My First Year of Blogging
In the words of Tony! Toni! Tone’!, ‘Do you know what today is? It’s our anniversary!’
Me and BWB, as in BE WRITE BLACK!
One year ago today, I challenged myself to begin a journey for which I was uncertain I was equipt: creating another blog after many years of disregarding the encouragement of others. In my late teens, I tried a hand at blogging that went south because I threw in the towel before the bell ever sounded; it didn’t seem right then, and I had nothing to say.
I never thought the idea would arise again until I rebuilt my website in 2021; I wanted to fill my macrocosm, Venus Se7en Space, with all things me and what I loved artistically. Writing has been a colossal part of me for over half my life, so utilizing a new space to share my thoughts in addition to visual stories whenever I wanted made sense.
I’d be lying, however, if I said Peanut, my inner procrastinator, didn’t nudge me and furrow an eyebrow, reminding me of my commitment issues. Still, 29-year-old-not-wanting-to-stay-stuck me disputed and brought back to mind what my spiritual leader often says in his coaching groups: ‘the greatest investment you can make is the one in yourself.’ So, Miss Peanut took a backseat.
As an introvert, one of the most painful things is getting stuck in dead-end conversations, and because I prefer those with substance and depth, my writing, be it poetry or anything, for that matter, will always reflect that.
I love food bloggers, but penning a post about an egg bagel I had for breakfast is not my tub of cream cheese if you know what I mean. I know my heart and what brings me joy, and some of that is right within the confines of this space, this blog in particular; I wanted to make a difference or rather ‘my difference’ in the hope that others also value my voice.
I didn’t know it then, but I also wrote for myself in writing for others. James Baldwin confirmed this for me in his renowned discussion with Nikki Giovanni on ‘SOUL!’ when, at one point, he said that if his art is painful to an outsider, it is essential to remember that the result had to hurt the artist first.
The same rule applies no matter the emotion; it’s easy for someone like me to forget that because whenever I create, the viewer or reader is always at the forefront of my mind. In The Leonine Lyricist, I’ve written this before about how we are all here to use our gifts to serve those around us. Indeed, self-preservation is the law of the land, and if we cannot do anything for ourselves, it is impossible to do things for others.
As I proofread posts before publishing, I found that my words both poured out of me and filled me up again; it gave new meaning to ‘my cup runneth over,’ but in all honesty, it does. Operating according to our calling is innate and fulfilling, and while I can’t presage all my life path requires of me, I knew early on I’d write until I died. Be Write Black is the newer chapter of my journey as a storyteller; I’m proud to have been consistent overall, trusting God in the process and receiving what He grants me so I can share it with you.
Thus far, I am humbled by the support I have received from old ‘faithfuls’ and new friends; things are on the horizon regarding the evolution of this blog, and I am excited for them to manifest. In retrospect, blogging has been swell for someone who still knows very little about it; this experience has taught me that my work here is only beginning! As my fellow Sagittarian and Jersey-bred ascended homeboy, Sinatra used to sing, ‘It was a very good year,’ and I welcome all divinely timed opportunities moving forward to grow, learn, and write.
