I have this monster of a fear.
The scenario is this: I’m old and alone, sitting in a tiny room of a geriatric ward, stuck in some rat hole of a place with nothing to do. I can’t even read any more because my vision is shot. No friends, no family, just an old dog left to rot.
It’s a recurring dream and it’s about being alone and forgotten.
Do you have dreams about being consigned to oblivion?
In reality, there is very little chance you’ll truly be remembered after you pass away. There’s your family of course, but unless you have the creativity of Shakespeare, the genius of Einstein, or the inventiveness of Edison, there’s very little reason to believe you’ll create a lasting legacy.
If it’s that futile, you should just give up, right?
Well I’m not so sure. Think about my depressing dream. There’s something at work deep in my subconscious that fears being alone and forgotten more than death itself.
I think we’re all on the same page when it comes to this. We all want people to remember us for something special.
And this is where it gets back to you and your plans.
When you sit down to write a post, what do you feel when you hit the keyboard? Are you thinking about truly affecting someone’s life in some way?
And I’m not talking about profound change, this is more about a kick start. Think about one lonely soul inspired to make one minor change because of you.
You are the spark.
How much emotion do you bring when you hit that keyboard?
No matter how you flesh out your little masterpiece, you do need that spark of life.
I’m often transported back to the dull, lifeless existence I lead many years ago.
I worked in a toxic environment, where meetings droned on and the bow tied owner was more concerned with hearing himself speak than actually leading a team.
In other words, the shit came from the top down, and for me it was like zombie land. This is a place where people didn’t even say, “good morning.” At the time I got my hands on every self-help book I could read. I needed someone to tell me I wasn’t bat shit crazy and I was fully capable of leaving this toxic waste dump.
And that’s where I’m coming from. When you write, try and visualize someone experiencing some sort of pain. A bad situation they want no part of, and need the impetus to bust a move.
That is how you can make a difference.
Since I started writing, I’ve received a few emails, thanking me for that little flash of motivation. People who wanted someone to tell them it was okay to jump online and write with conviction. Or simply take step one to realize a dream.
And that’s what I’m saying you should do. Write with honestly and a slice of passion. That just might be the motivation someone needs to help them roll out of bed the next day and make that one move. To start that snowball rolling.
You don’t need to completely bare your soul, but certain practices go a long way to:
1. Make a difference in someone’s life, and;
2. Fully realize your capabilities as a writer.
It’s a win-win situation, and the more I do this, the less I dream about being old and lonely.
I don’t care if you’re blogging about accounting or Flemish tulip vases, part of making “it” really work involves telling a story.
And guess what? Stories with heart and soul have a better chance of making a connection that lasts.
So, why not wear a little chunk of your heart on your sleeve?
We probably won’t be remembered like Cezanne or Twain or Franklin. Not bloody likely is right, but maybe part of your lasting legacy will be born right on that WordPress template.
And if you can make a difference, however small, isn’t that what it’s all about?
If you feel this way, join our community and we can bust a move together. it’s growing by the day.
If you think this was of any help whatsoever, spread the knowledge and Tweet away by clicking here.
{ 39 comments… read them below or add one }
I think perhaps I should start blogging about Flemish tulip vases. I love that line. It made me smile:)
When I sit down to write, it’s a pleasure. The words just flow, and I the words come through me easily.
I would say, with confidence, that my entire life has been devoted to making a difference. “Devoted to” sounds a little out-there and pompous perhaps, because when I read that, it’s like I planned for it to happen. Instead, it’s almost like there was no other choice. From my early days as an Olympic coach, it was all about helping others live their dreams…being of service…leaving the person and the situation a little bit better, a little bit happier, a little more confident, as a result of our interaction.
I wear my heart on my sleeve every day: what you see is what you get. I lead a blessed life: I have nothing to complain about, even when I do. I’d like to think I’ll be remembered as someone who genuinely cared…who added a bit of brightness and light to others’ days…who lived a life of service and gratitude. Yep: that would be a life well remembered. Cheers! Kaarina
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..Is the online world making you a green-eyed monster?
