PbyCj

Boom.

I know we’re all so excited about my isopods—lol, totally joking—but I do appreciate y’all who actually take the time to read my blog and follow what’s going on in this multifaceted, seemingly random, but always real life of mine.

So yes, I did finally get my isopods yesterday. I’ll be sharing a video soon of the whole little setup—super cute—but let me just say, it’s been a rollercoaster week. First, the shipment was delayed. Then, surprise! They came earlier than expected… but then psych, they didn’t. Turns out they were being held hostage at the post office and I didn’t officially get them until Monday. Naturally, I did a whole setup right then and there, and I was excited. Of course I was excited.

And here’s the thing—I always assume what I do is just… normal. Like, in my eyes, I’m basic. Very normal. But apparently, that’s not how people see me. The way others perceive me? Wild. I’m often left blinking like, “Bro, what? How did you get that from this?”

Still, I’m thankful. Thankful that I can now recognize those moments and not let outside opinions dictate what I do. Because I remember—clear as day—about five years ago, when I was doing all kinds of things, experimenting, creating, sharing, just trying to live. And one of my natural ways of communicating has always been through sharing excitement.

I might not tell you every detail about my struggles, but I will share what I’m excited about. I didn’t even realize that was part of how I’m wired until I started reflecting on it. And back then, I was just out here vibing—sharing freely, posting the things I liked, what I was into. But some of the feedback I got? Yeah, it stung. And if I’m being honest, it affected me. I stopped pursuing some things. I let that criticism sit too long, and it seeped into how I created, how I showed up, how I even thought about myself.

But here’s what’s interesting: the things God put in me? They never left. The ideas, the visions, the creativity—it all remained, even if I paused or pulled back. They were still mine. And now, I’m learning to stand in that. To be unashamed of who I am and how I’ve been created, layers and all.

There’s always a risk in sharing. People aren’t always open. Some folks don’t understand you, and maybe they’re not meant to. But that doesn’t mean you stop. That doesn’t mean you fold. Because you? You are not a surprise to God. Neither am I.

I wish I could go back five years and tell myself: “Hey, don’t quit. Don’t give up on this just because someone didn’t get it.” But since I can’t, I’ll say it here—for someone else who might need it. Especially for other creatives, the ones who are just getting started, who don’t have a big audience, whose work might not be polished, whose posts don’t go viral… keep going.

Keep creating, even when it’s messy. Even when it’s ugly.

I remember my first little project—I didn’t even know it would be considered a blog. I just called it “Ugly.” Ugly #1, Ugly #2. I didn’t care. I just needed to do. I needed to write. And that’s the thing: it’s the doing that matters.

Now, I’m in a more authentic space. The views, the likes, the metrics? They don’t move me like they used to. And that’s beautiful.

So yeah… keep creating. Because I had a podcast once called Were Created. Two episodes a week, hour-long sessions, made just for the creatives. I still have all of that work. The passion behind it? Still alive.

So if you’re reading this and you’re in that tender beginning stage—hear me: don’t let anybody block your creative flow. Not fear, not critics, not even that little voice in your head. Create anyway.

Because this is your space too. And it matters, you matter.

– CJ