Writing makes me feel connected. I think I have always known that on a deeper level, but I never realised, until I moved to the other side of the world and so much of my life changed, just how true and significant that was for me.
When my boys were little, I kept a book for each of them. I would write the funny things they would say and yes, there were plenty! But I would also write a journal of what it was like to be their mother, to witness their lives through a mother’s eyes, and how it felt to watch each of them becoming who they are today, two kind, beautiful and caring young men.
In my work, I have always had to write – newsletters, annual reports, media releases and website content. The writing that brought me alive was always where I took a chance and wrote about my experience of what I had to do or write about. Like my perspective on taking a journalist deep into the townships in Cape Town to interview a couple about the business they started from their humble shack. While the journalist was looking for hard news, I knew that the story was deeper than their business. So as the journalist was about to turn her back on them, I started to ask questions and their answers intrigued her. She took out her notebook and started to write and she left with an amazing, heart-warming story. And the story I wrote of that experience is one of which I am very proud.
Since we’ve been in London, I have written an email to my family every week. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, every week. Until I started blogging – a whole two months ago! – I guess my weekly email was my family-blog. My darling family get all the goss, the low-down, the inside stories and the things that make me crack up. Bless them for not unsubscribing. (Not that I’ve ever given them the option!) But the writing and sharing of information with them is important to me. It keeps me connected to them and it makes me feel like I am carrying them along with me on this adventure, which sometimes feels like a roller-coaster ride, but it never feels like I am alone.
Now I get to do that – censored, to a certain extent – with all of you. And I realised the other day that my blogging world connection is my water cooler conversation every day. Working from home, as I do – in a manner of speaking, if you call writing articles about “trimming your goatee with a nose trimmer” a job, it’s fun and it pays for, um, postage stamps – I miss the connection with other people. My husband always comments on how much of a social person I am, how I love meeting other people, I’m always so interested in getting to know other people, finding out about them and then telling them my jokes. And I guess that’s what I do with all of you.
Writing in this fashion is one way of connecting with other people. And it’s never a one-way experience. I love the interaction with each of you lovely, loyal readers of my blog – your comments make my day, your sharing of my journey makes my day, and I love getting to know each of you. I so enjoy reading your blogs too, getting to know you and engaging with you through what you write. You share so much of who you are through what you write. I learn from you, I learn what great writing looks like, and you’re becoming my new friends and colleagues.
This post has turned into something different from what I had planned. I guess it’s become a tribute to writing. And to you. Thank you.
Sunshine signing off for today.
Sunshine in London 
You’ve captured it beautifully. I’m grateful that whatever it is in me that allows/compels me to write, does so. And it also allows me to connect with others who do the same.
Thank you so much, Renee. I’m grateful too!
Beautiful, Sunshine…I’m so happy you’re doing “the write thing”…otherwise I would not have had the pleasure of meeting my “almost twin.”
Hugs,
Wendy
Thank you, Wendy! Me too!
I was joking with my brother the other day that lately we’ve been keeping in touch via our respective blogs! A lot of the topics I write about are things I’d previously written to him in emails. Now I’m getting to share my interests etc with more of my family and friends. And they can choose whether they want to read my posts.
A blog creates connection on a different level, doesn’t it? My family gets the story behind the story, and they so don’t have a choice! Shame!
Emails to your family in South Africa. (Don’t forget about Skype!) A blog that’s connected you with complete strangers on the other side of the planet. The Internet is a wonderful thing.
It is indeed, Todd. And don’t worry, Skype has its rightful place in my world too. I love all the connections.
And thus is the beauty of social media! Well said Sunshine! You took the words right out of my mouth 🙂
Thank you so much. Isn’t social media just amazing?
What a lovely post, Sunshine. It’s clear you love writing. And you’re just so incredibly good at it.
I think you should seriously consider this:
http://amandaswrinkledpages.com/2010/10/25/nanowrimo-rhymes-with-writers-go-psycho/
Just promise you’ll give it some thought.
Thank you so much. It was a kind of surreal experience to write it, as it was so not what I had set out to write … it just happened! I guess that’s what writing does.
Hmmm, I’m intrigued about where you’re sending me … I’ll have a look and let you know!
I feel much the same way. I work from home too and miss the social interaction. Writing has opened up a new world, given me a new set of friends, such as yourself, and given me new perspective on my world. It really is a fabulous thing. Keep on writing, Sunshine!! Hugs, Diane
Thank you, Diane – I certainly will keep on writing. You too! It is a fabulous thing, indeed.
Sunshine, in all the years since we met, I did not know that writing was your passion. Really SO glad that you now have the time to utelise it in a way that makes you feel connected and content. It’s a blessing! Thanks for allowing us to get to know you better each day. Lotsa love from the kaleidescope gravatar
I guess that comes from my “knowing it at a deeper level” always, but only realising now how much I love it! This is one thing that London has given me, which is amazing. Lots of love to you two too xx
I don’t know if I fall into the writer catagory, but I do love reading your stories and the comments that always follow. I feel a connection to you and to your readers. Your phrase “water cooler conversation” really resonated with me, as I do feel like we are all friends and co-workers of the Universe. Keep up your story telling, Sunshine, so we may all bask in your warmth.
XO Patty
Thank you so much for your kind comments! Always.
You just inspried me! I got two seperate journals and I am going to start doing what you did with your boys for my girls. That is a brilliant idea. Thank you!
You’re most welcome. Glad to be of inspiration!
So…did you decide about NaNoWriMo? Hope you’re still considering it!
I have considered it, but, tempted as I am, I’ll sit it out this year. Good luck – I’ll follow progress with interest!