INTROVERSION + RELATIONSHIPS
Creating Community on Medium
I have more friends on Medium than I do in real life.
I don’t write about Medium. I write about relationships. I don’t know how to get 100 followers in 3 hours or hack the algorithm and make $10,000 by Monday. Giving advice about how to win on this platform feels counterintuitive for me because no singular formula works for everybody. So I’m not going to tell you that the only way to thrive in this space is by downloading my tell-all pamphlet and mimicking my every move. You do you.
If you want to write, write.
There’s no wrong way to write your story. Half of the advice on this platform is from people who do so well because they’re being honest in their writing. I think the secret to winning, at anything, is being authentic.
My agonizing and earned life lessons are scribbled, revised, and posted here. Raw and unfiltered like pages torn from a diary.
I am a writer who analyzes the complexities of connections, celebrates introversion, and craves community. I don’t know how to make new friends. I don’t like when extroverts tell introverts what to do. I don’t believe everyone else is the problem in relationships. I’ve learned that sometimes, I’m the toxic friend.
I initially planned to join Medium and just tell my truth. I held my breath after pressing publish the first time.
I prayed that a few people would read my posts and comment “thanks for sharing!” so that I wouldn’t feel completely isolated.
What was surprising about my experience, early on, was the receptive and reciprocal energy that surrounded me when I shared my stories. I realize the most effective way to thank my readers is to consistently read their work too.
Everyone in my community of readers is delightful, encouraging, and brilliant. I receive the most affirming feedback in this space. I love it here.
I’m in awe of the writers who bare their souls and share their stories in the most poetic, nuanced ways. I am grateful for every writer who is transparent, bold, and original in their creative expression.
The conversations my readers start in the comments, rival every therapy session I’ve attended. I admire all of the writers I get to interact with daily. I am a better woman and writer because of the community we’re creating.
Here are some of the most enthralling articles I’ve read, over and over again, since I joined Medium. Each of them is written by someone in my community.
These writers read my work and start conversations with meaningful, insightful feedback that opens my heart and mind.
They each taught me, through reciprocity, that creating community on Medium is about showing up consistently, clapping as loudly as possible (50x), and being authentic.
On Self-Acceptance
7 Ways You Underestimate Yourself in Your 20s — Carmellita
In Praise of the Liberation and Beauty in Nudity — KL Simmons
The road to recovery is paved with good intentions — Siana Massey
Ode to Unspoiled Fruit — Nona Nicklin
On Love and Adventure
How Making Friends In The Travel World Is Different Than Everyday Life. — Sara Burdick
The Midnight Dance — Uwem Daniels
Unexpected Signs Your Dog Is Showing You Affection — Sandra Ivonne
On Mental Health
It’s Not False Modesty! — Leonora Watkins
Introduction to Chakras — Vanita Cyril
Words That Continue To Guide Me — Ian Rush
How Failing to Communicate Can Literally Make You Sick — Erin M.
If You’re an Overthinker — Don’t Bother Changing! — Luciano Kovacevic
On Creative Expression
Why Do I Prefer To Be Tortoise Than Rabbit in My Journey of Medium? — Umme Salma
Location Photography — Duvy McGirr
Why Are We Afraid to Call Ourselves Writers? — Kamil
Why it’s the Season to Persevere as a Content Creator — Yana Bostongirl
I didn’t list every article I’m in love with- this list isn’t exhaustive. Please link your favorite article in the comments. I want to read and celebrate your work.
