out the things you do.
.-= Jeremy´s last blog ..What if….. =-.

David September 23, 2009 at 6:50 pm

Hi JJ. My parents were both schoolteachers at one time or another, and I’m grateful for it. I was never in their classes but they were seasoned educators in their parental role as well. Thanks for doing the noble job you do, and for saying hi.

Kaushik September 23, 2009 at 5:46 pm

I’m a fellow traveler!

Congratulations and thanks for an insightful blog!

k
.-= Kaushik´s last blog ..Finding Passsion and Purpose: The Tipping point in the fulcrum of change =-.

David September 23, 2009 at 6:53 pm

Hi Kaushik. You’ve become a regular here and I’m always happy to hear from you. Thanks for responding here. You write an exceptional blog and I have a lot to learn from you.

Lotus September 23, 2009 at 6:04 pm

David,
I am one of your silent readers! I don’t remember how I came across your blog, but I have been hooked ever since I read the first blog article of yours. I find your articles insightful and deep! Thanks for taking the time to write and sharing your thought with us. Congratulations on your blog anniversary! :)

About myself, I live/work in the northeast US and am a person striving to achieve emotional stability. I find emotions are the biggest factor which color my decisions! I find it fascinating to stumble upon blogs like yours which talk about similar issues that I am dealing with too. Makes me think there are lots of folks on a similar journey as myself)

David September 23, 2009 at 6:59 pm

Hi Lotus, thanks for breaking your silence :)

Emotions rule the world, they really do. Learning to tame and harness them is the work of a lifetime and I’m very very slowly getting the hang of it. I think. Sometimes.

The more feedback I get the more I think that human beings suffer the same problems, just in different forms, pretty much across the board. If it’s true, that might just be our salvation :)

Lotus September 23, 2009 at 7:34 pm

Hi David,
I feel the same way too. Working on harnessing emotions for the betterment of myself is a task and will probably continue through out this life!
I look forward to reading many more wonderful articles on your blog! Good luck for your continued success! :)

Sherri (Serene Journey) September 23, 2009 at 8:29 pm

Hi David,
I thought I would make it an even 100 comments for ya :) This is really impressive I love how so many of your loyal fans have come out of the wood works. I read every post and like many others have mentioned here I look forward to what you have to say each week.

You are the first virtual friend that I’ve met in real life. (And yes, David is as genuine, real and sweet in real life as he comes across online). I look forward to your continued success and will be following along on your future adventures.

All the best!
Sherri

David September 24, 2009 at 3:45 pm

Thanks Sherri, it was great to meet you and Gwynn. You’re both very warm, down to earth people. I appreciate your kind words and will definitely bring back some stories and pictures to share with you over some Pad Thai. :)

Ramsay September 24, 2009 at 3:18 pm

I absolutely adore your blog. It’s insightful and provocative without being pretentious (a combination that’s hard to achieve!). I first read one of your articles when a friend posted your list of lessons you never learned from your parents as her facebook status, and ever since then I’ve made your blog one of the tabs under my “daily visits” header. I’m currently a college junior studying abroad and the comments you’ve made about not letting opportunities pass by or letting our fears, etc. stop us from getting the most out of life have really struck me as important lessons to adhere to during this year. I was also inspired to start working on my List the other week, and it has given me motivation to try new things.

So, that’s a bit about who I am and why I visit Raptitude.

David September 24, 2009 at 3:50 pm

Wow, thanks Ramsay. Very cool of you to study abroad. Are you very far from home?

Anyway, good luck with your list. I’m sure it will take you places.

Ramsay September 30, 2009 at 3:20 am

Yes, I’m in Paris! My school is in Massachusetts and I’m from NC, so it’s completely different here. But as you’ve pointed out in a number of your entries, this kind of change is good for me and I’m lucky to be experiencing it when I’m still at such a formative age.

Heather September 25, 2009 at 7:13 pm

I’m a young college student who is attempting to grow more as a person. This is my purpose and your blog has been very inspirational. It’s something to show what can be done, in a short time, and how you’ve managed to change as a person. You seem very well rounded, and down to earth, not talking over my head but not dumbed down either. I enjoy reading, writing, dancing, tea. Good tea. I live in Texas and I’m currently in college, I have a boyfriend of several years that I care for very much. All in all my story seems like so many others that it’s rather silly, my difference being that I’m a loud person. I’m silly, I speak my mind and normally don’t even consider the consequences. My spirit is a wild one that will never be tamed by anything other than what pleases me, and my heart is very kind, and easily hurt.
Your story is a good one, interesting and I’m an avid reader, please continue your path of self discovery, it is good for those of us who share your desire to become the best we can be.

