It’s been one year since I published my first post.

I could go over specific pieces and reflect on what I’ve written, but I did that recently when I reached 100 posts.

Instead, I want to reflect on one year.

I started writing on the blog for various reasons: introspection, clarity, self-awareness.

The most important reason, though, is one I wasn’t forthcoming about.

I wanted to build self-esteem.

I’ve learned that I tend to act on short bursts of inspiration. I start something, but when the inspiration fades, execution exits too.

I needed to prove to myself that I could actualize an idea, execute, and sustain a practice for a long period of time.

When starting the blog, I knew long-term execution would be the challenge.

It was quite easy to start the blog, host it, and have a first post.

Where it got challenging was when the excitement simmered.

A few weeks in, life continues, and committing to writing becomes more challenging. During exam time – this feeling heightens. When my emotional state is at a low or I’m feeling unmotivated, writing is particularly difficult.

Let me be clear: the challenge shouldn’t be conflated with my enjoyment of writing.

Challenge is simply a calling for effort, not for distaste. I’ve enjoyed exercising resiliency and exercising my craft.

When I look back:

One year on the blog is more than just amassing a collection of posts.

One year on the blog is more than just building a memoir.

One year on the blog is more than just a vehicle for improving my craft.

It’s one year that I needed to solidify belief in myself.

I started writing when I was extremely broken.

I’m not fixed, but I’ve started to view myself differently. I needed to prove to myself that I could do something long-term – and I have.