Diane Hughes | @DianeWordsmith
  • Home
  • My Blogs
    • Musings on Life
    • The Write Stuff Blog
    • Ireland Travel Blog
    • Tread Light Adventure Travel
  • Resume
  • My Work
    • Writing Portfolio
    • Photo Gallery
  • Writing/Editing services
  • Contact

MUSINGS ON LIFE
I think; therefore, I muse
 
DIANE HUGHES • NASHVILLE, TN
WRITER, EDITOR, CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL

Voices, words and a cup of coffee

10/28/2012

12 Comments

 
Picture
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.

Subscribe to Musings on Life
12 Comments
Teri H. link
10/28/2012 03:28:42 pm

I was asked this exact question last week. (I'm writing a blog post about it for Wed.)

In the words of one of my former professors...when writing moves from the personal to the public, it's value extrapolates!!

That's why I blog - I believe sharing my voice and story can help in abolishing fear and make more and better human connections.

Reply
Diane Hughes link
10/28/2012 03:32:42 pm

Teri, I so agree. I think we abolish fear every time we hit the publish button! Words and stories are strong ties to connect people. I think the world could use a little more connectedness. Thanks so much for stopping by. And I look forward to seeing your post on Wednesday. :-)

Reply
Veronica Bartles link
10/29/2012 01:06:37 am

I started blogging for me, as a way to acknowledge the blessings that come my way in the form of my biggest trials. I've continued the blog for my friends and family, spread across the country, who feel a little closer when we connect online. And recently, I've made some new friends as a result of my blog and twitter feeds. I've discovered that "social media" can be a way to hide from the real world, but it can also be a truly social forum, where true interactions and lifelong friendships are formed!

Reply
Diane Hughes link
10/29/2012 05:53:52 am

So true, Veronica. As with many things in life, social media can be a double-edged sword. It all depends on how we use it.

Reply
Martha O'Brien
10/29/2012 02:18:46 am

Your words are a calming presence "in the sea of loud voices". I am happy to be one of your readers! It is a pleasure to know you as a writer and a new friend.

Reply
Diane Hughes link
10/29/2012 05:55:02 am

I appreciate your kind words, Martha. And the feeling is mutual. :-)

Reply
Sheree
10/29/2012 05:18:38 am

Your words and sincerity in a sea of uncertainty is a voice that calms&connects, cares&shares and we all are the better for it.I'm listening:)

Reply
Diane Hughes link
10/29/2012 05:56:30 am

What a compliment! Thank you, Sheree, for reading, listening and commenting.

Reply
Laura Zera link
10/30/2012 06:26:10 am

I'd probably be well served to read your grammar blog more often, but it's your musings that always draw me in. As humans, knowing that we share elements of the good and bad times of our lives with other human beings out there makes us feel better, and your words and stories provide that experience.

I mainly blog about travel and mental health, and it's the latter category that have helped me make some profound connections with people. For me, blogging has been a wonderful journey.

Reply
Diane Hughes link
11/2/2012 02:37:02 pm

Your words warm my heart, Laura. I'm glad you enjoy my musings, and I'm truly grateful to have a forum in which to share them.

I agree that our stories — good or bad — help connect us with others. The ability to connect with other people through words is truly a blessing. I am blessed. My life is richer for the friends — like you — that I've made through this blog.

Reply
Bee swarm link
11/25/2021 09:19:27 am

I must say I'm really impressed by the nice write-up you have here. You actually did a great job, unlike most bloggers I've seen on the internet talking about this same topic. Just reading the first few paragraphs, I was already locked in the content. Bravo and keep up the good work.

If you have the time, I would appreciate it if you could help me rate my <a href="https://www.makeoverarena.com/make-money-as-a-writer/">blog</a>.

Reply
MckinneyVia link
12/22/2021 02:19:54 am

Thank you for sharing informative content. It means a lot to me hope you do more articles to post.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    DIANE HUGHES

    I write, edit, photograph and muse about life.

    Picture
          
           

    Subscribe by email.

    Powered by FeedPress


    Picture
    Need help to improve your writing? Visit my writing & grammar blog:
     The Write Stuff       


    ARCHIVES

    April 2019
    January 2019
    March 2015
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    November 2013
    May 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011

    CATEGORIES

    All
    Books
    Christmas
    College
    Copywriting
    Gardening
    Holiday
    Inspiration
    Learning
    Life Lessons
    Media
    Monday Minute
    Most Popular Posts
    Mother
    Nature
    Simple Pleasures
    Travel
    Versatile Blogger Award
    Write For The Fight
    Writing

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos used under Creative Commons from matrianklw, Phil Hawksworth, miss machine♥, stephenshellard, heyFilbert, The Feedman, asenat29, alex_ford, kphotographer, http://www.samcatchesides.com/, dcarlbom, g23armstrong, Mourner, dorena-wm, ComputerHotline, Denkrahm, Sigma.DP2.Kiss.X3, trawin, comedy_nose, katerha, OiMax, kathryn_rotondo