David September 26, 2009 at 7:00 pm

Hi Heather. Being loud is something I always found really difficult. I envy people who are inclined to speak their mind without hesitation. That’s actually something I want to get better at; as of right now I still default to ‘quiet’ and sometimes it makes me fade into the wallpaper. Thanks for your comment and good luck with the rest of your story.

Rosa September 26, 2009 at 10:52 am

Hi David! You know me :)
I dont always comment but I ALWAYS read. And I want you to know that I LOVE raptitude, all your posts wow me.

David September 26, 2009 at 7:02 pm

Rosa I always love to hear from you. You too are one of the original ‘crew’, and you’re still here. Your tweets and facebook comments always make me smile. Thanks so much for sticking around.

Jeri Ray September 26, 2009 at 12:28 pm

Congrats on the 6 month mark! I feel like I’ve been here almost since the beginning, gosh, I wish I could remember how I found you. I’m a 50+ female from So Cal who enjoys your blog. I’m a blog junkie, trying to cut back, but I do subscribe to yours! Continued success and I hope your numbers grow!!

David September 26, 2009 at 7:04 pm

Hi Jeri Ray, thanks for your readership. Sorry to keep feeding your blog addiction, but at least I only post twice a week. Moderation makes anything okay, right?

Steve September 26, 2009 at 8:25 pm

Hi David

I’m a semi-regular reader from South Canterbury, New Zealand, & just wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate you on your blogging success as I’ve always found your articles to be interesting & thought provoking.

Best of luck with your travels – drop me a line if you find yourself anywhere near Timaru, NZ & I’ll buy you a beer (or non-alcoholic beverage if you prefer)…

David September 27, 2009 at 5:05 pm

Hi Steve, thanks a lot. I’ll definitely be heading somewhere in the Canterbury region, I’ll keep Timaru (and you) in mind. Shortly before my trip I’ll be launching a sister blog where I’ll be keeping a log of my travels.

Heather September 26, 2009 at 10:09 pm

Well my advice for increasing your ‘loudness’ is pretty simple, if you were to look back a year later, would you be more sad for saying something, or for saying nothing at all? Very often this gives me the courage to step up and say my piece, maybe it might do the same for you. Our lives are so short, that wasting time on holding back seems pretty pointless to me. It’s like a flower holding itself shut, to scared to bloom.

David September 27, 2009 at 5:06 pm

That sounds like it’s definitely worth doing, Heather, I’ll make a point of it when I’m out and about. I do have to overcome 25+ years of introvert reflexes, but I think I can make some headway with conscious effort. Thanks Heather.

Michelle September 27, 2009 at 6:34 am

I started reading your blog about three weeks ago when the LIS RSS feed to which I subscribe linked to the World’s Strongest Librarian, which linked to you. I always save your blogs for last, as they are the most interesting and fun to read.

I’m a librarian working in the Middle East (Mexican/American by birth, married to a Brit). The only job I’ve ever loved was being a student and the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do other than study was to travel. Being a librarian is like being a student for life, and is also very transportable.

I’m not a blogger, and not much of a commenter, but I am a reader.

Have a brilliant time in New Zealand, and a long and adventurous journey home.

David September 27, 2009 at 5:09 pm

Ah, Josh is sending librarians over now! Good to hear from you Michelle. WSL is an exceptional blog and it has a particularly intelligent (and often very strong) readership. Thanks for coming (and commenting.)

Maria September 28, 2009 at 1:40 pm

Hi David,
I’ve commented here a couple of times. I found your comments on several topics in realitysandwich interesting and I followed you here. You say you want to know a little about me. 51 year old Connecticut housewife. Born and raised in Medellin, Colombia. Retired public school art teacher, serial traveler, voracious reader, foodie, currently a tiny bit obsessed with Ashtanga yoga. I hope you find time to visit Melbourne, Saigon, and Chiang- Mai, while you are in that corner of the earth. Have a great journey.

David September 28, 2009 at 9:13 pm

Hi Maria. You sound like a terribly interesting person!

