How did I discover my passion for writing?

As I wake up in the morning, preparing my coffee and sipping it while browsing the internet and seated on my favorite spot of our house. Here’s some information about Covid19, a deadly virus that has infected and killed millions of people right now.

Who could have expected that this virus would change our entire lives, from the way we used to live, and that we would now need to wear a mask, face shield, and maintain social distance when going to public places? And especially to our livelihood, as some companies are forced to lay off employees due to the ongoing lockdown. Because they can never be sustain them as the business suffers.

I was never laid off during that time I didn’t have a job but looking for one. However, some companies have halted the recruitment process due to the pandemic, and there are some openings. Still, I will always prioritize my safety, not only for myself but also for my family.

And then, one morning happen that we never expected; my father died, which is something I don’t want to happen.

It’s challenging to grave someone during the pandemic because of the restrictions that even some of our family members never see his last breath and final resting place. And especially for my brother, who is in Manila, I genuinely feel sorry for him because he is alone at home, and in that family, comfort is the most important thing.

Writing this part was very emotional for me because I was celebrating Father’s Day without him. But everything happens for a reason, and life must go on because I know he is now in a better place.

Here comes the realization that I need to start figuring out how I will survive in this uncertain time and how I will help my family now that my father has passed away.

While browsing the internet, I came across an article that stated that you could earn money through social media and blogging. That I believe I can make it because I know how to write and have my passion for writing as I have experiencing blogging wayback 2011 when I was in college.

I began writing a blog for a paying platform, which provides me with enough funds to purchase a domain name, web hosting, and other materials required to build a blog site.

Could you believe that I’m only using my phone to create my blog site and write content because I don’t own a laptop, which I’m still saving for it right now? This never stop me for my passion for writing because I believe that you must first make way for it to happen if you want to pursue something.

Writing content is simple, but you may experience writer’s block or procrastination due to too many distractions. But one of the most difficult challenges is figuring out how to stand out from the rest and build your brand. I once posted a blog article on social media, and someone responded with a laughing emoji, which led me to believe it was a senior blogger. That incident will never deter me from creating more content because I am passionate about this. Instead, I use it as a motivator to learn more and improve.

I’ve seen some other people’s experiences belittled because they have more experience than you do. But keep dreaming and chasing your dreams because one day, the person who mocked and ridiculed you will be clapping for your success.

Anyway, I remember thinking when I first started my blog: I’d be a journalist and a writer one day. And even now, I feel like I’m daydreaming. I may not be a journalist, but I find fulfillment as a writer.

Because of my passion for writing through blogging and other social media accounts, I have worked with various people for collaboration, sponsorship, and attending webinars and media invites that I never expected. The most important aspect is meeting new people who share my interests and continuing to learn.

This pandemic caused us too much pain, both physically and emotionally, and we even lost someone close to us. But I can say that this pandemic has helped me a lot to discover myself, and I’ve found that I can inspire others and found my passion for writing, which I enjoy right now.

They may be difficulties in our lives, but remember that a new day is always on the horizon. Everyone has a unique talent to share with others. Maybe you’re still looking for your passion, but I believe one day you’ll realize what you’ve always wanted to do, just as I did.

“You do what you can for as long as you can, and when you finally can’t, you do the next best thing. You back up but you don’t give up.” – Chuck Yeager

This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2: Dear Survivor”. The initiative continues to respond to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis. The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. The “Write to Ignite Blogging Project” Season 2 is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, with Eastern Communications and Jobstreet as co-presenters, with AirAsia and Xiaomi as major sponsors, and with Teleperformance as sponsor.