I realized quite abruptly that I’m still thinking about my blog as if I were in “experimentation” mode. Meaning, I had this story in my head that I didn’t know how to do it, that I was testing it out and seeing what would work, and basically holding back in all kinds of unconscious ways.
Then, my pal Havi Brooks, as well as emails and phone calls with folks like Naomi, Colleen, Dawud, among others, and a very passionate involved discussion with the members of The Business Oasis (Note: the Oasis ended in November 2010.), have made me realize that this is not a dress rehearsal. I’m already here.
Kinda one of those uhh… “duh!” moments. There have been benefits, and there have been problems with this.
First, the Benefits
You know how sometimes you just talk to yourself when no one else is around? Or at least you think that no one else is around? That’s kinda how I’ve been treating this blog. Only it’s not true.
People are around. And listening. And the more that I actually talk as if no one is around, the more people seem to be around. Kinda odd, kinda crazy.
Are you talking to yourself, saying what’s true for you, taking risks at looking silly and dumb? Or are you holding back, being careful.
I went on a rant, well… a heart-centered rant, at folks in a class of mine, about being too careful, and how that kills intimacy, truth, and connection to folks who need your help.
The Negatives.
The downside is that I haven’t really been treating the blog as part of my business. It means that I haven’t really made a big deal about launching Heart-Centered Article Writing. It means I haven’t mentioned our upcoming Path to Profitability Retreat.
I never even mentioned that we held a free teleclass on the major topics of organic momentum.
I’ve also been amazingly lax about mentioning amazing things friends of mine are doing. Like the above-mentioned Havi and Naomi. Or that we’re having our website redesigned by someone very cool. And that a long-time member of The Business Oasis, Hilary Barrett, has launched her own cool project around the I Ching to help folks who want clarity with their oracle.
And probably a dozen other cool things that sparked me in the moment and I’m not remembering right now. But when I do, I’ll mention them.
Anyway, this is just one of those mea culpas.
Not much else to say about it. Just wanted to say, “Hey, here’s some cool stuff.” And if my sudden gulp of fresh air helps someone to realize they aren’t in a dress rehearsal either, that’s fantastic. Welcome to center stage.
(Does this resonate with anyone else?)
with love
Mark
7 Responses
Thank you for the mention!
(And yes, I’m one of those people who’s around and listening.)
Absolutely, Hilary. And, thanks for listening in. 🙂
Hi Mark,
Yes, your recent blog entry did hit a chord with me. I’ve had my blog for at least 2 years and haven’t really considered it part of my business or leveraged nearly as much as I could.
And to think that I could ‘think and talk out loud’ via my blog…interesting notion. The first thing that comes up is, ‘who’d be interested in what I’m talking to myself about?’
But if it’s on the subject of living on purpose…well maybe someone might want to know that the founder of Life On Purpose Institute talks to himself about on the subject of purpose and meaning.
I also realized from your entry that I had not posted your blog on my blog list. A real missing that has now been taken care of.
More later.
BRAD
I don’t think you’re a blogging bozo! But that’s great that you’re spending more time figuring out your relationship to/with it.
It’s pretty hard for it not to be a work in progress unless you start getting all strategic, and as you kind of pointed out sometimes the best strategy is *not* getting all strategic.
Anyway, looking forward to seeing where you take this and hanging out here some more … on stage or in the back or whatever!
Well, I was going to get all interactive on your a** and suggest that if you wanted to take your blogging seriously, you seriously consider bringing in Adam Kayce to up your game. And then–POOF!–there it is. So you are on the good path, my friend, and I look forward to more blogging splendor soon.
Mark, I’m a blogging bozo too. I just started realizing that I don’t have to make my blog posts all formal and “article-y”. Duh…I can loosen up and just write like a real blog already. =)
@Brad- glad it resonated. Sometimes we need a wake-up call, eh? 🙂
@Selma (and Havi)- Hey, everything’s a work in progress, and bozo ain’t all bad. Thanks for your love and support.
@Colleen- Hey, you can kick my butt any time. It’s been waiting for far too long, and finally, finally things are in motion. 🙂 Adam rocks the house. Thank you for your compassionately-intended nearly-landed butt-kicking.
@Emma- Exactly… Nothing like keeping it real, although that particular phrase is so overused, it’s not very real, is it? But, hey, y’know what I mean.
peace, my friends.