At the edge of the day,
the sun quietly slips behind the horizon,
leaving a golden trail across the sea.
As I watch the light fade,
it feels as if the world is gently whispering,
"Whatever kind of day you had… it's okay now."
There are days when life feels dry and unkind.
Sometimes it's the world that feels distant,
and sometimes it's your own heart that feels like cracked soil.
But still…
just like this peaceful view,
the world, too, can become breathtakingly beautiful in an unexpected moment.
Like watercolor bleeding gently across paper--
blending, fading, then shining again.
That’s the kind of world I hope for.
Not perfect, not always smooth,
but when you step back and take it all in,
a life that is warm and whole--
like a painting made up of small, imperfect strokes.

Even if the world feels rough sometimes,
may our days still come together
like one quiet, beautiful masterpiece.

The phrase "learning through mistakes and failures" may sound obvious, but anyone who has blogged for years knows how deeply true it is.

When you first start writing a blog, there’s a sense of excitement and vague hope. You imagine your words connecting with people, AdSense earnings rolling in, and your stories reaching a wider world. And sometimes, you even get that little reward—your blog gets approved for AdSense, or your post is featured somewhere. It feels like a door to bigger opportunities has opened.

But as the years go by, you realize—it’s not a game. Writing isn’t just tapping on a keyboard; it’s facing the world and yourself every single day. And at some point, you’ve gone too far from the starting line to turn back. You’ve invested time and effort, and the only option is to keep moving forward.

Then, one day, it hits you: no one told you how many unpredictable variables there would be. Veteran bloggers rarely speak about it. Maybe if we knew everything from the beginning, we wouldn’t even have started. Life’s like that too. There’s no perfect pink-tinted path.

That’s why they say life is about learning to dance in the storm. Blogging is no different. Sometimes, a blog post touches someone, comforts them, or brings a new connection into your life.

I’ve met truly amazing people through blogging—respectful, passionate, and generous. They offered me opportunities, shared my posts, and helped my name reach more readers. As an artist, it was deeply affirming—a moment when I felt I had chosen the right path.

Being an artist means walking a path full of uncertainty. It’s like pushing through waist-high grass with no road ahead, making your own trail. There are no right answers, no shortcuts. But someone has to make the path—so that others can follow. That’s what makes a true artist.

Blogging is similar. You just keep writing. Maybe someone else made it, so you tell yourself you can too. In the beginning, though, you’ll get spam. Scammers will disguise themselves as opportunities and try to take advantage of your writing.
That’s why discernment is a survival skill. As you keep writing and meeting people, you naturally learn who’s genuine and who’s not. That discernment has been one of the greatest rewards of blogging.

You also start to understand the value of others’ rights and privacy. Sincere bloggers make clear, respectful requests when they need something. When I meet people like that, it reminds me that the world is still good.

But recently, I learned that some people are using AI to repost my original writing without permission. That’s discouraging. And yet—I’m still trying to find solutions. Because I want to be the kind of person who shows the way to others walking a similar path.

There are many online resources for dealing with such issues. The key is not to give up. In fact, when people take the risk of copying my name or content, maybe it means I’m reaching more people. Maybe it’s a sign that my work matters.

And for that, I’m grateful. Of course, proper credit is important. I always cite my sources when I refer to someone else’s work. But now, with AI, it’s getting harder to trace where things come from. So I try to research thoroughly before writing.
KDP publishing is the same. Some readers leave kind reviews—and those kind words give creators enough energy to keep going for days. Such acts make the world warmer.

So I try to do the same. When I read another creator’s work, I write a good review to show my respect for their effort. Still, there are those who copy my workbook, then refund it. Maybe some did it by mistake. But over time, you learn that people come in all kinds.

That’s why I hope this world grows more supportive of creators. When we encourage creative work, more people will feel inspired to make something new. And the world will become a more beautiful place.
If you’re a tired blogger, writer, or creator reading this—I hope my words give you strength.
​
Don’t give up.
Stand your tired knees up, and run again.
May every step you take be blessed.

Art blossoms through time, sincerity, and long, quiet hours spent alone. Recognition, if it comes at all, comes slowly—through consistency, honesty, and the courage to keep creating even when no one is watching. Artistic judgment is deeply personal and often unpredictable, and because of that, I’ve learned to be cautious when someone I don’t know reaches out with exaggerated praise and grand promises. “Your work is amazing,” they say. “Let me help you succeed.” But real artists know: nothing meaningful ever comes that easily.

In the past, distinguishing between genuine opportunities and scams depended entirely on intuition. I believe many artists—especially those starting out—fell into traps not because they were careless, but because they were hopeful. They wanted to believe someone had finally discovered them. And who could blame them? But that’s why I’m so grateful for tools like ChatGPT. Now, when I receive an unexpected message or offer, I can take a moment to research it calmly. I can ask questions, verify identities, and get context. What once required guesswork now begins with clarity.