Hi Kaarina,
Same feeling here, even with research (read: work) involved, I love the process of writing.
Doesn’t sound out there at all. Like you wrote, it goes with what you chose to pursue. In fact, it’s hard to imagine wanting to be something like an Olympic coach and not having this spirit of helping others live their dreams. But I’m sure there are more than a few who are purely ego-driven. I imagine it is pretty amazing watching someone really break out too!
You have a great combo: Someone who cares, but is also not afraid to give a little (or big) kick in the shins
P.S. You can also see that the words flowed through me so easily that I messed up on my second paragraph…during the edit, I forgot to remove “I”. Freudian slip?
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..Is the online world making you a green-eyed monster?
I didn’t even notice it
You rock
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..Is the online world making you a green-eyed monster?
Hey Craig,
This is really a great post, one that reinforces my idea that writing on-line can be a changing force even just starting with one person. I’ve been blown away by some of the feedback and the emails I’ve gotten after publishing a post that I may have thought was good, but nothing special. Just goes to show that the beauty of blogging is in the eye of the beholder, and I feel very privileged to connect with readers in this way if I can.
Joe recently posted..Tougher Than The Rest
Hey Joe,
Thanks, man!
It can be a changing force for sure! It’s so great to get those emails, isn’t it? You never know what might resonate, but if you write with passion and honesty something is sure to stick.
You are leaving quite the legacy with details on your family history. Great stuff!
I agree.
The best posts or chapters have always been fueled by emotion. That is why I struggle to write if I’m tired. I sit in my chair, staring blankly at the screen, just want to nap, and I can’t make anything pop out of the fog that I’m in.
Sometimes I read paperbacks from the 50′s or 60′s by authors I’ve never heard of and I like to think they’re pleased that their work found a new set of eyes.
I like to think the books I leave behind will be dug out by someone in the years following my death, probably around the year 2362 or so.
Brian D. Meeks (@ExtremelyAvg) recently posted..Feedblitz Revisited
Hi Brian,
That’s why I never write at night. I only have that spark in the morning. Yes, always best to remove yourself from that chair if you’re just staring at the computer in a fog-like state.
2362 huh? You never know. Pretty soon we might all have nanobots scanning our bodies and helping us live way longer than we ever thought possible. Heck, you might have to wait until 2462
Thanks for stopping in, Brian. Here’s to being remembered.
Who’s to say what untold stories gravitate around Flemish tulip vases?
Whatever you write in honesty will eventually touch someone. This much I know. Even if it moves them one inch forward and no more, it shall have been worth it.
As you said, “You are the spark.”
Bell recently posted..When the Tsarevitch Dreamed of a Beardless Nation
Exactly …
I’m so glad you agree, and man are you right – “Even if it moves them one inch forward and no more, it shall have been worth it.” Yes, indeed!
Thanks for stopping in, Sir!
You are getting miles from those Flemish tulip vases. Are you stuffing key words again? Hmmmm……gets me thinking.
Story is the best way I can see that anyone can get their ideas across in this space. If you think about it people go to the web for a ton of reasons but in reality they are looking for an answer to a problem, looking to be entertained or looking for a resource.
Regardless of which truth and honesty are transparent. I think so, at least.
What better way to engage than a story that comes from the heart?
Ralph recently posted..Warning: List Post: 10 questions disguised as 19 questions to challenge your creativity.
Ralph,
Indeed I am. At least I know people are reading my content
” …they are looking for an answer to a problem, looking to be entertained or looking for a resource.”
– Yes, and if you can do all three while telling a story … well, that would be golden, huh?
Like I wrote, I think it’s about wearing a little chunk of your heart on your sleeve. Some go overboard, sure. But I’d usually rather have that then a milquetoast delivery, because someone is really holding back.
How interesting that Kaarina’s comment was the first I saw (and she zeroed in on Flemish tulip vases as I did!) and hers was the last blog I visited this morning and you both are talking about monsters.
Two other blogs — Dorman and Harai and speaking about change and changing it up.
