Just realized this morning that today marks 9 years of continuous blogging, during which I’ve learned and developed so much on a personal level. A journey that started in 2018, and I never thought would unfold the way it has over the years. Somehow, from small steps, thinking of writing briefly about my home country’s history and culture, to an experience that allowed me to go beyond borders, and somehow became a puzzle I have been solving around art, history, and culture. Over the past 9 years of blogging, I have had the opportunity to reflect on my own journey while living in France and to meet and interview artists from the MENA region and from the diaspora.
Although my blogging activity has changed in the last few years, I’ve learned to adapt and not completely abandon it. Starting the blog allowed me to discover myself and begin something I have always admired and wanted to do: writing and creating. Blogging kept my creative side alive, and I was able to express many feelings and ideas more clearly through writing, even when I was angry or sad. Writing generally helped me let many words out, even if not publicly published. However, I learned some things the hard way through blogging, and I am grateful for them.
I think after 9 years of blogging,
I have learned what to write about and when to publish. There were many opportunities and still-standing drafts, but the decision not to publish outweighs publishing. Simply because not every word or idea is worth making public. I had a period of blogging when I cared about statistics and my publishing rate, which was honestly quite high. I thought that if I did not keep the same frequency, my blogging experience would be over, but I realized that I am the one who controls this experience, not my rate or how much I publish.
On a personal level, blogging enabled me to learn a lot about myself, especially while living abroad and having years without seeing my family or spending time with them. Blogging was what helped me during periods of stress, especially when I needed time to calm down or slow the rush in my mind. I will always be grateful to blogging because I got to meet and connect with incredible and inspiring people. There is always that sense of gratitude and immense happiness whenever I get to interview someone with a truly great experience to share with readers.
On this day, I remember myself 9 years ago when I took this step, and a dear friend of mine encouraged me to take this step. I remember then the hesitation and a bit of fear of taking this step, but today I am filled with gratitude, happiness, and love for this journey of writing and sharing. Not forgetting all the kind words I received from friends and strangers, and the support throughout. Without the support and kindness of readers, friends, family, and strangers, this journey wouldn’t have reached its 9th anniversary, so thank you truly from the bottom of my heart!