Chiang-Mai is definitely on my itinerary. I’m planning on a week or so in there. Australia and Vietnam will probably have to wait for a future adventure, but plans have a way of changing.

Thanks for your comment, good to hear from you.

ummtiflain September 28, 2009 at 6:35 pm

My heavy heart is what led me to your website somehow. I am not like you, intelligent nor witty but I am often left with a sense of peace after reading some of your articles. I discovered your website last month and have actually entertained the thought of asking you, a complete stranger, for advice and that therein lies my problem. I have reached such a low that I would actually entertain that thought. So who am I you ask? I can’t even answer that question for myself. So let’s just say I’m a mother of two in the Middle East aching to be free of the pain I inflict upon myself and someone who could only dream of ever attaining anything that remotely resembles raptitude in my life.

Char (PSI Tutor:Mentor) September 28, 2009 at 6:48 pm

Salaam~ hilm

David September 28, 2009 at 9:19 pm

I think you’re selling yourself short! Actually quite a few people do email me asking me to weigh in on things; I am happy to offer my thoughts, for whatever they’re worth. Please feel free to get in touch. I am not a wise man but I’m always willing to listen.

Yalcin September 28, 2009 at 7:36 pm

Hi David,
I only commented once on your blog but I am definitely a regular reader. I found your blog through stumble upon 4 months ago. I’m pretty sure it was that “88 things” list, which is still one of my favourite. I remember wondering how you managed to put that many great ideas and thoughts together at once. Since then I’ve been following your blog to see it only get better and better. I can say you had a positive impact on me and the way I see things. I can relate to most of the things you’ve been through and you can be a real inspiration.
Anyways, I’m 23 year old senior college student studying psychology in Turkey. I’m hoping to be a grad student overseas next year. I’m also into literature and mostly enjoy Russian novels from 19th century. I’d like to write my own novel one day. Take care:)

David September 28, 2009 at 9:21 pm

Hi Yalcin, thanks for the reply. If you’re reading the Russian masters at 23 I’ve no doubt you’re on your way to being a published novelist. Good luck with grad school; studying overseas would be unforgettable.

Michael September 29, 2009 at 12:59 am

OK here goes, I am in my sixties, live in Melbourne Australia and write for a living. books and articles, mostly educational.

I work about 4-6 hours a day and spend the rest with my family.

Diamonds is one of my biggest websites. Hundreds of articles on diamonds. i am going to write a book about diamonds one day.
.-= Michael´s last blog ..Blood Diamonds =-.

David September 29, 2009 at 12:07 pm

Hi Michael. Sounds like a great working arrangement; work you enjoy and plenty of time left over. It turns out there is quite an Australian contingent in my readership. That’s great, I love Australians.

Jade October 2, 2009 at 6:23 pm

I just wanted to drop you a note. I am one of your newest RSS subscribers and I love your blog. I have been around the blog block, so to speak, been a blogger for 8 years now, and I rarely find new gems in the pile of dung the internet tends to turn up. You, are a true and shining gem and I love your blog.

There. I said it.

Thank you, and keep it up. I would miss you if you disappeared.

David October 4, 2009 at 8:48 am

Wow, I’m touched. What a thing to say :)

Thanks so much Jade.

Shaun October 4, 2009 at 7:07 am

I found this site through someone’s tweet, it pointed to the “88 truths” list, and I thought that was neat, so I clicked around and found that there was a lot of other interesting stuff here as well. This was just yesterday. I’ve been clicking around this site all morning.

About myself: I live in Ontario, Canada. I’m 22. I don’t work, and I don’t go to school. I spend most of my time on the internet, looking for… I don’t know. But I ended up here. So we’ll see what I discover.

David October 4, 2009 at 8:50 am

Well welcome to this little corner of the internet Shaun. I hope you find more of what you’re looking for.

LeeShand October 12, 2009 at 12:55 pm

David,
Thank-you for asking :-). I found your blog thru Twitter last Sun., I think it was, and couldn’t stop reading. I just feel like you are saying what I need to hear and crackng me up at the same time. You are just so dead-on with the things you write. I want you to know you are much appreciated and I can’t wait to read what you have to say next. I am glad I came on board just in time for the grand adventure.

David October 12, 2009 at 1:42 pm

Hi LeeShand. Thanks, it’s really gratifying to hear that. You are much appreciated too, thanks for speaking up. I’ll keep doing what I’ve been doing.
.-= David´s last blog ..David Goes Kiwi is Officially Online =-.

