I penned my first-ever article in 2010 and wrote several every year for four years. For free.

It didn't feel great but I did it for two reasons. One, I like writing anyway and two, I knew I needed to build a resume.

I'm not a trained journalist. I wanted to be one, for the longest time, but my mind changed over time. But anyway, because I wasn't one, I needed something to give editors, something they could use to hire me. So I began writing for free to build a resume. Because it was my only option.

At first, I thought becoming a certified journalist would be like a badge of honour. Now, I'm convinced the opposite is true.

I'm not gonna get into that, because otherwise this'd become a rant, but I'm just gonna say I'm happy with what I am and where I am.

My resume shows 10+ years worth of experience writing for various outlets, including four years (2019-present) writing for big name outlets that rack up more revenue and generate viewership and readership numbers that most legacy media outlets, including the big ones, can only dream of.

So I don't care about that 'badge' anymore.

They can keep their badge, I'll keep my daily readers (thousands for every article I write at my daily job) and my decent salary.

Sorry, I ended up ranting anyway.

Anyway, what follows is the first paid article I ever wrote, it was about some furniture, and I got $4 for that. It's quite long, so I'll totally understand if you don't wanna read the whole thing. I should also point out that this was written in 2015, and my writing style has changed a lot since then. I'd never write something like this today. In fact, I kinda cringe every time I read it.

"Grab a book, pour a glass of your favourite drink, then sit down and enjoy your time.

Listen to it and feel it as it slows down, beat by beat by beat. Whole seconds stretch for longer minutes. Minutes turn into hours. Take it easy.

The word "Zen" comes from the Japanese pronunciation of the Middle Chinese word "dzjen" or "Chán", which itself comes from the Sanskrit word dhyāna, which, roughly translated, means "meditative state".

This widespread term has evolved in our modern world into the wider, and more comprehensive, significance it has today. It is synonymous with calm and patient, relaxed even. 

And where else? There is no better place in the world than your patio or your garden to enjoy your time off, chill out and lock yourself out from the world. Or rather lock your troubles out. 

Designing and building a Japanese style patio could be either simple or complicated, expensive or cheap, depending on budget but also creativity and the complexity of the project. 

Ideally, you could start by strategically placing a total of twenty-eight white or cream candles on all four sides of an imaginary rectangular shape. Four bigger square candles on each side, along with three smaller square candles per side.

Again, this is just an idea, of course. Use it and modify it to your likings, even considering that the local weather always plays a crucial part in the selection and building of a patio.

So what about furniture? Wooden wicker chairs and low sofas, all in black.

White would be good, too, but it is a lot more difficult to keep clean and tidy.

The sofas ought to be paired with white or light green pillows with floral decorations. Furthermore, a purple or violet or pink touch here and there wouldn't be out of place. 

A low and wide table, transparent or black, would perfectly complete the picture. 

And plants? Well, of course, the Bonsai is the typical Japanese plant and therefore always a good choice, but a bamboo potted plant is an original and intriguing touch. 

Given limitless budget and time, a Japanese pagoda style roof, in dark red, burgundy or black, on four wooden or plaster pillars, again in dark red or burgundy or black, would be just about perfect.

Scaling it down a notch, a Japanese umbrella or a plain, black or dark, flat wooden roof will work wonders all the same. And it could be festooned with a false ceiling with ideograms or floral designs.

Modern Japanese bamboo mood lamp or glass lantern are your best bet when it comes to artificial lighting. 

The cherry for the top of this proverbial cake is that one extra gadget that makes it look cool. The final touch. Something like a classic set of three katana words. You never fail with the classics.

As opposed to the elegant austerity of the ambiance and the furniture, go crazy with the gadgets and the finishing touches. Bright and glowing, intense tones and shades.

Elaborate and creative decorations and patterns.

So there you go. Settle down and enjoy the zen."

Thanks for reading.