A Selected Celebration
Diversity, Synergy, Fusion, Serendipity
I confess, I was a reader first.
When I found Illumination, it was like opening a treasure box full of stories. Every day, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz publishes a curated bulletin of fresh new writing. I really look forward to reading them.
Recently, he challenged us to write an article featuring ten stories which add value to our lives and society as a whole.
I’m excited to accept this challenge because it allows me to share a few of the writers I’ve met during my short time in this community. Every one of these stories illustrates the talent and diversity here.
Choosing was a difficult task. First I tried to do it using logic. I created a spreadsheet, labored over categories and quickly came up with a long list of possibilities. Then I set them aside.
In the end, I made a personal choice.
The following selection includes writers who are new to Illumination as well as more experienced ones who’ve been here since the beginning.
Each one of them has touched me in some way and I thank them for sharing their hearts.
Here goes:
#Loneliness
Salam’s writing comes from the heart. He uses the imagery in nature to evoke emotions of Love, Pain, and Suffering, among other things. Using a Haiku format, Salam is concise in his writing practice. His words are important because they stir our emotions and open our heart.
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#Democracy
I appreciate Roxanna’s writing because she’s willing to ask difficult questions about challenging topics. In this article, she considers the viability of democracy and presents a measured discussion of some of the problems. It’s important to be able to talk about tough topics and present rational arguments.
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#MentalHealth
A fellow poet, Carolyn sometimes writes about how it feels to write poetry. She attempts to explain how the words rise inside us with an urgent need to be expressed. Somehow, she understands the inside of my brain. One of my favorite quotes is from an article about loving a poet: “They taste words before they are birthed.” I hope these encourage people to read more poems.
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#Addiction
I really appreciate Bob’s article about quitting smoking because I can relate. I started smoking when I was 14 and struggled to quit for 18 years. After many attempts I smoked my last cigarette when I was 32. He is honest about how difficult it is to succeed, but his story ends with hope. Addiction is a tricky thing and sometimes you have to quit many times before it ‘takes’ hold. This article is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to quit.
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#Curiosity
Curious minds think alike. I loved this article by Joe Luca because it delves into the origins of certain phrases in the English language. I also enjoy etymology and am constantly curious about things that most people take for granted. This article is important because it is playful and highlights how curiosity can inform our lives.
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#Inspiration
I love to read motivational and inspirational articles. There’s always something new to learn. Different perspectives bring new possibilities. Seeing things in a new way can transform lives. This article intersperses inspirational quotes with real life examples that help the reader find the courage to take a step forward. Helping people find their path is important. I say ‘Hell Yes’ to this article.
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#Perspective
I appreciate Timothy’s writing because he explains challenging topics using clear concise language. Examples are his recent helpful articles for new writers on Illumination. I enjoy ideas and new perspectives, especially when they challenge my worldview. When I have that ‘Aha’ moment, my mind expands and that’s important. An open mind is key to solving so many of the difficulties we’re experiencing today. The Bias Blind Spot discusses our tendency to stick to our familiar views and encourages us to remain open to new ideas.
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#SpokenWord
Artistry is important.
I confess. I’m a bit mesmerized by this writer. Her poems beg to be spoken out loud, to savor the feel of the syllables in your mouth. Each gathering of words sketches a mystery to be resolved. Enjoy a taste of her delicious artistry.
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#Winning
I read many of Kevin’s articles on Illumination and found them to be thoughtful, sometimes humorous studies of man. How to Keep the Upper Hand reveals a logical train of thought, and another article, Stop Giving a Fuck, discusses a strategy to use in the face of those who try to cause you pain. His combination of practical solutions with a straight talking style bring value to his insights and may be an inspiration to readers. Also, Kevin is a technical genius who frequently writes articles where he shares easy to follow how to instructions.
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#Minimalism
Desiree is a strong advocate for minimalism. She focuses on making conscious choices so that we can learn how to live within the boundaries of our planet. I appreciate how she gives of herself in her writing and especially love her cross pollination ideas. It’s important to read each other’s stories but I love that she finds a collection of stories with a topic in common and riffs on them.
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I hope you enjoyed reading these articles as much as I did.
Choosing was difficult and I wish I could have included more writers. There is so much talent here and our community is expanding every day. I look forward to reading the daily bulletin and discovering a treasure trove of reading every day.
With gratitude:
