Starting from Scratch

Starting from Scratch.

I wasn’t always the person I am today. Growing up, I dreamed of grand things, driving luxury cars, relaxing in a beach, and leading a company that would change lives. Back then, dreaming was easy. It didn’t cost anything. Living those dreams? That’s where it gets expensive.

When a series of unfortunate events happened to me, life flipped. I lost what little stability I had. No steady job, no clear plan, just an internet connection and a deep fear of what the future might hold. It felt like standing at the edge of a cliff, staring into the unknown. But that’s where my journey truly began, starting with nothing but hope.

Here are three powerful lessons I learned in those first three months of building from scratch:

1. Rock Bottom is a Foundation

They say you can’t fall any further once you’ve hit rock bottom, but I learned it’s more than just a stopping point, it’s a foundation. Losing everything strips away the noise. It forces you to confront what really matters.

In those early days, I was consumed by survival. The question wasn’t, “What do I want to do in five years?” It was, “How can I make it through the week?” I started freelancing, taking on odd jobs online, from graphic design to writing captions for social media pages. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a start.

And with every small win, a $5 gig here, a good review there, I realized something: starting small isn’t failure. It’s the foundation for growth.

2. Clarity Comes in Chaos

In the midst of all the uncertainty, I had an epiphany: I had spent so much of my life chasing what I thought success should look like that I never asked myself what I truly wanted.

One sleepless night, I took out a notebook and wrote down everything I could think of—dreams, fears, hobbies, goals. Somewhere in that messy list, I found clarity. I didn’t just want to make money; I wanted to create something meaningful. I wanted to tell stories, build communities, and develop skills that would last a lifetime.

The chaos of starting from scratch gave me the clarity I’d been missing. It wasn’t about having a perfect plan. It was about taking the first step, even if I didn’t know where the path would lead.

3. Success is a Series of Small Choices

Every day, I faced choices. I could spend my time scrolling through social media, comparing myself to others, or I could use those hours to learn something new. I could wallow in self-pity, or I could put myself out there, applying for jobs and pitching clients.

I learned that success doesn’t come from one big decision. It’s the result of countless small choices made consistently over time.

Some days were harder than others. I’d send out dozens of proposals and hear nothing back. I’d question whether I was wasting my time. But each rejection taught me to refine my approach. Each no brought me closer to a yes.

The Road Ahead

Today, I’m still far from where I want to be, but I’m no longer where I started. I’ve built a small portfolio of work, gained clients who trust me, and found a sense of purpose I never thought I’d feel again.

Starting with nothing taught me that life is not about waiting for the perfect moment, it’s about creating it. It’s about taking risks, making mistakes, and learning from every stumble.

So if you find yourself at rock bottom, staring at an uncertain future, know this: the journey doesn’t end here. It’s just the beginning.

Reflection at Midnight

As I finish writing this, the clock strikes midnight. I glance at my desk, a mix of notebooks, a laptop with missing keys, and a coffee mug that’s seen better days. This isn’t the life I dreamed of as a kid, but it’s a life I’m proud to call my own.

And that’s enough to keep me going.