Why Blog....

I have thought long and hard about the concept of blogging.  The idea of publishing one’s personal thoughts on the internet for whomever to read brings with it a host of concerns.  By their very nature words are limited; symbols that are supposed to encompass the human experience leave so much unsaid.  Communication is difficult in the best of circumstance and with the ninety-three percent of non-verbal cues missing from writing; a lot can be read into what has been composed.  I am a communicator by nature.  Yet, even with this inherent ability and the skills I continue to sharpen, I am limited.  Articulating ideas clearly takes a great deal of effort.  In some contexts the presenter may know their audience allowing for modification of their message; not true with the internet – the differences are numerous creating the potential for emotional and philosophical landmines.  Age, gender and ethnic background affect how we interpret information.  Political values, religious beliefs, educational level and presuppositions inform how we all construct our internal world of ideas.    

So why risk it?  Why write?  There are many reasons to place the metaphorical pen to paper – or to the postmodern generation - fingers on the keyboard.  We all communicate.  Maybe not formally, yet we all have a message we want to share with others.  By communicating relationships are created and can grow; boundaries can be defined and redefined, perspectives and mindsets can be expanded or transformed.  Communication is an ongoing growth process for both the reader and this writer.  Are there clearer forms of expression?  Yes, but that takes hours of face to face interaction.  Writing has become an avenue of self-discovery that allows me to process my thoughts, reflect on them, edit and adjust  my attitudes with the goal of presenting a picture that deeply resonates; or at the very least brings insight to those who graciously sacrifice their precious time to read what has been written.   

During undergraduate, my communication’s professor said there is no such thing as pure information – it is all persuasion.  I struggle with this concept.  When I think of persuasion I think of used-car salespeople or politicians that are feeding people lies and innuendo in order to manipulate and use.  Nonetheless, I suppose my instructor is right – my goal is to share – to influence – to persuade.  What it comes down to is credibility.  I hope to prove that I am an honorable and trustworthy source.  There are many reasons for me to write – to create meaning, to express ideas and to inform.  Some of what I share will be a representation of my experience – a perspective grounded in years of struggle to overcome traumatic events – to create something of worth out of what was meant to destroy.  It is my hope is that within these scripts someone will be touched and that we all grow in knowledge and grace. 

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."  Maya Angelou