Original Pour Your Heart Out button. I confess that I still sort of adore it, as it was the vision I saw in my head when I thought up PYHO.
Most of us set all sorts of goals for a new year, don’t we?
I’ve done this on a personal level, but on a blogging level, if Pour Your Heart Out(PYHO) had goals, it would be to remember its roots.
Write a post from the heart.
Something that has been weighing on you.
Something you feel passionately about.
Something you’ve been wanting to talk about.
A cause, a memory, a belief, a world view.
That’s how I described it when I first announced the Pour Your Heart Out link up, almost two years ago.
It was about taking a moment to really write from the heart. To dig a little deeper.
Not every post has to be gut-wrenching. But, they are all very real.
That’s what I want to encourage you to link when you join in. Be real.
Share what’s important to you, what’s stressing you out, what caused you great joy. It might be a memory from the past or your hopes for the future.
Pour Your Heart Out has never had an assigned topic because I want it to be about what’s on your heart.
Reading all of the posts that link up is one of the highlights of my week. I feel like by reading posts where you really share from the heart, I get to know you.
And if you take the time to read some of the links, you’ll get to know others.
Encouraging others to share and building a community of support: that’s what I wanted Pour Your Heart Out to be.
I’ve asked all of you to be sure to be respectful in your comments on any PYHO linker. That we might not all agree with each other, but we can accept someone’s right to a different opinion without attacking. And I’ve seen this: I’ve seen the love in the comments, the support, the tweeting of each other’s posts.
When I see that, I feel like PYHO is doing what it was intended to do. Because of all of you.
If you’ve never linked up before, I challenge you to do so this year. Join in the community that y’all have built.
Link up your PYHO post below: on the linky, you will see that a backlink is required. Either a link or the button from the sidebar is fine. I do this to help keep the linky spam-free and so that when you visit other links(which yes, you should!), you know you’re going to a PYHO.
You’ve built such a great community around your blog and this meme. It’s really inspiring.
I think its strength and its appeal comes from the fact that you encourage honesty. We all strive to be honest every day. But on Wednesdays we go a little further. Because its a challenge and it feels good.
I hope you are proud of what you’ve done here.
Christine @ Quasi Agitato recently posted..Dear Mom With The Rosaries,
Wow. Thank you so much!
Shell, linked up today. I’m hoping my post fits okay with your original guidelines. I use humor in my writing so sometimes my posts can feel kind of light, but I mean it when I say I’ve got to move in 2012. The pounds are creeping up on me. I need less blogging, and more moving.
Leigh Powell Hines (@Hinessightblog) recently posted..Let’s Burn Some Butter
Oh girl, I’m sure it is. There is nothing wrong with some humor.
I really have to think before posting on my posts on this link up! So many share on such a deep level.
They do. Though it’s okay not to go that far everytime. As long as it’s honest and what’s on your heart at the time!
What a wonderful community it is that you’ve built! Thank you and I’ll continue to pour my heart out and link up!
Jackie recently posted..In a mood
I’m so glad that you join in!
I love this: “accept someone’s right to a different opinion without attacking.” Beautiful!
Raw Thoughts and Feelings recently posted..Sleeping Over
The reality is that we aren’t all going to agree all the time. But, there’s no reason to get ugly about it.
PYHO is such a great feature! It really does make you stop and think and dig a little deeper.
Angie recently posted..Friends
Thank you so much.
I love this post, this meme, your roots, and your original button!
Two years going strong- go you!!
Galit Breen recently posted..Softly Focused
Thanks! Hard to believe it’s been almost 2 years!
This is my favorite link-up and a highlight of my week. I love the collection of posts, I meet so many great new people, I follow new blogs. This is a wonderful thing you have started and I’m so proud to be part of it. You have created an awesome community and I have never felt anything but love and support from the people I have met here.
dollimama recently posted..Not as Fresh and New
I’m so glad to hear it!
