joanawanders

At the start of this year, I gave myself two goals.

1. Volunteer at least once a month – Doing this helps me step out of my survival mode, and remember that I have something to give even in small ways.
2. Finally create a YouTube channel – A dream that had been sitting on my “someday” list for years.

I’ve wanted to create videos for years.

I simply liked the idea of documenting moments and telling stories. But I had been stuck on Someday Island. Every time I thought about starting, I found another reason to wait.

I am busy.

I don’t have the right camera.

I don’t know what niche I want.

I don’t like being on camera.

Maybe next month. Maybe next year.

Then, AI happened. I’ve been constantly bombarded by it. While it has its benefits, it feels like everything now needs to happen so fast, without thinking, without feeling. The more I used it, the more drained I felt.

Why Silent Vlogs

Around that time, I watched one of Maeve’s videos about vlogging as a shy person, and I took it as a sign. I’ve been following her on YouTube for a while, and as someone who isn’t naturally outgoing and doesn’t enjoy putting myself in the spotlight, her approach felt achievable. It didn’t feel like I had to become a completely different person just to start creating videos.

I started filming random clips: walks, meals, little moments throughout the day.

There’s no pressure to constantly talk. No pressure to perform. The moments get to speak for themselves.

Mangrove Planting in Batangas

I recently joined a mangrove planting activity in Batangas.

If you’ve never planted mangroves before, it’s not exactly glamorous. You’re standing in mud, trying not to lose your balance, sweating under the sun, and hoping your shoes survive the day.

But somewhere between planting seedlings and talking to fellow volunteers, I found myself feeling grateful. Grateful that I signed up. Grateful that I showed up. Grateful that I finally had a way to document experiences like this.

The activity reminded me why volunteering was one of my goals this year in the first place. It’s easy to spend all of our time focused on ourselves, our careers, our problems, our plans. Volunteering pulls me out of that mindset. It reminds me that there are communities, causes, and people who need support, and that even small efforts matter.

If you’re curious about what a mangrove planting activity actually looks like, I’ve shared the full experience on my YouTube channel.

Looking back, I think my two goals are more connected than I originally realized.

• Volunteering allows me to contribute to something bigger than myself.
• Creating videos allows me to honor a creative part of myself that I’ve ignored for far too long.

One is about giving back. The other is about creating.

And both started the same way: by finally stopping the endless cycle of “someday.”

I don’t know where this YouTube channel will go. I don’t know how many volunteer activities I’ll complete this year. But for the first time in a long time, I’m not waiting for the perfect moment anymore.

I’m just showing up.

With a tiny camera in my pocket and a willingness to see where it takes me.