I’ve been going through the archives of my blog and deleting some old posts. I still have a lot of work to do on that. What am I removing? Loads of posts that were merely quotes with pictures and other posts that were copies of what other people wrote, published with due credit of course!
Finding My Voice
Why am I doing that? One is a very practical reason – to make my blog lighter. But the more important reason is to make sure that my blog is a reflection of me – what I have written. I started out initially writing my own stuff, but as the blog grew I felt pressure to keep posts coming and took the easy way out. Also, perhaps deep within I wasn’t confident enough about the quality of what I was writing? Would it appeal to people?
Given my background in training, I assumed that I would fit well in to the personal development niche. I read loads of personal development blogs and found that most people wrote a lot of ‘how to….’ stuff**. I attempted to do that – but didn’t do too well. The reason? It just wasn’t authentic to me. I found that I couldn’t really tell people ‘how to’ unless I was walking the talk. I couldn’t make a list of steps to follow, because I believe that everyone finds their own way. I can only accompany people on their journey, not give them a route map.
So, with a lot of urging from my husband, I began more and more to write about personal things. I began to write about my own journey, share lessons I’ve learned on the way, talk about ongoing struggles I have, and gradually I found my voice.
I can’t tell you how freeing that is. There is no pressure to be a fount of wisdom. There’s no pressure to compete with anyone else. There’s freedom to be silly, to funny, to be profound (!), to be inspirational (!!) – but most of all there’s the freedom to be me. And I’m grateful for the response I receive to what I write. You dear, readers affirm me. Thank you.
Each of us have their unique voice. It can be expressed in different ways, through your work, your art, photography, sewing, designing, social work and just about any other way that is you. The challenge is to find your voice and then sing loud and clear – be you!
Have you found your voice? Are you looking for it?
May you be inspired – every day!
** Please note, I’m not finding fault with bloggers in the personal development niche…but just stating that I don’t feel I belong there at all.
And we love your voice!
Thanks, Janaki! I hope you’re having a great time in your ‘urru’ š
I too think it’s better to write from personal experience. It’s good to share what you have learned. I have been told that my blog is TOO personal, but on the other hand, I have been told the personal touch makes it more appealing. I prefer to go with my gut feeling, which is to keep it personal. And, after all, you don’t have to put EVERYTHING out there, just the bits you learned from and the bits you actually want and need to share.
Claire, finally our blogs are meant to be a reflection of who we are and we treat our readers as we would our friends (most of them are or become anyway!) – share things but don’t overload them with too much. ā„
You are among the most fantastic voices in blogland, Corinne. š
I like reading “how to” posts when I need them. But then there’s too many of them out there and I don’t really stick around those blogs for long because they all sound the same. Information is every where. But inspiration can only be found in another person’s experiences. Your voice is truly inspiring, Corinne. š
Take care always and God bless! š
Irene recently posted..Does It Make Sense??
Thank you, Irene. I read PD blogs all the time, and am inspired by them too, but at some level I just cannot connect person to person. ā„
I, too, believe that everyone has their own path to find their own voice, to find their true selves. I love your writing, and it truly does inspire me and help me along my own journey to self-discovery and the deity that I believe lives in each one of us.
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Yes, I wish we would all undertake that journey. Thank you for compliments. I like what you said about the Deity that lives in each of us. The word ‘Namaste’ acknowledges that so well ā„
I am so happy and blessed to have found mine, Corinne. Know that I absolutely adore your most authentic, real-me voice! You are such an inspiration! Blessings, my friend!
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I can see that you are in your element, Martha and I’m awaiting the day when I hold your published book in my hand. Thank you for all your love and inspiration, dear friend. God bless you.
This is such a wonderful and liberating step Corinne. I do find it easier to read blogs and understand a person’s journey through his/her experiences. It’s like allowing me to become a part of your personal story and walking the road together.
Buon cammino š
It’s truly liberating, Melissa. I too love reading personal experiences and comparing and learning from them. Thank you for the wishes!
Dear Corinne,
This post brings tears to my eyes. Bravo! I love to watch you unfold into your most powerful self, what could be more inspiring! Wonderful insights here about what that means to you!
