Anyone who has ever written something either for fun, passion,validation or even to express themselves has wrestled with insecurity and doubt at one point or the other.

I am not left out of this group of people, whether as a singer, writer or on speaking platforms. On one hand there is the negative,’you can’t do it,?  who will will listen to you?,and on the other hand, the voice telling you to keep writing , keep singing, keep doing what you are doing. It will pay of in the end!

You are familiar with what I am saying, right?  We all have a story to tell on way on another, we must tell it, so that somebody out there can hear it, and who knows, what you have to talk about is the clue to what the other person is looking for!

In an effort to better find a way to share my voice, I had a meeting with one of the persons regarded as a social media expert and PR  consultant  for creative artist like me. You see over the years I have been asking a lot of questions as regards my ‘Brand’ in its totality.

As we sat down in the restaurant,I was accompanied by my husband who also doubles as my manager, I was ready to learn something new, to take this brand to a new dimension, not just the next level. As a believer, I know that there is power in praying and trusting God for  direction and a shift-  I also know there are certain things you will need to do on your part(rights and responsibilities) that is topic for another day.

One of the things he said that struck a chord in me was being deliberate and intentional with your content delivery, immediately  my mind went back to the first law of growth in John Maxwell’s 15 INVALUABLE LAWS OF GROWTH, The law of Intentionality!

Growth doesn’t just happen.

As a writer,singer,or whoever you are, you have to be intentional in your pursuit, I have seen significant impact in my music career,and I am still thriving for more. But each time I want to put pen on paper, or sit with my laptop, I get into this battle field where it seems as if I should just forget about this whole writing thing! And I have to consciously sieve my motives for writing.

As an ardent reader,I have read about the stories of others in books,I ask myself,’ if these ones where not intentional and deliberate about their stories, I wouldn’t have come across such valuable gems. You will agree that each one of these great writers have  had cold feet at different stages of their lives and careers, but they kept at it.

Why is it so Important to share my story?

Over the years stories have been used to capture Histories, ideals and beliefs.

1.Sharing your story-especially through the medium of writing is an opportunity to serve for the greater good of all. whether it’s your thoughts, addressing issues, providing solutions, in whatever way you do it, it is an avenue for service to your audience, and when you are deliberate about your story, you create a connection with your audience.

2.Sharing your story humanizes your life. The story of ordinary people like you and me, matters a lot, because it has the power to  heal, uplifts, and renew. the act of writing brings clarity and exposes your core values. writing brings peace, because as you do it, you are shedding off weights and as others read and listen to you ,you help them shed weightier matters and help them come to terms with themselves.

3.Sharing your story broadens your perspectives. I can recall as many times that my point of view concerning certain issues have been broadened, giving me an open mind concerning some specifics. As I write about related stuffs, I feel the pulse of the audience. If you don’t say or share anything -your story will not be heard!

4. Sharing your story has value. You must see value in yourself to add value to others. Before you hit the ‘publish’ button. Ask yourself of what value is the message you are trying to convey to others.  When it is worth writing to you, then it will be worth reading for others.

You know I used to obsess over learning strategies to obtain followers, get more likes,or even guest post( I look forward to the latter though :D). I bet you do too. It’s not that bad to check your stats and see the number of views and be amazed at how many people stopped by. We all do seek some kind of validations from things like that.

I am realizing more and more that when I use my talent to ‘simply be a blessing’ for others even if its just one person. I honor the gift that God has bestowed on me. I also respect the art. What more validation can be better than this!

Keep  on writing, keep on blogging, keep on doing what you do to share your story.There is someone at the other end of the line waiting for what you’ve got to say.

This is my story, I will keep sharing against all odds. Hope you will share yours too.

Shalom

@OBA 2016.

Image Credit: Google.