MY MEDIUM FAM

I Just Wanted to Check Up on You Today

Sometimes We Need Support and a Virtual Hug

Today has been a peaceful day where I live. I’ll be making a pasta dinner soon with a little vino and some tunes playing in the kitchen. My little dog Mooch will be following me around, getting underfoot, hoping that I have a clumsy moment so she can go into Roomba mode. So what am I thinking about right now?

You.

I realize that I write a lot about writing on this profile and much about myself on my main one. Sure, I also tackle other topics such as humor, politics, social justice, LGBTQ, and relationships. But in many of those blogs, I relate things back to myself or my family.

I don’t ask about y’all enough. How are you doing right now? Are things good?

I try to keep in touch through the comments sections of each article. I appreciate everything you send me, feedback, encouragement, and messages that make me laugh and sometimes think. It’s one of my favorite things about Medium.

The relationships we form with each other here on our platform are wonderful. But I don’t want them to be one-sided. I’ve built a hell of a following here in two years. It’s been incredible to make so many friends. I genuinely appreciate the support you give me.

But I need to be a better friend. I want to know how you’re doing. And be there for you, be it for your accomplishments or struggles. Relating to your writing or even difficult things you’re facing in life.

Life isn’t easy here in 2024. Perhaps like me, you live in a country that’s divided and full of anger, strife, and turmoil. It can sure take a toll on your mental health. Believe me, I feel those feelings often.

Some countries have even more of this happening than we do here in the United States. Though our gun violence and deaths from mass shootings are among the highest around, we still aren’t as bad off as some places in the world. Things could be worse.

Poverty and hunger are still more prevalent elsewhere than here in the United States. Even with the disparity between the wealthy and the working poor, we are still better off than many. I don’t think we fully appreciate the opportunities we have sometimes, as Americans.

Here in the US, I feel that we struggle with our mental health more than in many other countries. It still feels like there’s a stigma about getting counseling and seeking professional help. Especially among men, who are often too prideful and in denial about their need for therapy. This needs to change.

I want to be there for people who need help. Whether it’s advice, a person to spread the word about something, or just the feeling that someone is listening and cares, I want to be that person. I want good things for you and your family.

So tell me what’s going on. What’s new? I love positivity, so let’s lead with some accomplishments. What are you excited about right now? Who’s having a great month here in February? Maybe you have a record-breaking number of views or reads on a recent piece? Leave a link to it in the comments, I’d love to read it.

Maybe you have something new and exciting going on besides writing-related things? Does anyone have a new relationship? Perhaps you’ve taken a trip somewhere fun and exciting. Or started a new job or side hustle. Tell us what’s good and why you’re excited about it. I’d like to congratulate you on it.

If things are rough right now, let me know what you’re going through. We all have struggles and times that seem mildly annoying to downright unbearable. Just realize that these downs come with ups and are usually pretty temporary.

If you feel comfortable enough around your fellow Medium writers, share with us in the comments what you’re going through. I’ve recently written about a topic or two that were difficult for me to share about. Though they’re not the easiest to put out to the world, I’ve generally felt better once I did.

I’ve had some wonderful people leave positive, encouraging comments that definitely made me feel much better. It’s amazing how uplifting we can be when we try to. The world needs more kind, encouraging people. The mean-spirited, angry ones can keep away. Positive vibes only, please.

If prayers and positive thoughts are your thing, ask for them. If you share a difficult situation with us, chances are a good number of readers would be glad to send prayers, positive thoughts, energy, or whatever else we believe in your way. I know I’d be glad to.

When we think of others, be it in our writing or in life, we’re doing a kind, encouraging thing. We become so self-centered sometimes with our day-to-day routines and trying to survive in an often unforgiving world, that we neglect our friends and colleagues.

It’s a great day to consider what others are going through. And what better place to do this than here on Medium? Let’s chat in the comments here on this piece. Tell me what I can do to be supportive of you, today.

Thank you for connecting with all of the readers and writers who leave comments. Give someone new a follow if you’re not connected. Reply to the comments that they leave here. Making new friends is one of the best things about being a Medium writer.

At some point, you and I connected here. We followed each other and supported one another through claps, reads, and comments. So let’s do that for everyone else here. Hope you have a wonderful night! &:^)

© 2024 Jason Provencio. All rights reserved.