I remember publishing my first blog post in 2008.
I was so excited about publishing that first post, I announced my blog site to all my friends on Facebook and encouraged everyone to follow me on Blogger (Yes, people, you read right, I said Blogger). My first post was an introduction to my new blog, which outlined who I was and why I started writing. Looking back and reading that first post, which sounds so childish when I read it now, feels silly, in a good, smile-to-myself kind of way.
Sixteen years later, while I don't advertise every post I publish on Facebook anymore, I still feel joy and a sense of accomplishment every time I press publish. I realised the reason I find joy in writing is the same today as when I first started.
Here's an excerpt from my first blog post that helped remind me why I started writing online:
Her main reason for starting up Ulat Buku in the City is to meet like-minded people and be able to exchange opinions on interests similar to hers. Her only wish is to expand and share knowledge and she also hopes to make more friends.
Why did I refer to myself in the third person instead of the first? No idea.
Coming back to the point, while I no longer write book reviews on young adult romance (take a wild guess if I still read 'em, though 🤓), my joy in writing comes from experiencing the whole process of learning an exciting topic, researching, writing, connecting and sharing that knowledge with others.
So much has changed in the digital sphere since I started blogging in 2008.
Now, I mainly write and share what I have learned via X rather than blogging. Sharing what I learn and connecting with others via the platform also brings me joy.
I know many people find it challenging to identify the one thing they can do that brings them joy, and I am grateful to have found that one thing that makes me happy.
PS. If you find it challenging to identify the activity that brings you joy, revisit activities or hobbies you enjoyed and loved doing as a child. I have loved writing since I was young. I did a lot of journaling and wrote silly short stories inspired by Star Wars characters; I was a geeky kid. Now, I have expanded my love for writing on digital platforms.
