Is blogging the way to find our relevance (and our way) in this huge world?

Valorie Davenport — Sun, 03 May 2009 07:29:22 +0000

I am a prolific writer in my own mind. I am sure that I have authored dozens of pieces worthy of the New Yorker or the Times. A best selling work of legal fiction as well as at least one serious well recognized, highly praised political analysis and commentary. Ahhh, but only in my mind. The words were real, the thoughts were perhaps even insightful and somewhat unique, the writing pithy and even poignant; however, without pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) my thoughts may have resonated loudly at first, only to disappear like ripples from a drop of rain on the vast surface of the ocean. And that was safe. In that closed arena, I was both my most stalwart supporter and my harshest critic; however, I could always stop the criticism at any moment. And leave no witnesses behind.

Here there are risks. In seeking to become relevant, I (and we all) risk being exposed as ignorant, or mundane, or in a thousand other ways “less than” every person who reads and comments (or chooses not to comment) on my blog. But the potential for open and unrestrained debate on a wide range of ideas is both challenging and enticing. In balance, I find myself more intrigued than afraid. I want to listen, hear and sincerely try to understand others as I undertake this journey to relate: to find my way, my place and, ultimately, more clearly define my purpose. While I am not the center of the world, I am, as each of us are, a part of the world. And we are each a part which, when lost, will leave the world a lesser place. Perhaps this (blogging) is one way of ensuring that the hole we each ultimately leave is not as vast….or as empty: that when we leave, that we will leave some scent (or stain) of us behind. So, now let this new adventure through my life begin…hello out there! Is anyone listening?

Valorie Wells Davenport » Etc.

Is blogging the way to find our relevance (and our way) in this huge world?