I will be the first to admit that this explanation is long overdue. The amount of time drafting this post and the excessive excuses I’ve reasoned in my mind thinking, “This isn’t interesting enough and nobody cares,” was what made me halt from even typing a single word about what I’ve been dealing with in my personal life. Although I’ve been a master at keeping those details to myself, I’ve noticed that the friendships I’ve formed with my audience comes from a place of care and interest beyond the curated photos I’ve created. That kind of support towards me during the short time frame I’ve been blogging has motivated me more than anything I’ve ever pursued. The person I was back in 2015 is completely different from today. So, I am happy to fill in the blanks for you. Here’s what happened:
1. I did not get a job straight out of college.
In July 2015, I returned back home to Houston to figure things out and evaluate my life. AKA, I was having a severe early onset mid-quarter life crisis. At this phase in my life, I decided it was best to dedicate a year off and leave the country by myself. I made it happen by working multiple side jobs, selling stuff, and traveling on a tight budget. 2016 was one of the most thrilling years of my life, and when I returned back home towards the end of the year, I ended up getting more job opportunities because of it. Today, I’m happy to have a full-time job alongside being a blogger.
2. I changed my name.
To set the record straight, my birth name is spelt R-e-s-s-a, but it has always been pronounced ree-suh (like the Spanish word risa). Ask my parents, childhood friends, teachers, etc. and they’ll confirm it’s true. The “e” in my name is a long vowel sound, hence why I’ve initially written my “e” as an “ē” in my Instagram bio name. However, it’s easy to overlook with my initial blog, “Ressamazing” (I don’t blame them since I’ve never been strict growing up with spelling my name with a macron over the letter “e”).
When you create an online brand based off of a complex name, it’s overwhelmingly tiresome to have to correct people on how to say it. It’s especially awkward to have to correct people every time when attending, hosting, and speaking at professional events. To keep my identity in check and the integrity of my work secured, I decided I’d rather have people pronounce my name right by purposely misspelling it. I mean, if Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta wants to be known as Lady Gaga, surely, people would understand why I switched the letters in my name to Reesa. As for Rei, it comes from the origin of my name “reina” or “reyna” in Tagalog. That’s how Reesa Rei was created.
3. I got a few wake-up calls.
In my early years of blogging, I ended up getting hospitalized twice within the same year. Both instances happened from circumstances that were unexpected. Prior, I had never been admitted to the hospital before. That feeling of being fearful of your life and being embarrassed to live through the illness was so troubling and challenging for my family circle and me. Ultimately, I’ve learned to listen to my body and treat it with more respect. To those who decide to be a frequent traveler, I encourage you to regularly exercise and eat wisely.
4. Depression and anxiety aren’t strangers to me.
If you’ve lived during your 20’s without experiencing depression or anxiety, then congratulations. I was not one of those people. To be honest, it was something I’ve been dealing with my whole life but have not realized until I was an adult. To this day, it’s been nerve-racking admitting that. I hope to find the strength in sharing my inner battles with you one day, but please know that I am in a place in my life where I feel positive about my future.
5. I’ve been single.
Yes, I’m still an unmarried, childless woman. If you’re in your 20’s and feel pressured to think otherwise, please know that you’re not alone in the demographic. Is it sad to say how much I don’t care being single? Learning to be my own best friend while traveling and finding independence within new surroundings has been so liberating for me. Eventually, I know some guy will come around. There’s no rush.
6. I’m recording music.
No more music covers. No more singing lyrics that are written by other people (except for the occasional “Happy Birthday” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” each year). While traveling, I’ve re-centered my passion for music and have been writing songs like crazy during my travels. I have re-opened my YouTube Channel if you’re interested in listening. I’ll be posting videos soon!
7. I am so much happier.
Although this lifestyle isn’t what I planned in life, I am happy that every decision led me to be the person I am today.
Want to know more? Comment on this blog post and I’ll make sure to answer all your questions! Until next time!
You did not have to share this, but I’m so glad you did. You are so brave for writing about this. Thank you for opening up about yourself.
Good to see you back in action brave girl! I am sure things will be better from now on. Take care!
Thank you for sharing! I had a similar thing happen when I didn’t get a job straight after graduating – but I think it gives you time to rebrand and focus on career/company you want 🙂
Love this, and love that you’re pursuing your passion for music during your travels! Next time you need a travel buddy, just let me know 😉
This is a nice update! Life happens to everyone, but it’s good to see you’ve found your center and are thriving. Keep pushing!
Thanks for sharing! You are doing incredible things and only have more good things coming.
Life is never the way you “think” it will be. Glad you are now happy and moving forward in a healthy way. Thanks for sharing your journey.
People have this idea of bloggers as being these individuals who have it all and not realize that it takes work and life happen in between. We all need a break sometime.