Why I Started This Blog
1 . The uncertain beginning
I used to say, “I’m working on myself” or “I’m on a self-growth journey,” but honestly, I didn’t even know what that truly meant. It’s not that I don’t know what self-growth means, why it’s important, or whether I’m doing it — I know I am. It’s more that if someone were to ask me to explain it, I wouldn’t know how to put it into words. If they asked, ‘What exactly are you doing?’ or ‘How did you get to this point?’ I wouldn’t have a clear, step-by-step answer. It’s not that I’m clueless — I know I’m growing — but the process feels more intuitive and fluid than something I can neatly outline or label.
It was during Christmas break. Everyone had gone home, and I was still on campus. If you’ve ever stayed back during a break, you know how quiet everything gets — it’s almost haunting. I was feeling lonely. And not just “no one’s around” lonely, but the kind of loneliness where you feel untethered from everything. I was trying to make sense of it, trying to turn that isolation into solitude, which, let me tell you, is a process. Growth isn’t linear, right? So naturally, I hit a low point.
That’s when I did something I didn’t expect — I turned to Reddit. I made a post, basically just asking for validation. I asked, “Is this self-growth thing even worth it?” It was vulnerable, and I’m not gonna lie, I was looking for someone to tell me, “Yes, it is. Keep going.”
2. Finding Passion in the Unlikeliest Place
I didn’t find the validation I expected from that post. Instead, I found something better. While scrolling through the community I posted in (I think it was r/selfhelp or something similar), I came across posts from others sharing their own insecurities, stories of being labeled “too sensitive,” and struggles with self-doubt. It was like seeing parts of my past self in these posts. It wasn’t just relatable — it felt like a mirror reflecting back at me.
For the first time, I felt a very strong passion within me. It’s the kind of fire that’s a little scary because it’s so strong. Strong feelings often come with the fear of the crash afterward, like a wave that’s bound to hit the shore. But I didn’t run from it. I let myself feel it. I’ve learned that you can’t stop yourself from feeling things — you just have to let them pass through.
Here’s the thing: it’s not really about how people respond. In fact, it wasn’t that at first, because I didn’t know how people would respond. It’s about the act of bravery — posting something so vulnerable and not knowing how people will react — and being okay with that. It’s about pouring my heart out and staying true to myself.
That’s when the passion started. I started sharing my thoughts, my perspectives, and even some of my experiences. Some of it was stuff I’d already worked through, and some of it I was still living in real time. It’s not something you find, it’s something you articulate. I had to put my thoughts into words to understand what I’d been doing this whole time.
3. The Doubts and Reassurance
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At one point, I started to wonder if this was even healthy. Was I just sharing too much? Was I handing out “cheat codes” for growth that people should figure out for themselves? But I reminded myself that sharing perspectives isn’t about giving people answers. It’s about letting them see another angle. People aren’t me, and I’m not them. I’m not telling anyone how to “fix” themselves. I’m just sharing what’s worked for me. It’s an offering, not a command.
Sometimes I’m guilty of over-empathizing to the point where I forget that other people aren’t me. I’m learning to separate that. I’m learning that it’s okay to share and that it’s okay if people’s journeys look different from mine. We’re all just walking our paths in our own time.
4. The “Why” Behind This Blog
So, how did I end up here? The passion I found from those Reddit interactions was so strong that I wanted to do something with it. At first, I thought, “Maybe I should write a book?” But then, I’ll be honest, self-doubt crept in. “Who do you think you are? Why would anyone read a book by you?” That’s what the little voice in my head said.
But here’s the thing: I’m not starting this blog because I’m trying to prove that I can write a book. I’m starting this blog because I want to dip my toes in. I want to test the water, see what it’s like, and see if it’s something I’d like to do more of. And honestly? I’m just really, really excited to share this passion that I’ve never felt before.
5. Words Are Action, Too
One of the biggest realizations I’ve had is about the power of words. I used to be the type of person who believed action was everything. Words? Whatever. It’s easy to say things. But here’s what I’ve learned: words lead to action. Words are the seed. The way you talk to yourself, the thoughts you replay in your head, those words become action.
Old me was filled with insecure, self-criticizing words that never saw the light of day. They stayed in my head, but they guided my actions. I’m learning to be kinder with my words, not just to others, but to myself. If I’m going to grow, I need to plant the right seeds. I’ve seen how the way words shared have impacted others, and it’s a reminder of how words — even from strangers on the internet — have the power to move people.
6. What’s Next?
So, this blog is a new beginning. It’s a way to explore this passion, to see where it leads, and to keep articulating my self-truth. I’m not here to “teach” you anything, but maybe, just maybe, you’ll see something that feels familiar. Something that makes you feel less alone.
I’m still figuring it out. But I’m figuring it out out loud, and that’s okay. That’s what this blog is for!