I believe that finding one’s voice and cultivating that is a life-long process. Someone told me yesterday that my neck problems indicate “a need for Self expression. Speak your truth!” That made me laugh! I responded that I’m about the most self-expressive person I know and I don’t know how much more of my truth the world can handle on a daily basis — haha! But, the healing and empowerment process continues, right?
I’m so happy to be on this journey of life and growth with YOU! Much Love XOXOXO
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Thank you so much for your love and belief, Linda. Whoever told you about self-expression certainly doesn’t know you š However, like you said, it’s an ongoing process of affirming ourselves and growing more and more confident to be the self we are meant to be. Journeying with you is exciting, Linda ā„
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS
I believe I am still looking for my voice. š
I can totally relate to everything you have said here. I love to take the time and write from my heart, quality material…but every once in a while I get caught up and feel the need to post so that I do not lose any readers… but then I end up unhappy with what I have posted.
I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time writing as often as I’d like…sitting still is a toughie. I bounce from FB to Blogger to other writing projects. Then on top of it, I am trying to find new recipes, keep the house up, work on craft projects and keep up on personal relationships.
Whew. I’m exhausted just thinking about it. lol
One thing I do know is that GYAAN is always inspiring. <3
Thanks for sharing, Nichole. I love your authenticity and am always amazed at how you make time to blog despite the many things you do. But your voice makes a difference to many – keep singing ā„
Slowly I am finding my own voice also Corinne. I’m not yet where I want to be, but have come an awful long way, with a little help and inspiration from my friends!
Elizabeth Young recently posted..THINGS THAT TRAUMATISE US
You message is so lovely Corrine! I think when all is said and done, you (any person), has to do what they are passionate about even if no one comments! Of course it is nice when people comment. I always regard that as a gift of connection. But you can’t fashion yourself to numerous energies … you’ll wind up not who you are but who others think you are. Thank you for this message!
Thank you, Margaret. I agree, we write because we wan’t to express ourselves. Comments are a bonus!
Yes, I have! Great post š
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Glad you have too, RoseAnn!
I’m a purger, too. Congratulations. This is a big step! All the best to you as you continue to find your voice.
Oh yes, I know, Ann š Thank you.
Hello Corinne.
You so echo me. The reason I started my blog, with a little encouragement from a dear friend, was to voice my poetic thoughts.
Just this weekend, a family member asked me why I always write about love. My answer was short and precise…love is who I am, what I know and what I write about. My blog is a therefore a reflection of me, my voice, my thoughts. Keep on being you Corinne…we wouldn’t want you any other way. Delightful post. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you for sharing your reasons to write about love, Andy. I can’t see you writing anything else ā„
Corinne you have a very strong voice…I know you always inspire others.. and always inspire me..I love your personal journey so much.. it’s authentic and real…you let us see you….keep doin what you do….I love you…As always….XOXOXOXOXO
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Thank you, Bonnie. Your authenticity rubs off on me! ā„
Let me first say that I love your voice and secondly, yes I have found my voice too. I too write from the heart and enjoy doing it, some like it some don’t but the bottom line is I am crazy about my thoughts, so I write…
Sulekha Rawat recently posted..No Regrets
Sulekha, thank you! I can ‘hear’ your voice soaring these days and I’m so happy for you! ā„
Thank you… Martha, Lisa, Jimi Ann and Linda. ā„
Interesting topic Corinne!
I think you are doing and have done the right thing to lighten your blog, and have decided to keep post that you wrote yourself. I guess we all realize this sooner or later and finding our own voice is the most important thing we can do to make things roll on our blog.
It took me some time too to get hold of my voice, but now I am comfortable with things and love sharing my personal experiences with the readers of my blog. I think you can write best about things that you know and have experienced yourself, rather than borrowed or copied stuff.
But yes, sometimes I do like to put up a combination of my experiences along with some takeaway facts for the readers, or kind of learning lesson from the post. I feel that is the least I can do as a blogger or my way of contributing to the society. š
Thanks for sharing š
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Thanks, Harleena. I’m so glad that your blog is a reflection of you. I find yours is just the right touch of personal and factual information. You’re doing a fantastic job using your voice ā„
I am sure you had found your voice by the time I came across it, it’s what drew me here for sure and keeps me coming back. I believe we move closer and closer to that the more we practice. I didn’t know when I wrote my first post what my subject was, but I knew it had to be something that ‘was me’. For now, it remains only a slice, but it is true one. I observe all else that is out there and I am content to come back to my not so active, but comfortable, little freedom area to express myself publicy. All part of the journey and enjoying sharing yours immensely, bonne continuation š
Claire ‘Word by Word’ recently posted..Orange Prize Shortlist
Thanks, Claire. I value your feedback. Your niche and your voice within it is very powerful too and I’m sure it reflects you.
