I wasn’t going to post today. After 61 consecutive posts I was going to take the day off. But today I found myself reminded of the influence and power that comes with having an audience, no matter how small.
I started the day with a twitter post from Kevin…
And then a response on Facebook from Ronald…
When I got home tonight, I came across a blog post from Sheri where she highlights parts of my reflections on writing (from yesterday’s post) that resonated with her.
As I think about those responses I realize another important aspect of writing that I forgot to include in yesterday’s reflection: the importance of writing in a community of writers. In addition to Kevin, Ronald, and Sheri, there are myriad others who influence my writing and thinking–some who respond to my writing, some who post their own writing, and some who read my writing and don’t respond but make a passing comment to make me realize they read what I write. Some of these people I only know from our digital connections, some I know both from in-person encounters and digital forums, and others I see in person on a regular basis.
Knowing that others will read my writing helps to keep me accountable…not only to others but also to myself. And reading the writing (and other kinds of creating) of others, inspires my writing. This mutuality of being in a community bring sunshine, water, oxygen, and fertilizer to my thinking and my writing creating the perfect conditions for blossoming.
Thinking Through My Lens 
As I pause to read this, I am writing about the #4life behaviour that Ron mentions above, and thinking about audience, support and community. As Ron say, doing “stuff” together helps.
Couldn’t agree more!
Great way of articulating the way connections can inspire …
Kevin
I shared your paint chip posts with a colleague. I had some in my room for my “nuances of words” lessons (deeper colors-intense meaning), and shared them with her. I had never used the color names before! She wrote with them and ran to my classroom to share her poem with me; then she tested them with one class. That afternoon she visited the hardware store and got more! Without other connections, your posts DO keep us together-even with the teachers down the hall! Thanks Kim! We appreciate you and what you share. ~Karon
Thanks Karon…and thanks for telling the story of your colleague. Sometimes if feels like we each exist in a vacuum, alone with our thoughts. It’s wonderful to know we are part of a vibrant community! (And paint chips almost seem like magic!) 🙂