It’s officially been one year of making content, and it has genuinely changed my life. Exactly a year ago, I published my first YouTube video. And while it might not have been my best work, that moment marked a game-changer for me. After filming and editing that video, I felt a sense of purpose I had never experienced before. The urge to pursue this as a career was strong. At that moment, I realized something clicked, and I wanted to go all-in because I absolutely loved it.
For so long, I watched other people create and share their lives on YouTube. And while many think of content as just posting online, I’ve learned it’s so much more than that. Content creation shapes our identity, impacts our relationships, and provides a deeper sense of purpose. It’s become a space for personal growth, finding meaning, and connecting with others.
Before I Started: The Corporate Life
Before diving into content creation, I was working a 9-to-5 corporate job in finance. It was a good experience, but I wasn’t excited to go to work every morning. I was stuck in a routine, doing what I thought I should be doing. Everyone around me had graduated from college and jumped into jobs in tech or finance, so I followed the crowd. I was working in a respected industry, but there was something missing…
I didn’t have an outlet for creativity, and that was really draining. When I came home from work, I just wanted to do nothing. I’d turn on YouTube, watch vlogs, and escape for a little while. But one day, something clicked: if I watch so many vlogs, why don’t I try making one myself?
Starting From Scratch
I had no clue how to start. I had never filmed a video before, let alone edited one. But I decided to give it a shot. A year ago, I filmed my weekend and edited it over the next couple of days. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was having the time of my life. Editing on my couch all day on Sunday was pure joy. I realized I had found a creative outlet I had been craving.
From that point on, I committed to posting every single week. I knew my videos didn’t need to be perfect, but I wanted to improve a little each time. Sometimes the videos were short—just four minutes, or maybe ten—but I was showing up for myself consistently.
The Power of Consistency
Creating content made me show up for myself week after week. It forced me to think outside the box and dedicate time to something I truly loved. Even on the toughest days, when I felt mentally drained from my corporate job, creating content was my act of self-love. It was a reminder to prioritize something that made me feel fulfilled.
This journey has also taught me to reflect on my values and interests. I had lost my voice in the corporate world. Working in a male-dominated space, I wasn’t always encouraged to speak up for what I believed in. But creating content gave me a platform to share my perspectives, opinions, and thoughts. It helped me reconnect with my voice and reminded me of the importance of community and shared experiences.
Learning to Appreciate the Little Things
Creating content also made me more intentional in how I experience life. I began to romanticize my daily routines—something as simple as making breakfast or working out became special. I found beauty in the mundane, and capturing these moments on camera helped me appreciate the small things. It reminded me to slow down and embrace the ordinary days that make life extraordinary.
The Power of Connection
One of the biggest surprises was how creating content allowed me to connect with so many people. Every comment, every message, reminds me that I’m not alone in my thoughts and experiences. I genuinely feel like I’ve made friends through this journey, and that connection is what keeps me going. Your feedback and support make all the hard work worth it, and I love knowing that people resonate with what I share.
Impact on Relationships
Another unexpected change was how creating content impacted my relationship. Before diving into content creation, my boyfriend and I had very different perspectives on work-life balance. He’s always had an entrepreneurial spirit, while I was stuck in the corporate mentality. But when I started dedicating time to creating content, something shifted. I began to feel happier and more fulfilled. It wasn’t just about work; it was about purpose.
When I shared my passion for content creation with him, he saw how much it lit me up. He encouraged me to continue pursuing it, and we both found that when I’m happy and fulfilled, it reflects in all areas of my life, including our relationship. Having something that excites both of us made us stronger and more present when we’re together.
Mental Health and Confidence
Content creation also played a huge role in boosting my confidence and mental health. Putting yourself out there for judgment and criticism isn’t easy. There were times in the beginning when I doubted myself, questioned my value, and felt unsure. But the more I pushed through, the more I grew.
When I started being vulnerable on camera, I received comments from viewers who appreciated my authenticity. That feedback motivated me to keep going. It felt like a relationship-building process—like going on a first date, slowly letting down the walls and getting to know each other better over time.
The Biggest Lesson: Just Start
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to anyone thinking about creating content, it’s this: just start. I didn’t have all the answers when I made my first video, and I still don’t have everything figured out. But I kept showing up every week, learning something new, and improving little by little. The key is consistency and growth. You don’t need to be perfect—just keep showing up and getting better with every video.
And if you need a break, take it. Content creation burnout is real. It’s okay to step back when you need to. Rest is just as important as consistency in this journey.
Final Thoughts
Creating content has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s allowed me to grow in ways I never expected. It has impacted my personal life, relationships, and mental health, and it has given me a sense of purpose I was missing.
If you’re considering starting your own content journey, don’t hold back. Find what excites you, be consistent, and remember—your voice matters. Whether or not you’re creating content, we all have something unique to share with the world.
Happy to have you on this journey <3
watching you create a life for yourself that feels fulfilling and purposeful to you has been so beautiful to witness. proud of you!