Personally, I’ve never believed in overnight success. I find meaning in slow, deliberate growth—one blog post, one project, one reader at a time. I prefer the quiet reward of knowing that I built something with care over the false thrill of skipping steps. So when someone suddenly praises me and says they can take me to a higher level without effort, I instinctively take a step back. That doesn’t align with how I work. That kind of promise doesn’t belong in the life of an artist who values integrity.

Over time, I’ve turned down many opportunities—some of which, on the surface, looked appealing. But in hindsight, I’m grateful I filtered them out. Those weren’t missed chances. They were moments where I protected my time, my peace, and my creative direction. I chose to remain grounded, and that was the right decision.
To artists who are just beginning their journey: you will likely be approached by people offering shortcuts. Some may be real, some may not. But in all cases, I hope you take time to pause, ask questions, and listen to your intuition. Fast roads aren’t always the best roads. Sometimes, the slowest path is the one that takes you exactly where you need to go.

Blogging has helped me understand this. Through the process of writing, posting, reflecting, and connecting, I’ve learned to value the rhythm of steady work. I’ve become less drawn to sudden change or explosive growth. I’d rather build something true, even if it takes longer. So if you’re ever presented with a lottery-ticket opportunity, take a breath and ask yourself, “Is this really how I want my journey to unfold?”
​
Real art isn’t born out of shortcuts or praise. It’s born from honest work, deep feeling, and the refusal to give up when things feel uncertain. And the path of an artist—though slow and often quiet—is one of the most meaningful journeys you can take. If you’re walking that path now, I want you to know: you’re not alone. And you’re doing just fine.

​How to Use ChatGPT to Identify Art Scams

If you receive an unexpected offer related to your artwork—whether through email or social media—ChatGPT can help you determine whether it’s genuine or a potential scam. Start by pasting the full message into ChatGPT and asking whether it seems suspicious. ChatGPT will analyze the tone, structure, and language to check for common scam indicators like vague praise, unrealistic promises, or urgency.

Next, ask ChatGPT to look up the name or email of the sender. It can help identify whether this person or organization has a credible online presence, or if they’ve been associated with scams. You can also ask whether the offer—such as paying to be included in an art book or exhibition—sounds reasonable based on industry norms.
​
Finally, if you’re unsure how to respond, ask ChatGPT for advice. It can suggest polite rejection messages, steps to report the message, or ways to protect your work and information moving forward.
Using this process allows you to filter questionable offers with more confidence, and focus on the opportunities that truly align with your values as an artist.

As we go through life, we often encounter wonderful people—those who inspire us, support us, and help us grow. But unfortunately, not every encounter is so positive. There are times when we come across individuals whose behavior is so unreasonable, so far outside the boundaries of basic decency, that we are left hurt, confused, and shaken. These people can leave behind emotional or even material damage that takes time to recover from. And in the digital world, the same dynamic exists—only with more anonymity, more scale, and often, more risk.
The internet opens us up to incredible opportunities for connection and creativity, but it also makes us vulnerable to deceit. In this space where appearances can be easily manipulated and identities hidden, we need to become even more vigilant. That means learning how to protect ourselves, strengthening our ability to pause before we trust, and developing the habit of asking deeper questions before accepting an offer at face value.
Scammers are rarely subtle. They often leave behind traces—unusual language, copied formats, recycled email templates, vague project details, or exaggerated praise. While we may not always spot these clues right away, artificial intelligence has the advantage of scanning patterns across massive amounts of data. It can quickly identify inconsistencies, compare language usage, and flag suspicious behavior in a way that humans may not immediately notice.
This is where AI tools like ChatGPT can be incredibly helpful. Instead of trying to rely solely on our gut instinct, we can use technology as a second line of defense—a filter that helps us slow down and assess things more clearly. When used wisely, this can save us from unnecessary stress, lost time, or worse, real harm.
Learning to harness this kind of digital awareness is no longer optional. In a world where information moves faster than ever, and where trust can be so easily exploited, the best thing we can do is combine human sensitivity with technological tools. That balance—of instinct and insight, of heart and clarity—can help us move more safely and confidently through both our creative lives and the broader online world.