I love your PYHO days. However my problem is that I really do have a lot to pour my heart out on but if certain people were to catch my entries I’d probably get in trouble. I know we’re all entitled to our views and perspectives but as we all know not everyone thinks that. That’s sometimes the problem with a public blog. But I do what I can, as you’ll see in todays.
Julie recently posted..PYHO: Hiring friends
I can completely understand that.
I love PYHO. I don’t always have a post to link up, but when I do, I love that it’s there, and that everyone that participates and reads and comments is always supportive.
I always love seeing the supportive comments.
I love that you do this! I’ll be pouring my heart out about something that’s bugging me TODAY.
Teresa (Embracing the Spectrum) recently posted..Where I’m From {Just Write}
Glad you’ll join in!
I love participating! Forces me to dig down deeper
So glad to hear it!
I’m so glad I found you and PYHO. The support and encouragement I’ve found through this community has been wonderful. Sometimes all you need is to know you’re not alone. Thank you!
Hearing that “me, too!” or even just a simple “hugs” has meant so much.
Shell, I think this meme is one of your callings. Just think of the amount of support we all receive from linking up here and I don’t mean on our blog stats. I mean as you encourage people to be thoughtful in their responses. I have had so much support on my PYHO days that when I am finished reading the comments, I am already feeling better for opening up. THANK YOU!! xo!
Kristen recently posted..Watch What You Say Please…
I’m so happy to hear this!
I love PYHO and reading the posts for it. Happy, sad, whatever. They’re all real. For me, and I know I’m not alone, it can be intimidating to post something real and often raw. This link-up makes it ok. Thank you for coming up with PYHO!
Evonne recently posted..Stay out of the kitchen
The realness is what I like. Not everyone has to be a tearjerker- there are happy one- but whatever they are, they are real.
I love PYHO. And while I’m far too lazy to ever participate in a meme, yours is the only meme I always read when I come across it on blogs. ‘Cause it’s fabulous. Like you.
Megan – Best of Fates recently posted..Bringing Photography’s Sexy Back
That means a lot. Thank you!
Shell, your meme has really helped me grow as a writer and blogger. It’s given me the courage to write about things I thought I would never talk about. But, yet in this crazy fellowship of wonderful women I’ve shared my heart time and time again with your meme. When I think back, once I discovered this meme of yours, and started writing, I really discovered what blogging was about, and fell in love!! Thanks!
Adrienne recently posted..Why do we judge young mothers so harshly?
Oh girl, that means so much!
This is one of my favorite link-ups _because_ it has no specific focus. So many of us began blogs because we had things to say, things we were passionate about, and we needed an outlet. I love to read the passion and inner voice of so many lovely people across the web. Thanks for providing the forum!
Jessica@Team Rasler recently posted..One little resolution
So happy to hear this. There are lots of writing prompts out there and they are amazing- but it’s hard to get personal if one doesn’t fit what you want to say.
Something tells me I am going to have a lot to pour out in 2012…
Looking forward to sharing it with you and your readers
Melissa recently posted..We’re all over the place today…
Yes, join in!
Thank you for a great meme, Shell! It’s great to know that there’s someone (or more than one) out there listening when I just need a moment to pour my heart out. xo
Brittany recently posted..Man of the House
Getting support or having someone listen- I’m so glad that this is what PYHO has come to mean.
Hard to believe this is 2 years old .. congrats Shell on a great idea.
Angel recently posted..And then she was gone
Almost 2 years… a little shy, but I thought the new year would be a good time to write about this.
I haven’t been part of this community very long, but I absolutely love it. It is amazing that you have built this great place for everyone to share what is on their minds and in their hearts.
Barbara recently posted..Two Different Babies
So glad to have you part of it!
You did a wonderful thing when you started this meme. Thank you so much for that.
Mrs. Jen B recently posted..12 Goals for 2012
Thanks! I was so nervous when I started it.
This is one of my favorite link ups because it forces me to look inside myself. Thank you for starting this meme.
Thank YOU.
Just published a post I’ve been holding on to for a long time. Thanks for providing this outlet!
Hutch recently posted..PYHO: The Secret
Off to read. Glad you are joining in.
