Should I Start Documenting My Life? A Personal Reflection

Should I Document My Life?

Over the years, blogging has become my space for sharing curated insights about men’s lifestyle—skincare routines, the latest tech gadgets, fashion for the modern man, and even a touch of personal philosophy here and there. But recently, I’ve been wondering: should I share more? Should I go beyond reviews and guides and open the door to my personal life, letting readers into my daily thoughts and experiences?

This isn’t a decision I take lightly. As someone who has built a platform focusing on specific topics, pivoting to document my personal life would be a significant shift. Yet, as I scroll through social media and YouTube, I see countless vloggers drawing in audiences with the raw simplicity of their day-to-day lives. Their stories, mundane or extraordinary, seem to resonate with people searching for connection. It makes me ask: would my life resonate too?

The Allure of Personal Storytelling

There’s something deeply human about storytelling. Since the dawn of time, we’ve shared stories to connect, to make sense of our experiences, and to leave a mark on the world. In today’s digital age, these stories have moved online, with video platforms like YouTube becoming the modern campfire. Millions tune in daily to watch vloggers sharing moments that range from morning coffee routines to milestone events.

But what about writing? Is there room for written documentation of life when video seems to be king? I believe there is. Writing has an intimacy that video sometimes lacks—a space for quiet reflection and nuance. It’s a medium where the reader’s imagination fills in the gaps, making the connection feel personal, almost sacred. The question is, can I bring that intimacy into my blog? And should I?

The Hesitations

Of course, there are doubts. For one, is my life interesting enough to document? Would anyone care about my Sunday walks with the dog, my thoughts about turning 50, or me and my Olympus analog camera? I’ve always believed that my value as a blogger lies in offering something useful—tips, reviews, advice. Would documenting my life be self-indulgent?

Then there’s the vulnerability factor. Sharing personal moments means letting people see beyond the polished posts and curated content. It’s a risk. What if people judge? What if I overstep boundaries that I’ll later wish I’d kept intact? It’s easy to share the highlights, but life is messy, and sharing that mess takes courage.

Why It Might Be Worth It

On the other hand, isn’t the mess what makes us relatable? The posts and videos I gravitate towards are often those where people are honest and unfiltered. They remind me that none of us have it all figured out—and that’s okay. Perhaps documenting my life in writing could bring that same sense of connection to my readers.

There’s also a practical side to this. Writing about my life could complement the content I already create. Imagine weaving personal anecdotes into a post about my favorite fall jacket or reflecting on a lesson learned while reviewing the latest tech gadget. These glimpses into my life could add depth to my blog, making it feel more like a conversation than a monologue.

The Experiment

So, where does this leave me? Honestly, I don’t have a clear answer yet. Maybe this post is the first step—a trial run of sorts. Writing it has been an exercise in reflection, and perhaps that’s the point. Documenting life isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about asking questions and inviting others to join the journey.

If I do decide to document my life, it won’t be with the aim of creating a polished narrative. It will be an ongoing experiment, a way to share my thoughts, experiences, and even the mundane moments that make life what it is. Maybe it will resonate. Maybe it won’t. But I won’t know unless I try.

Over to You

What do you think? Would you enjoy reading more personal posts alongside the usual content on Dapper and Groomed? Do you think written life documentation can have the same impact as video vlogs? Let me know in the comments or send me a message—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Jerome