Something has shifted.

I used to take in everyone’s opinions and advice. That wasn’t how I was in my early 20s — back then, I mostly did what I wanted. But over time, after hearing feedback that I didn’t listen enough, I started doing the opposite.

And little by little, that became my default. To listen. To consider everyone else’s point of view. And in that process, my own voice started to fade.

From the outside I probably still seemed opinionated. But those opinions weren’t always mine. They were more like a mix of other people’s thoughts that I’d picked up and made my own without noticing.

It became very clear the other week when I argued a point with a friend, only to realize mid conversation that everything I’ve experienced actually points in a different direction. But my view hadn’t changed. That was another wake up call, that I had once again forgotten my own voice and experience.

As I’ve started talking more openly about what I want to build — it’s come up a lot in conversations. And while I expected people to be excited or encouraging (like you do when you're childishly excited about something new), that hasn’t really happened.

Most people have been polite, maybe a bit neutral. A few exceptions, of course. But mostly, just... not much of a reaction.

If this had been a few years ago, that would’ve made me question everything. I probably would’ve started doubting, maybe even looked for a different direction.

But this time, I don’t feel that way.
In fact, I feel more steady.
Not being shaken by people’s reactions — that’s new for me. And it tells me something important: something in me has shifted.

I remember a conversation I had a few years back, when this idea was just a seed without shape. I was talking to someone I really respect, and he said:
“Annelie, if you’re going to do this, you have to be prepared to be hated.”

I felt a tear rise in my throat. Because I wasn’t.
And he said, “If you’re not, maybe you should just help the people around you instead. After all, that’s why you are doing this?”

It could’ve been a discouraging moment, but it stuck with me. And now I see it as a kind of benchmark. A quiet way of checking in with myself — to see how far I’ve come.

I’m more sure of myself now. More loving with myself. And more willing to stand steady, even when others don’t quite get it.

Maybe I’m not ready to carry the whole thing yet.
But I can hold the seed.
And I’ll keep growing with it, for as long as it’s mine to care for.

And if, one day, like Aimfor or other ideas before, it’s no longer mine — that’s okay too. It’s not a failure to let go when there’s nothing left to give.

It’s just part of the path.