Achieving one’s dream requires equal parts self-determination and support from those around you.
Born in Romania, Cristian Mihai is a self-publishing author by choice as well as a dedicated blogger. I’ve been following his daily posts closely as of late and he reminds me of the struggles and triumphs of being a writer. It’s more than a job, it’s a lifestyle. Sometimes, that can mean tough times trying to balance doing what you love while still making a living.
He’s currently in need of money to keep his blog alive and I want to support him. An important note: It is your completely your own choice to contribute, but I would like to spread some awareness.
Compared to my other posts, this one will be different because I will be sharing my beginnings as a writer and how Cristian actually plays a significant role up to this day.
“A writer is a writer because, even when there is no hope, even when nothing you do shows any sign of promise, you keep writing anyway.” – Junot Diaz
I had a passion for writing long before I started writing here for Youth Are Awesome. Around two years ago, I decided to create my own blog and it was my first encounter with the wide, wide world of writing. Looking back, I was young and inexperienced, which resulted in posts that lacked quality and organization. However, that didn’t stop me from finding great joy even if a single person enjoyed my work.
I remember distinctly that Cristian was one of the first few who supported me by dropping off occasional likes as well as following the blog. After browsing his profile and realizing that he had followers in the five-digits (he has 80,000+ now), an overwhelming feeling of pride washed over me, knowing that he cared about my tiny personal blog. It sparked my passion to continue writing.
Over the course of the next several months though, I gradually lost my motivation for writing and ultimately, the blog died. It had become something that I did for attention, rather than for pleasure. I knew I needed time off to reconnect with my values and hopefully someday get back into writing. Along with my break, I had also forgotten all about Cristian and my other supporters.
It was only recently that I was reminded of him, while writing posts here for Youth Are Awesome. Despite never meeting him in person, I feel a strong connection with him. I dreamed of becoming a writer and he was one of those who supported me. I believe it’s only appropriate that I return the favor now that he’s pursuing his dreams and needs help. It shows how small acts can lead to large changes in the lives of others.
If I didn’t have to borrow from the Bank of Mom and Dad, I would probably donate some of my cash towards keeping his blog afloat. The next best thing I can do is raise awareness, which I think he deserves. I want to see him achieve his dreams, because I know I’ll be in the same situation someday.
His articles stick out to me because they are about writing. He shares his perspective on what being a writer is like, and to me, that’s an inspiration to keep going. Here is an excerpt from one of my favorite posts:
From “Never give up on your dreams – part 2” by Cristian Mihai:
“We are artists because we hope. We hope that our art will change something. We hope that our words will make a difference.
We are artists because we love. We love in a way that most people would never understand. We love life, we’re not trying to escape it. We love life so much that we want to show others that it can be beautiful, that the life they want can be won.
We are artists because we’ve conquered fear. We’ve found freedom in the form of a story, or a song, or a movie. And we give others part of that freedom.
Art is not about fame, glory, money, or fans. It’s not about adoration. It’s all about happiness, and finding it in a way that doesn’t tie you to anyone else on this planet.
There’s nothing quite like it.
And, yes, sometimes it seems impossible. Sometimes it seems like a waste of time. Sometimes you want to give up.
But who are you going to be if you give up?”
How to Help
You can find his Indiegogo campaign here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sponsors-needed–2
His website: http://cristianmihai.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cristiandanielmihai
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crsmihai
P.S. Cristian, if you see this, I wish you the best of luck!