There’s something in the air, for sure. What you’re saying to everyone is that this journey cannot get stale; we need to change it up all the time and invent, innovate and create to keep the spark alive.
WE (the individual blogger) are the only ones who can do that so our community keeps coming back.
Jayme Soulati recently posted..Sex, Drugs, Scandal — BAM!
Hi Jayme,
Man, as Ralph said, I AM getting my money’s worth out of that. Maybe “Flemish” just pops off the page like it rolls off the tongue.
Not sure what’s in the air, but change is good and we do need to cast off those monsters.
That’s part of what I’m saying. I’m also saying it’s okay to bring forth the passion. Don’t hold back.
But I do love the message about staying fresh and changing it up.
Thanks!
“… why not wear a little chunk of your heart on your sleeve?”
That’s a beautiful sentiment and something that, sadly, strikes fear into the hearts of many.
I wrote a post once about enthusiasm being a secret marketing weapon. People talk about “voice” and “authenticity” all the time, but I think what truly magnetizes a brand is more about enthusiasm – about being SO excited that you can’t contain yourself, about letting your love or passion for something spill over and out and into the world, about being SO zealous that you don’t care if you look like a fool. You will dance in the streets, scream from the rooftops, say the thing no one else will say, admit you’re wrong, sing, write poetry, stand up in the boardroom and tell it like it is … because you believe with all your heart, because you’re excitement compels you to take action, to speak out loud.
People who can capture and share this kind of unbridled enthusiasm will be remembered. They will be remembered because, as Maya Angelou said, “…people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Let people feel your enthusiasm. Let them drown in it but not want to come up for air. That’s the way to be remembered.
Suddenly Jamie recently posted..Branding is NOT optional – Part 1: A cautionary tale
Hi Jamie,
Thanks and you are righto on that one! I used to be in that fear camp.
“Secret marketing weapon!” Love that! And you’re right. In writing, audio, video, whatever … that honest passion and enthusiasm shines through and does push people to get off the boring old “sofa” and make something happen.
I’ll scream from the rooftops, sure! I wouldn’t call my spastic movement dancing, but what the heck. But really, yes! If you have all that energy, let it out and let others feed off of the excitement you project.
Love the Maya Angelou quote and that is so true.
Thank you for the shot!
I’m sure your dancing isn’t THAT spastic.
Suddenly Jamie recently posted..Branding is NOT optional – Part 1: A cautionary tale
Oh, it is!
Flemish tulip vases. I completely passed over it. I had to go back and look – twice! That’s because I was so busy agreeing with you. Blogging is all about connecting with readers.My most recent post prompted three different followers to tell me they laughed until they cried. It can’t get any better than that, can it?
Hi Virginia,
Boy, that line sure received some attention
So glad you liked what you read.
No, Virginia, you can’t get much better than that! Sounds like you’re on a roll and thanks for dropping in!
Powerful, elemental, supportive, encouraging.
I thank you as ‘WELL’.
http://www.resultsazwell.com
All four, huh? … Thanks, Jay!
Hi Craig
I think our dysfunctional work places were an inspiration for writings! No “good mornings”, bitter gossiping co-workers and the desperation to escape.
We all can inspire each other if we share our stories, our struggles and our worries. My husband and I say we could die in this house and they wouldn’t know for along time. Our families don’t live close and communicate only with the telephone once in awhile. Got to get out more often! Okay so won’t be rotting away with an old dog beside me, maybe a few cats!
You know I thought about how we limit our thinking to what we can actually achieve, so being looking at how to improve that and be the best we can be. We label ourselves to not being capable of brilliance. Of course most great people are not acknowledged until they are long gone. I thought maybe trying to focus on the infinite possibilities with no limitations due to humble upbringings would at least be a start in the right direction. People have done it with less.
Great thoughts today and shall take it to heart.
Mary
Mary Stephenson recently posted..Dilemma of Unfinished Projects
Hi Mary,
Ah, you are correct, if nothing else, dysfunctional work places are definitely an inspiration for writing.
