It’s not only [great artists] that make a difference, but each of us when we share our gifts freely with the world. We never know how our gifts can be used to make a difference to someone. It can change the world.
So wrote Wendi Kelly to me in a piece on Living Wide Awake.
Her words have been reverberating with me since, making me think harder about how what we do – to blog, to write, to tell stories, to share photographs, to ask questions, to reflect and wonder – makes a difference to the lives of others.
Extends the collective sense of what’s possible.
You know, even after all this time I’m still not really sure what it means “to blog”, but I do believe it’s got something to do with this: what happens when we share our gifts freely with the world.
Here’s a round up of some posts from around the blogosphere that do just that: create, share, and breathe possibility into what we do.
1. Just invent a new way of doing what you do
Emma Newman looks backwards… then forwards… at her writing habits
When I found myself fired back into that time, I realised how habitual my writing was back then. Every day the morning commute was an hour in total when I would think about where I was in the story and what the characters were going to do next…
I’d like you to be part of something I’ve designed to bring some of that good habit making back into my life, with a large dollop of creamy social goodness stirred in for good measure.
I’m starting a short story club.
Emma Newman: The Journey Back that Took Me Forward
2. Just talk of dreams, and pushing imagination to the limit
Brad Shorr reminds us of the power of science fiction writing:
Human imagination is our unlimited resource. Natural resources are limited. Daily, we run up against obstacles that stifle, at least temporarily our objectives. Even our senses and our intellect have limits. However, we are blessed with the ability to imagine anything. Science fiction gives vivid expression to the infinite ability to dream that lies within each of us.
Brad Shorr at Joyful Jubilant Learning: Summers of Science Fiction
3. Just have a little faith in who you are and what you do
Amy Palko throws open the doors, asks her readers for feedback, and learns a powerful blogging lesson:
One of the things that I’ve learned from this process is that I need to have a little more faith in myself and in the kind of content I share here on the blog.
Amy Palko: A Little Faith
4. Just explore and play with the potential of social media
Wonderwebby encourages us to draw outside the lines with social media:
Do you draw outside the lines? Think of the possibilities
Wonderwebby: Outside the Lines
5. Just blur the boundaries of art forms
Bo Mackison experiments with self-portraits, metaphorically shooting. This one’s a pot of pens (as befits a poet and writer 
)
6. Just reach for the stars
–Deb reminds us of those times when we need to shoot for the moon
But sometimes, you have to shoot the moon. You have have to reach for the stars. You have to go for the gold. You have to pick the cliche of choice and just … go for it.
–Deb: Shoot for the Moon
And then…
7. Just remember how to take other people with you
Jon Swanson: Just
(Thanks for the inspiration Jon)
~~~
What have you been reading recently that’s reminded you of that breath of possibility?
Work with Joanna and learn to express yourself with confidence. Online classes to free the inner writer. Get help writing the pages that you need for an effective presence on the web.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Joanna, Thank you for starting off our week with a healthy dose of inspiration!
Brad Shorr´s last blog ..The Google Chrome Browser Diet
Joanna, I’m with Brad – thanks and a hat tip for the breath of inspiration this morning! A great way to kick off a Monday!
Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Great Rewards: Keeping Your Eye on the Prize
Thank you for including me in this clever bunch, Joanna! We’re all pretty inspired by you, too, you know.
–Deb´s last blog ..Wanted: Literary Agent of My Dreams
@ Brad, @ Robert, @ –Deb, thanks
It seemed like a good way to kick start the week, and you know how I love numbered lists posts… 
The breath of possibility… that phrase brims with “of what could be” Joanna!
I visited Lateral Action recently and came away eyes-wide-open to the possibility of crystal clear dissemination. http://lateralaction.com/
dave´s last blog ..The Call of the Wild and Personal Branding
@Deb’s right! You do your share of inspiring too Joanna. One thing that I have taken away from reading and commenting on your blog is being open to the possibility of putting the ink back into my well on a personal level. I write scads everyday for my work blog, but when I come to your site, I delight in crafting words I know you will appreciate (think: loops and whirls) in the comment section. I’ve taken a LONG hiatus in my personal writing and your blog has ignited, if not a raging blaze, a smoky smoldering which, I hope, will act as a signal fire to my subconscious slacker.
So. Thanks.
Sara @ iGoMogul
Joanna, I love your blog, I love how you consistently bring your blog followers into a community, provide a sense of belonging. Thanks! (And thanks for the mention, too. I’ve got another self-portrait in the works–they seem to be getting weirder and weirder.)
BTW, when (I’m thinking positive here) I visit Scotland, can I come and say hello? Wouldn’t that be fun!
Bo Mackison´s last blog ..Cardinal Flower
dave now you say it I realise I was probably talking about aloha… don’t you think?
Thanks for the reminder about lateral action – I haven’t been there for a while, but will revisit with your recommendation
Sara wow, thanks so much for sharing the impact that comment writing has had on your personal writing. That’s fantastic – thanks for letting me know. My heart’s doing some loops and whirls in response
Bo thanks – I’ve eventually realised that’s what I like the best about blogging – it’s so rewarding. I’m loving your pen pictures
and I’m sure the weirder the better. Yes, when you visit, you most definitely have to come and say hello.