Natalie October 12, 2009 at 3:59 pm

Hey David,

Your sister passed the 88 truths article (Fantastic!) on to me & have since passed your site along to a few friends. We really enjoy reading your blog… The topics bring up some great conversations between us. I can’t wait to hear about your Kiwi adventures!

Safe Travels,
Natalie

David October 12, 2009 at 4:16 pm

Hi Natalie, good to hear from you. I’m glad you liked it. When I started this blog I knew of every single person that read it. Now I’m getting acquaintances and friends of friends coming out of the woodwork telling me they read Raptitude, it’s really cool.

You may have seen it already but I just launched my travel blog today: David Goes Kiwi>. I’ll post all my pictures and stories there.

Thanks for your comment.

Henry October 17, 2009 at 12:10 pm

The first thing I thought when I came across this blog was how much you remind me of myself. Now I know that seems a little narcissistic (sadly I can’t help it) but another way to put it would be the articles here are tailored perfectly to my taste. Your way of thinking and your priorities in life are just the same as me so I can’t help coming back to read more. Keep on writing, you should be very proud of your achievements!

David October 25, 2009 at 3:19 pm

Thanks Henry. I have heard people say things like that before and I always feel very flattered. As a writer, all I’m trying to do is communicate effectively, and hearing that makes me know I was successful.

Marv October 20, 2009 at 4:43 pm

Not really sure what to say to be honest, I started reading after I was passed the ’88 Truths’, after that I was hooked, as a heavy thinker, this instantly interested me. Other than that, i’m 17 and currently in college, i’m more artistic than I am accademic, so I should hopefuly be going into something artistic when i’m older, no idea what specifically though.
Nice to see a blogger getting to know his audience.
Really looking forward to the next article, keep up the good work!

David October 25, 2009 at 3:20 pm

Hi Marv. Thanks a lot. 88 Truths was the first point of contact for a lot of readers. I’m glad you looked deeper!

Φιλιππος October 24, 2009 at 12:17 am

hi again david. i am a computer engineering student from colombia that spends too much time in the interwebs… i actually don’t remember how i got to your page. sometimes i just input feelings/emotions/concepts i’m experiencing into google to see what turns out. maybe that was it. what i liked about your blog is that you are/were in that state of inspiration in which we want to just get rid of that old self and be the better persons we know we can be. i was (am, sort of) in a similar path when i bumped here and so naturally gravitated towards your rants. also i liked how you’re extremely honest about yourself and your endeavors, it shows.
.-= Φιλιππος´s last blog .. =-.

David October 25, 2009 at 3:22 pm

Hi Φιλιππος

Good to hear from Columbia too. Quite a global audience I’m forming. I’m glad you’re liking it, I hope you enjoy tomorrow’s article.

Kathir April 3, 2010 at 1:41 am

Hello David,

88 truths was the obvious starting point and ever since I am hooked. Reading your blog is a different experience. I like it because it is very relaxing and makes me introspect and mirror things with my own life and circumstances whenever I read a post.

For example, when you wrote the struggle you had writing your first post, being a newbie blogger, I could perfectly understand and it gave me the confidence that I could atleast start with 500 word blogs and its going on so far….
.-= Kathir´s last blog ..Careerscapes: Interview with Babuji Ranganathan. =-.

David April 3, 2010 at 2:18 am

Hi Kathir. I don’t think there’s anything worth doing that is easy right from the get-go. Good luck with your blogging career.

jess April 3, 2010 at 1:58 pm

I found your site yesterday thanks to Stumble Upon. The article on 40 Niestzsche quotes popped up for me. Reading the comments, and your responses to them prompted me to read more. I read until I couldn’t keep my eyes open last night, and then came back today to read more.

Your post, The One The One Ingredient Necessary for Accepting Yourself, brought me to tears. I’m in my 33 and still working on myself. I’ve come a long way since beginning my journey in my mid 20s, but this post made me see how far I have yet to go.

I left corporate America in my late 20s to finish college. I’ve worked as a tutor, a phone sex operator and a server since. I’ve loved all of them far more than the paycheck and cubicle corporate life offered. I have my BA in Anthropology, and I’m going back in the fall to work on my Masters in Sociology.

