One year ago, I hit the publish button on my first blog post. Back then, I was still unsure of my path and where I wanted to go with blogging. I just had a desire to get back into writing and take up a new challenge. So, I created my site and posted my first poem.

It never fails to amaze me how much we can change and accomplish in a single year. Looking back on the past 365 days of blogging, I feel like a new person. I’ve gone from a confused high school freshman, not knowing much about myself and the world to a much more confident version of myself. I can’t tell if time passed too fast or too slowly, although with COVID, who can tell anymore?

I used the free time the pandemic gave me to refine my writing, update my website, and grow Bold Words. I let myself rediscover the freedom of writing and the magic of our words and stories. Either through poetry, creative nonfiction, or prose, I’ve really enjoyed the creative process.

In January, I started Soul Poetry, a branch-off from Bold Words. As part of Soul Poetry, I host monthly poetry readings for teenagers across the world. I am happy to announce that I have hosted three successful readings with over twenty registrants featuring poets from places such as the United States and Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, India, and Nigeria. I am absolutely in awe at the diversity in these readings and I’ve loved getting to share our stories and voices in a laid-back, non-judgemental environment. We’ve made friends, had conversations, inspired each other, and had fun along the way. If you want to learn more about Soul Poetry, I’m working on updating the site and should have a separate tab out with more information soon.

Of course, I couldn’t get this far without the support from some incredible people. To my mom, thanks for helping me edit my poems and constantly giving me writing ideas; to my dad for being an honest critic and spending hours on web design; and to my brother for just being the best younger brother I could ask for, thank you.

I want to thank all the people who have attended Soul Poetry readings either as readers or audience members. Thanks to those who have encouraged and supported me in growing my blog. That includes anyone who’s ever visited the site, liked, or shared any of my posts. An extra shoutout goes to everyone who has subscribed to my site or Instagram. Your support means a lot to me.

I’m super excited to announce my plans for next year: to turn Bold Words from a personal blog to a community, providing a platform for teenage and youth writers to share their writing with others and the world. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get guest speakers for Soul Poetry and continue on my journey to spread my love and passion for words.

At the end of this rough but amazing year of blogging, I’ve learnt a lot-not only about writing but about the world and myself in general. I’ve learnt that starting is often the hardest part of continuing, that after you’ve started something, it’s easier to follow through. All it takes is just an idea, a plan (or no plan), and most importantly, a first step. Don’t let dreams dangle right in front of your face without doing anything. Just get started.

I’ve learnt that it’s okay to take some risks, whether it’s trying out a new style of writing or publishing your words for the world, it’s always important to try new things. Who knows, maybe you’ll start a new hobby, discover a new passion, and learn more about yourself along the way.

This has been such a life-changing experience and I am so happy I started blogging. 

After 365 days, here are some fun highlights I want to share:

The best part of writing is when I finish writing a piece that I feel proud of, something that is so good, I can’t believe that I wrote it. I’ve had so many of those experiences throughout the year but here are my best three poems (not necessarily in this order, though!):

  • My Deliverance-a fantasy poem about personal growth and overcoming obstacles. Fun fact, this post has the most all-time views.
  • Waves-a short poem about personal experiences and the pressure teenagers face to find a career path.
  • The Universe-just me pondering about our existence and the endless skies above us.

Like I’ve mentioned before, taking risks is an important part of life. Throughout this year, I’ve taken lots of risks with my writing style and have been surprised at the results. Here’s a list of poems where I took risks:

  • The Nightmares (part one and two)-a two-part poem which is a story about standing up and facing our fears.
  • Fears-speaking of fears, this is a short, kinda acrostic poem about fears.
  • Phoenix-the first short poem I’ve ever written. It turned out surprisingly good.

Other favorite writing pieces of mine:

  • Our differences-lets learn to celebrate each other and embrace our differences. All lives don’t matter until EVERY single life matters.
  • Broken Points-my first creative nonfiction piece about pencils and writing.

I want to take a quick second to look back at where this all started. All Beyond Lines was my first ever post.

As I hit the publish button on this post, I’m once again reminded of how far a single year can take us, everything we’ve done, and everything we can do. The possibilities are endless. The possibilities are infinite.

Thank you for sticking with me and I hope you will continue to so we can share our journeys together.