Today, I posed a question to myself: What do I truly want? What are my genuine desires, and what do I merely think I want?

Writing things down always helps in such moments because my mind often tells a different story than my heart. My mind is busy, always thinking and feeling the pressure to accomplish so much, while my heart often whispers something entirely different.

I find it challenging to balance work and personal life, especially since my private life is so intertwined with my work, thanks to Instagram, or vice versa. I also notice that I’m often driven by the whims of Instagram—the ever-changing algorithms and constant tweaks to the platform. I frequently find myself disappointed after hours spent creating content, as it doesn’t yield the results I had hoped for. But then, what exactly do I expect?

Reflecting on these questions, I realize the importance of aligning my actions with my true desires rather than being swayed by external pressures or fleeting trends. It’s a journey of self-discovery and introspection, where clarity emerges from the dialogue between my head and my heart. And perhaps, in this exploration, I’ll find the balance and fulfillment I crave.

 

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I realize that being true to myself means staying authentic to my core values, beliefs, and passions.

Dee

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Being true to myself?

I absolutely love my work; creating content is my passion. However, being driven by likes and comments is something I hadn’t anticipated. So, I’ve started taking occasional social media breaks, which do me a world of good but also stir up some unrest because this is my business, my livelihood. Sitting still and doing nothing doesn’t feel right either. The other day, I made the decision to close the doors of the brand partner shops on my website. It’s too much responsibility that I’ve burdened myself with. Too much hassle, both administratively and creatively. I want to stay true to myself, to remain grounded.

But what does that mean exactly? Being true to myself? Where did I start, and with what motives?

Reflecting on these questions, I realize that being true to myself means staying authentic to my core values, beliefs, and passions. It’s about reconnecting with the initial spark that ignited my journey and remembering why I embarked on this path in the first place. Was it driven by a genuine desire to create, inspire, and make a difference? Or did external pressures and expectations steer me off course?

Returning to my roots allows me to rediscover my purpose and intentions, stripping away the noise of likes, comments, and societal pressures. It’s about finding clarity amidst the chaos and embracing my unique voice and vision. By aligning my actions with my true self, I can navigate the challenges and uncertainties confidently and authentically. And in doing so, I can create content that resonates not only with others but also with my own soul.