We are the cross traffic that does not stop

I was thinking earlier about how emotionally insulated people are. Neil Gaiman reminded me that insulated means, literally, to be made an island. Think about that. It's been said that no man is an island, when in fact, we are all islands unto ourselves, and perhaps that is the common ground that unites us. You can never truly know the mind or heart of another person. We are only equipped to shoulder the weight of our own fears and feelings. To take on the full measure of another person's pain would either desensitize us fully, or send us spiraling into depression. Monsters or madmen, with very little middle ground.
The solution as I see it, in the interest of remaining sane and healthy, is a balance between empathy (NOT sympathy...learn the difference if you're unclear) and self-preservation. This is something I struggle with every day. It's a matter of giving of yourself while maintaining regard for your own well being. There is some degree of sacrifice involved. Empathy, in my opinion, is born of love, and love in any form requires compromise and sacrifice. However, that sacrifice should not be made at the expense of your mental or physical health. Your mind and heart must not be at odds.
This requires further thought on my part. More later.

The Why of Blogging

I'm a writer, or at least I'd like to be. I haven't written anything with any substance in over a year. It's discouraging and disheartening, and it makes me feel like a failure. I want to write. The ideas are there, I'd like to think the talent is present and accounted for as well, but I haven't put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) in 12 months or more. Why?
You tell me.
People blog for many reasons, personal, political, and otherwise. I'm just hoping to get my wheels in motion, figuratively speaking. This may be a glorified journal of my daily activities, or a laundry list of complaints, but just maybe, if I'm brave enough, I'll start a new project or two, and share them. I welcome any comments or advice.