I think most of us do have the rotting away fear. Going through life without having accomplished much. It’s all relative of course, but just being active and bringing forth a bit of emotion will get you places and you might just surprise yourself, me thinks.
Heck, I labeled myself for years. I would think the great majority of people do. But like you’ve written, why not focus on the infinite possibilities? Not everything will work out. We do have limitations, but you’ll never find out if you don’t get out and do something!
Love your comments! Thanks.
Love this post! When I started writing, I wrote from my life’s experiences and shared some very deep thoughts. I was so amazed and touched that most of the comments I received mentioned how much people appreciated me being so honest. It is true that we need to write from the heart. That’s one of the reasons I love your site because that’s exactly what you do.
Sheila Bergquist recently posted..Stress Relief: Your Kitty Has the Answer
Hi Sheila,
It is amazing what writing with conviction and honesty will get you, huh?
Glad you experienced such great feedback and thank you for the kind words. Really appreciate that!
Hi Craig
Writing doesn’t come that easily to me, well it’s not the writing itself but the topics I’m writing about. I do have loads of ideas but what I’m trying to achieve is to relate them to my life and experiences.
Sometimes I put too much pressure on myself to come up with something a bit different, although in the end it works out and I get another post out.
Tim Bonner recently posted..Why Blogging Naked Is The Way Forward
Hi Tim,
That is a challenge, isn’t it? I do like writing with honestly, but you brought up a good point. I think there should also be some cohesiveness. Consistency across the board is important and it’s all about how you weave that narrative together, time and time again.
It’s hard not to put pressure on yourself. Sometimes I have to remind myself this is a blog post not an article for The New Yorker
Thanks, Tim!
Hi Craig, Oh you just zeroed in on my worst nightmare. When I was a kid walking those halls of the nursing home I genuinely thought the people who were roaming the halls who were still vertical were zombies, and I was terrified for those in the wheelchairs.
There is no doubt that we touch lives. Most of the time when we blog we are probably doing it mostly for ourselves, even when we are simply trying to impart a message or teach something. Even those who do it “just for business” are learning as they go to some degree. You will never, never know all of the lives that you touch , change, improve…just by a few of your words. Then there’s that great ripple effect. Even if we as individuals are never “known” in the famous kind of way, we have made our impact.
Julie Barrett recently posted..I’ve Got Your Angelic Intervention Right Here
Hi Julie,
Sorry about that!
If I had those experiences as a kid, I probably would have felt the same way. I guess you had quite the imagination too, huh?
Great points about making an impact. We all can teach each other and I’ve been inspired by so many others out there. And you’re right, we are all learning as we go to some degree. Saying anything less would just be dishonest.
Nice points and thanks so much for stopping in. Here’s hoping you don’t dream about zombies tonight
Hey Craig,
This post was truly great as it really emphasized writing with the purpose to influence. Words and writing are such a powerful medium, and can inspire deep lasting change more effectively than if someone were threatening you with a weapon or some impending tragedy. Words have the ability to change us from the inside out and can change the very nature of who we are. Anyway, thanks for reminding me of why I write…to change and inspire.
Hi Ben,
Thank you! Yes, words and writing can be extremely powerful and moving. And you’re so right about deep and lasting change.
You’re welcome. Thank you for coming by and making a comment, I really appreciate that!
“Write like you talk and they’ll read like they listen”. That’s what I always have in mind when I hit my keyboard. And people notice.
Hi Tommy,
Words to live by there … just let ‘er rip, right? Thanks for stopping in.
Thanks for your thought-provoking posts Craig. I found you through mention in another blog and found your writing really appealing. I’ll be stopping by more often.
Hi Tommy,
Thanks and so glad to have you here! Appreciate the comments.
I have to say, you’re awesome. And I’m not blowing smoke!
Craig, you write with such conviction and truth. I haven’t spent too much time focusing on what I feel when my fingers hit the keyboard but I certainly feel your energy and zest for life when I read this.
Thanks again for sharing!
Hi Geoff,
What a cool thing to say, and hey man, I’ll take it
Seriously, very kind of you.
Thanks so much for popping in!
{ 6 trackbacks }