Lessons from Losing a Decade of Work

There’s something surreal about watching years of work disappear in an instant. When my website was hacked a few months ago, I lost more than just blog posts—I lost pieces of my journey, my thoughts, and the conversations that connected me to so many people. It felt like someone had wiped away a part of my story, leaving me staring at a blank slate I never asked for.

At first, I was angry. Then frustrated. Then numb. I had poured over a decade of energy into that space, and in one unexpected moment, it was gone. But as I sat with the reality of the situation, I realized that this wasn’t just about what I lost—it was about what I could rebuild.

In the online world, we often assume our work is safe. We back up files, trust security systems, and believe that certain things are untouchable. The truth? No system is foolproof. This experience forced me to take a hard look at my own digital security.

Here’s what I learned:

1. Backups are everything. I had some files saved, but not nearly enough. Now, I schedule automatic backups across multiple platforms. If you’re a business owner, a creative, or just someone who values their content—set up a system today, not tomorrow.
2. Two-factor authentication isn’t optional. If you’re still relying on a single password to protect your work, you’re taking a massive risk. I currently have a 4 step security in place, because even with the two-step my site got hacked. Lock down your accounts with extra layers of security.
3. Ownership matters. When you build a brand online, make sure you truly own your content. That means hosting your website on a reliable platform, keeping offline records of important work, and understanding the risks that come with digital spaces.

Losing my website hurt. But it also forced me to reevaluate my approach to content creation and business. Instead of dwelling on what was gone, I had to decide what I wanted this space to be moving forward.

I could have given up. Instead, I chose to start again, but with more intention. This isn’t just about rebuilding—it’s about doing it better.

This journey reminded me that starting over isn’t always a setback. Sometimes, it’s a chance to refine, to rethink, and to approach things with greater clarity.

So, here I am—relaunching, resharing, and reimagining what this space can be. If you’ve ever faced an unexpected loss in business or life, know that while the past holds value, the way you move forward is what truly matters.

To everyone who’s been part of this journey—thank you. The best is still ahead.