TAKE TWO

Inspiration can be found in the unlikeliest places.

A good meal. A film classic. An inspiring conversation. Nature. Introspection.

Lately, I've been finding it in Hozier, TikTok, and James Patterson.

Now that I have your attention, allow me to explain a few things.

This blog was supposed to be a repository of sorts. A place for the many, many, many stories in my head to live, because I thought I had a lot to say. And I did. I still do. But I'll admit, I didn't realise just how hard the "storytelling" part of having a blog would be. The minute the doubt crept in and the fear crippled my fingers, I let overthinking overrule whatever creativity I believed I had. I felt like I wasn't doing the story, or you, justice.

So I stopped entirely instead.

Who said it's better to try and fail than not to try at all? I'd like a word.

The longer I didn't write, the harder it was to start again. So this blog joined a looonnngg list of things that I have tried, failed at, and let die a quick death thanks to my propensity for getting in my own way.

That was until recently. I found new inspiration.

When you encounter art from someone who loves their craft, you can always tell. It's that song that sticks with you years later, that line in a book you wish you could read over and over again as if it were the very first time, or even that brilliantly thought-out video that reminds you why you stay on TikTok despite it distracting you from getting anything done...

That last one might be just me.

What I mean to say is that passion always comes across.

Dedication and love for your work are distinguishable, and they translate. That was my intention with this blog. For my weeks of ideation and creation to come to fruition as stories on your screen. For those moments of discovery, learning, and growth for me as a writer to come across in every word I wrote.

Somewhere along the way, I lost sight of that goal and the passion no longer fueled me. It became this be-all, end-all. This litmus test for my writing prowess that I couldn't possibly pass. The plan for this platform not only became distorted, but it enveloped me in a vision I didn't want to, and couldn't, create.

However, in seeing Hozier masterfully dissect 100 cantos of Dante's Inferno as the inspiration behind his new album; in watching videos of silly skits, and GRWM's, and days in the life, and endless storytimes; in getting blindsided by clever literature in another James Patterson classic; I saw love and passion beautifully translate. I saw people taking chances on their artistry because they loved it.

It reminded me of my why.

I love to tell stories. I love to write.

That's enough reason why I need to at least try again.

So, this is take two. I fell short at the first time of asking but I'm keeping the invaluable learnings. I'll warn you that things may look a bit different. That means that there won't be a continuation of Mumbi's story - I'll leave that conclusion up to you (what with things being "open-ended" and all).

And a big thank you to everyone who asked about the blog. Your questions were hard to answer but they kept me honest and accountable to myself. They helped me examine the genesis of this blog. They reminded me of a fervour I had shelved in the recesses of my mind.

I hope you'll still come along for the ride.

Here's to a lot more stories finding a home. Here's to finding inspiration and being an inspiration. Here's to learning and getting better. Here's to second chances. And most of all, here's to loving what you do and doing it with your whole heart.

Stay tuned to see where the first stop of this new journey takes us.

With cautious optimism and an open mind,

Joy