One Voice
There’s a funny thing about blogging – it can be totally impersonal, and completely intimate, all at the same time.
When I started this blog in August 2009, it was a way to express a bit of bottled-up creativity. Blogger’s “push-button publishing” was the perfect way for to get ideas out of my head and heart, and get them “on paper”.
Of course it was such an emotional process to deliver each post, that I didn’t dare associate my name with my writing in this impersonal world of blogging.
Or so I thought. I quickly found that it is indeed possible to make connections in BlogLand, and I slowly transitioned from signing my posts as “When did I become my Mom” to the more personal “Nicole”.
It was not a quick process, and for a long time, only the connections that I developed via email were privy to my real identity. I would feel real panic when someone entrusted with that identity publicly “outed” me on Twitter or elsewhere, truly afraid that I’d be found out and I’d lose my voice in this private-public space.
But after a while, receiving emails addressed “Dear When did I become my Mom” seemed really absurd to me,
Truth be told I really was less concerned about the mainly American audience that visited my blog. My main concern was that I’d be outed in this little country, and that my affairs would be “in d road” (as we say) for all to see.
At the time there really wasn’t much of a public appreciation for blogs locally. Or for much social networking outside of Facebook.
But that’s rapidly changing.
So much so that 8 months ago, I signed up with Macaroni Kid as the Publisher for Trinidad & Tobago. I’ve described it as my:
“Venture in using social media to support the institution of Family in Trinidad and Tobago, with a view to strengthening our society starting literally in the home.
In its current form it is a website and weekly e-newsletter dedicated to parents and guardians across Trinidad and Tobago. Facebook and Twitter are additional tools we use to engage busy, plugged-in parents and to foster community centered on family values.”
While Macaroni Kid in its purest form is about listing family friendly events in communities across the US (and Trinidad), I’ve used my articles to engage parents in my community.
And I write as me.
It’s really taken off, but it’s been next to impossible to try to keep my two writing worlds separate.
That hasn’t affected my MacKid at all, but it’s wreaked havoc on my blog.
The fear of this new potential audience introduced a sort of identity crisis, and for a long time stifled my voice.
But there’s been something very liberating about the growth of MacKid Trinidad. I’ve stood my ground and raised my voice in support of women and mothers who, for too long, have been ignored by a mainstream that’s been obsessed with courting the 30-something single crowd.
I’ve followed my personal passion for family, and am repeatedly taken aback to find that there are people who take action based on my recommendations. I’ve found community in a whole new way.
And now I’m here.
Same passion. Two identities. One voice.
Where does the journey go from here?
10 Responses to “One Voice”
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About Me
A 30-ish mother of 3 and unintentional entrepreneur, I started my own IT Consultancy firm after layoffs at my old job. I balance the world of Corporate IT with my life as Manager of the education, health and well-being of my children.
Blogging from the Caribbean, I give tech advice to moms and write about raising 3 kids under 10, one of whom has been diagnosed with Aspergers.
It is difficult to juggle two ventures when you are a mom. One of them is going to inevitably suffer from neglect. I sincerely hope you find a way to merge your two passions!
Teresha@ Marlie and Me recently posted..25 off Cyber Monday at My Baby Clothes Boutique
You have a beautiful voice! I am so glad that MK things are going well for you–I am going to miss those interactions
xoxo
Thank you darling…
I’m still struggling with figuring out how to juggle it all. I tend to take on too much until I silently drown, smiling all the while!!
You seem to have found a good balance! It never dawned on me to blog anonymously though I kind of wish I would have. It freaks me out when someone I know IRL says, “Oh, I just read your latest blog post” and I had NO idea they even knew I had a blog but then I forget that I have it listed on my profile page on FB. The power of social media….
Helene recently posted..Pouring my heart outCautiously optimistic
I don’t know where your journey goes from here, but I’m along for the ride.
You are a wonderful writer and I always like to get your perspective on things.
Unknown Mami recently posted..I think…
You are such a sweetheart. Thanks hon.
It’s so amusing how I can feel like I have multiple personalities in the online world. Interestingly I feel like I do however write with a single sdistinguishable voice.
CEOmum recently posted..Study Abroad and Other Exchange Programs
I linked to you today.
Unknown Mami recently posted..I Comment Therefore I Am
Congrats on being the MacKid for T & T! One of the things that I have always loved about your blog was how you brought your fresh perspective to everything. The fact that you came from Trinidad, the fact that you had crazy neighbors, the fact that you had a child with special needs made you a very special place to visit in Blogland. Finding the balance is tough. I started doing a little professional blogging myself and I found that my time for my “me” blog fell off. I hope that you can keep sharing your fabulous voice over here, as well.
I wish you and yours a happy holiday season!
Traci
Star Traci recently posted..A Breath of Fresh Air
Keep up the great work you are doing on both! Life is a journey..enjoy the ride!!
Love the new look of your blog!!
Happy and healthy New Year to you!
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