Remember Why You Started

I have been experiencing an extreme case of writer’s block lately, hence the silence treatment over here on NM. I’ve changed topics for this particular post mores time than I can count because I couldn’t seem to get out the words or even narrow down my focus. The more I stared at my computer screen the more everything seemed to blur together. Usually my thoughts flow so freely and effortlessly, but for some reason I haven’t been able to get past the first few sentences. This happens to me every so often, but this time it hit me hard. I had to take a step back over the past few days to literally do a little soul searching and let it come to me without forcing it. Finally, it did and the message was loud and clear.

Remember why you started. 

Let’s be real. It is very easy to get caught up in the wrong things in regards to this industry. Without realizing it, you start comparing your journey to someone else’s. You begin to feel discouraged and disheartened for a lack of growth or lack of opportunities. You find yourself focusing on someone else’s highlight reel instead of recognizing your own success. With thousands and thousands of fellow creatives hustling to produce content each day just like you, it’s easy to follow along in their footsteps instead of paving your own path. [You can read more on that here]

I have to be truthful and admit that I have fallen short several times through out these last 6 years. I’ve had many moments where I’ve struggled and have found myself completely dismissing all of my hard work. I hate to admit that, but I’m human and I am flawed.

I wasted time paying too much attention to low numbers or to someone else’s success story. All it did was slow me down and made me lose sight of my own personal journey and the reasons why I started this in the first place. While this industry may be oversaturated, there is still only one of you. There is still only one of me. Let us not diminish ourselves and remember that we each have a unique voice and something of value to offer. As cliché as this may be, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” That statement holds so much power and truth and it’s something that I constantly try to remind myself of every day.

Sometimes you have to take a step back from the 24/7 hustle and relive the moment when you decided to start all of this. What were you going through at that time? What was your main source of inspiration? Who were you back then compared to who you are today? It’s important to think about those answers. Think of how far you have come and how much further you still want to go. Let the space in-between inspire you to continue. While some days you might move slower than others, just make sure that you never stop.

Why I Started

I still get super nostalgic when I think back to the day I decided to blog. It’s hard to believe that it was almost 6 years ago. While I remember those moments very vividly down to the outfit I was wearing, it’s hard for me to relate to the person I was back then because I don’t even recognize her anymore.

I had just turned 28 and was at such a transitional point in my life. It was only a year after I lost my father and my steady 9-5 job. I no longer had stability, direction or knew my life’s true purpose. There was still a little bit of a dark cloud surrounding me and I needed light. I needed a lot of it.

I remember feeling so lost and craving for a new creative outlet. It was time for a change and to introduce something new into my life. My intentions were never to be able to make a living from this. That became a bonus later on. This blog started on a whim with no real purpose behind it other than a way for me to express myself and reach others. I had no expectations. My only hope was that it could help occupy my mind, be therapeutic and allow me to connect with others through my love for fashion. It has done all of those things and then some. I feel so blessed and thankful because in the midst of all of this, I found my way again.

Not only did I find my way, I created a whole new journey and chapter in my life. Hell, I created my own business. I never imagined that would even be a possibility. This blog gave me back my purpose. It even helped me tap back into my love and passion for writing, which then helped me expand so much more on my content. These are the core reasons and the foundation of why I built this blog in the first place. Just like anyone else, I sometimes lose sight of that. In those moments of weakness, I have to remind myself who I am and why I choose to do this. This is my own personal journey. It’s not meant to be compared with someone else’s story.

When numbers are low or when a month is slower than usual, I keep creating anyway because through that content creation, I STILL get to connect with all of you. I still get to do what I love and share it with others. That’s why I started and it’s why I will always continue.

I know how challenging this industry can be. One month you’re on a high with incredible opportunities and then the next you’re second guessing your place in this digital space. You put so much of your heart, energy and time into your content only to have it go unnoticed or overlooked. Trust me, I get it. I’ve been there. I think we all have at one point or another.

Regardless of this though, I encourage all of you to take a step back today and remember why you started. Let those answers refuel you and re-inspire you to keep pushing forward.

I hope that this post served as a friendly reminder for you to stay on track and to put the focus back on YOU. I would love to know a little bit about your story! Feel free to share with me in the comments below. Thanks so much for reading!