I love the way our words connect.
From a post Brad Shorr wrote on powerful writing, to a post here sharing a clip of Thunder Road. The power of the song prompted Wendi Kelly to leave this comment:
Sometimes we have to have a little faith in our own voice, in our own authenticity.
We have to have faith that what we need to say just might need to be heard somewhere
And then to write this post: Having Faith
Somebody is listening somewhere. Somebody needs to hear what you have already figured out. Somebody needs a hand up, a little help along the way. Or they need to know that you are struggling too, that they are not alone. They need to know that they are not a lone tree falling in the forest. That you are there and will catch them when they fall, that your words will hold them up-because you have been there first. Maybe all you have to say today is great job or I love you, but these can be powerful words too. Don’t underestimate what you have to say. Someone needs to hear it.
This is what powerful writing means to me. The decision to write, to leave a mark, to make a difference. To release, to realize the power of our own words.
Thank you Wendi for writing such a beautiful piece, and inspiring people to have faith in the power of their own voice, the power of their own words.
Joanna Young, The Confident Writing Coach
Because our words count
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
“Somebody is listening somewhere. Somebody needs to hear what you have already figured out. Somebody needs a hand up, a little help along the way.”
Say no more. Because that’s what it’s really about, yes?
It’s about gaining the confidence to realise that, ok, maybe you are not a top expert. But, you do have something to give. And knowing that somewhere “Somebody is listening” makes it easier. And worthwhile.
(I just wish they’d stop by and say so more often
I know you are having a bang up time out there Joanna! Please keep those photos coming …
Cat, I think that’s right, it’s focusing on what you can do, give, offer, say (what I talk of as your purpose) rather than labels or expectations or concerns about authority (heard a lot of people sharing similar concerns last night ‘who am I to write this…?’
And when you do write from that place, with that purpose, that connection to your own values… other people notice, listen and that’s when you make the difference.
Or something like that
Yes, I’m having a fab time. More photos just gone up.
Big day of learning today. Looking forward to it.
Joanna
Joanna,
Well that post went full circle and came right back home where it was born, right where it belonged!
Thanks for the link! What an interesting and touching feeling it is to see my words staring back at me on someone else’s site,especially someone I respect as much as you. It gave me a lump in my throat! Thank you so much.
I hope you are having a Wonderful, WONDERFUL time, I SO SO wish I was there! So close, and yet so far!!!!!
The connecting power of words. Thank goodness for blogs, because they are giving words a real comeback, you know? There was a kind of no man’s land for a couple decades or so, after the decline of handwritten words (see Terry Starbucker’s latest post http://tinyurl.com/46m7y8) but before the advent of blogs.
I loved the analogy to trees falling in the forest. Then taken further with not only are they there to hear it, but will “catch it” when it falls.
Well said, Wendi and Joanna!
This is so, so true, and it’s the perfect proof that “the pen is mightier than the sword”–because, whereas the sword destroys, the pen has the potential to build up, strengthen, and encourage.
That’s power.
Jeanne
Thanks all for the great comments and value added to this powerful exchange of words. Reinforcing my belief that our words can make a powerful difference.
Wendi, I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes when I read your post. Thank you so much. I love Chicago so much I’m definitely going to come back, and next time we’ll plan a meet up in advance!
Joanna
Well thanks Joanna and Wendi.
Those were words I needed to hear right now to remind me that my voice has value and that I have wisdom to share that might be valuable.
It’s got me thinking …
Chris, I’m glad the words struck a chord. I think it’s a powerful message, but don’t turn it into a pressure or ‘must’… maybe if you’ve combined this post with the sweet song of those wandering little birds you’d be somewhere that felt good…?
Joanna