PYHO is my free form of therapy!
Diana @ A Little Bit of Life recently posted..PYHO – Remind Me
That’s how I think about it most weeks, too!
You are such an inspiration, Shell, and this writing prompt is one of my favorites. Though I haven’t *yet* participated (was always too nervous!) I would like to in the coming year. Some of my favorite pieces of writing have been from followers who are participating in this, and I think it’s because this prompt encourages raw emotion and honesty.
Thank you for all that you do
Charlotte recently posted..2011 wrap-up
Don’t be nervous! xo
Did you know that this is one of my favourite memes on the internet?
I love that we can all be open and honest with each other.
Kimberly recently posted..Just Us
Thank you so much!!!
These posts are always so inspirational and humbling! Thank you all for sharing so openly. Stacie
Stacie recently posted..The Disabled (ALL) Creed
The linkers really are, aren’t they? I love it.
I’ve always enjoyed reading these posts, but have only contributed once (?). I wrote a post today, and thought, I should join ‘Pour..” So, I clicked on over, and here it is! Love this meme, and I really love the new badge for it! Thanks!
Double Dipped Life recently posted..Seasoned Roast Beef and a New Year!
Glad you joined in!
Thanks for this “reminder” post. Because I do love what goes on here at PYHO, but I think I’ve slipped into the “voyeur” status: I read other people’s truths but haven’t been sharing my own.
So yes.
I think I need to do a little releasing of my own heart here this year.
And thank you for giving us a place to do that, Shell.
julie gardner recently posted..Today call me home
I hope that you do!
I want to get back into PYHO…I loved that personal piece of TTC that I have been missing. You rock it girl!
xoxo
Tammy recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – Who’s Bossy??
Love you, girl. And would love to have you join in again!
Thank you for starting Pour Your Heart Out. Even though I know I can do whatever I want on MY blog, this meme gives me a clear excuse to lay it all out there once a week if I feel the need. I really appreciate that.
Just Jennifer recently posted..The Stress of Poor Health
You definitely can do whatever you want on your blog.
For a while, I was getting caught up in some fluff. Which is fine and needed, but I got a little lost as to what I really wanted to do. So, when I started this, I figured even if no one joined in, it would make me take at least one day to really write from the heart.
“If no one joined in”! Hahahaha! As if!
Seriously tho, I think ppl are dying to pour their hearts out.
Just Jennifer recently posted..The Stress of Poor Health
That’s always the fear with something new. And remember, it was almost 2 years ago.
I see people with the PYHO button every week and always mean to participate. I’m definitely going to join in soon! I think it’s such a great idea and seems like such a great community of folks.
Misty @ The Family Math recently posted..Giveaway: An item of your choice from Twenty Five Design
Yes, please join us!
PYHO is right up my alley. There are only a couple of memes that really stand for who I am as a blogger and this meme is one of them! I love your blog. I love your heart. I love participating and hope to write more of these posts in the New Year! (and also meet you at Blissdom, yay!)
molly recently posted..2012 blogging resolutions & a question
Thanks so much! I cannot wait to meet you!
I love your series and I love how many people do it.
MiMi recently posted..If You Give A Blogger A Book…Club
I always do a little squeal when I see people linking up still.
I love reading PYHO posts. I’ve never linked up because I’m not much of a heart-pourer, but I agree – it TOTALLY gives you insight into the blogger writing it.
Ali recently posted..WTF Wednesday – The "Really Trippy Dream" Edition
Well, remember that it doesn’t have to be the deepest post ever.
By encouraging this, Shell, you’ve pulled out some things I had down deep … things I wouldn’t have written about otherwise and it’s been cathartic for me. So, THANK YOU, for hosting this linky. I might not link up as often anymore but it still holds a special place in my heart. HUGS!
mama marchand recently posted..cooking in style.
So nice to hear that! Thank you!
Shell, thank you for always encouraging respect and honesty. I love this link party! And I enjoy finding a reason to pull some of those deep topics to the fore front instead of leaving them unsaid! I truly enjoy your blog and your stories!