I went through a similar process, perhaps I’m still evolving. But I originally thought I was going to write a blog on Spirituality. I soon discovered I wanted to write about some of my struggles in care taking my mother and mother-in-law, for a while I didn’t really know what to write about. Now I write pretty much about whatever comes to my mind. I try to be creative and explore my new love of poetry and also include some of my life process and thoughts. I decided against writing too much about spirituality because, like you, I think people will seek their own way.
What I know for sure, is that people really enjoy reading a blog whose author is authentic. That’s why so many people read you. The honesty of who you are jumps off the page. Hope I can do the same.
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Myrna, thank you for sharing. I love your blog because it so reflects you – thoughtful, sensitive and extremely creative. I think spirituality is a way of life and it will come through in what we write – as yours does!ā„
Corinne, this reminds me of the Wizard of Oz story, where Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion went in search of what theyād already had all along. We all have that innate, God-given voice somewhere latent, somewhere in the depths of our souls. And yet, many go on an outward journey seeking the voice that is hidden within them. Maybe itās the sea of other voices that drowns our own. In the blogosphere, thatās especially true. But there are a few bloggy friends Iāve met along the way that, on the contrary, fuel my own fire, make my own voice stronger. You are one of those. Thank you for being you!
Debra recently posted..Those Peculiar People
I love your example, Debra and it applies so well to me. I’m so glad we’re connected – you inspire me to be a better person (and writer) ā„
I really appreciate your perspective on this. Anything we write is going to be so much more authentic and meaningful if we’re not trying to fit ourselves into some expected mold, but rather speaking in our own voice, from our heart. Thank you for this!
Dawn Storey recently posted..On speaking Canadian to an audience of Americans
Thanks, Dawn. Yes something always gets left out when we try to fit in to a mold š
Corinne you are such an inspiration, I love your words and the way you encourage us all in the group and on our pages. You have been such a major support for me, I love you deary and I am so glad that you are finding your voice once again and finding some peace in that. <3<3<3 (((HUGS)))
Jan Neel recently posted..Friday Moment
Thank you so much, Jan. You’re such a sweetheart! ā„
that is supposed to say “dearly” not deary…lol…
Jan Neel recently posted..Friday Moment
I don’t mind you calling me ‘deary’ too š
This is very good post corinne, and its truly inspiring, I am still learning and in the process of finding my voice, I do believe that blog must be an expression of oneself – only then, it could be inspiring, writing every day can become a pressure, I am learning to be myself too, finding my voice in doing various other things I feel called to, and responding to my own situations makes me feel happy, I am so glad to read your post, for it also motivates me to be myself ! thanks corinne !
Thanks for sharing, Janet. We needn’t write everyday – I’m no longing pressurizing myself to do so. As long as when we do write, we write from the heart – that’s all that matters!
There is only one you, sweet Corinne, and the world needs to hear all that you have to say whether funny, inspiring, or painful. I’m so excited for you. I love what you said about writing the steps to things. That was one of my hang-ups with the Christian world. Everyone was writing how-to books. The ten steps to spiritual warfare, prayer, fasting, forgiveness, getting prayers answered, receiving blessings….and on and on. It seemed as though everyone had a formula and quite frankly I was too tired to follow all of those formulas. You’re right, we each have a path which is uniquely our own and my formula might not work for you.
Okay, I guess I had to get that one off of my chest. LOL!! Anyway, I love your blog and your true blue words Corinne…keep them coming!
Hugs,
Leah
Leah recently posted..The Tango Continues
Thank you so much, Leah. Your opinion matters a great deal. I know just how you feel about the ‘steps’ – I’m not sure why anyone would like to reduce God and faith to a list – sacrilegious, don’t you think?
Love and hugs back!
Hello Corinne,
I am so glad I went back to visit your blog. I had been busy with my own and keeping up with everyone who has visited mine. Thank you again for taking the time to stop by my blog.
