While today may be Valentine’s Day and a day dedicated to showing your partner (or yourself) some love, for me, it’s a day that marks an anniversary. No, not that kind of anniversary. But one that changed my life nonetheless.
Eleven years ago, I sat on my couch, started writing, and launched a blog. This blog. At the time, I worked a 9-to-5 job in higher education and was a few months out from my thyroid cancer diagnosis. Fashion and lifestyle content kept me sane while I was deep in research mode about my treatment options, and I longed for a space of my own on the Internet. I had no set topic in mind as I typed away on my iPad, but I didn’t let that stop me. Those rambling words became my first blog post, and Living in Steil was born.
Last night, while working on a Reel about what I would tell my younger self, I found myself reflecting on the early days of this blog. I remember casually telling friends after the fact that I had started a blog—and they laughed. At the time (this was 2014, after all), I didn’t even have a Facebook account. I was a private person with no interest in social media. Fast forward to today, and well…go ahead and have a laugh. Not only is my life pretty much all over the Internet, but I’ve also made it my business…literally. I guess the joke’s on me!
When I started Living in Steil, I had a story to tell. I never set out to be an influencer, but I did want to influence people in my own way. Sharing my thyroid cancer journey helped me process what I had been through, but it became so much more. I found a space on the Internet to connect with other young patients and survivors, and the more I shared my story, the more inspired I became by those around me. The community I fostered led me into the world of patient advocacy and helped shape both me as an individual and my career. I soon began getting media requests to share my story in more public forums (including in the book Tough: Women Who Survived Cancer), and I quickly learned what it meant to influence someone.
For me, making an impact has never been about numbers or trends (did you see the views on my latest Reel—it was pitiful, btw). If just one person could take something from my story that helped them make a more informed decision, feel seen, or find hope, then I had done my job. To this day, the messages I receive from people telling me that something I shared resonated with them bring me just as much joy as they did back then.
Candidly, Valentine’s Day has never held much significance for me. I believe every day is an opportunity to show love and appreciation to those around us. Yet, on a personal note, this day means the world to me because, on this day eleven years ago, I offered myself the greatest gift of love by giving my voice a platform and my story a space to live on and make an impact.
Looking back, I’m proud of the courage it took to share my journey. That moment of self-love set the stage for everything that followed and is proof that when we embrace our voices and own our stories, we create space for impact, healing, and connection. May we all continue to celebrate love—not just today, but every day, in ways that empower and uplift us
Happy 11 years! here’s to 11 years and beyond!
Thank you for your support!