My blog is a year old!!!!!😁😁😁


A year ago to the day, I published my first blog post! It's still so wild to me because at the beginning of 2020 the thought of having a blog never once crossed my mind, and now I can't believe I never initially considered it!!

Looking back at my blogging year, all I have to say is wow! The past year has been quite the rollercoaster, I doubt I'll ever be able to fully unpack it here but best believe its been insane!!! A year ago I genuinely never thought I would be where I am right now...

...okay, I'm thoroughly waffling👀truth is, I always imagined that my anniversary post would be a long paragraph about how I've grown as a person and how I'm so happy I could put pen to paper (or letter to keyboard in my case-I hope that makes sense lol) and all that cute sentimental mushy stuff...but the truth is that I haven't done or said nearly as enough as I wanted to by the time I reached this milestone, and being the person I am, I haateeee it when I don't reach the goals I set for myself (working on that though). The truth is that this has been theeee toughest year I've had in my 19 and a half years of being alive, and I say this every single year but it is truest this year. Between living in a global pandemic in what was meant to be the best year of my life, to figuring out that my mental exhaustion and health issues are linked to my academic achievements (and lack thereof), to trying to stay hopeful while my mother was ill, trying to keep my marks up while they were plummeting, dealing with losing my mother and changing family dynamics and trying to get back into the groove with school and my mental health and my social life and my faith, you can imagine it has not been cute. 

But today I don't want to dwell on the negatives. Today I just want to say thank you. To every person that believed that I could do something meaningful with my blog, for every like and reshare, every comment, every word of advice, every suggestion, every word of encouragement and criticism, every single contribution that was made in support of my blog is so greatly and deeply appreciated. This year made me realise that I have the most genuine people around me who want to see me succeed and I have no words to express my gratitude for each and every one of you. 

I know I've been hella inconsistent. Like extremely. And that frustrates me because as much as I am an inconsistent person, I really wanted to be a better person with regards to my blog. To whoever still cares: I've still got tonnes to say and share. I'm gonna be like Stella and get my groove back, but it's going to take some time for that to happen. I can't wait to have a better way of balancing my life and get back into writing and sharing all the ideas I had in mind, particularly at the beginning of 2021.

In the mean time I'd like to leave you with this: Don't be afraid to jump out of your comfort zone, and don't doubt your capabilities. Writing for a bunch of people was waaayyy out of my comfort zone, so much so that I kept postponing the time I would do my first post and announcement when the 1st of June 2020 came (almost didn't do it really), but looking back I'm so glad I took that leap of faith and did something that was so spontaneous and unplanned. Maybe for you its not a blog, maybe its a YouTube channel or a food or fashion blog or a business venture, get into it. I believe God planted that idea in your head for a reason. Don't allow imposter syndrome to take over. 

Another thing, reflection and self-awareness and evaluation is something that is so so sooo important. Do not underestimate the power of keeping a journal, or maybe even just sitting and reflecting on your life journey. Honesty with yourself is one of the best things you can do for your growth.

Last thing, I would like to extend the hugest and warmest of thank yous to everyone who has supported this blogging journey, in all the different possible ways. I appreciate you so very much, and I hope you continue to do for others as you have done for me.

God bless you abundantly,

-Aphiwe Refilwe Vezi💛

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