And.........I Am Grateful

I started writing this newsletter in January 2023 and now with more than 10 months, 130+ stories, and 10,000+ readers following my words, I think my heart might come out of my chest to first hug myself and then to each and every one of you.

Truth be told, I ventured into Substack because, aside from WhatsApp, I lacked a personalized platform for my writing.

Surprisingly, these past 10 months, or more accurately, my readers, have completely transformed my perspective.

Initially, I viewed myself merely as a freelance writer. I acknowledged my ability to write but never fully embraced the title of a writer; I saw myself as a freelancer. However, Substack altered that perception. It revealed that writing is not just a task for me but a passion, while freelancing serves as a means of income—a business.

Not everything is glorifying though. Since people find it hard to subscribe to emails, people used to ask me, Why do you still write on Substack when people are not subscribing?

And trust me, they don’t ask to know the answer. Their question seems more like a statement that sounds like 'Are you an idiot who knows people won’t subscribe yet you seem to not care?’

The bottom line is people don’t care what you do, they are just going to judge you on the basis of what they can understand. People cannot see what you see. People cannot feel what your heart feels. So, never waste a single second of your life worrying about ‘what people think of you’

I was feeling the love I was receiving and I was seeing myself growing as a writer. My first few articles suck so much that if I read them now, I wonder ‘How in the world can one make so many mistakes?’Lol

And now, at this point in the journey.

Photo by Khamkéo Vilaysing on Unsplash

Expertise doesn't manifest through contemplation or theoretical knowledge alone. It requires unwavering practice, a commitment to consistency, and the courage to face judgment and failure. My journey into becoming a writer didn't involve pricey courses or degrees; it stemmed from the consistent act of writing. If I were to halt my writing today, the title of a writer might slip away. Every piece crafted contributes to becoming a better writer, progressing by 1% each day.

I didn't commence with a clear vision of what I wanted to write or where I saw myself as a writer. The experience was a stranger at the beginning. Yet, I embarked on this path because I understood that the pain of regret surpasses the sting of failure.

Photo by NASA on Unsplash

Launching into something new doesn't demand a master plan from the start. A mere spark of curiosity can blossom into a towering tree, bearing the fruits of your labour. The misconception often arises that one must have all the answers the moment an idea germinates. There's a desire for assurance, a belief that every detail will neatly align with the envisioned plan. Yet, when the path appears challenging and obscure, many hesitate, paralyzed by the fear of the 'what ifs.'

Here's the revelation: each small step forms an entire pathway, leaving behind a legacy for others to tread. The reluctance to act, driven by uncertainties, snuffs out the flame of curiosity and stifles the aspirations of your inner child. That youthful ambition, yearning to achieve, gets overshadowed by the anxieties of the adult mind entangled in countless trivial fears.

"Let your curiosity be your compass, steering you away from the detours of regret."

Take Substack, for instance. The outpouring of love through countless emails has been overwhelming, and I'm sincerely grateful. Yet, the question lingers: what's the next big leap? Substack was a leap into the unknown, a bold move when the platform was an enigma. But should contentment settle in? Absolutely not!

My next audacious stride involves reaching two thousand subscribers by year-end. Yes, you heard it right. The moment that goal crystallized, my mind transformed into a kangaroo, bouncing with a barrage of ideas on achieving it. However, this is where the art of being an essentialist and a dash of patience comes into play.

Sure, new beginnings can be intimidating, but that's no excuse to remain stagnant. Your mind will present an idea followed by a flood of 'reasons why it's impossible.' Perhaps, it's a test—your mind challenging you to choose between your dreams and a slew of excuses. The decision, however, is yours. Choice is the innate luxury bestowed upon everyone. You can either relinquish the power to make an informed decision or forget that you have the ability to make one at all.

"Opt for decisions, not alibis, to pave the way for your dream life."

Ultimately, have faith in your ability to not only dream but to bring those dreams to life. External support can't instil passion in you if you don't harbour a belief in your own capabilities. Trust yourself. Take my word for it; if the thought exists in your mind, the potential to achieve it resides within you.

As for my goal of reaching two thousand subscribers by year-end, the path may be unclear, and I lack a mentor to guide me. Yet, I am resolute. If I can conceive the idea, I am confident I possess the capacity to turn it into reality. So, I shall.

Today, my gratitude knows no bounds for each and every one of you. To those who send heartwarming DMs, thoughtful emails, and uplifting comments—you are the pillars of support that fuel my passion. I'm even familiar with the names of some wonderful individuals, hailing from my dream destinations like Kuwait, Turkey, Malaysia, and various African countries, including my beloved Nigeria. Your unwavering support is a treasure.

I extend my heartfelt thanks for being with me on this journey. My hope is that you'll continue to be a part of it until my very last piece. I've found the inspiration to write daily because of you, my readers. Thank you for instilling belief in me, and I aspire for this newsletter to be a source of inspiration, making you believe in yourself just as much.

Do me a favour by sharing my newsletter. You can help to achieve my dream of getting 2,000 subscribers. Thank you as you do.