GRATITUDE

A Heartfelt Ode to Medium

More Than Just a Platform

Remember this post?

The article you are now reading is a practical example of one of the scenarios described there: writing what you are grateful for. Because today, I’m taking a moment to simply be thankful for Medium. Truth is that this platform has become a significant part of my life and — I bet — yours too.

The Appreciation of Monetizing Musings

Let’s be honest: getting paid to write is just awesome. I’m sitting here in my cozy little living room in the Netherlands typing away what I care about and voila — those ramblings turn into more than ‘just’ words. Those words not only change lives (at least I hope they do), but also my bank account.

Sure, we all complain sometimes that the earnings are not as much as we hoped, but I find it fascinating that we can earn something at all this way. I’m here, all comfy, typing this article on my laptop in a warm house with a full tummy. Isn’t that something to appreciate? There are more annoying ways to make money, right?

I am very sure there are.

A Community That’s More Like a Digital Family

The community here on Medium is also something I am very grateful for. It sometimes feels amazing to empty your mind on these digital blank pages, but it also feels damn good to be heard. I am grateful for the many heartwarming comments I have received. Comments that not only show understanding but are also placed from a loving perspective. Thank you for that.

While I’m at it, I want to take this opportunity to mention something. You might have noticed that I don’t respond to everyone — even though I would love to. I find it challenging to strike a good balance between writing my articles and responding to all the comments. Rest assured though — I read them all — and I am thankful for each and every comment.

It may be because I receive so many wonderful comments that if I were to respond to everything, I would hardly have any time left to write. Writing takes time (especially when you do it YOURSELF), and nowadays, I also take that time. But in the meantime, I also have a family, a full-time job, I exercise regularly, and I have my hobbies. Let’s just say I’m simply doing what I can.

Endless Knowledge and Stories

I am also grateful for all the knowledge and insights I gain here on Medium. Of course, I am not just a writer but also a reader. I interact with many other writers as well. I read their stories and leave a comment. Sometimes the articles are very informative, sometimes heart-wrenching. Sometimes they change my perspective on something, sometimes they entertain me. All in all, it’s wonderful to be here.

You know what makes it so special? The diversity. On this platform, there are experts who know everything about a particular industry, but also people who are just starting out. There are top authors and budding wordsmiths. Deep thinkers and simple souls. Philosophers and poets. They are all here, and they all matter. Together, we make this a special platform where there’s a place for everyone.

This makes me think of the following: I’m not only grateful on a collective level, but also on an individual level. Here I can be Wesley — the IT specialist for a logistic service provider, the dad of two beautiful kids, the gamer who loves Mortal Kombat, the fitness enthusiast whose favorite exercise is burpees, and the writer who does not define himself in a niche because he simply has a broad area of interest — all at once.

The Small Joys That Mean a Lot

If you follow me, you’d probably know that I appreciate the little things in life, or at least I try to as much as possible. Let’s say I’m conscious of the fact that nothing is taken for granted. That’s why I can’t overlook the small things that make Medium a special place.

For example, think about that fulfilled and even exciting feeling when you see other people resonating with what you write. Or what about the satisfaction of publishing a piece you’ve poured your heart and soul into? Isn’t that just priceless?

In my opinion, you can only experience this feeling when you write your own content. If you have AI generate articles for you, you can never experience that particular satisfaction. However, I think you can experience a different form of satisfaction. If you see that it has been of value to someone else, then at least you have been the person through whom that reader could find that value. That is not entirely meaningless, right?

Reflecting on the Bigger Picture

As I’ve been writing this, it’s become clear to me that Medium is much more than a writing platform. It is a place in which I and countless others grow. We grow here not only as writers, but also as persons. Here we make contact with great people from whom we can learn a lot. Bonds are formed. Even though they are digital, that doesn’t make them feel any less real.

We can sometimes complain quite a bit about Medium. Of course, we’re human. Complaining is practically in our DNA. But despite all that complaining, we’re still here. We’re still together on the platform that we can’t really do without. You might know the saying “A day without laughter is a day not lived,” but a day without Medium…

Feel free to fill in the blanks.

So, here’s to Medium— a platform that’s given us so much. Thank you for not being just another platform, but also for being our canvas, our classroom, our community, our group therapy. Thank you for every story, every publication, and every editor.

Thank you for making this all happen.

With gratitude and excitement for what’s to come,

- Wesley.