How Do You Know When You're Writing From Your Soul?

I talk all the time about writing from your soul and how important it is to really connect your message to your audience. I've talked about how to do it, how to set yourself up for success, and what gets in the way.

But how do you know if you're actually writing from your soul? That you're actually doing it, real time, right now? That what you're writing isn't just schlock, but real, true, writing from the soul?

Think of it as a path you're on, with steps (even baby steps) and milestones. These steps are clues that, yes, you are indeed writing from your soul.

First, you're a bit scared when you hit the publish or send button. You feel naked and vulnerable and afraid that people can see deep down into the real you. Because that's what you've allowed them to do - get a glimpse of your soul.

Secondly, you recognize that you're not playing it safe. That you're trying new things. That you're willing to be messy and just put it out there. In an oft-copied phrase, "You just do it."

Third, you know. You'll really feel as if you nailed it. That you were able to reach deep inside and grab EXACTLY what you wanted to say - and then you said it! It's more than just, "I wrote that really well." It's that you finally translated those concepts into the right words.

Fourth, people respond. Here are some of the comments I received when I went to that deep and scared place: "Beautiful marketing- your persistence and undaunted efforts are noteworthy and so I'm writing to acknowledge you." "I LOVE your analogy of finding my personal beacon." "I welcome your Fuel ezine again. This was a particularly good one with its tips on having a Writing Plan." "Loved your article, btw!!!" I've gotten more feedback like this tha
I ever did before. When you are writing from your soul, other people notice. They feel as if you're connecting to them. And some of them let you know.

Finally, you're ready to stand up and claim your power as a brilliant, gifted person on the planet. And you stand up straight and tall and tell the world. Sometimes that can be in small ways, as long as you're claiming YOU as valid and valuable.

You could look at this as a process or a continuum of writing from your soul. Where are you on the continuum?