Sweet Lilian’s Something: One Year of Growth & Lessons

One year ago, I took a leap of faith—I started this blog. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew one thing: I had stories to tell. I wanted to share, express, and connect. Now, a year later, Sweet Lilian’s Something has become more than just a blog; it’s a space of growth, strength, and resilience. As Coco Chanel, a French fashion designer and businesswoman once said, “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”This blog has given me the courage to do just that.

Fittingly, this anniversary coincides with International Women’s Day—a celebration of the very things my blog embodies. This year’s theme, "Accelerate Action,"urges us to push forward for gender equality with urgency and purpose, and as I reflect on this journey, I see striking parallels between my experiences and the essence of womanhood: persistence, learning, and the power of storytelling. In the spirit of Accelerate Action, I want this blog to continue being a space that amplifies voices, inspires change, and connects people through shared experiences. 

 

Let’s be honest, blogging every week was not always easy. There were days I would stare at a blank page, unsure of what to write. The inevitable realities of life got in the way sometimes, and I questioned whether I could keep up. But I showed up. And every time I hit “publish,” I was reminded why I started, and truly, as Michelle Obama so powerfully observed, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”

The Best Part? YOU.

The comments, the messages, the feedback—every time someone told me they resonated with a post, that my words struck a chord, it made all the effort worth it. Writing isn’t just about self-expression; it’s about creating a bridge between experiences. Seeing my thoughts connect with others has been the most rewarding part of this journey.

Lessons!

This blog has taught me a lot—about myself, about writing, and about you, my audience.

• I am expressive. I never truly realized how much I had to say until I started saying it. My words became my voice, and through them, I found a way to speak to people in ways I never imagined.

• Authenticity matters. The posts that resonated the most were the raw, real, and personal ones. The ones that made people feel seen, understood, and less alone. “A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” as Melinda Gates once said, and I’ve learned that embracing my truth, my voice is what truly matters.

• My lovely audience. You love posts that educate, entertain, and feel real. Whether it’s personal experiences, reflections, or insights into life, you engage most with stories that feel genuine and relatable. As commonly said in Zulu, ‘Umuntungumuntu ngabantu’ (A person is a person because of other people), Sweet Lilian’s Something is a blog because of you all. I love you!

Top 3 Posts (Based on Engagement)

1. Surviving NYSC Wonderland – This post took off because it wasn’t just my story—it was the story of so many who had gone through the NYSC experience. The feedback I got? Keep writing. And that’s exactly what I’ll do.

2. 20-Something and Everything - Embracing Adulthood – Adulthood is one of those things no one fully prepares you for - the uncertainties, the responsibilities, the freedom. This post resonated because it captured that transition in a way that many young adults could relate to.

3. The Sweet Sorrow of Nostalgia – Nostalgia is a universal emotion. We all have moments we look back on with both fondness and longing. This post brought those feelings to life, and the response showed just how deeply people connected with that bittersweet sentiment.

Growth, resilience, and strength have been the core of my blogging journey, and in all honesty, this space has allowed me to embrace my voice, share my struggles, and find strength in vulnerability.

It’s no surprise that my first post resonates deeply e because it’s raw, real, and honest—just like the experiences we all go through. And looking back, I realize that this blog is not just about me, but about us - This journey is ours.

 

Looking Ahead: One Year Down, Forever to Go

I have no idea what the future holds for this blog, but I do know one thing—I’m not stopping. As Malala Yousafzai succinctly said, “I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” I hope to keep raising mine. Raise yours too.

To everyone who has read, shared, commented, and supported this journey—thank you. Sweet Lilian’s Something is what it is today because of you. Your encouragement and support mean the world.

As we step into year two, I’d love to hear from you! What topics do you want to see more of? Which post has been your favourite so far? Drop a comment or send me a message—I want this blog to continue being a space that speaks to you.

Here’s to another year of learning, sharing, and growing together.

Happy International Women’s Day and Happy One-Year Blog Anniversary to us! 

#IWD2025

 

…Sweet Lilian