It’s My Blogiversary! How My Blog Inspired Passionate Living

One year ago today, weeks after the pandemic caused life as we knew it, to shift in ways we never could have imagined, I started my blog.

It was a years-long journey that I kept putting off because…perfectionism, overthinking and fear fed me excuses that I gladly indulged in because actually putting myself out there as a writer and creative seemed like too much for me.

When I think about it, the fear of being vulnerable wasn’t the only reservation I had. I was also afraid of fully giving life to the creative part of me. What would it mean to be a real writer, creator and artist? Could I handle it? These are some of the questions I asked myself for years before the reality of limited time, a gift of the pandemic, motivated me to just do it.

I love my decision-making process, it’s similar to my writing process. I do a lot of thinking (usually overthinking) and do extensive research before I settle on a choice that I feel is a good one.

I’ve learned that this can lead to “analysis paralysis,” where dreams are deferred or dissolve into my subconscious mind and never see the light of day.

I was over that.

The day had come for me, when the risk it took to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom (Anais Nin).

And, I am still blooming. Navigating this journey as a creative with zeal because it fulfills me and gives me the opportunity to connect with and inspire others through words.

So, this is a celebration, not just for the one-year anniversary of launching my blog, but for a huge step in my journey as a creative.

I am ecstatic about that, about who I am now, who I’ve connected with along this journey and all of the wonderful experiences, connections and accomplishments to come.

A friend of mine, whom I’ve known for over 15 years, recently reminded me of the courage I possess.

He said, “the bravest thing you’ve done, to me, is get in front of the class and sing opera.” He was referring to a project we had in speech class while in college. At the time, I was taking opera lessons because Minnie Riperton, one of my favorite vocalists, had taken them. Though I was filled with fear, I got up there and belted out “La Scala."

It transformed my fear into fuel and empowered me to tap into my courage in other aspects of my life.

“That’s who you are at your unfiltered core.” He asserted. It was true, somewhere along the way, I’d forgotten how brave I was and chose to keep safe in a bud, pulling my muscles, gifts and dreams closely together. And covered.

The reality is, I wasn’t safe. I was stifled.

So, I made a different choice and I am so glad I did. It has not been easy. I’ve experienced more rejection than I ever have, but I’ve gained a thicker skin because I know for sure that what is for me, will not pass me by.

I am in alignment with my purpose and passion and it feels absolutely amazing.

I am not just celebrating this blog, that serves as my space to write about whatever I want, I am also celebrating the “bloom” that it now represents for me.

It represents the start of my journey of passionate living.