From Words to Videos: My Journey into YouTube Content Creation

Hello fellow adventurers,

This evening, I want to talk about launching my YouTube channel, which accompanies this blog. I'll share what led up to it and why I decided to venture into content creation at this stage in my life.

Blogging has evolved significantly since I last created content daily. These days, you have support systems like social media channels, YouTube, and TikTok, just to name a few. Back in what might as well be called the Jurassic period of the internet, we had none of that. It was a hard slog, and often, you wouldn't make it because relying solely on words and a few pictures was incredibly challenging. You either had what people were looking for, or you got nowhere.

I was among those who endured that long, hard slog but eventually found myself on a deserted backroad on the far-flung side of the internet universe. Realizing I didn't have what people were looking for, I walked away.

Fast forward to now—some 28 years since I last blogged. Battling with depression, sometimes you find yourself trying weird ways to cope. This round of depression has been the longest and hardest battle I've ever faced. Yet, even in the darkest moments, I kept telling myself that things would get better because I still had too much to live for.

My daily routine involves checking emails and news as soon as I wake up. Then, it's off to Facebook and YouTube while enjoying my morning coffee. This has been my routine since October 2016 when I discovered the Safari Live (now Wild Earth) channel on YouTube.

What a difference one small inspiring stream can make in a person's life. Yet, it wasn't then that I decided to get into YouTube content creation. It was the many gaming channels on YouTube that began steering me in that direction. Initially, I thought gaming would be my niche because it made sense—I love playing games, so why not share that? However, I realized that constantly playing games could become boring and I couldn't dedicate 100% of my time, so a gaming channel was out of the question for my main YouTube focus.

To make a long story short, I took a different direction when I decided to begin blogging again. I figured I would make videos on similar topics found here in this blog, but I soon realized that could become mundane. That's when inspiration struck. A channel offering generic shorts about mysteries from around the world, asking for viewer interaction via comments, seemed like the way to go.

The first short I released was on The Lost Colony of Roanoke. In the first 24 hours after posting, it garnered 455 views. It only managed to attract 3 subscribers, but hey, that was three more people interested in what I have to say than the day before.

I never imagined I would be a genuine content creator on YouTube, but the channel analytics from the past three days show that it's worth my time. People are genuinely interested in mysteries that not only pose questions but also share some history.

I don’t know where this is going, but hopefully, it’s straight up.

Until next time,

Christina E.

IN THE SHADOWS OF LOSS: FINDING SOLACE IN THE WILDERNESS

Please Note: This post delves into personal experiences with grief. If you find this topic uncomfortable, you’re welcome to explore our other adventures here. Your well-being is important to us.

In March of 2016, my world shattered with the sudden loss of my mother. Her parting words, "You have fun," echoed in my mind, a bittersweet reminder of her vibrant spirit. Amidst the darkness of grief, an unexpected beacon of light emerged, guiding me through the wilderness of sorrow.

One fateful October night, amidst the depths of despair, I stumbled upon a virtual sanctuary: Safari Live, a live feed from the wilds of South Africa. Led by the charismatic guide Tayla, the journey through the African bushveld became a lifeline, offering solace and distraction from the ache in my heart. Through the lens of Facebook and YouTube, I found myself immersed in the wonders of the untamed world, finding solace in the untamed beauty that stretched before me.

As I delved deeper into this virtual safari, I forged connections not only with the intrepid presenters but also with the majestic wildlife that graced the screen. Among them was Karula, a legendary leopard matriarch whose grace and strength captured my imagination. Her passing left a void in the wilderness, but her legacy endured through her cubs, Hosana and Xongile. Their stories intertwined with mine, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

Tragically, Xongile's fate remains unknown, lost to the vast expanse of the wilderness. But it was the untimely demise of Hosana that truly broke me. His playful antics and unique bond with his presumed father touched hearts worldwide, including mine. His passing, a poignant reminder of life's fragility, left an indelible mark on my soul.

Hosana's story took a tragic turn when he fell victim to the very hands assigned to protect these magnificent creatures. Shot and killed by game wardens, his death served as a stark reminder of the threats faced by wildlife in an increasingly uncertain world.

Despite the pain, Hosana's legacy endures. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those who followed his journey, a testament to the profound impact of wildlife on our lives.

Though I can no longer bear to watch full episodes or join live drives, I remain connected to the lives of these wild characters. Their stories, intertwined with my own, serve as a reminder of the healing power of nature and the enduring bonds forged in the wilderness.

Thank you for allowing me to share a piece of my journey. Together, let us find solace in the wilderness, and may the memory of Hosana continue to inspire us all.

Have you ever found unexpected comfort in the natural world? Feel free to share your story below.

Until next time,

Christina E.