Allow Me to Introduce Myself in Case You Don’t Know Me

Summary

A retiree from South Africa turned to writing on Medium after retiring, initially to cope with financial constraints and later to share personal insights on a variety of topics including mental health, spirituality, and society.

Abstract

The author, a South African retiree, found themselves needing to supplement their small state pension after their employment contract ended in March 2016. Despite a wealth of experience, formal employment was not an option due to age. The author channeled their energy into writing, initially working on a book about depression, a personal challenge overcome in the past. The discovery of Medium led to a shift in focus towards blogging, improving writing skills, and engaging with the community. In April 2018, after hesitation, the author published their first story on Medium, which marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Writing on diverse topics and sharing personal stories has allowed the author to grow as a writer and connect with a community of writers and readers, bringing joy and fulfillment.

Opinions

The author views their transition to writing as a positive outcome of retirement, providing a sense of purpose and a platform for sharing experiences.
There is an expressed sense of accomplishment and personal growth through writing and engaging with the Medium community.
The author values the interaction with fellow writers and readers, considering it a journey of discovery and learning.
Writing on Medium is seen as an opportunity to confront vulnerabilities and share deeply personal stories, contributing to the author's self-expression and connection with others.
The author expresses gratitude for the community and the opportunity to share their words, considering it an honor.
Turning 70 is presented as a milestone in a 'new world' that the author could not have imagined, suggesting a positive perspective on aging and the potential for new experiences.

Greetings from South Africa!

Image by Peter H on Pixabay

I always dreamed of writing when I retired.

That came sooner than expected when my employment contract expired in March 2016. I didn’t know how to earn extra income with only a small state pension to rely on.

Formal employment was out of the question despite my decades of experience in a variety of disciplines and businesses from secretary, sales rep, corporate manager, to art consultant.

I was too old at 66!

I spent a year writing a book on coping with depression — a challenge I had overcome as we entered the 21st century.

That is still a work in progress because amid editing, I discovered Medium when I received an email saying I had 11 Followers. This aroused my curiosity.

When I understood this was a blogging platform for writers, I turned my attention to improving my writing skills, finding my voice and style here, and following, reading and learning from fellow writers.

After much hesitation in April 2018, shaky finger hovering over Publish, I sent my first story to Medium. What an adrenaline rush for an introvert!

Despite my initial fright, I have grown as a writer and a human being, writing on a range of topics — mental health, self, spirituality, the environment, society, satire — and occasionally confronting my vulnerability to share personal stories.

Engaging with writers and readers over the past two years has been, and continues to be, a journey of discovery and joy. Hundreds of stories later, I’m still here.

There are tons of amazing, magnificent people in this world, including you. It is an honor to be here to share my words with you.

I turn 70 this month in a new world I never could have imagined!