A Letter of Gratitude To All Those Who Write Straight From the Heart

You’ve enriched my life and here’s how

I read your words and I feel compassion and admiration for you, right from the get-go. All I want to do is to be there for you. Oh, how I wish we were in the same room so I could give you a hug, offer reassuring words, shout out “yippee” in celebration of your courage and perseverance. You got a fan in me.

I read your words and I feel understood, despite not having shared a word of my story with you. Though our stories may be different, we speak the same language — the language of the heart. We both seek our answers from within. We are fellow travelers and the kinship feels magical.

I read your words and I feel hopeful. Your positivity sets a wonderful example for me. You haven’t given up, so why should I. Because of your efforts and determination, you see the signs of light at the end of the tunnel. I, too, will then do whatever it takes to emerge from my darkness into the light.

I read your words and I inevitably learn something of value. It may be a lesson in self-love, in acceptance, or in the value of being kind to others. Quite a life-enhancing curriculum, wouldn’t you say!

Thank you, my friend. I wish I could give you a giant hug.

Lessons You Have Taught Me

Here’s just a few that have inspired me. Again, I’m most grateful for your generosity and vulnerability in sharing what you have learned and for the wisdom of your words.

Acceptance

A quote from Trista Signe Ainsworth’s article about growing up with a bipolar brother:

I remember talking with him when he was in the hospital, and some of the things he said did not make sense. However, in my heart, I knew he was still my brother, the one who saved me a cookie after school and loved to talk about creative projects.

Self-Love and Perseverance

A quote from Esther George’ article on self-awareness:

I refuse to break down. I refuse to fall out. That’s not me. Life may dull me for a while, but nothing can take away my sparkle. Deep in my center, I’m not easily pulled apart. The situation looks hopeless, but I won’t let go.

Being Kind to Everybody

A quote from Fatimah Alayafi’s article on the value of reaching out to strangers:

Some of these important strangers have become good friends. Others have remained as acquaintances. Yet some I never saw or heard from again. They crossed my path for a fleeting moment, years later all that remains is the memory.

Gratitude

A quote from Jim o’connell’s article on what positive things can be learned about oneself in the face of chronic illness:

So why am I beginning to think of Parkinson’s — which made me disabled, unemployable, and wracked with almost constant pain — as a gift. What benefit outweighs its horrible symptoms? Simply put: time.

Here’s What I’ll Do For You In Return

For openers, I’ll give you 50 claps. Heck, I’d give you a million if I could.

You can also count on long read times. No skimming from me, ever. You’ve given me the ultimate gift (sharing who you are), which is far more valuable than simply sharing what you know. Speedreading through your words would be dismissive — that’s not my style and the last thing you deserve.

Not only will I take my time reading your precious words (I don’t want to miss a thing) — I will reflect on them, chew on them, digest them. I have so much to learn from you. It’s more than worth the effort. Actually, it’s not an effort — it’s a joy.

You can also count on my extensively commenting on your articles — I’ve been known to give 5 or more. I do this because I want you to feel heard and cared for. I also want you to specifically know how your words have impacted me.

I’ve formed many friendships with other writers by exchanging heartfelt comments. I’d love nothing better than to become Medium friends with you too.

Lastly, anytime you write anything, please let me know and I’ll be sure to read it. Never fear you’re being annoying. It’s a privilege to read your stories.

In Closing

I’ll never get monetarily rich from writing on Medium. Enriched? That’s another story. Yes, you guys and gals who write from your heart have most definitely enriched my life.

I feel an amazing partnership with you. I’m so fortunate. It’s wonderful to get to know you. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to support you in your journey and for everything I continue to learn from you.

You’ve helped me become a better person. There is nothing I value more than that.

I, too, try my best to keep my writing real — to be true to my authentic self. With the hope that you will benefit from my words similarly to how I benefit from yours.

I wish you well, my friend.