Skip to main content

Day 31 - The Day After - Looking Back, Learning, and Growing



I’ve completed another journey—thirty posts in thirty days. Looking back, I feel a sense of accomplishment. This challenge wasn’t easy. Some posts were carefully planned, some were spontaneous, some felt a bit forced, and others simply unfolded on their own. All within the space of a month.

Now, as I sit back and reflect, questions arise. What could I have done better? How could I have prepared differently? Is this truly what I set out to achieve? Could the writing have been stronger, the reflections deeper?

In hindsight, I recognize that there's much to learn from this experience. One honest admission is that I strayed from my original intention. “Thirty Days in October and the Day After” was meant to capture my reflections on each day's events—an attempt to distill the essence of daily happenings. The 31st day was intended as a pause, a chance to sit back and reflect on what had been captured, and find its core essence and meaning.

If I think about it, today is the only day I’m fully doing what I set out to do. I focused so much on what to write each day, that I drifted away from why I was writing in the first place. My initial goal was to write with spontaneity and insight, creating a collection of honest reflections.

Yet somewhere along the way, the focus shifted. I became more concerned with meeting the daily writing goal than with capturing the day’s essence. Writing each day became less about reflection and more about keeping up with the challenge. 

Some posts did convey my observations and feelings and turned out well, but I see now that I could have brought in more personal reflection and insight.

Perhaps next time, I’ll take the lessons learned here to heart: I’ll prepare differently and aim to stay true to the purpose of the journey. I’ll focus not just on the content but also on the intent—to reflect on the moments that make each day unique. And in doing so, I hope to capture a truer, more personal journey.

Each endeavor offers an opportunity to grow, and this one has given me plenty to consider. I look forward to what the next challenge will bring and the chance to write and reflect with greater clarity, purpose, and authenticity.

Here’s to doing better next time, with a renewed focus and a deeper commitment to reflection and unearthing life's new meanings. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Day One -- What Am I Going To Write About?

To be honest, I’m not sure. I didn’t have a plan for this. A few ideas popped into my head yesterday, but I let them slip away without writing them down. So now, I’m here, wondering... What should I write about? I’ve always admired how writers seem to find the words. They don’t just tell stories; they make sense of life. Whether it’s fiction, essays, or poems, their words flow effortlessly, drawing you into their world. It’s like magic—captivating and transformative. Somehow, they’ve mastered the craft of turning simple words into gems that stay with you long after you’ve read them. And then, there’s me. I just write. I let my thoughts spill out, raw and unfiltered, without much structure or thought. No carefully woven narrative, no grand flow—just whatever comes to mind. Sometimes, I wonder if I’ll ever get to the level of those writers who make it all seem so easy. Maybe I will. Maybe I won’t. But right now, that doesn’t matter. What matters is that I’m writing. I showed ...

Day 2 - What's Your Purpose?

Have you ever truly asked yourself, What’s my purpose? It’s a question many ask, but few genuinely pursue. We often move through life, following routines without stopping to consider why we’re doing what we do. Many choices are made simply because "that’s how it’s always been done," without questioning the deeper reasons behind them. Think about it: How often do people choose a career because it's popular, without ever asking themselves, Why do I want to do this? It’s rare to pause and reflect on what drives us at our core. But those who are in pursuit of purpose— they ask the important questions. They don’t just accept choices blindly; they challenge the status quo, question the outcomes, and evaluate the significance of their actions in relation to their larger goals. Purpose provides clarity. It’s the compass that guides decisions and actions, ensuring every step is intentional. It’s not just about achieving success; it’s about creating meaningful change,...

Day 3 - The Power of Letting Go: Why It's Okay to Give Up

In a world that glorifies perseverance and celebrates grit, we're often told to keep pushing through no matter the cost. "Winners never quit, and quitters neve win" has been drilled into us since childhood. But what if sometimes the strongest, wisest choice is to let go? What if walking away could be your key to unlocking a better future? There are moments in life when we know—deep down—that continuing down the same path is futile. Yet, we keep going, fueled by hope that maybe, just maybe, things will turn around. We tell ourselves, "I'll give it one more try," even when we know it's unlikely to work. So why do we hold on? There are many reasons, but they often come down to fear: What will people say? Will I be seen as a failure? How can I let go when I’ve given it my everything? I can’t imagine my life without this. There must be a way to make it work! These thoughts cloud our judgment, keeping us stuck. But the real point is not the reason...