Why I disappeared

Summary

In this heartfelt video, Anna reflects on her journey in the chess community and her struggles with work-life balance, health issues, and family challenges. After a period of intense work as a top chess commentator and streamer, she faced a serious knee injury and personal trauma, prompting her to reassess her priorities. Anna shares her desire to reconnect with her passion for content creation while managing a new role behind the scenes with her boyfriend Kevin. She expresses hope for the future, plans to create new content, and emphasizes the importance of mental health and community support.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anna reflects on her past success as a chess commentator and streamer, acknowledging that she disappeared from the scene during a time of increased popularity for chess.
• 😀 Despite her professional achievements, Anna reveals that her intense work schedule led to personal sacrifices, particularly in her relationships and health.
• 😀 She discusses a serious knee injury that forced her to reevaluate her lifestyle and prioritize her health over constant work.
• 😀 Anna emphasizes the importance of mental health and the difficulties she faced following a traumatic family event, which prompted her to seek therapy.
• 😀 She shares her desire to reconnect with her passion for content creation, focusing on making videos and streaming for joy rather than as a job.
• 😀 Anna highlights her role in managing her boyfriend Kevin's YouTube channel while she recovered, allowing her to remain involved in content without being on camera.
• 😀 She expresses excitement about upcoming projects, including a new chess course and a video with her friend Anna Kremling, showcasing their personal connection.
• 😀 Anna underscores her commitment to gender equality in chess, noting her involvement in events that promote equal prize funds for women.
• 😀 She articulates her aspiration to return to chess events, viewing them as a homecoming and a chance to support the chess community.
• 😀 Anna concludes with an invitation for viewers to share their thoughts and suggests a willingness to discuss more personal topics in future videos.

Q & A

What led Anna to take a break from content creation?

Anna felt overwhelmed by her workaholic lifestyle, which impacted her personal relationships and health, culminating in a serious knee issue that forced her to reassess her priorities.

How did the popularity of chess during the pandemic affect Anna's career?

While Anna gained recognition as a chess commentator and streamer, the rise in chess's popularity coincided with her withdrawal from the scene, creating a disconnect between her and newer audiences.

What were Anna's feelings regarding her health and work balance?

Anna acknowledged that her intense work schedule compromised her health and personal life, leading her to realize the importance of self-care and balance.

What impact did Anna's family situation have on her mental health?

A traumatic experience involving a close family member significantly affected Anna's mental health, leading her to seek therapy and grapple with feelings of helplessness in trying to support her loved one.

What new approach does Anna plan to take with her content creation?

Anna intends to create content more for her enjoyment rather than as a job, focusing on her passions and experiences rather than adhering to a strict schedule.

How does Anna plan to engage with her audience moving forward?

Anna aims to share her journey, insights, and future projects on her channel, inviting viewers to join her in a more personal and heartfelt manner.

What was significant about the recent Norway chess event Anna hosted?

The Norway chess event was noteworthy for promoting gender equality by hosting a women's event with the same prize fund as the open event, marking a significant step in the chess community.

What are some future projects Anna is excited about?

Anna is looking forward to creating a new chess course, collaborating on videos, and possibly participating in more chess events, emphasizing her love for the game.

How does Anna view the concept of learning and personal growth?

Anna believes that life is about continuous learning and self-improvement, emphasizing resilience and the importance of picking oneself up after setbacks.

What message does Anna hope to convey by sharing her struggles?

Anna aims to normalize discussions about mental health and personal challenges, encouraging others to understand that it's okay to seek help and that growth often comes from difficult experiences.