What if it Works?

I think we are all a little too good at second-guessing. Whenever something goes well for me, I let myself feel good about it for a little bit, and then slide comfortably back into doubt. Second-guessing is a very human thing to do. It is as natural an impulse as breathing, but why is it an impulse at all? Why is it that we ignore the compliments and memorize the insults? What opportunities do we miss out on when we tell ourselves we should not try at all?

As some of you may know, it has been one year (in July) since I posted my first entry on Manolo Blognik. I did not think anyone would read my blog (besides my mom), let alone have it published on the UIC radio website. I still feel like the greatest gift Manolo Blognik has given me is space to explore who I am as a writer. I still think that putting myself out there more with my writing has allowed me to do the same as a person.

When I posted that first entry in July of 2025, I had no idea that months later I would have dozens of readers and another platform to showcase my blog. I am existing in a timeline of my life that I never thought would be possible. The feedback on my blog is full of people who want to write but are unsure of what to write about. People who fear they will not have anything interesting to say. I had those very same thoughts about myself; in fact, I still get them from time to time, but can you imagine if I caved in and listened to them? If I never trusted myself enough to go for it? Thank goodness I have failed time and time again. I have eroded the parts of my brain that fear trying.

There is a lot of magic in believing in yourself. I touch on this topic a lot, but only because I live my entire life by it. I know firsthand that it is hard to do. It is a skill that you need to develop like anything else; the ability to open your mind and your heart to all that is possible. Rather than asking yourself, “Why would it be me?” you need to ask, “Why would it not?”

Our thoughts and words are powerful. They have the ability to make something true. You can surround yourself with negativity and decide it is over before it starts, or you can look on the bright side. What would happen if you let yourself believe in your wildest dreams? How would today go if you told yourself tomorrow will be even better?

After our Summer intermission, I am ready to get back into the world, and what a world it is! It is improbable that I am alive at all, let alone alive at this exact time in this exact place. So many wonderful things have lined up to let the glass exist; how can I not view it as half full?

Part 2 of this entry will be out next week!

With love,

Kierstyn

Image from Pinterest