In my junior/senior year of college, I discovered philosophy and that I could incorporate it into my love of anthropology and sociology. According to my professors, I bring a different perspective to philosophy because of the anthro background, but it seems to make for interesting discussions. I know I’ll continue to read your site, I don’t know how much I will comment. I don’t have a strong philosophy background, so I feel a bit intimidated. Time will tell…

I thank you sincerely for this blog.

David April 6, 2010 at 4:04 pm

Whoops, I responded to your comment days ago but it disappeared!

Thanks for sharing your story Jess.

Good for you for ditching the cubicle farm. I’m working a similar transition of my own at the moment.

No need to be intimidated by the comment section! I definitely do not have a strong philosophy background either. I have no university education. I just read a lot and say what I think, and if I’m off the mark, then good, I’ve learned something. I will go to university sometime in the next decade, probably to study anthropology.

allalone April 4, 2010 at 3:04 pm

This blog really lifts me up when I’m down…..I’m so glad you’re here!

David April 6, 2010 at 4:05 pm

So good to hear. You lift me up when I’m down too.

tj April 4, 2010 at 10:44 pm

hi there,
i’m not sure how i found you… i read your blog through Google Reader, do you get counts for that? i think i may have come here through galadarling.com actually.
like your blog a lot, thank you for writing :)

David April 6, 2010 at 4:09 pm

Thanks for reading tj. Gala linked a few of my articles recently, and suddenly a lot of new regulars started showing up.

Fabe April 6, 2010 at 5:59 am

Hi Dave,
I stumbled upon a Facebook status of a friend referring to your “3 Pieces of Advice I’d Give My 18 Year-Old Self If I Could” article. I read it and was astonished by your way of looking at life. Since then I subscribed to your newsletter and read also some of your old posts. I like your spreading of optimism to the world.
Two facts about your readers:
1. They are really all over the world. For instance me, I am sitting in my office in Zurich, Switzerland right now.
2. There are more than you think. Apart from the newsletter subscribers, the RSS receivers and website visitors, there are probably a bunch of offline readers as well. The best articles I print out and show them to my grilfriend.
So keep on blogging
Fabe

David April 6, 2010 at 4:18 pm

Hi Fabe. I love to hear that I have readers everywhere. My sources tell me I have had visitors from 42 municipalities in Switzerland, most from Zurich by far. I’ve had visits from 169 countries, but the majority are from the US, Canada, Australia, Germany and the UK.

I hadn’t thought about offline readers, but you’re right. People have told me they’ve pinned up my articles on their fridges and in their workplaces.

spiderlgs April 6, 2010 at 4:44 pm

I am enraptured every time I read your blog. (Ha. get it!) Anyway. I’m a language arts teacher. I love the word “raptitude.” I love your blog. I love your thoughts. I think you are super foxy, and if I worked with you, I’d try to sit close to you at meetings, so I could feel that little innocent school girl crush and push my hair behind my ear and blush when you talk LOL

Okay, enough gushing.. who am I? I am from Chicago, and I’ve struggled with a lot of the things you describe on your blog. I’ve only discovered it in the past 4 days, but I’ve read most of it. I understand the feelings of social anxiety, the justifications for it, the desires to be happy, the struggles trying to get there, and now I feel like I am getting there.. I am on the right path. I am falling in love with my life, and I think the greatest gift I’ve found on this journey is other people, like you, who have come from where I’ve come from, and that has allowed me to forgive myself and move forward.

So, I hope you come to Atlanta, or Chicago or anywhere near me, cause I’d love to shake your hand (well actually give you a hug) and say thank you.

David April 6, 2010 at 8:59 pm

Hi spiderlgs.

You are making my ego swell :)

Falling in love with life is a great place to be. And I agree with you that the best part is finding other people moving in the same direction.

Actually, as soon as I can manage it, I’m going to take a loooong zigzaggy US road trip from coast to coast, studying the American dream and meeting readers and fellow bloggers all along the way. I’ll definitely visit Atlanta, probably Chicago too. Hugs will be free.

JC April 11, 2010 at 12:01 am

Hi. I’m from Colombia but I live in San Francisco. A friend of mine sent me the link to your 88 Truths and I was hooked. I found it when I was going through a difficult time and I was actually reading a lot of similar stuff at the time. I absolutely love everything you write. You’ve made me see that I’m not crazy, that I was -and still am- actually going in what I think is the right direction for myself. Thanks for being here. Juanita.

