Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning. –Maya Angelou
Last week, several hundred bloggers (including myself) attended the Type A Parent blogging conference. Though there was a terrific agenda of sessions as well as lots of networking and great fun to be had, the most important takeaway for me came on the last day of the conference when I learned what it means to be a writer.
Typically the least intensive day, we wandered in to the room needing gallons of coffee and getting ready for the conference to wind down. At the morning session, three well-known bloggers each began by reading one of their blog posts.
Through laughter and tears, at the end there was not a dry eye to be found.
It was a beautiful moment, with words that touched each of us deeply. Being able to relate to each one from personal experience I was such a blubbering mess that I debated whether to stay seated and hope that no one would notice the stream of tears running down my face or to leave the room and compose myself.
It bears repeating that their words had such a strong impact that there was not a dry eye left in the house. This, for me, was the single most important lesson learned during the conference. Words matter. As bloggers, our words are what make us relatable to our audience. Our words can be informative; they can be empowering and they can be therapeutic.
As I listened to these three amazing women I wondered about my own words. Do they matter? Could they touch a room full of people?
So often in this space we hear about having a niche. A niche will keep you on track with your mission. A niche will make you more attractive to potential clients. A niche will help you to find your tribe.
After seeing and feeling the impact these posts had on a room full of savvy businesswomen, I decided that needing to have a niche is total crap. Being in this space is about posting words that matter, whether that means providing others with ways to give back, teaching them how to save money, showing them how to craft with their children or helping them to realize that they are not alone.
Our words really do matter so let’s continue to use them wisely.
How will your words impact someone today?
If you would like to read the posts that made us laugh and cry, here are the links:
Overwhelmed by Motherhood: The Anatomy of an Anxiety Attack by Katherine Stone
My Son has a Super Power by Tanis Miller
Holding True: Maintaining My Non-Diet Status in the Post-Holiday Onslaught of Shame by Cecily Kellogg
That was absolutely my favorite moment from the entire weekend. I’d love to see a session/keynote that was all readings!
What a fabulous idea!
Fantastic post, Jessica! I can’t wait to read the posts that moved you. Thanks for sharing this insight!
Thanks, Becky. Let me know what you think of the posts.
It was a fabulous session. And so very inspirational!
I am so glad I stayed for it. Such a wonderful and unexpected surprise.
Great post Jessica – you summed it all up and expressed the emotions so wonderfully. Can’t wait to see the writings this session inspires!
Hillary
Thanks, Hillary. This is what I was trying to get out when we chatted last night.
Thank you… 🙂 I’m glad you got so much out of it!
Thank you for sharing that experience. I was not at the conference, I and got weepy just reading about those posts being shared.
You said it: Being in this space is about posting words that matter.
I cannot agree more.
Thanks, Angela. I am touched by your comment.
Thanks Jessica for a great post. One I needed to hear at this moment. I have been debating on whether to begin a separate blog about some of the things on my mind, worrying it won’t relate to my “niche” or brand on my blog. It has to do with my own human nature, and although I want my audience to feel positive about life, it can be sometimes difficult to write about that when you have doubt yourself. I’ll take your advice and write about the HARDSHIPS as well as the great at “BE”ing moments life throws at all of us.
Oh, Victoria. I so know what you mean. I’ve wondered about that here too, but I think that posting those thoughts and feelings are what makes you human to the readers. That’s your real estate and you can give yourself permission to veer off course every once in a while.
The tears were flowing over the ‘super power’ post. It is so often so true. I can remember growing up there was a girl in the town I lived in who had intellectual disabilities. Looking back I am so glad I was kind to her-she taught me important life lessons that I would later appreciate more when I had children of my own with disabilities. Sometimes the things we learn while we are in school aren’t all reading, writing and ‘rithmatic, and aren’t taught to us by teachers at all.
What a terrific way to put it, Nancy. Thanks for your insightful comment.
Great post Jess- well said I think all our word relate to someone. Thanks for sharing that. I am sorry I missed the 3 women speak but there blog post were lovely. Thanks for sharing them.
Thanks, Sherry.
Wow! Some great posts.
A little bit of magic happened in that room that morning. I’m so glad I was a part of it and so thrilled to share with everyone. Thanks for supporting us.
It was so incredibly amazing. I did my first post of the weekend about the comments/tweets made that day, as well. LOVED. So moved.
Your take on it is perfect, I think. And love the “niche is crap” mindset, too.
Great seeing you again and connecting. 🙂
I love, love, love this!
“Motherhood is music not math.” Writing like that — it hits you. I’m someone who has the most difficult time getting down to the 2 second “this is what my blog is about.” I fumble, I stammer and eventually settle on absolutely nothing. I feel as though an introduction to me is an introduction to my blog (at least in person).
The business of blogging can be such a buzz kill and it shouldn’t be. Why are a whole lot of people so serious? Have fun, be kinda smart about it, and be open to having great things happen. Aiming Low is having the Un-Conference in October and I’m hoping that’s exactly what it will be like: not so serious.