October 2, 2008

Writing Project: 25 Words that Connect Us

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 12:27 pm

Have Got Another 25 Words?

The Living Web

If you were reading last July, you might recall the 25 Words of Work/Life Wisdom writing project we did together . . .

25 Words of Work/Life Wisdom Cover
It’s based on the premise that one meaningful idea can be expressed in precisely 25 words.

The 25-word writing exercise is a powerful and elegant experience of thinking. Write a sentence. Then watch the initial idea evolve as you edit to engineer exactly 25 words.

Here are 25 words that connects us.

Heart on the water from sxc.hu

When I know
life is a story,
I’ll carry no pain.
I’ll meet you
wide open
like sunset
gives its heart
over to the night.

Will you add 25 words of your own?

It’s communication. It’s participation. It’s connection. It’s a blog post.

The 25 Words that Connect Us Project

Will you accept my invitation to put 25 words about how we’re connected into a blog post? Here’s how you might go about it.

  1. Think about connections, connectedness, being linked together, synchronicity, serendipity, community, oneness.
  2. Write a sentence about it.
  3. Count the words you have written.
  4. Edit the sentence until you have 25 words exactly. Notice how your idea changes as you edit and how your feelings change with each rewrite.
  5. Add a picture if you can.
  6. Post your 25 words on your blog by October 16th.
  7. Link back to this post or leave a link to your post in the comments section. I don’t want to miss yours when I compile all of them.

It will be my challenge to a creative way to connect all of the ideas together. In a giant “25 words that connect us” blog post, featuring what you wrote.

Are you in? Surely you have 25 words to spare for this one.
Have your link here by 1:00a.m. October 17th, 2008 on the clock in the sidebar on this blog. That’s Chicago time. :)

Click to see the SLIDES of what everyone wrote last time.

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz!!

Get your best voice in the conversation.

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61 Comments to “Writing Project: 25 Words that Connect Us”

  1. October 2nd, 2008 at 2:31 pm
    David Taboada said

    Enabling technologies are ubiquitous and available to almost everyone. But connectivity does not necessarily produce unity. Unity is a spiritual issue, not a technology solution.

  2. October 2nd, 2008 at 2:48 pm
    Amy Derby said

    Here’s mine. My title is the most original part. ;-)

    Looking forward to reading everyone’s!!

  3. October 2nd, 2008 at 7:53 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Thanks for playing. :)

  4. October 2nd, 2008 at 11:42 pm
    Another 25 Words that Connect Us — Write Yours - Liz Strauss at Successful Blog - Thinking, writing, business ideas . . . You’re only a stranger once. said

    [...] Write yours — the rules are here. [...]

  5. October 3rd, 2008 at 3:21 am
    Davina said

    I’m intrigued! I can’t wait to read these on the 17th. I’m in.

  6. October 3rd, 2008 at 9:02 am
    Joanna Young said

    I’m so glad you’re doing this again Liz - I couldn’t manage it last time - was I moving house? - but would love to join in with this one.

    I can’t wait to see the wonderful words that emerge from this… and to enjoy the sweet connections that develop

  7. October 3rd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
    Are we connected? said

    [...] world? our divine sacred souls? cosmic dharma? Are we connected? Do we need to? Liz strauss asks for 25 words that connect us, should I say twitter, firefox, blogs, social media, Equality? Image by Ali [...]

  8. October 3rd, 2008 at 6:38 pm
    Stacy Lang said

    Actually technically have two. But one for this!

  9. October 3rd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
    Looking Up « 78% water, 12% caffeine said

    [...] post is part of the lovely Liz’s 25 Words project. Play [...]

  10. October 3rd, 2008 at 10:44 pm
    Amy Derby said

    One more. This game is way too addicting. :-)

  11. October 4th, 2008 at 12:40 am
    schizo said

    I thought the trackback would show up by now, but it hasn’t, so here are my connecting words

  12. October 4th, 2008 at 7:07 am
    Karin H. said

    Hi Liz

    I’ve joined the ‘collective’

    Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)

  13. October 4th, 2008 at 8:49 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Davina!
    Glad to see you! It might take longer to compile them, but they’ll be together shortly after the 17th.

  14. October 4th, 2008 at 8:50 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Joanna,
    I’m looking forward to your wise words. :)

  15. October 4th, 2008 at 8:51 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Stacy!
    Welcome. Glad to see you’re going to be part of this adventure. :)

  16. October 4th, 2008 at 8:51 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Amy,
    Just another of my evil schemes.

  17. October 4th, 2008 at 8:52 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Schizo,
    I thank the day I said, “I want a relationship.” You are a gift.

  18. October 4th, 2008 at 8:53 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Karin!
    Only a few will know why that brought a tear to my eyes.

