Writing is such an interesting craft. It can be formulaic or free. We can write for the masses or for an audience of one.
I began blogging barely able to eek out a sentence. I had words swirling around, but I also had so many inner walls that I could hardly press the publish button without a mini heart attack.
So reaching 50 posts is a bit of an accomplishment for me. 🙂
Because I promise you, blogging is not as easy as it looks. Well, maybe it is for those insanely talented others. But not for me.
Yes, growing up in school, we learn how to write the “right” way. We learn there is a process and some conventions to adhere to, but writing well enough so that people will listen is hard.
I feel like I am just starting out. In fact, now that I’ve started blogging, I’m having to unlearn things in order to write more freely, honestly and with this curious thing called “my own voice.” As with most of us who blog, there’s not much to hide behind – no editor to scan our work or publisher to market us just right. We simply put ourselves out there, for better or worse.
So for me, just because a thought bubbles in my mind is not permission to spew it out everywhere. Unlike my days of scribbling whatever I wanted all over pages intended for no one (there’s a place for this!), I find that writing for others, such as with blogging, is a different story – literally.
Because blogging is communicating in a very raw form. This means the reader is just as important as the writer, if not more.
Every time we communicate through a post, we make an impact, even if it’s small. Even if it’s just to a mere 10 subscribers or as much as 10,000 – less or more numbers do not mean less or more weight, necessarily. To make an impression on even one person is impact.
It’s a chance to leave an imprint.
And although I started off blogging feeling self-conscious, I have discovered, this whole thing has not really been about me.
This is a refreshing and scary discovery.
Personal blogging has become this unexpected challenge to be vulnerable and transparent. At times you will make yourself feel uncomfortable … and others, too. At times you will have to write about something that you’re not sure anyone wants to read. And no matter how carefully you arrange your words, someone out there will not agree with you.
At times you will wonder if you should be blogging at all.
But 50 posts later, it has been a worthwhile journey.
Blogging pushes me to live more bravely with my eyes open. Best of all, it has given me a sense of community.
So yes, there are many ways to write empirically well. There are some conventions we have to work with, too.
But bloggers have this amazing freedom to communicate.
And as we move from bloggers to communicators, the formulas are less exact. The goal becomes less about an approving nod, but more about what convicts and moves us, whether to tears or laughter. It becomes less about perfection, and more about expressing ourselves uniquely and yet still being communicative, all within some conventional clarity.
I am seeing that every post, quickly written or laboriously crafted, has the potential to be a gift – a piece of beauty, frailty, humor, hope or whatever else lays on our heart that day. It has the potential to connect us and make the world a little smaller.
Because at its heart, personal blogging is not so personal. It’s more about others than ourselves.
And maybe this is true for all the words we say?
invited by grace 
This is so great, Kim! Congratulations on writing 50 posts! It really is a feat! Even though it is just a number, behind it is all the thoughts, all the pondering, and your very heart. ☺ I’m so glad I can be part of your community.
Thank you, Marla! It is a feat! I am so serious when I said I could barely eek out a sentence in those early days. 🙂 Thank you for seeing and appreciating my heart through all of this. I know you understand! It’s such a blessing to know we are in this together. So glad that you are in my community, too. I hope you never stop writing and using your own voice!
Yay you on writing 50 posts! That’s awesome.
I love this line: “To make an impression on even one person is impact”.
I so agree. I started blogging purely for me but in connecting with other bloggers realised that I have something to offer. It’s not about reaching thousands of people but in touching one person (as I know many single blog posts have touched me) we can make the world a little different.
Hope that makes sense, I might be rambling today! lol.
Thanks, Abbie! I can tell you have a passion for writing and communicating … and I’m glad I found your blog! I am sure you are touching many. And yes, touching one person is STILL impact. Keep it up!
Congratulations on your 50th post 🙂
I really appreciated your whole contemplation, but especially liked
Because at its heart, personal blogging is not so personal. It’s more about others than ourselves.
It is true that the blogs I’m most drawn to are those that also somehow draw me into the life of the author.
Thank you Heather. You are always so encouraging. I’m so glad that the line resonated with you. Blogging has truly become a way to reach out to others, and I’m very thankful for this opportunity (that I mustered the courage to write beyond the pages of my journals). Keep up your posts and insightful handling of Scripture!
Kim, you articulated this world of blogging so well! You are a gifted writer who communicates beautifully to your audience. I’m so glad that we can connect through our blogs! Congrats on 50! 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words, Hannah. I too am so thankful to have connected with you. Your posts are always SO encouraging!
This is exactly how I felt about blogging when I first started as well…vulnerable and scared to death of the publish button! But it really has been worthwhile. I’m so glad you write because you communicate beautifully. 🙂
Thank you so much. I find it refreshing and comforting to know that someone feels the way I do. 🙂 I have to say that you have no reason to fear as you write so well … and I loved that post about how some readers stumble on your site because they actually want to know how to catch crawfish!
Kim, I’ll chime in with the other commenters. You do communicate beautifully! Congratulations on writing 50 posts!
When I began blogging, I was so worried about running out of things to write about, but God always shows me something to write on. I try to remember that I’m not writing to please people, but ultimately I’m writing for God, if that makes sense.I love the idea you share about moving from being a blogger to being a communicator. Well said. 🙂
Thank you Jeanne. I couldn’t agree more about writing for God. I truly enjoy your blog and your gorgeous photos. So glad we connected! 🙂
I love this part of this post: “Because blogging is communicating in a very raw form. This means the reader is just as important as the writer, if not more.” That is so true. I hope you keep writing as I not only enjoy reading your posts, I always find some useful perspective. Congratulations on 50 posts!
Your words are always so encouraging Thank you! As best as I know, I will keep chugging along here. Every time I think there is nothing to write about, something comes to mind. I am thankful for this outlet. And so thankful that you are in my community because I have been blessed by your blog!
Thank you so much! I have been by yours as well.