Kim McKinney’s Top Ten.
A beautiful journey in Illumination.
When Dr Mehmet Yildiz put a comment on one of my articles for me to consider writing for Illumination, I immediately went and checked it out. I loved the depth of the articles and the diversity of the writers. I suspected it was a good home for some of my work.
Little did I know at the time what an excellent publication it would be for today’s times. I am passionate about healthcare and justice, my own country, and our world, and have found much of my writing has fit in well with the voices around me.
Here are ten articles I have selected — possibly my best, but maybe not. You be the judge. Like most writers, I want my ideas heard, and I believe these are representative.
- Is anyone else tired of all of the noise? It seems as though there is no civility in conversation anymore. People talk at each other or over each other. I ran across a quote that, if put into practice, would quiet the noise. Someone said they were surprised it wasn’t primarily about romantic relationships. When I wrote it, I was thinking more of the arguments about racism and the coronavirus, but yes — I believe this is the answer to most communication problems.
- Falling in line with this first article is the idea of trying to communicate with someone who refuses to allow anyone to penetrate their brain. They have it all figured out, and your opinion just doesn’t matter. This article started by me starting a Saturday by making a declaration on Twitter that I was not going to engage that day with anyone who was not teachable. That ended up meaning I spent my whole day doing that very thing.
- And then there is that mask thing. Most of us hate wearing them, but I believe it’s a small thing to do so that our friends and family and strangers we pass by can be protected. I’m a rebel by nature — but why would this be an issue someone fights so hard? If I can be contagious and show no symptoms, it is a game-changer for me. But this is more about someone asking me to decide for them — and my anger at myself for wimping out with my answer.
- Oh, I so appreciate the hospitable. Those people who spend their time thinking of original ways to make others feel special. Those who open their homes and cook the food and buy you that gift for no reason other than it reminded them of you. It’s a bit tough on some of them these days, but they’re coming through with flying colors.
- Touch matters, and our world of touch is getting a bit of a shake-up right now. I’m mourning it a bit, but also interested in how we’re going to touch differently. Because we can’t let that die completely.
- A short poem, but important, I believe. I was watching one of our city council meetings online, and they said the Pledge of Allegiance. It got me thinking.
- Had a bit of fun with this one. I adore Ryan Fan’s work, though I am beginning to suspect it is because Medium has been not-so-subtle about thinking I need to listen to what he has to say. I’m reading him, My Friends At Medium, I promise. But not as much as you believe I should.
- I have been unemployed — a while (since January 2019). Let’s not talk about the number of days. It’s depressing (and hopefully about to come to an end, but that will be another story.) I have had a lot of job interviews, and there are times when I think I killed it, and when I don’t get the job, I rewind the tape and understand just why that may be. Enjoy my humiliation.
- There are times I voluntarily humiliate myself. I’m one of those people who talk about my health in public. I’m pretty healthy, but there is still so much to discuss. Call me a free health educator. Or annoying. It may be a toss-up. But get that physical!
- I consider myself a pacifist, who is also a realist, and Memorial Day breaks my heart each year. I tried several ways to commemorate the day before I adopted a tradition of remembering a soldier who died in service to our country. I introduce this year’s soldier here. Please meet them so you can remember.
Thanks to all of the crew at Illumination who work hard to not only get my work published, but most days do it at the speed of lightning. Also, thanks for the encouragement. You’re all quite extraordinary, and I appreciate you! I plan to keep sending you articles, but I hope my writing gets better and better.
