Rekindling my childhood: A journey of creative renewal and vintage newspapers

I've been typing and deleting for the past hour. My scrambled thoughts as I try to think of a captivating and unique answer to the universal question of one's aspirations as we begin another New Year.

For me, 2024 is the year I want to reignite my passion for writing. As a little girl growing up in Sydney, my parents along with my Nanna owned a convenience store, and so my childhood was nestled within the aisles of products and the chime of the cash register, it was the stack of newspapers and magazines that became my portal to the world beyond. As my parents were busy with the labours of a small business, I found solace in the stories and experiences shared within the pages of the Daily Telegraph, Sydney Morning Herald, Womens Day, Thats Life and Cosmopolitan. It was within those printed words that I discovered the captivating power of storytelling and the profound impact of sharing one's experiences with the world. Each magazine, each newspaper, became a treasure trove of inspiration, fueling my desire to one day craft narratives that resonated with the hearts and minds of others.

However, as I journeyed through childhood to adolesence and now being in my late twenties, the harsh realities of the world caused me to set aside this efferverscent dream. 'You're not ready for the real world.' 'Don't be such a girl - don't be such a daydreamer...' For too long, I allowed society's skepticism to dim the radiance of my creativity, and I reluctantly veered away from the path of writing.

In 2021 I graduated with a Bachelor's of law degree, stepping into a harsh world of reality, where the idealism of justice met the complexities of the corporate profession. The intricacies of the legal system and the often unforgiving nature of the profession became stark realities. There was creative absence throughout my 9-5 and I almost lost sight of who I was, what I enjoyed, my hobbies, passions and what used to excite me.

But now, as I stand on the threshold of 2024, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of purpose and determination. This year is not just another page in the calendar; it is a chapter of resurgence, a narrative of reclaiming that which has always been a part of me. It is the year I honour the wide-eyed child who spend her summers scrawling through countless newspapers and magazine articles of untold stories. I owe it to her to breathe life into those dormant narratives and to share them with the world.

With each dance of the keyboard, I will pay homage to the resilience of my childhood self. The unforgotten characters and worlds that have lingered in the corridors of my mind will finally find their voice, their stories unfurling like the sail of a ship.

By participating in more Vocal challenges, I want to improve my craft so that my thoughts and stories aren't fumbled in an awkward sprawl on a page due to years of neglecting my creative writing. Through these challenges, I will have the opportunity to collaborate and connect with like minded creators on Vocal, listen to their narratives and be immersed in their emotions. Their stories will serve as a window into unfamiliar lives, allowing me to practice empathy that I once used to know so fondly of, and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities that shape us as humans.

As I share my aspirations with you, I am inspired by the words of Robert H Schuller, who once quoted, "What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?" This question encapsulates the moodboard for 2024 for me. To prioritise myself and slowly step away from societal expectations of what it means to be a successful corporate woman in today's digital age. It is an invitation to dream boldly, to pursue my passions with unwavering determination, and rekindle my childhood passions of being a proud creative writer that I used to constantly daydream about.