WRITER’S STORIES
The Call to Adventure
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of being an adventurer, exploring uncharted territories and uncovering hidden treasures.
While I don’t carry a compass or a backpack, I’ve realised that my journey as a writer on Medium mirrors the life of an explorer.
Every article I write feels like stepping into the unknown, like embarking on a new expedition.
The journey began with a single question: What should I write about? It was as if I stood at the edge of a dense forest, staring at countless paths ahead. The possibilities felt thrilling yet intimidating.
“Should I write about IoT? Entrepreneurship? Or something completely different?” I wondered. It was like being a novice explorer, equipped with no map and only a vague sense of direction.
But I knew one thing: staying put was not an option.
The First Step
Taking that first step was the hardest.
I decided to write about something close to my heart — IoT.
The words felt clunky as I typed, like trudging through a thick jungle. Doubts crept in: Is this good enough? Will anyone read this?
“It’s not about perfection,” I reminded myself, echoing a lesson I’d read about explorers. “It’s about taking the journey.”
When I published my first article, it felt like finding a small clearing in the forest. It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it was progress. “You did it,” I told myself. “What’s next?”
Navigating New Terrain
With each article, I ventured deeper into the unknown.
Some topics were like familiar trails that were easy to navigate. Others felt like steep mountains, daunting and full of uncertainty.
The first time I attempted to write about a personal experience, stepping outside my usual IoT expertise.
“Will anyone care about this story?” I hesitated, staring at the screen.
It felt like standing at the base of a towering peak.
But as I wrote, I discovered something powerful: authenticity and vulnerability were like ropes and harnesses, helping me climb those intimidating heights.
When readers commented, “This resonated with me,” it felt like reaching the summit.
The view from the top was worth every moment of doubt.
Facing Setbacks
Not every journey went as planned.
I remember pouring my energy into an article about smart cities, only to see it receive minimal views.
“What went wrong?” I asked myself, frustrated.
It felt like wandering through a desert, searching for water but finding none. But even in those moments, I learned valuable lessons.
Like an adventurer adapting to the terrain, I realised I needed to experiment with different topics and perspectives.
Every setback became an opportunity to recalibrate my compass.
Discovering Hidden Treasures
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an adventurer is stumbling upon hidden treasures, and writing offers plenty.
Sometimes, it was an unexpected idea that turned into a well-received article.
Other times, it was a connection with a reader who shared how my words impacted them.
I recall writing about how IoT could revolutionise agriculture, thinking the topic was too niche.
To my surprise, it became one of my most-read pieces. “This is your treasure,” I told myself. “Even the smallest ideas can hold immense value.”
Finding Fellow Travellers
Every adventurer needs a tribe, and the Medium community became mine. Fellow writers shared tips, encouragement, and camaraderie.
I remember a comment on one of my articles: “Your story gave me the courage to share my own.”
It felt like meeting another traveller at a campfire, exchanging stories that inspire and uplift. “Keep going,” they said. “You’re on the right path.”
Embracing Risks
What’s an adventure without risks?
Sometimes I stepped far outside my comfort zone, tackling controversial topics or experimenting with new styles.
It felt like crossing a rickety bridge over a canyon.
“What if this fails?” I often asked myself. However, I knew that growth required pushing boundaries. Even when I stumbled, the experience taught me resilience and courage.
The Journey, Not the Destination
Over time, I realised that writing, like adventuring, isn’t about reaching a final destination.
It’s about the discoveries, challenges, and growth along the way. Each article became a chapter in my story, marking where I’d been and how far I’d come.
One day, someone asked, “Why do you keep writing?”
I smiled and replied, “Because I’m not done exploring.”
Looking Ahead
Writing has shown me that the world of ideas is vast and limitless.
There’s always another path to take, another treasure to find, another story to tell.
Each article is a new expedition filled with twists, turns, and surprises.
As an adventurer of words, I’ve learned this: the journey is far from over.
The horizon stretches endlessly, and I can’t wait to see what lies beyond.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 