Quotes to make us better bloggers (and better people too)
In my books and other pieces I’ve written, I like to sprinkle in wise, witty, or worth-repeating words from others. Most of the quotes I tend to use deal with life, inspiration, leadership, love, communication, freedom, responsibility, and other subjects in the personal development or life enrichment vein. Below are some such quotes along with my reasoning as to why they apply to being a blogger. I welcome your thoughts–in agreement or difference–as well as any quotes you want to share.
“Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Know that when you’re in a blogging conversation–you write, others comment, you reply, etc.–you’ll likely have times when not all voices sound in accord. Learn to distinguish contradiction and alternative ideas from castigation and bullying. The former make for interesting and engaging conversation the latter make for unsafe territory that you’re likely to want to avoid.
“Enrollment is the art and practice of generating a spark of possibility for others to share.”
~ Rosamund and Benjamin Zander, The Art of Possibility
- Not every post you write will inspire others to comment. That’s fine. However, if part of what you want to do is interact with others, find a way to light that spark, drawing others out from their corners of the world to your circle. Imagine yourself as an ancient story-teller, Shakespearean bard, or someone who brings people together for an exchange of ideas.
“The masters in the art of living make little distinction between their work and their play, their labor and their leisure, their minds and their bodies, their information, their recreation, their love and their religion. They hardly know which is which, they simply pursue their vision of excellence at whatever they do, leaving others to decide whether they are working or playing.”
~ James A. Michener
- Write with passion. If you start a post that lacks energy as you type, save it for later when it truly speaks to you. If you have nothing you feel compelled to share, don’t just make up a post to fill space. Blogging can benefit your business, but only if you do it with heart.
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”
~ Annie Dillard
- You are in this world for a reason. You have contributions to make and unique gifts to offer those with whom you come into contact. Let your blog reflect your larger life purpose. Show yourself as who you are at your core, not who you think you “should” be. Offer your authentic self–and give others room to do the same–and your blog will be one more place where you can fulfill the purpose for which you were made.
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2 comments. Thank you for sharing! »
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Great stuff, Shonnie, thank you! I love this advice and these quotes. I don’t have a quote to contribute today, but I would suggest “The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom” by Don Miguel Ruiz as a great read for anyone interested in personal growth. The first agreement, be impeccable with your word, is one I need to practice every day. Thanks again.
Comment by Tim Kissane — February 27, 2008 @ 8:44 pm
Tim, thanks for taking the time to read AND comment both. The Four Agreements is a fantastic book with very clear and useful advice for life. Thanks for introducing the book to readers who might not have heard of it.
Comment by Shonnie Lavender — March 9, 2008 @ 10:24 am