  19. October 4th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
    Chris Brogan... said

    It will ALWAYS be about people first. Words are loose bridges of intention, and we use them to connect our ideas to other good people.

  20. October 4th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
    SpaceAgeSage -- Lori said

    Aw, Liz, you know I can’t stop at one. They are here and below.

    Keyboards clicking; thought bombs ticking.
    The sound of downloaded minds.
    Cacophony or harmony?
    Static or insightful words?
    Does it matter?
    It’s how freedom is fueled.
    —–

    You reached out, used my name, and replied.
    First contact!
    To be heard. To receive. To feel. To interact.
    And that was just the beginning!

    —-
    Thanks for the mental workout, Liz!

  21. October 5th, 2008 at 7:16 am
    Michael VanDervort said

    Hello? Is anyone home? I have a message I’d like to share with you. Hello? Is anyone listening? I really need to tell you about….
    –Michael VanDervort

    Link with picture at http://humanracehorses.blogspot.com/2008/10/writng-project-from-liz-straussworklife.html

  22. October 5th, 2008 at 10:00 am
    Vanilla Cokehead said

    Thanks for the challenge, Liz; it was fun. I took it and posted the results at:

    http://vanillacokehead.livejournal.com/613031.html

  23. October 5th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
    Connected in 25 words « wonderwebby said

    [...] is my submission to the 25 word challenge by Liz [...]

  24. October 5th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
    Jasmin Tragas said

    Thanks to Joanna Young I decided to contribute too!

    I’m seeing some wonderful things happen as a result of women around the world connecting. I can’t wait to see the result!

  25. October 5th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
    Heather Rast said

    Hi, Liz. Fun exercise. My post will be published Oct 6 at 10:45am CST.

    Thanks for the opportunity! Heather Rast

    http://insightsandingenuity.com/2008/10/05/25-powerful-words-that-connect25-powerful-words-that-connect/

  26. October 5th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
    Lusy said

    Hi, Liz.

    Glad I have the link to this post from my update reader. I’m a new follower on Twitter too. This is a very nice challenge - hopefully I will be able to join.

    PS: Just saw the alert. Thanks so much for following me back. Wow… :-)))

  27. October 6th, 2008 at 4:18 am
    Liz Strauss Asks for 25 Words About How We’re Connected | Maximum Customer Experience Blog said

    [...] you connected, too? Find your own way to say it in exactly 25 words, then visit the 25 Words That Connect Us Project to join [...]

  28. October 6th, 2008 at 11:43 am
    Write Scribe » 25 Words that Connect Us Project said

    [...] Here’s how I connected to the 25 Words that Connect Us Project. [...]

  29. October 6th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
    Kelly said

    Hello, Liz,

    Well, my trackback did show up but I thought I’d drop the link here so you don’t have to chase the trackback:

    http://maximumcustomerexperience.com/2008/10/06/liz-strauss-asks-for-25-words-about-how-were-connected/

    Great topic, thanks for calling on us to get connected! :)

    Regards,

    Kelly

  30. October 6th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
    Twenty-five words – If the World had Wheels said

    [...] you’d like to participate in the 25 word challenge, go here to check out the guidelines. Don’t have your own blog? Add your answers in the comment [...]

  31. October 6th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
    Imperfect Action » Blog Archive » 25 words that change the world. said

    [...] for a writing project call: 25 words that connect us”. [...]

  32. October 7th, 2008 at 8:11 am
    Middle Zone Musings » Then and Now said

    [...] this is an entry for Liz Strauss’ “25 Words That Connect Us” project, a joyous little exercise that anyone can partake in! Wanna know how? Why, [...]

  33. October 8th, 2008 at 4:00 am
    Avital said

    This is my go at it:

    http://www.creativityprompt.com/journaling-prompt-20-write-a-25-word-poem-about-connecting/

  34. October 9th, 2008 at 9:59 am
    25 Words that Connect Us Project: Don’t Forget Yours - Liz Strauss at Successful Blog - Thinking, writing, business ideas . . . You’re only a stranger once. said

    [...] Write yours — the rules are here. [...]

  35. October 9th, 2008 at 10:17 am
    Stacy Lang said

    My 25 words Sorry, forgot the link.

  36. October 9th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
    Damien Franco said

    25 Words For Art and Artist is my submission.

  37. October 10th, 2008 at 4:11 am
    Connectedness | Transparency said

    [...] 25 words were inspired by Liz Strauss, who has created a project for all of us share our thoughts in exactly 25 [...]

  38. October 10th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
    Todd Smith said

    Thanks, Liz. It was a fun exercise. My results are here…
    http://www.toddsmithphotography.com/transparency/2008/10/10/connectedness/

  39. October 10th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
    Todd Smith said

    oh, whoops… I just saw the trackback. I wondered how that worked! :)

  40. October 11th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
    25 Words that Connect Us - Luke Gedeon said

    [...] This is my contribution to a writing project by ME Liz Strauss. [...]

