As much as I love social media and the connections it can bring, sometimes I grow weary of the cacophony of noise coming at me. I find myself wondering if the posts I send out are just contributing to the noise or providing meaning to those who read them.
Sometimes I fear that my words are just being cast in a sea of loud voices that are all crashing to shore at the same time ... with no one hearing them over the thunderous noise.
One person who did hear through all the noise contacted me recently to say that she missed my voice during my periods of blogging silence. That person, who happens to live in the same city that I call home, reached out and invited me to chat over coffee. I accepted.
It was evening, so we opted for herbal tea instead of coffee. Over that cup, I encountered a delightful person whose thoughts and opinions brought value to my life. We chatted like two old friends for more than an hour and met again some weeks later for more spirited conversation. Those discussions have compelled me to think deeper about who I am and my purpose in life.
Which brings me to the purpose of this blog. Some people blog to promote their novel, others to draw attention to their professional services. These are noble and honorable pursuits. But I'm not selling anything (though I do promote my services as a freelance writer and editor).
So, why do I blog?
On my grammar blog, I offer practical tips to help others improve their writing. At Musings on Life, my goal is simply to tell stories, and through them to touch people with words in a meaningful way. I guess I just like connecting with others and being a source of encouragement and inspiration.
If only one reader heard my voice and found value in my words, it would all be worth it. But there are many others out there across the miles who have read my words and answered back. Please know that I enjoy your voices, whether in person, in Comments, on Twitter, on Facebook or on the telephone. I appreciate the ties I've made and the virtual friends I've met through this blog. I hope that one day — just as I have with my new Nashville friend — that I might sit down and chat with you over a literal cup of coffee (or tea).
Here's to our myriad voices and reasons for blogging. I challenge you to hold fast to your own unique voice and keep speaking the words in your heart. Together we can be a wave of positive words washing over the world. And words matter. Because even when they only offer coffee, they can always lead to so much more.
If you're a blogger, why do you blog? Have you made meaningful connections on the Web or through your blog? Have you recently been touched in a positive way through someone's words? Please share your thoughts in the Comments.
Sometimes I fear that my words are just being cast in a sea of loud voices that are all crashing to shore at the same time ... with no one hearing them over the thunderous noise.
One person who did hear through all the noise contacted me recently to say that she missed my voice during my periods of blogging silence. That person, who happens to live in the same city that I call home, reached out and invited me to chat over coffee. I accepted.
It was evening, so we opted for herbal tea instead of coffee. Over that cup, I encountered a delightful person whose thoughts and opinions brought value to my life. We chatted like two old friends for more than an hour and met again some weeks later for more spirited conversation. Those discussions have compelled me to think deeper about who I am and my purpose in life.
Which brings me to the purpose of this blog. Some people blog to promote their novel, others to draw attention to their professional services. These are noble and honorable pursuits. But I'm not selling anything (though I do promote my services as a freelance writer and editor).
So, why do I blog?
On my grammar blog, I offer practical tips to help others improve their writing. At Musings on Life, my goal is simply to tell stories, and through them to touch people with words in a meaningful way. I guess I just like connecting with others and being a source of encouragement and inspiration.
If only one reader heard my voice and found value in my words, it would all be worth it. But there are many others out there across the miles who have read my words and answered back. Please know that I enjoy your voices, whether in person, in Comments, on Twitter, on Facebook or on the telephone. I appreciate the ties I've made and the virtual friends I've met through this blog. I hope that one day — just as I have with my new Nashville friend — that I might sit down and chat with you over a literal cup of coffee (or tea).
Here's to our myriad voices and reasons for blogging. I challenge you to hold fast to your own unique voice and keep speaking the words in your heart. Together we can be a wave of positive words washing over the world. And words matter. Because even when they only offer coffee, they can always lead to so much more.
If you're a blogger, why do you blog? Have you made meaningful connections on the Web or through your blog? Have you recently been touched in a positive way through someone's words? Please share your thoughts in the Comments.
