Sometimes, I think about what it would mean to live the life I’m meant to. You know, not the one everyone expects me to have or the one that looks good on paper, but the life that feels right for me. There’s something about creating things with my hands that just feels… natural. I imagine myself as a shoemaker. But not just any shoemaker — the kind who gets into the details. The kind who doesn't just make shoes but crafts something that’s meant to last, something that becomes part of the wearer’s story. Whether it’s a worn-in pair of boots or polished dress shoes, every single one has my fingerprint on it, my care in the stitching, my thoughts woven into every piece of leather. I want the kind of shoes that people don’t just wear because they need them, but because they love them. That’s the kind of connection I’m after. A connection through something simple, yet powerful.
From Freepik
But here's the thing: it’s not just about the shoes. It’s about the life I build alongside them. I want to be there for the people I love. I want to be a solid family member — someone who shows up. Not just during the big events, but in the small, everyday moments that make up real life. It's in those quiet mornings, in the way I listen when someone needs to vent, or how I can be present without needing to say anything. I want to be someone my family can depend on, whether it's helping with a flat tyre or being there for a conversation over dinner. Being a great family member isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency, about showing up even when life is crazy.
From Freepik
And then there’s the broadcasting dream. I’ve always been drawn to stories, to conversations that open up new ideas and spark something in people. I can picture myself behind a mic, connecting with others on a personal level that feels real. I want to share what I’ve learnt, pass on experiences, and create a space where people can tune in and feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. Whether it’s talking about everyday life or sharing the beauty of craftsmanship, I’d want to give my audience something worth listening to. Not just noise, but something that resonates.
From Freepik
You might wonder how these things tie together — making shoes, being there for my family, and sharing my voice through broadcasting. It might seem like a weird mix, but to me, they all have one thing in common: connection. Every shoe I make connects me to someone who’s going to wear it, every moment I share with my family is a connection that lasts, and every broadcast is a bridge between me and an audience. All three are about being genuine and showing up, whether it’s with the work of my hands, the love I give, or the stories I share.
Honestly, I think that’s where the magic happens. These dreams don’t have to be separate. I could be working in my shop, making shoes, while also being the kind of family member who’s always present, not just physically, but emotionally too. And on the days when I step away from the workshop, I can still be creating something valuable through my voice, sharing stories that connect me to people I may never even meet. It’s all about balance. It’s about taking what matters most to me — my craft, my family, and my need to communicate — and figuring out how they can coexist in a way that feels true.
At the end of the day, it’s not about just one thing. It’s about living a life where everything I do adds up to something meaningful. The shoes I make, the love I share, and the stories I tell — all of it creates a life that’s uniquely mine. And that’s what I want: a life that feels right, a life where I’m truly living in the way that makes sense for me.
This post is in response to LOH 239