David April 13, 2010 at 3:59 pm

Hi Juanita. Good to have you. It seems most people found me through 88 truths… it really gets around.

James April 11, 2010 at 3:20 am

David, this is me. I just got to know of your site recently and have honestly been blown away so far. We spend so much time learning and making mistakes and finding who we are, piece by piece, we often think and feel we are alone. We’re not alone, and your thoughts and writing hits that point home. Thanks for sharing – it is a gift to many, and that by default makes you a gift. Take care and you’ll be seeing me more often here I gather. haha

warbaby

David April 13, 2010 at 4:02 pm

Hi James.

No, we are definitely not alone, that’s one thing I’ve learned from blogging. We all have the same problems and the same hopes when you cut them down to the bone.

Jon April 11, 2010 at 4:57 pm

Hey David

I recently found your 88 Truths post via StumbleUpon, and enjoyed it very much, but didn’t really give your blog a second thought. Later that same day I StumbledUpon your “Six Amazing Songs” post, which I thought was fantastic. I recognized the overall look of the site from the previous post I found, and starting checking out your other posts since I enjoyed those first two so much. In the last….oh 4-5 days or so, I’ve read about half of your posts and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. I’m a 20 year old engineering student at a small midwestern college, and in the last 18 months or so, I’ve gradually started picking up on many of the ideas you talk about. I’m a very passionate person with rather addictive tendencies (not towards anything especially harmful for the most part) and the whole concept of self-discovery/improvement has become my newest obsession. I’ve been soaking in as much information related to the topic as I can, everything from writings by great philosophers, to clever cartoons that seem to have something meaningful to say under the surface. I’ve found your blog to be one of the most reliable sources for insight. In the last week I’ve been as moved, challenged, dumbfounded, and receptive to your work as I’ve ever been to anything in the past. The small changes that I’ve begun making because of these insights are already starting to pay off and I look forward to the benefits yet to come. Keep up the good work. You’ve definitely earned another fan’s respect and gratitude.

David April 13, 2010 at 4:07 pm

Hi Jon. I love to hear when people jump into the archives and read post after post. It makes me feel like I’ve connected with someone on a deeper level than people typically do with a blog post. If I can make a person stop clicking the stumble button, I’ve done my job.

Megan @ The Ugly Nutrition Truth April 13, 2010 at 2:38 pm

Hey David!

I just found your blog this morning via the 88 Truths post, but cannot seem to remember how! I even just went through my browser history, but can’t seem to find it… I must’ve clicked through from somewhere! I will say that I am so glad I am just finishing up my undergrad degree and have a few days free, so that I can read EVERYTHING on your site! For real. I keep clicking and clicking and am finding it hard to even get through a whole post without seeing a link to another one I want to read! I’m starting a new phase in my life in the fall with an exciting internship, and am finally feeling ready to “be me”. As cheesy as that sounds, I’m so ready to put away all my crap and just enjoy life. I’m thinking all of your amazing thoughts and articles have something to do with my new attitude, so I am grateful to you for that.

Anyhoo. Didn’t mean to write you a novel! Just wanted to express my adoration from a new (and now permanent) reader. Keep up the amazing site!

p.s. Just followed you on twitter…I see you’re also Canadian… and here I thought I couldn’t adore you more! :)
.-= Megan @ The Ugly Nutrition Truth´s last blog ..REAL Food Recipe: Broccoli-Pesto Quinoa =-.

David April 13, 2010 at 4:18 pm

Hi Megan!

As I said in the previous comment I find it super gratifying when someone discovers Raptitude and wants to read a whole bunch of posts. It means I’m writing something meaningful. Good to have you with us.

Yes, I am a Winnipegger (and quinoa fan) :)

David April 13, 2010 at 10:25 pm

My mom just emailed me and said she made your quinoa salad and it was really good.

Trish April 26, 2010 at 6:38 am

hi David,
Just found Raptitude thru Stumbleupon. Sometimes the Universe just gives you what you need when you need it, and that’s how I feel about Raptitude.

About me … just closed my business and have reentered the 9-5 world (yes, I’m grateful to have a real, paying job right now). My marraige is failing, I’m working diligently to ‘lighten the load’, and visit many minimalist blogs for inspiration. Selling my house has become a priority so that I can leave this very unsatisfactoy life for circumstances that will bring me more joy. On that note, I’m off to face another day. Enjoy yours.
t

David April 26, 2010 at 6:26 pm

Hi Trish,

Good luck dealing with the hard times while they’re here. I hope my little website can be of some help.

