When I started a blog no one told me about the empty theater – the moments in the blogosphere when you are figuratively standing alone on a stage with your cleverly written post in hand, looking out into a theater of seats filled with –no one.
You shield your eyes from the stage lights only to confirm – empty seats.
No one is reading your content, no one is commenting, and no one is thinking enough of your work to share it with anyone else.
At least…that is how it feels.
This week I was on a stage-the empty one. No one had remarked on any of my blogs in the last couple weeks. My social networking machine had stalled completely, and all other avenues that indicate I was doing something worthwhile had suddenly closed up shop.
Then Tuesday happened…
Let me back up. When I was a dreamy, full of hope, “blogging baby” I set triggers that would alert me when I was on the right track.
I have listed them below.
- I would hit 5000 likes on my Facebook page.
- I would be approached by ATHLETA/GAP/LULU to advertise on my WELLFITandFED site.
- A complete stranger would tell me they had read and enjoyed my blog.
- One of my HERO BLOGGERS would share something I wrote on their site or tell me in person that they thought I was pretty cool.
- The Huffington post would deem me worthy.
(“HERO BLOGGER”: Professional health and wellness bloggers that have arrived, and are living the dream – George Bryant, Julie Bauer and Michelle Tam.)
Back to Tuesday…
I was attending a lively, monthly professional development seminar called “Business Theater Live.” Conveniently, (because it works with my theme) Business Theater Live is set in a theater. A young woman sat beside me. We introduced ourselves, and she said. “Oh, you do WELLFITandFED? I just read a post from you. Great stuff!”
Umm, may I redirect your attention to item number three on my trigger list?!?
Now that I am a seasoned blogger (six whole months) I can tell you that like many creatives, we bloggers, need encouragement. We work for months, sometimes years, before realizing that our work actually does matter. I know this is also true for artists, novelists and actors, but what about the guy next to you on the plane or the lady at work? What is their unacknowledged journey? Could they be in pursuit of some important lifework, and just need a little smile, and a “good job”, to fan their fires?
That young lady beside me had no idea the impact her words would have on me. She was the “get up” I needed for my “go”. So, I encourage you to look for an opportunity to give a word of encouragement to someone. Applaud that person who is working toward a greater goal. We all stand on an empty stage occasionally, grasping in our hand what we have to offer the world.
Have you ever had someone encourage you right when you needed it the most?
Share your example below. I would love to hear!
11 Responses
I love that you wrote this! I feel this way a lot!
Those random times that you, Robyn, or Rena check in with me, and ask how my writing is coming along. Encouraging me to push through and keep fighting always helps me to keep going. Especially when I am low on my confidence about it. You guys always seem to know when to check in on me. Having the encouragement prevents me from giving up on those days I _really_ want to. I am extremely grateful to you all.
Cannot wait to read more from you Erin! You are truly gifted!
YOU encourage me! And I’m grateful.
Whenever I get discouraged about my “message” falling on deaf ears I always try to remember that I’m working for the Remnant (https://mises.org/daily/2892) and may never know if I’ve done any good at all.
Having a young buck I once mentored site me in a corporate newsletter as an influence on his success in the corporate world (he’d recently been promoted to management) was humbling and encouraging. Hearing 3rd hand that somebody in my past considered me a guide was also humbling and an example of serving the Remnant.
Keep up the great work! We’re out here (just typically lurking).
“Small daily improvements are the key to staggering long-term results” ~ motivational poster somewhere
Just emailed myself the link to read. Thank you for sharing your special moments of encouragement! I always appreciate the information you pass on, always so insightful!
I’m in the process of moving into retirement and I was feeling sorry for myself because in my job as a substance abuse counselor I don’t receive a lot of positive feedback from client’s.
And then, I received a voice mail message from a woman who said she was celebrating 9 years of sobriety and I had been one of her first counselors and she just wanted to thank me.
Wow. The timing was incredible and I am so very grateful to her for reaching out. When you least expect it.
THANKS for your blog – I learn something every time, even though I am not much of a “responder”. Thanks again.
Thankyou for reading linda. It is so good to know you are out there. I am SURE there must be moments like the one you mentioned in your line of work. Thank you for forging on. I am sure there are many more that you have touched!
I just replied but it looks like it got lost! I was just saying what a difficult job yours must be for that very reason! What a perfectly timed call! I bet there are so many others out there who have not taken the time to speak up. You have done great work Linda!!
Oh Heather – I soooo relate to this. I don’t think most people realize that blogging is a serious commitment of time, energy and HEART. You share a bit of who you are and what you believe in only to sometimes feel like no one finds it relevant, educational or even entertaining.
Well, I read all your posts and I’m standing behind you all the way. Your message is heartfelt, timely and inspiring. In short, you rock xo
Thankyou so much for your comment Laura!
You are correct, I have not been getting your blogs. Maybe we work on this when we are together! Love you!
The part where you say the work was for me made a lot of sense to me. I have always been able to look back on those moments and say what I got from it. Thank you for your comment.