Why I started a blog: A journey of self-control

As a follower of Jesus, striving to emulate His example and teachings, I’ve come to realize there’s one area of my life where I consistently fall short: self-control. A week before starting this blog, I felt convicted by a sermon—as if the message was tailored just for me.

My impulsive desires have led me down a path of debt, thankfully not overwhelming but enough to introduce worry and concern. I’ve procrastinated addressing my debts until the last minute. My health has suffered too; excuses are always ready to convince myself that it can wait another day. It’s almost comical how often I’d battle within myself, only for excuses to win out.

This realization drove me to take action by committing to write consistently on this blog. This isn’t a quest for an audience; it’s a personal journey to express myself, hold myself accountable, and practice self-control. Here, I’ll be journaling my thoughts guided by the scripture in 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV): “…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

I’ve named this blog ‘Thriving with AI’. ‘Thriving’ shows my goal for continuous growth, while ‘AI’ signifies my wish to harness data to aid my personal development. Context and purpose are vital for me to succeed in any endeavor—whether serving as a firefighter or being a dedicated husband and father. I’ve committed my life to serving others; thus, finding my purpose in becoming more fiscally responsible means motivating myself with what truly matters.

For me, accumulating wealth isn’t the driving force; instead, I’m motivated by the wish to live a life of service and integrity. Similarly, when it comes to physical health, my motivation has been lacking without a clear purpose beyond vanity or worrying over general health concerns. But looking back, I was in peak shape as a firefighter because serving well demanded physical, mental, and spiritual health.

As I embark on this new chapter—focused on practicing self-control in areas like financial and physical health—I’m driven by faith, prayer, and commitment to my God. Through blogging, I aim to harness my thoughts and explore how data and AI can empower my efforts, adding a unique perspective to my journey.