Zlata Filipovic's decision to stop writing about herself in her own diary was a result of several factors. First, as the Bosnian War intensified, Zlata became increasingly aware of the danger her diary posed to her and her family. The Serbian soldiers who had occupied Sarajevo were actively searching for any evidence of Bosniak resistance or opposition, and her diary could have easily given them reason to target her family. Second, Zlata was overwhelmed by the constant fear and violence around her. The daily shelling, sniper fire, and destruction of the city were taking a toll on her mental health, and she found it increasingly difficult to continue documenting it all. Finally, Zlata also began to feel a sense of guilt about her diary. While she was able to write and express her feelings freely, she knew that many others in Sarajevo were not so fortunate. She felt that continuing to write about her own experiences in such a dire situation was selfish, and that she should use her voice to draw attention to the suffering of those around her.
Despite her decision to stop writing, Zlata's diary remains an important historical record of the Bosnian War and its impact on the lives of ordinary people. Her eloquent descriptions of life in Sarajevo during the siege have helped to raise awareness of the human cost of war and the importance of protecting the rights of civilians in times of conflict. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.