try creating for one - Issue #33

Dear you,

Have you ever watched a movie and felt like it was speaking to you or made specifically for you?

You are not alone.

I remember watching Grey's Anatomy and connecting so deeply with Cristina Yang. I felt seen and inspired. Can you relate? I don't think that's what Shonda had in mind when she was writing that character but somehow, that character influenced me. Annalise Keating, Harry Potter, Arya Stark, Jon Snow, etc. have all influenced people.

There are particular films I watch and I cry deeply or write notes because I can relate to the situation. Those key moments change my life. I feel seen and it helps me make decisions and feel better. 

I watched F.R.I.E.N.D.S with my friend

I remember watching an episode of f.r.i.e.n.d.s. about Chandler and Monica dealing with adoption  because they were unable to have a baby. It was such an emotional episode for one of my friends because she was going through the exact issue at that time. While I saw comedy and felt a little empathy, she felt it so deeply. She cried and felt inspired. It touched her. It touched someone. I imagine the episode was seen by millions of people and made thousands laugh, but I am sure one person's life changed by just watching that episode. Someone felt seen, and at peace. 

Why these stories?

I think sometimes, we may create for many but we truly create for one. One person, whose life can change, or who may feel better by just by encountering that creation.

A metric you cannot measure

It is a metric that is difficult to measure, but deeply felt. Stop overthinking the likes, comments, and vanity metrics. There are deeper metrics you can't measure, e.g. making someone smile, inspiring someone to take action, making someone's life easier or better.

Make a decision to create for one. It is easier to create for an audience of one than one million. Think of a person in your community, someone you love, someone in need, or a version of yourself who needs that solution/creation.

When I write these letters I think of you. And it makes it easier. For me, it's not about the likes or comments, it's about you. If this letter makes your journey a little easier, then I have succeeded. So, if you are struggling with creation, imagine one person (or even your former self) who needs the solution you have to offer, and create for that person.

With love,

Blessing Abeng