The Void

Sometimes the internet and social media feels like a void: a big, empty space of nothingness.

No matter what you throw at it, or what you say into it, everything gets swallowed up by the nothingness.

So in the past, whenever I would post a writing prompt to Pinterest, write an article here on my website, or post some writing advice to Instagram, it would feel as though I was dropping my time and thoughts into that void—never to be seen again.

It used to feel really discouraging when I would post something that I put a lot of time and effort into creating only for it to get two likes and a spam comment. But over the past couple years, I’ve started to see the benefits of “speaking out into the void.”

#1 Keeps Me Accountable to Myself 

I do my best to write an article and send out a newsletter once a week. 

Since I work from home, having a routine has been extremely helpful in keeping me focused on getting things done, instead of getting distracted.

The same thing goes with my other social media accounts. When I make a conscious effort to be as consistent as possible with my posts, I feel more confident and productive—even if I don’t always see much of a response.

#2 Helps Me Learn About Myself

I’ve come along way since I first started posting articles to my website, and one of the biggest changes is how vulnerable I’ve become in sharing my genuine thoughts, feelings, and struggles—both as an author, and as a person.

The truth isn’t always glamorous or fun. And I’ve experienced a lot of pain and insecurity since starting down the path of becoming an author. 

At first, I wanted to hide just how much I’ve been struggling. But posting week after week eventually got me to a place where I was comfortable admitting to myself (and to the void) that I don’t have everything figured out just yet. 

Now I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t want to sugarcoat things, but I also don’t want to pretend that everything is terrible and filled with suffering… Because that’s not true either.

#3 Encourages Me

I love going back and re-reading my old articles and content, because it shows just how much I’ve changed and grown over time.

Things that I used to find difficult (like editing my own books or writing short stories) are now a lot easier. The things that terrified me (like publishing my books or speaking in front of a crowd) now feel more exciting than anything else. 

And of course, I’ve overcome a lot of the physical, mental, and emotional challenges that I’ve struggled with throughout the past several years.

#4 Helps Other People

As a writer, I’ve done a few interviews and speaking events over the past few years, but like I said… For the most part, my audience is fairly invisible.

When I post a meme or writing advice to somewhere like Instagram, the only way I can really tell if people see and connect with my content is if they like or comment on the post.

With articles like the one you’re reading right now, it can be even more difficult for me to tell if people are actually interested in what I’m posting. 

The only way I can know for sure is if people tell me—whether through comments, emails, or to my face.

And every now and then, I do get comments and emails. People do tell me that they’ve read my content, and that it’s really helped them.

It’s Not Just A Void

When I get messages like this, it reminds me that what I put out into the world really does matter. Whether I get a response or not, chances are that someone is seeing what I post.

What if I had given up posting articles, prompts, and other content because I felt discouraged and disappointed by the lack of engagement?

If I gave into my insecurity and ego, I’d have quit being a writer a long time ago. 

But one thing I’ve had to learn since I started writing and posting content, is that not everything is about me.

I write content like this for fun, self-discipline, self-discovery, and encouragement. But most importantly, I will continue to write this content because whether I’m speaking to the void, a single person, or a thousand people, I know that every word I write matters.

Everything I create has the potential to encourage someone, and I never know how God will use the words that I write.

Before You Go…

Do you ever feel like you’re speaking to a void and that your words don’t really matter? Or do you usually see the benefit of sharing your thoughts and experiences even if you haven’t gotten the response you’re looking for yet?

Let me know down in the comments!

Also, I started posting videos to my YouTube channel recently, and I’ve already reached 70 subscribers! So yay! Be sure to check it out if you haven’t yet.