Turning 27 on September 27th: A Year's Reflection and Notes to the Future

Hello again everyone, after a long, a really long silence. I know, in every post, I make promises not to take such a long break, and then somehow I can't keep them. This time, I don't have a specific excuse, but perhaps these lines are the first steps in breaking a shyness I've been trying to overcome. Since you're following this blog, you can probably guess my passion for writing.

Spilling from My Pen: Three New Worlds

Lately, I have a project that I'm dedicating all my focus to: I'm writing three different books. Although the main outlines for two of them are complete, I know they need more work before I'm satisfied. The third one is still in the writing phase. While I don't yet have the courage to share these stories with you, I can give away a few little secrets. One of the books is set in a fantasy world where I've created my own power system and rules, which is the realization of a long-held dream. Of course, a story from my pen wouldn't be complete without touching on parallel universes. My other two books offer glimpses into the lives of characters connected to the same origin, which I call the "Ahd Universe." This way, you'll be able to find references and interactions between characters from different stories.

These days, finding myself as a "web-novel" author as I turn 27 is surprising even to me, but I must admit I'm thoroughly enjoying the process. Sharing what I've written requires a lot of courage for now, so I'm only opening them up to people I'm sure won't make fun of me. Thank you in advance for your understanding. I realize this birthday post has unexpectedly turned into a book promotion.

A Special Day: 27 on the 27th

As I write these lines, I'm actually on the last day of being 26, and at midnight tonight, I will turn 27. Some of you might say, "What's the big deal?" But this isn't just any ordinary day; it's the unique moment I turn 27 on September 27th. Every birthday is special, but this is the first one I'm celebrating on my own blog. Normally, around this time each year, I write letters to myself, giving advice. This year, however, I wanted to write that letter not just to myself, but to all of you.

The past year was truly difficult for me. There were moments when I lost my enthusiasm, came close to giving up, and even wrote a resignation letter. But it was also a year where I overcame many challenges and reached one of the turning points of my life. My master's degree, which had been dragging on for years, finally concluded on February 14th after I started working. While this date may be Valentine's Day for others, it will always be remembered in my mind as my "academic freedom day."

Afterward, I faced one of the biggest struggles of my life: "brain fog." Although I haven't fully recovered, the vitamin and mineral supplements I'm taking have at least allowed me to get back to doing the things I love. With this September, a new chapter has begun in my life: I've enrolled in a Ph.D. program and will soon start classes. Despite the daunting comments and anxieties from those around me, I've realized how much I've missed being a student, studying, and being productive. There are two things in life that make me happiest: learning and sharing my knowledge. I suppose that's why I love writing so much.

Notes to My Future Self

And you, future Ahd... When you read this one day, know that these lines were written not just for you, but for many people in some corner of the internet. I have a lot of advice I could give you, but I know that you?that is, I?are surely in a much better place than I am today. And if not, you're striving to be. Remember that when we fall, we find the strength and support to get back up from our friends and loved ones. I know we make mistakes and have moments of guilt. If they can be rectified, we must try; if not, we must strive not to repeat them and keep looking forward.

You are no longer that young man from the last book who is constantly in a monologue, analyzing everything, and on a "new me" project. You are now a man who is making revisions to an established personality. So, leave the dreams of fixing everything from the beginning to your books. Let go of fantasies like, "If I could go back 10 years..." Perhaps this dream will make you happier: "How would the me from 10 years from now be proud of who I am today?"

Focus on that question. When I look back, I've started to see things to be proud of, even in moments when I was angry with myself. Since you will be better than me, look more carefully and move forward. I wish you the best of luck for the next four years, as you are the age that will represent us first.

And to You...

Alright, that's enough "schizophrenic" talk, right? If you've read this far into the ramblings of a man giving himself advice, you're probably not very "normal" yourself. But then again, my voluntary interaction with people obsessed with being normal and ordinary has always been minimal.

As I come to the end of this post, I feel a bit embarrassed, but if today is September 27th, then happy "World AHD Day" to you! If you're reading this on another day, thank you so much for accompanying me this far.

Take care, and see you soon. Goodbye.