Song of the Week:
@eilo.irl by: ELIO
November 15th, 2023
This week, we’re about to hit a huge milestone—one I’ve been looking forward to for a while, and now it’s finally here! That’s right, it’s TUT’s one-year anniversary. To be honest, I can’t believe I can even say “anniversary.” I’ve been consistently writing every Wednesday for the past year about topics I’m passionate about. Who’s reading them? Well, I’m not always sure…
One thing I’ve learned from starting this venture is the lesson of ego. I thought I would blow up right away, that people would love my writing from the first post. I thought I Had an amazing idea that has never been done before. I imagined hundreds of views, shares, and constant engagement. Well, let me tell you—that didn’t happen and that there are hundreds of other accounts here to do the same concept. It was a very weird feeling to pursue this with the idea that I was affecting no one.
There were weeks when I got no views—zero, nada. But guess what? I still posted the next Wednesday. And even after a month of zero views, guess what? I still posted every Wednesday of that month. It was a truly humbling experience, but it also opened my eyes to just how dedicated I am to this blog. Consistent doesn’t start when you hit the ground running, it happens on those days when you don’t feel up to the task. Trust, there were days when I didn’t feel like continuing writing or drawing. Because what was the point? I wanted no one to witness my failures, but I wanted everyone to witness my greatness. It makes no sense when I say out aloud, but my brain thought that was a fine concept.
I made it through the treacherous waves of doubt and came out on the other side. I also want to add that you, my readers, are just as dedicated. You’ve stuck around through all my convoluted, out-of-pocket topics and design changes. Here you are, celebrating this one-year anniversary with me. For that, I thank you. This blog has definitely grown on me, and to be honest, I couldn’t imagine life without it now. This little corner of the internet is my safe space, and I hope it’s become one of yours, too.
New Edition to TUT?
Once I got over that big hump, I realized this blog was the first time I stepped outside my shell in a long time. And I can confidently say that people actually might know me know if you have been following along since day one. It felt like I was finally me again—free to express my creativity to its full extent. While this journey has blessed me with the ability to speak my mind, one big question always looms when I tell people I’m a blogger: What’s next?
Let me show you the conversation I have in my mind:
Hmmm…. What’s next? I don’t know… maybe add a new segment? Like what though? Maybe become an influencer? Hmmm…I can try? Could I use this to help my community in another way? Maybe something educational, like selling a course? Well, not really, I don’t want to teach or preach. I also despise though kinds of blogs/ personalities. Could it be inspirational? Maybe, but I don’t see myself as a guru leading people to enlightenment. Okay… how about advice? I thought about that! But would people actually listen to me or even tell me their problems? I highly doubt it. Well, that leads me with…?
For the most part, this blog is running smoothly, and its intricacies align with my values. Much like my approach to music, I enjoy discovering new sounds and sharing them with others. There is a certain ego boost when I show people my music and they actually like it. I’ve also enjoyed the creative freedom in designing the accompanying music covers, and I’m considering experimenting with them even more in the coming year. Furthermore, the chosen themes allow for a wide range of discussion topics—there’s always something to explore. In that sense, I truly take after my mother, yappers at our core.
Overall, The Unfinished Times has developed into everything I initially envisioned. Looking ahead, I’m eager to expand my Co-Collective project and bring it to a larger audience, which would require your support.
On that note, I can’t help but point out that many of you—yes, you, the person reading this—haven’t been filling out my forms! Whether you’re a regular reader, a casual visitor, or just someone browsing, I’m talking to you. Completing a simple form would allow me to engage with you more directly and gather ideas on how we can move forward together. Perhaps you just need a little nudge or some inspiration to get those creative juices flowing. Well, here it is.
If that is not your jam then, you can riddle me this. What topics would you like to see more of? Are there themes I’ve touched on that you’d like me to explore deeper? What has resonated with you the most over the past year? (You can put your answers in the comment section on IG.)
I might not have all the answers on where this blog will go, but I do know that I want you to be a part of that process. Your input can shape the future of The Unfinished Times, and I invite you to share your thoughts with me. Whether it’s through the comment section, a message, or even just filling out that form I keep mentioning (yes, I’m talking to you!), I want to hear from you. If there’s one thing I’ve learned: it is that there are always new perspectives to consider and new ideas to unpack. Whether you’re here for the philosophical musings, the lifestyle tips, or the creative covers that accompany each post, I want to make sure there’s something for everyone. And that means receiving feedback from my readers.
Both of these types of engagement, whether loud or quiet, have meant more than you might think. Not only does it shed light to you playing an active part on The Unfinished Times, but it also shows that you are here to support this endeavor. Each time you read a post, comment, or even reflect on something I’ve written in private; you’ve become a part of this journey with me. Whether you know me personally or not, it really means the world for me to know your standing by me.
I made you a Playlist
To wrap up the year with a bang I present @elio.irl by ELIO and yes, I choose this song specifically because the first lyrics are “I just made you a playlist” which is what I did! I mean that is part of it. This song is about a one-sided relationship, a girl waiting for the call, text, TikTok video from the guy. She sings her frustrations, I write mine. However, I can just simply share it, and you get the picture I am trying to paint here. I am doing all the talking Wednesdays and silence on the other end. This is toxic. Speak your mind, let me know what is up dog……get it? LOL
Anywho, stay close by for next week I will be dive into a topic that I have been avoiding for a while now. Not what you might think but because I am a mess.
Don’t forget to follow me for more insightful content, give a shout-out to spread the word, and consider signing up for our Co-Collective to be part of our vibrant community. And if you missed any posts from previous weeks, take a moment to catch up! Let’s continue exploring, sharing, and growing together! <3 See you in the next post~XOXO
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