I have spent so much of my life wanting to hide away my goals and desires, lest anyone find them out. Maybe it was to try and keep these passions safe from other people’s doubt and criticism, but I’m learning to do things differently now.

Recently I have been rethinking almost everything in my life. How long will I continue on this path, knowing that it simply does not lead me in the direction I wish to go? When will I finally cut my losses and make the changes I need to make?

While I’m still working through this, I am finding other ways to trick myself into success. Part of that is going to be through my writing. Of all the gifts I believe I’ve been given in life (and we all have them, don’t deny it), writing is my favourite. I enjoy it so much, and I am not always sure why. This, I believe, is part of the confirmation that it is a gift. The things we love without choosing point us in the direction of our heart and purpose.

Anyway, writing this blog has been a challenge for me, as I’ve always been my first and harshest critic when it comes to writing. I enjoy doing it, but I second-guess myself and talk myself out of it before I can ever get going.

To get over this, I’ve decided to take the pressure off myself to write and publish anything ‘good’. I will follow the spark of inspiration and write whatever I want and need to in the moment. This may not be popular, but it will be honest and true—both things we are sorely lacking in the world today.

I thought I would also set some creative ‘stretch goals’ for me, to push myself beyond the comfort zone of thought and opinion pieces. So, here is my list of goals that I would like to accomplish:

• Interview others. I find people so fascinating, and I love learning who they are and how they tick. This will certainly grow my own skills as a writer and person, while also enabling me to build connections with new people, and promote them too.
• Review places. I already write plenty of reviews when I go out (all positive, helpful or constructive, I swear!). Why not do this properly, and put it on my own website? I want to explore more places in my city and world. Let’s put words to it all and see how it goes.
• Write and share poetry. Unfortunately, poetry has always been a challenge for me. I have never been a particularly wonderful poet, and I admit I’ve never quite understood the appeal. But God do I want to. It is such a unique and admired art-form, and despite my challenges, I can appreciate a good poem. I know that being a better poet and appreciator of poetry will help me as a writer and person, so this is another way for me to grow.
• Research new topics and write about them. I have always enjoyed learning more about the world and people, but it’s been a while since I actually wrote about my findings. In university, I studied International Relations and Literature, so I spent a lot of time working to compile and articulate my thoughts. Since being out of the academic sphere for over a year, I fear I am losing my ability to do this well—a factor which does not sit well with me.

I’m not sure if this will be successful, or if this will bring any great change to my life or blog. My hope is that it will be a great way to grow as a writer, and I believe that any and all progress will do that. With a goal like that, I can’t fail.