​

When I first started blogging, I had no idea what to write about.
It was tempting to go with something popular and well-searched—topics like parenting, health, finance, or beauty.
They seemed easier to write, offered endless content ideas, and, most importantly, could bring in tons of views.
So yes, I was tempted.
But I’m an artist.
And since I was launching my official website, the blog needed to reflect who I was and what I did.
That meant writing about art—even though I knew it wasn’t going to be a high-traffic keyword.
It took so much time and effort just to get the blog to where it is now.
These days, I’m proud to say it’s in the top 10%,
but back then, even after getting approved by AdSense, I had zero earnings for months.
Looking back, I’m really glad I didn’t give up.
These days, I see people using ChatGPT to generate articles based on trending keywords,
automating blog content and earning hundreds of dollars daily.
Some even brag about it on Shorts or Reels.
And yes—it makes me wonder,
“Should I have gone that route?”
Writing about what people are already searching for definitely seems smarter sometimes.
But I’ve chosen a different path.
Because I believe we still need people who write from the heart,
about things like art, even if it’s not trending.
When I was just starting out, I searched desperately online for stories of people trying to make it as artists.
Everything felt uncertain and overwhelming.
I questioned whether I should stay on this path--
especially since I was already earning money through my major,
I kept asking myself,
“Why choose the harder, less profitable way?”
But deep down, I knew I had to use the talent I was given.
So I committed.
And I stayed on course.
And now, I can say--it was absolutely worth it.
That’s why I write about this journey on my blog.
These stories may not be trending, but I know there are people out there—just like I once was—who need them.
And when I get emails from those readers, telling me how much it helped or inspired them,
it means everything.
That’s what keeps me going.
And that’s why I’ll keep writing.

​Back in the summer of 2021, I wrote a blog post titled “Let’s go beyond the limits of the limited Weebly blog post.” I didn’t expect much from it—just a reflection on my experience using Weebly as an artist and educator trying to keep up with the digital world. But over the years, this post has quietly become one of the most meaningful pieces I’ve ever published—not because it went viral, but because of the heartfelt messages it continues to bring to my inbox.

The post was honest. I wrote about the frustrations I felt with Weebly’s limitations: the slow editor, lack of pagination, and the difficulties in managing a growing number of posts. But I also expressed appreciation for what the platform made possible—for the way it allowed me to focus on visuals, storytelling, and creative flow without getting bogged down in technical issues. I was simply sharing my truth.

What I didn’t expect was how many others felt the same. Over time, readers from all around the world—other artists, small business owners, writers—have reached out to thank me for putting into words what they too had experienced. They resonated with the struggle between creativity and technology, between the urge to share and the tools that sometimes get in the way. 

This post reminded me of something essential: even when writing about something as seemingly mundane as a website builder, your voice matters. Your perspective can be the very thing someone else needs to hear. There’s no such thing as a “small” blog post when it comes from a place of truth.

It’s easy to feel discouraged in a digital space that moves so fast. But this one post taught me that when you speak honestly, you create echoes—ones that last far longer than you expect.

To everyone who took the time to write to me: thank you. You reminded me that there is real value in sharing the behind-the-scenes, the messy parts, the learning curves. You reminded me why I started writing in the first place.

If you haven’t read the original post yet, it’s still there, quietly doing its job.
👉 Let’s go beyond the limits of the limited Weebly blog post

Here’s to more connection through imperfection. 💫

​A few days ago, I read a comment from a reader on my blog post, “Let’s go beyond the limits of the limited Weebly blog post.” Clark said:

“This is a truly inspiring and thoughtfully written piece. I appreciate the way you explore the idea of ​​pushing beyond limitations with both depth and clarity. Your writing encourages reflection and personal growth, making it a meaningful read. Thank you for sharing such a motivating perspective!”

I really appreciate your words. As a writer, I was deeply moved by the fact that your writing resonated so deeply with someone and that you expressed that resonance so sincerely.

In fact, this post was about my personal struggles and realizations as I experienced the limitations of the blog platform. It started as a ‘small inconvenience,’ but it was meaningful that you shared the story beyond that—the desire to move forward despite limitations, the courage to try new things.

Clark’s words seemed to encourage me, “Keep writing. Your story will be a source of strength to someone.” That’s why I once again gained strength to walk this path.

As always, I believe that writing is done alone, but resonance is created together. If this small space can be a place where we can communicate and encourage each other, there is no greater joy than that.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Clark once again, and I hope that others who are reading this article can freely share their thoughts and feelings at any time. Because your words can be a light that illuminates the path for someone else.

Honestly, small issues like these are often easy to keep to myself once I’ve figured them out. They become little personal tricks that I tuck away in my own toolbox. I used to think that way too — that it was enough just to know the solution myself.
And to be even more honest, when a problem caused a lot of emotional stress or took a long, frustrating journey to resolve, I didn’t feel like sharing the answer afterward. There was a part of me that wanted to hold back, perhaps because the process had been so exhausting. But over time, through writing and growing this blog, I began to see how misguided that thinking was.
I realized that even the tiniest tip or solution could be a light for someone else. Something that seems obvious to me now might save someone else hours of trial and error. That’s why I started sharing — not only the big solutions, but also the little things. The overlooked details. The quiet discoveries. Because I sincerely hope that someone out there might come across my post and find an easier path forward because of it.
And truthfully, I’ve also received so much help from others who have written about their own experiences. A casual blog post, a simple screenshot, or a brief explanation has often opened doors for me that I couldn’t find on my own. Through that, I’ve come to believe that we really are living in a world where we help and support each other — sometimes without even knowing it.
Maybe this is just how life works: we give, we receive, we pass things along. And in doing so, we create a kind of quiet connection — one that reminds us that we’re never truly alone in figuring things out.