  41. October 12th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
    YourCre8tivity.com - Creative Adventures » Connected Creativity said

    [...] has one running that inspired a few words. This isn’t the first time she’s run a 25 Words project, but for some reason the subject for this one touched something in the creativity well and brought [...]

  42. October 12th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
    Shadows Edge » A Stranger said

    [...] To give credit where it’s due - this was inspired by Liz Strauss’ 25 Words That Connect Us project. [...]

  43. October 12th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
    Work Happy Now! » Connecting Our Work Happiness – 25 Words said

    [...] Idea courtesy of Liz Strauss [...]

  44. October 12th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
    Karl - Work Happy Now said

    Great idea. I created my 25 word post here:

    Connecting Our Work Happiness

    Thanks for making me think outside my normal routine.

  45. October 13th, 2008 at 5:03 am
    Shadows Edge » Connections said

    [...] Another poem inspired by Liz Strauss’ 25 Words that Connect Us project [...]

  46. October 13th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
    Writing Project: 25 Words that Connect Us — The Broad Brush said

    [...] Writing Project: 25 Words that Connect Us - Liz Strauss at Successful Blog - Thinking, writing, busi… Another great project from Liz Strauss at Successful Blog.) Will you accept my invitation to put 25 [...]

  47. October 13th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Here’s my 25 Words That Connect Us post.
    http://www.toddrjordan.com/thebroadbrush/2008/10/writing-project-25-words-that-connect-us/

    I’ve challenged folks to join as well.

  48. October 15th, 2008 at 7:02 am
    25 Words That Connect Us: Group Writing Project | Bold Enterprises presents Working Matters said

    [...] post is part of Liz Strauss’ 25 Words That Connect Us Project. Thanks Liz for another inspirational [...]

  49. October 16th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
    Bob Whaley said

    Hello Liz,

    I really like your site and I really appreciate your efforts to help the whole blogging community. Here goes,

    “Break bread with me through the blogging medium my sisters and brothers; and crawl through the ether that both binds us and defines our limits.”

    Whew..

    I think my site name describes what I am doing.

    http://www.whatsbobeating.com

    I left some more sentences there.

    Thanks for this opportunity Liz.

  50. October 16th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
    Mark Salinas said

    Life is NOT a journey in which you tip-toe to the grave, but rather you slide in loudly proclaiming — ’WOW, what a ride!!

  51. October 16th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
    How Horse Hair Helps Explain the Social Web in 25 Words | by Ari Herzog said

    [...] centennial picture of Minnie to tell a new story. Answering a challenge by blogger Liz Strauss to tell a story in 25 words that connects us in some way, here’s my contribution on how horse hair helps explain the social web: From [...]

  52. October 16th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
    Ari Herzog said

    Thanks for the inspiration, Liz. A trackback is coming your way!

  53. October 16th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
    25 Words That Connect Us — Frosty Sunrise « Loving Pulse said

    [...] connection, Liz Strauss, meme, stats, subscriber count, Successful Blog, words Liz Strauss at Successful Blog has asked her readers to think about community, connectedness, being linked together, [...]

  54. October 16th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
    Davina said

    Hi Liz. Thanks for this challenge, it was loads of fun! I just hit the publish button.

  55. October 16th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
    Mother Earth said

    Here is my entry ….

    http://bestwellnessconsultant.com/2008/10/16/writing-project-25-words-to-connect-us-liz-strauss-best-of-mother-earth.aspx

  56. October 16th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
    makeorbreakmoments.com » Blog Archive » Making a Connection in 25 Words said

    [...] Liz Strauss has offered up a challenge to express your idea of connections in exactly 25 words.  She is compiling all that submit their ideas.  Here is her idea from the original post: [...]

  57. October 16th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
    Deborah Chaddock Brown said

    Liz,
    Awesome exercise and I’m in with just 60 minutes to spare! Thanks for the tweet reminder.

    http://www.makeorbreakmoments.com/?p=92

  58. October 20th, 2008 at 9:26 am
    25 Words that Connect Us — Pass It On!! - Liz Strauss at Successful Blog - Thinking, writing, business ideas . . . You’re only a stranger once. said

    [...] you to everyone who participated in the 25 Words that Connect Us Project. It was another amazing example of the power of writing. It was also another challenge to make this [...]

  59. October 24th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
    25 Words That Connect Us - Pass it on! — The Broad Brush said

    [...] original 25 Words That Connect Us post. [...]

  60. November 24th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
    Joel said

    If a picture paints a thousand words, what can twenty-five words picture? Possibly, an intriguing exercise of conciseness meant to inspire the senses.

  61. November 24th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Thank you, Joel.
    I think that you’ve done the same. :)

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