Each of us has a unique story to tell. Perhaps you have read other blogs and even wondered if others would be interested in your perspective.
If you are wondering on how to get started in sharing your health story/blog with others, here are eight suggestions for beginning to share your message with others.
1) Every person's story is different.
Even though you may have the same diagnosis as someone else, the way that you experience the symptoms can vary. While some of us may be more similar than others, each of us has a different chemistry. We are still a set of individual experiences.
Sharing your story may alter another person's outcome. We can learn from each others' health stories. After all, creating healthy optimal outcomes is something we all desire.
2) Check your medical facts with a reputable peer-reviewed source.
There are many medical and wellness conversations on the web. If you are providing medical answers or advice in your blog, make sure that you cross-check your work with a hospital website like the Mayo Clinic, University of Michigan Health System, or MD Anderson Cancer Center.
It is best to hyperlink such a site as your reference point, especially if you are not licensed to practice medicine. This also gives your work some credibility. It shows your readers that you care enough about your topic to put some research time into it.
3) Be authentic with your piece.
There are a variety of ways to express your message, but being genuine is the best practice. If you do not believe in something, or have doubts about a new healthy living technique, it will make it more difficult to write. And many times, this is when writing comes across more as a sales pitch than a true heartfelt story.
4) Don't be afraid to share personal details.
Whatever your situation might be, there is certainly a risk in sharing details about it. However, providing your account is an inspired approach that will grab the reader's interest. Your piece will embody a different tone and spirit when you open up about your thoughts.
Writing your story is a powerful way to share not only your journey, but to invite others to abate their fears and examine their own health.
5) Be very clear about your message.
Before you begin your piece, think about a few ideas that you want to express. If you try to give your reader multiple things to think about, you risk losing your reader.
Remember, blog pieces tend to be shorter in length and tend to focus on one topic. This will also keep your writing organized. You can always write another blog entry if you have additional thoughts.
6) Try something new.
Go ahead and try that new vegan recipe or attend a different type of yoga class. You don't have to be the master of a healthy living practice to blog about your experience. In fact, many readers are wanting to stretch themselves as well, and by trying new things, you are encouraging them to grow as well.
Exploring new ways to be fit gives others ideas to try on their own. This will engage your readers and give them the space to comment on your new adventure, whether it be in the gym, kitchen or great outdoors.
7) Remember, you don't need to major in journalism to write a blog.
I have a graduate degree in social work, and I now write not only for EmpowHER, but several other media outlets. I started by sharing my story of loss and grief.
My husband died from an ultra-rare cancer (adrenal) when I was 33 in 2007, and I didn't begin to write blog pieces until the summer of 2013. I took a risk and shared my story, and to my surprise, I found that others were interested. They also provided valuable feedback.
8) Writing for a health website like EmpowHER is very rewarding.
Sharing your perspective and insights with a health website is powerful. When you provide your health story, you never know whose challenges you are helping to address. EmpowHER welcomes your story. If you are interested in writing for the site, visit https://www.empowher.com/bloggers-join/
Each time we begin a new endeavor there is a part of our thinking that comes up with negative messages. Usually those thoughts are fueled by doubt and worry.
Go ahead and push those things aside. It is possible to create something new. You never know whose health may be improved upon, because of what you wrote and dared to share.
Kristin Meekhof is a licensed masters level clinical social worker. She is the author of the book "A Widow's Guide to Healing: Gentle Support and Advice for the First 5 Years."
Edited by Jody Smith