I’m so glad this gives you a reason to share!
I love PYHO. When I am having a bad week, I always remind myself I can pour it all out on Wed.
Anastasia recently posted..Being a Fat Girl-PYHO
So glad that you join in!
I agree that you’ve definitely made this a safe place for us to write freely and for that I’m really grateful. I’ve always seen such kindness from this linkup.
Rach (DonutsMama) recently posted..Have a Very Merry…
That makes me so happy to hear that!
I am glad it is working out as you wanted- and yes, I have seen nothing but love and support on these posts.
Emmy recently posted..The Winner And I was Right
It was very nerve-wracking to start it!
I love the community you have built around this meme every week. You’ve not only gained the trust of your fellow bloggers but their respect to. Because week after week not only do you encourage us to share what’s on our hearts, but you let US in on what’s on your heart. I admire you for your transparency and willingness to share.
Courtney Kirkland recently posted..Working Mom Guilt
Thank you. Though I’ll admit, sometimes it can be a struggle, even for me!
I just came across your blog. Thank you for hosting a link party like this. I feel like I’ve found a home
.
Christine Trevino recently posted..Staycation Highlights 1 | Skokie Exploratorium
Welcome!!!!
I love this meme and the community that you’ve built here. The support and love that I’ve received from linking up has meant so much. Thank you, for not only creating this, but for continuing with it.
Kimberly recently posted..Finding Me Again
I’m just happy that y’all have given me a reason to continue with it!
I’ve read so many of the posts that link-up and have really gotten to know people through them. I love what you’ve created Shell.
Grumpy Grateful Mom recently posted..Pastimes from the Eve
It’s usually very telling, isn’t it? You get to know people quickly from these sorts of posts. I always love someone who can make me laugh, too, of course.
The pour your heart out posts are, always, some of my favorite . . . just a little more real than anything else.
John recently posted..Where I recap this past year
Thank you! That was definitely my intention. It was my way of forcing myself to be real. I was getting too involved in the light and fluffy- and there’s a place for that, but this forced me to write at least one “real” post a week.
You have created a strong and positive community here. I have not done a pyho post before, but maybe I will!
Kristy @PampersandPinot recently posted..Quilt Skillz
I just discovered your blog. A little behind the times, I know.
PYHO is a great idea. I’ll try to link up sometime!
Emily recently posted..my PROUD MOMMY moment {PMM}
Welcome! Hope you join in!
I haven’t linked up for PYHO but I do write posts where I let it all out. They always make me feel so much better and the support I receive always blows me away.
Jessica recently posted..He Gets Stars, She Gets Elephants
The support really is amazing!
I *heart* PYHO, as you know, because I’m a frequent “contributor” It gave me a safe place to tell the story of the end of my marriage and that was a HUGE part of my healing process. It helped me get rid of that last “bit o crap” that I just couldn’t let go of.
Thank you Shell!
Sorta Southern Single Mom recently posted..Friday Fragments
I’m so happy to hear it, my friend!
I just want to say thank you for Pour Your Heart Out. The first time I participated I was recovering from severe complications with shingles, and I felt so alone. It was such a help to be able to share my feelings, knowing that SOMEONE wanted to read what I had to say. I have met some great bloggers through this linky. I don’t always get to participate as often as I would like now that I’m working, but I still read and comment on other blogs when I can. This has truly gotten me through some rough times. Thank you!
Karen Greenberg recently posted..For What Will You Be Remembered?
I agree PYHO is one of my favorite memes in blogland because whether I am going to share something sad, happy or just something sitting on my heart I know how much it could me to Pour and possibly someone else who reads my words. Your dedication and commitment to PYHO is only one of the many many things I love and respect about you. Xo
Kir recently posted..Proud Mommy Moments: Elaine from The MissElaine-our Life is Sharing the Corner Today
I love PYHO. I’m already working on mine for this week. Thanks for hosting such a great meme!
Natalie @MamaTrack recently posted..A Toddler’s Thoughts on His New Sister