Writing a blog – like any sort of creative endeavor – seems to come standard with a maddening, soul-crushing question: what’s the point?
What’s your blog about? Why do you do it?
I didn’t have a great answer to either of those questions, but judging by how often the question came up – and how much it got under my skin – I suspect those same questions have been used to squash creativity throughout time.
What’s the point of knitting, if you’re not knitting something useful?
What’s the point of drawing or painting if it’s not going to sell?
What’s the point of making music if no one hears it?
And (the worst one) why would you create things if you’re not very good at it?
Over the past two weeks, I took time to reflect on this question as it regards this blog. What’s the point? As I struggled with that answer, I considered what my writing is not:
It’s not a commercial endeavor. I’m not a professional blogger, nor am I looking to become one.
It’s not about telling you how to live your life – and definitely not how to live it in five search-engine-friendly steps.
It’s not the story of my life. While my experiences inform the posts, this blog is not about what I’ve been up to lately.
It’s not a photography blog, nor am I a photographer, and yet I like it when pictures help to complete the story.
It’s not just about minimalism, mindfulness or travel, although all of those subjects pop up over and over again as they are all tools to help me to learn.
So what is the point of this blog?
In the end, I write to figure out things for myself. To observe what is working and what isn’t. To create a space where I can slow down long enough to notice the world around me, and the world within me. To admire the gleam of a golden leaf against an October sky or the vivid red of a cardinal against a snowy backdrop. To challenge myself and to offer grace. To bear witness to the moments that matter. I write for myself, and I share it as a simple offering in case it may be useful to others others. That’s the point. And it is enough.
Creation is the point.
Listening is the point.
Compassion is the point.
Looking with clear eyes and listening with an open heart to discern what is true is worthy. And stringing words together to illuminate that truth is a joy.
That’s the point. And it is enough.
PS – You can do it too.
Port Wing/Lake Superior photo taken by me with an iPhone,
June 2011, the evening before my goddaughter got married.
I love your writing. Keep it up. Point or not.
Thanks Gerry!
I love it too — and reading helps me to slow down — look, listen, feel… I appreciate the work it must take even as it appears effortless.
I enjoy your posts as well and often find them interesting and inspiring! Keep up the great work.