Finding your voice amid the noise:

You still haven’t launched your passion project, and I understand—life is a complicated mess.

That journey doesn’t go without a fight.

Maybe it’s a physical injury, an emotional upheaval, work circumstances, family obligations, financial issues, or simply the burdens of the world. These are not mere excuses—these are real, tangible circumstances. And here’s the truth: life will be messy anyway. If you’re waiting for the “ideal” time to jump in, it’s not coming. Passion projects don’t wait for the stars to align—they create that alignment through grit and belief.

I know this because I’ve lived it.

I spent years barely dipping my toe into the waters of writing. Self-doubt told me my words weren’t worth hearing. But life had other priorities, apparently. Still, I always felt like a part of me was dying—a soft little spark of creativity that should have been blossoming into something bigger.

But when I finally felt free to write, everything changed. I transitioned from writing to impress to writing to express. I wrote not to prove anything, but to share something genuine. In that moment, creating made my heart crack open, and for the first time, I truly felt alive. Elephant Journal published one of my first poems—they saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself. That bit of validation was the first seed of belief, which grew into the tree that became my collection, The Anatomy of Softness.

Why Passion Projects Matter

Passion projects are more than just hobbies—they’re fragile creations that remind us of who we are when everything else gets busy. They are acts of defiance in a world that values productivity over passion. Honoring your creative urges says, “I am important. My dreams matter.”

Here’s why you should start today:

>> You can Do It without Asking for Approval.

No one will give you the green light. You must seek it within yourself. Whether it’s writing a book, gazing at a blank canvas, or starting a new podcast, the only person standing in your way is you.

>> Creativity Heals.

Creating something that comes from the essence of who you are is incredibly therapeutic. To a certain extent, creating art—whether it’s a short poem, a fragment of music, or a rough sketch—helps restore balance amid life’s chaos.

>> You have a Voice, and it Needs to be Heard.

Your raw, unpolished story is worth sharing. It has the power to excite people, bring them together, and even heal them. For me, The Anatomy of Softness became an emotional map, illuminating my own light and encouraging others to explore their own hidden brilliance.

>> Stop Making Excuses. There’s no “Right” Time for Anything.

There will always be some disorder in the universe. You’ll always have a lot on your plate. But don’t wait for the perfect moment—just start.

I didn’t sit down to write my manuscript during a peaceful stretch of time, let alone an uninterrupted one. I carved out every bit of it between work, sleepless nights, and waves of self-recrimination. It wasn’t just about me—I didn’t give up because I was writing for anyone who had ever been overwhelmed by emotion, loved too deeply, or struggled to accept their vulnerability in a tough environment.

Sites like Elephant Journal gave me the platform to release my emotional voice in ways I couldn’t have done on my own. They gave me confidence, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

What’s Holding You Back?

Now, I ask you—what’s limiting you? Is it the fear of failure? Fear of criticism? Is it a lack of time? Or maybe you think you need to be perfect before you even begin?

These are just feelings. Those who persevere are those who overcome all of these challenges.

Take the first step:

Today doesn’t mean you need to finish a masterpiece. Just take one small step. Write a single line. Draw a single idea. Sing one note. That’s more than enough. When it comes to personal effort, there’s no such thing as perfection. Passion projects aren’t about striving for flawlessness—they’re about giving yourself the freedom to experiment, to be imperfect, and to grow.

If I had let fear dictate my actions, I would never have completed The Anatomy of Softness—no one would. But now, with my book in hand, knowing I put my entire identity into it, I’m proud of what I’ve created.

A closing thought:

Start your passion project. Not because life is perfect, but because you’re worth it.

And if you’d like to see where my leap of faith took me, I invite you to explore The Anatomy of Softness. It’s more than just a poetry collection—it’s proof of what happens when you honor your voice and trust the journey.

To everyone dreaming of creating something beautiful: the world needs your light.