My Blog Turns One

 

Written by Safa Alhassan

If someone had told me a year ago that a small decision would lead to such a big part of my life today, I’m not sure I would have believed them. On the night of the 29th of April 2024, I decided to start my blog and share my writing with the world. Until then, I had only ever gifted my words to people who truly mattered because for me, writing has always been a way to show love. I’ve gifted my words to family, scribbling down pieces of my heart for them during their most important moments, and even on days when they weren’t at their best. Writing has always been something very precious and sacred to me, and I only ever take my time to write when it feels truly worthy.

That night, I decided to create a space for myself. A space where I could write, revisit, and laugh. It was more like a gift to myself. A place where I could breathe in everything about my authenticity and uniqueness. A safe space where I could simply be myself and do everything exactly the way I wanted.

My sister told me she would read anything I wrote. So, that evening, I created my blog, and she became the first person to read what I had written. Since then, it’s been a journey filled with special memories; memories of books, characters, authors, and countless emotions. Some I can describe perfectly; others, I’m still trying to understand because they are feelings even words have not caught up with. It’s been a year of abundance and creativity. A year of love, of shared knowledge. A year of learning new things and relearning old ones. A year of acknowledgment and growth. Above all, it’s been a year of contentment and genuine connection with myself.

I’ve lived a million lives through books, and seen a million more through my careful reflections while writing my reviews. Over time, I have built my own voice and learned to listen to the voices of others without judgment, without shame. I’ve been able to comprehend even the things left unsaid, to be empathetic while still standing on my own ground, even when our views are different.

Growing up, I’ve always been extra attentive and imaginative. These traits have sharpened my ability to gauge emotions especially in books and to respond with sensitivity. They have helped me build very strong comprehension skills. When I read, my senses heighten. I can immediately relate to what’s being said, especially when it stirs something in me.

This blog has been the space where all of these freedoms and abilities have found a home. And today, I am deeply grateful for a year of consistency, a year of building this precious relationship with my little corner of the world.

What I've Learned

One of the things I would say I’ve learned since starting my blog is that nothing matters more to me than being able to express my own opinions. I've never really been apologetic about that. You see, reading is very subjective, and different people often have conflicting feelings about a book, a poem, an essay, or whatever it may be. But even when a large number of people seem to agree on something that looks the same, the amazing thing is that they still don’t feel it the same way.

Since starting my blog, I have learned to stand by my own thoughts and feelings without flinching or conforming to others. I’ve learned to look within myself and feel my own feelings. Most times, when I start a book, I don’t even read the synopsis because they often feel like spoilers to me. I just want to have firsthand feelings and block out anything that could taint that experience. So regardless of what anyone else is saying, I am able to curate my own little cocoon in each story I read, then bring them together and give them life in the bigger world that is my blog. I find that very beautiful and intimate. I've also grown to be more accommodating of various perspectives on things. I find it incredibly interesting and, at times, even amusing.

My Favourite Books or Posts from the Year

My favourite books to review would have to be My Husband by Maud Ventura, The Color Purple by Alice Walker and Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. These books were really deep, and writing about them was a memorable experience, especially because they challenged me. I enjoyed reading them, though I often felt that words couldn't fully capture how they made me feel. Still, I did my best to convey those emotions in my review. They stirred strong feelings in me and taught me that some things are better felt with the heart. I think part of my enjoyment came from how well they were written and how unpredictable they were. When I say they challenged me, I mean that they were complex in a way that went beyond their surface. There were many hidden truths, and uncovering them was a truly enjoyable experience.

Another favourite of mine is my short story, I Will Kill Femi. That was my first-ever short story. When I look at it, I am reminded of the night I wrote it and then reluctantly decided to share it the next morning after a lot of thought. I felt jealous that I was letting people in on my words. I realised that i became very protective of what I wrote as I got older, and I don't exactly have an explanation for why.

But I Will Kill Femi drew in a lot of audience, and I got so much feedback. But that wasn’t the reward for me because it was more or less a normal reaction. I guess my reward was bringing that whole thing to life, as well as all the other blog posts I’ve written so far. I go back to my short stories sometimes and smile, especially because I evolve every single time. I guess the second-best thing is that it has become a memory and a sentiment.

Struggles and Surprises Along the Way

The Struggles (or Lack Thereof)

Honestly, I wouldn’t say there have been any struggles. For me, I don’t put myself on a pedestal or try to meet anyone’s expectations. My blog has always been my safe space, and that was the whole point from the beginning. I go at my own pace and usually pick books I feel I’ll enjoy. I simply review the books I’ve read, some of which are picked by my book club. I don’t follow trends or deadlines, and that’s why each post is so important to me. They’re my treasured memories.

Sometimes, after finishing a book, it takes me a little time to come to terms with its end because I tend to get attached to the characters, the writing style, and basically the whole book. So, I guess it’s a lot of sentiment and beautiful memories all wrapped up together. Sometimes, I look at my reviews, and the thoughts of those days come rushing back. It’s truly beautiful. It feels like an album of pictures, only these are words.

The Surprises That Caught Me Off Guard

The surprises, however, lie in the number of people who do not like to read. It’s very laughable and surprising at the same time. I didn’t realise the epidemic was this loud until I began sharing some of my pieces. Maybe I’m more disappointed than surprised. I remember very recently someone making a silly joke about me being a "Chimamanda" or something. Not that I mind being compared to one of the writers I respect so much, it was just the slight jest that I caught immediately. Also, I think people find fiction a waste of time, and that’s even more surprising and almost stupendous, if you ask me. What would you rather read? The news? Fiction is the only place where you could truly be compassionate and patient enough to feel deeply the feelings of another. It is the most gentle and subtle form of love. It is a means of escape from your reality into the reality of another total stranger you have never met, who, in turn, introduces you to a whole lot of strangers that are characters in their own world. The best part is that you get to feel each of these people and each of these experiences in your own way, and there is nothing that has ever existed on the surface of the earth like that unique feeling you own and have experienced yourself. It’s beautiful, and it still surprises me that people do not read.

Looking Ahead

As I step into a new year of blogging, my hope is simple; to continue writing from a place of truth and to honour my feelings no matter how little or grand they seem. I want my blog to keep being that safe space where I can breathe, laugh, learn, and evolve at my own pace. I am excited for the books I am yet to read, the stories I am yet to tell, and the emotions I am yet to uncover. I look forward to deepening my connection with my words, trusting my voice even more, and hopefully reaching more people who find comfort or joy in the little pieces I leave behind. Above all, I just want to keep writing  for myself first, and then for the world if they wish to listen.

I want to say a very big thank you to everybody who has read my reviews and posts. Also to those who have left me beautiful comments, you’re amazing.