Oh no..I thought you knew blogs are available to the public. So be careful on what you want to say. On the other hand, I think you have earned a celebrity status by blogging.I'm sure your blog site attracts lots of web traffic. Strangers like me read and even advice you to on what to do with your life :).
So its kind of a privilege, don't you think ? :)

In my opinion ,talking about how great your Ashtanga practice is, feeling good about buying dinner for friends , funny experiences with the ice cream vendor are all fine. But talking about your breast surgery is kind of giving away too much. I often see people in the West complicate their lives too much and endup being confused and depressed.

personally, I prefer my life to be below the radar. I make sure it stays there as well. the limelight has always made me uncomfortable, but I guess you know that, dont you? ;)

A privilege indeed. I actually feel the exact opposite; however, about some of the personal things I talk about. I don't talk about the *most* personal things in my life. A lot of longtime readers have guessed here and there when I'm dealing with issues (or am dealing with issues) but the truly private, way too raw things, I don't talk about ever.

My breast surgery, however, I'm proud to have blogged before, during and after. The world of women dealing with preventative bilateral mastectomies is a small one and I know, from experience, being one of those women, that reading the stories of those that have been and done is super helpful. My openness has helped at least 3 people that I'm aware of to the extent that they didn't have to sacrifice their body to prevent their cancer risk. Exposing myself in that fashion is no big deal... it's almost like talking about dinner with friends.

i know you from ezboard and from this blog -- and i would hate to see you edit yourself or censor your words just because *some* are uncomfortable with what you share. many of us who have read your blog (for a few years now) have found strength and inspiration in your experiences -- especially the 'big' changes. there's definitely something voyeuristic about writing in such a public space, but because of this medium, we're all a bit more transparent. and maybe we're all a bit more compassionate and tolerant as a result.

gosh, i kinda went on a tangent there! anyway, i enjoy reading, and i know others do as well. :)

I know what you mean about the vulnerability you can feel when you are a transparent person. I know, because I am one too. There have often been times when I have wondered why I was so open, even on things so deeply personal to me.

I am reminded, however, that transparent people are generally also giving people, with open hearts and open minds.

You are right, let people take you or leave you. It can be the hard part, to let go of caring what others think, but it's easier when putting it in proper perspective. You've been through a lot physically, and being tuned into the physical can often help with perspective to serve as a reminder about keeping in the heart only what really matters, and letting go of the rest.

You have a lovely blog here, and I for one thank you for your transparency :)

Okay Julie, give them what they want :)

I am saddened that there are any people out there who think that reporting on your breast cancer prevention journey is too much information. I consider it as much a public service as you probably consider it cathartic. Cancer is a reality, and anyone who can't deal with it ought to learn to.

well said, lauren.

julie, i'm sorta in the opposite boat, writing an obscure and anonymous blog. but i agree there's only so much one can control or edit blogging, or it wouldn't be the same expression or journey. i sometimes think i should blog more about, say, ideas or culture or articles, or at least asana, but then i find myself writing yet another post about whatever body region currently intrigues me. talk about navel gazing!

i recognize that in certain contexts i can be transparent, but typically i'm just not, for better or worse. i'm not even sure how alienation and intimacy play into it. i admire your sense of identity.

I've always admired the "out there" quality of your blog - & have encouraged your past advice to have the courage to "be yourself"; there is a power and liberation to it.

Write on.