When I started blogging about a year and a half ago I wasn’t listening to my “voice” so I couldn’t share it with the rest of the world. I lost the desire to blog and so I stopped. I decided to try it again this month and now I’m happy with what I’m doing. I’m a work in progress, and still fine-tuning the “voice” but this time I know who I am and what I want to write about. I know that I will not please all of the readers all of the time. But somewhere out there someone will be reading something I wrote that was Divinely meant for him or her at that moment in time. I trust this Divine timing in guiding what I write about. So while I do write with care I know that the ultimate message would be different for every reader. My life and who I am are the instruments that God will use to touch others.
And this is why I know that you are a blessing to me.
Thank you again for sharing your life and here’s to celebrating our “voice”…
Best regards,
Mary
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Thank you so much for sharing, Mary. I loved what you said about the Divine using our voices to touch others. This is the very reason I started blogging. I love visiting your blog because of it’s simplicity and depth and the fact that it reflects your life. Let’s drink a toast to our ‘voice’, Mary! ā„
I’m not 100% sure, but I think the first time I checked your blog was after I read a comment you posted to Jodi’s blog, and since that time, I follow all you are posting. I am just starting to find my voice. I still don’t believe i did, but at least i am trying. Thank you for reading my posts. It encourages me a lot.
nikky44 recently posted..The Child that is Me
Nikky, I’m so glad that we connected. You have a very powerful voice and I’m so glad you’re beginning to use it. Some day you will use it to be FREE. This is my prayer for you and your children. ā„
How funny Corinne that you wrote about this. Just recently, I went back through all of my posts to get some old material for tweeting. I was amazed at the difference in not only format, but writing style. I saw tremendous growth! I’m not sure if I would be where I am today with my blog, if it hadn’t have been for the support that I have received from the bloggers I have met over the last couple of years. One of the main things that I noticed was that back then, I didn’t add many images. I am a big ‘image’ or ‘photo’ person. I believe that pictures can say so much more than words sometimes. When I go back through those posts, they look so bare to me now āŗ
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Mary – I’m going through every old post – changing categories, adding tags and pictures. I think it will be worth it in the end.
***Would it appeal to people?***
If I thought about this question, Corrine, I would have quit writing long ago.
Once I decided to write for “myself,” this is when I found my true voice.
Btw, I love your voice. <3 Xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted..Inside The Rain
Oh yes, Kim and I’m so glad you found your voice – through it you’re giving voice to the voiceless. ā„
Hi Corrine,
I came across your site when I was looking for an appropriate picture to “ice”(as in cake icing) my recent post on finding my voice. I felt it written just for me, by me. I cannot describe what it feels like to see your exact thoughts in the way you would say it on someone else’s page. I initially started my blog as I was confused and lonely, despite having a near perfect life. Unlike yourself, my husband is not a huge fan of my work. But he is silent supporter of anything that matters to me. I am now almost at 400 posts within less than a year and wondering what next.
I keep coming back to this post. Thought I would at least share my thoughts and say Thank you for writing.
Thank you so much for stopping by to tell me. Coincidentally just yesterday I wrote about how our lives might matter to people and we may not even know it – it seems the same is true of our writing isn’t it? We start to write to express ourselves and then begin to find other voices that resonate with ours. That is always an enriching experience. I think we’re all constantly wondering what next and our writing helps us to find that answer – time and again. I’m looking forward to reading your post and your blog. Thank you again for connecting!
Hellooo!
Thanks so much for just understanding what I meant.
I really am feeling stuck these days. I must have come across your blog for a reason. One of those who believes that the universe is giving us a sign if we bother to notice. Let me see if I can find some of my clues through your words. Have a great weekend.
I am so glad to read this post ! A month or so ago, I started this WordPress blog precisely to explore ‘finding my voice’. My blog’s sub-title says this š
I have always loved reading for reading’s sake, a true-blue bookworm. But since the past few weeks, every time I pick up a fav author I’m curious about how is it that they sound so distinctive? Whether an Agatha Christie or a P.G. Wodehouse or any of the greats, when you read them, you know it’s them. And that led me here to your website and others.
Amidst the different roles that we play in life, which of these is our authentic VOICE ?
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