Steve June 5, 2010 at 1:30 am

Dave,
I’m a sixteen year old boy from Wisconsin. I felt great when I read your article about ‘the secret to connecting with people’, because I had been half-practicing those on my own. Seeing them written so clearly and concisely allowed me to really get them in my head- and tomorrow, I’m watching movies at home with a cute girl that I’ve been paying (greater) attention to. Thank you!

Paula July 21, 2010 at 2:14 pm

Hi David ~

Is is too late to comment on this post? I’ll give it a try.

I Stumbled on your blog about a month ago, and since that time I’ve gone into the archives and started at the beginning (I’m particular that way!) and this is how far I’ve made it since then. I plan to read every post. I was unduly excited when I realized you are from Winnipeg – I live about 40 minutes away.

I have been held captive by your simple, yet profound, life philosophies as recently I’ve been letting go of my fundamentalist Christian upbringing. I’ve found myself in agreement of your well-written, well-spoken thoughts and look forward to continuing my journey through your posts until I am caught up!

Cheers!

David July 21, 2010 at 4:23 pm

Never too late! I love when people comment on this post.

40 minutes away from Winnipeg… Selkirk? Beausejour?

I’m flattered you want to take on the entire archives like that. Hopefully my writing gets better that way, and not worse ;)

Thanks Paula

Paula July 21, 2010 at 4:32 pm

Close enough – I live near Steinbach. Now that I’ve left my first comment on a blog EVER, I might feel brave enough to do it again! I may be nearly a year behind, but I’ll catch up, you’ll see…

Vanessa November 1, 2010 at 2:17 am

Hi David,

I’m a post kidney transplant patient and I’m only 23. I’ve been depressed for some time now so I was researching online about how to cope in life and to how to find happiness; I came upon your blog and I loved it! It was very inspirational and you gave me a boost in life. I look forward reading more of your blogs.

Thank you. :)

Tetra May 16, 2012 at 9:22 am

Hey David, I would like to let you know how I found out about raptitude! A friend of mine posted “This will never happen again” (I think that was the title) via Facebook, I read it, really liked it, and thus highlighted the url & deleted so that it just read http://www.raptitude.com, saved it to favorite websites, and I began exploring your blog, and I do enjoy it. Thanks for sharing your writing! :)

Navroop March 16, 2013 at 6:37 am

Hi David,
I came to know about Raptitude through a friend of mine who posted an article from your blog on facebook. It was about how we check our emails to get high. That was back in 2011. Since then i have always picked up random articles from your blog to read and have always enjoyed each and every single one of them. I wish that wasn’t true so atleast i wont be so addicted to it as iam right now. Since the beginning of this year, as part of my new year resolution, i decided to read everything you have ever posted on this website from the very beginning and this page is where i am right now!

I fly to Goa,india end of this week and i have to finish reading all of it before that! I have to! Since going to Goa for me is always such a spiritual experience and somehow reading all what you have posted has got something to do with it.
I live in Dubai. Always lived here. Born and brought up here. I have my own share of struggles but nothing that i can’t manage especially when i know iam not alone.
If you ever comedown to Dubai, maybe we can catchup for an innocent cup of coffee :)

David March 18, 2013 at 7:05 pm

Well godspeed with your mission! I think it’s a worthy cause. I’m envious, I’d love to go to Goa.

If i’m in Dubai I will give you a ring.

Carol August 6, 2013 at 7:42 pm

Hi David, I found your blog through mrmoneymoustache about 3 months ago. It was about Minimalism. I had been reading up on it for over a year and made some attempts at it. After reading your article I got very serious about it and my life feels lighter already. I was hooked on your writing style when you pointed out that we tend to keep ‘stuff’ around to distract ourselves from what we really should be doing.
So for the last 3 months I have slowly read in order all your past posts from the beginning to here. It has been a great journey so far.
PS… I love your wordy posts. You delve deep into the subject instead of just glossing over.

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Lisis September 21, 2009 at 3:25 pm

You know, now that you mention it.. Jay is a bit of a trouble-maker, don’t you think? :D
.-= Lisis´s last blog ..Adventure: How to Get From Fear to Faith =-.

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