I’m Leaving Here With Something

People older than us love to insinuate that our generation lacks work ethic because we seek too much gratification, but honestly, what’s wrong with that?

If you spend an entire day preparing for a pop-up shop, it’s reasonable to expect a profit from that event, right? So why, if I post consistently on Instagram and get just two or three likes or comments, am I wrong to want more engagement? Being on a platform like Instagram and not receiving instant feedback can absolutely diminish the value of consistency. Sure, they say real work ethic is about persevering when no one’s watching, but dammit, a reshare can go a long way!

Not caring about applause for something you’re deeply passionate about is a luxury many of us creatives can’t afford our content is our livelihood.

For me, the success of my blog is deeply tethered to my mental health. While writing serves as a form of release, it’s also a source of affirmation, one I seek most from the people I aim to impress the most: all of you. This is a very toxic approach, I’m aware, but it’s hard to separate my value as a writer from the reception my work receives. I want to create something worthy of recognition. I don’t want to be just another blogger who posts without substance, I want to be remembered as a voice that matters.

Before the hysteria kicks in and you all assume I’m on the brink of depression, let me clarify: I know I matter. But this is a space I created specifically to dive into these deeper thoughts and explore them fully. That said, I’m learning to balance my need for affirmation with the reality that growth—whether in creative work, personal life, or even a platform like Instagram—isn’t always linear. Sometimes, it’s slow and painful. Sometimes, it feels invisible. But even in those moments, I’ve realized that the effort I pour into my blog, my content, and my craft is never wasted. It’s all part of building something that lasts.

Still, let’s not pretend that showing up every day doesn’t come with expectations. Whether it’s a pop-up shop, a blog post, or an Instagram reel, there’s always this unspoken hope that what I create will resonate with someone, anyone. And when it doesn’t? It’s hard not to internalize that silence as failure. It makes you question: Am I doing this right? Do people even care?

But here’s the truth I’m trying to embrace: even when the numbers don’t reflect it, the work I put into my blog matters. Even if it’s not trending or going viral, I’m leaving something behind. Something I’m proud of. Whether it’s a post that connects with one person or a reflection that helps me process my own thoughts, it’s still worth it.

So no, I’m not leaving this space empty-handed. I’m leaving here with something every time. A lesson, a breakthrough, a piece of myself that I’ve put into words. And that something is enough, even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it. Because at the end of the day, the value of my work isn’t just in how it’s received—it’s in the fact that it exists. That I created it. And that’s more than enough.