Writer Focus Bonus Edition

My Attraction to Minimalism and Walking the Pangolins

June new writer focus — The “By Request” Edition

A couple of times now since starting the New Writer Focus series I have had days where multiple people have responded to my offering to feature their story if they so request. Sometimes if it is just one or two, I work it into the next day’s feature by adding an extra story or so to highlight.

Sometimes I get more than one or two requests.

When that happens, and especially when there are also lots of great stories that I would have chosen to highlight myself, it means that I do a bonus edition. So here we go for today, New Writer Focus — All Request Bonus Edition!

I like doing these because it allows me to highlight topics that I might not organically choose, or maybe didn’t even see as I perused various writers’ stockpile of stories. Today we have a theme of sorts in sustainability, as well as some self-improvement tips and even a poem.

So, strap in, get your reading glasses and get ready to hear from some great writers that are new on Illumination!

<By the Way> New writers please be sure to write a bio if you don’t have one, so we can include it here:

New Writer Focus — By Request Edition

Our first article is primarily for the guys but can provide the ladies some insight as well. Calvin L.C. tells us how the foundation of physical attraction can be set in stone with these three pillars for personal beauty:

Everyone knows that beauty isn’t skin deep, so once you have the outside details hammered out you are going to want to work on your inside qualities as well.

Imane provides us with some great tips on what makes for an inspirational person. Want to know how to win friends and influence people, take Imane’s story to heart and remember that, “Arrogance repels, confidence attracts”.

Next arun simon takes us on a deep dive to examine what we consider to be essential in our lives and what things we may actually be able to dispense with and be all the better for it.

Determining essential versus disposable is a valuable skill and something we should periodically examine in our lives. For some great insight on the subject, check out arun’s article here:

And, a piece that may help you sort through your belongings and beliefs to assist in getting down to the essentials is presented to us by Rei Yi Lai. Minimalism is a mindset as much as a practice.

Read on to see how Rei Yi Lai has come to terms with his family’s frugality and come to realize that a lack of material wealth doesn’t equate to a lack of meaning in life, in fact just the opposite:

While we are still on the topic of perspective, another great article can help us evaluate our perspective with regard to how we see ourselves.

Aisha uses insights from three photographers and distills down how they come to terms with visualizing the outside world. Aisha then asks us whether our perspective on the outside world can help us form our perspective on our self?

See how meditation and photography intersect in this great piece:

We have all probably heard stories of how the world has, at least temporarily, changed with so many people relegated to staying in their homes.

Go on a walkabout with Jon Lye and find out how many animals’ lives have changed as humans have reduced some of the footprint that overlaps into animal habitats here:

And finally, If that story inspired a sense of wonder for what would be if the human footprint was permanently changed, or just what might happen if we made some other lasting changes in our lives, then you will probably appreciate this poem by Siraj K Zahr

Let’s Make a Connection

As I like to do with all my new writer features, I want to tie in someone that has been writing on Illumination for a little bit already.

If you haven’t run into a story by Rene Jung you probably haven’t been on Medium very long. Rene is a prolific writer with a host of books published electronically plus a plethora of articles on Medium on a wide array of topics.

Rene joined the editor group in May and is visible behind the scenes on Slack as well as prominent in the Illumination publication. I don’t typically put any “stat” type stuff in this feature, but Rene’s featured article on his profile today is an inspiring read about how, even as an established writer, his exposure has been greatly and positively impacted by joining Illumination.

Rene also makes a point of reading and supporting others, as is the spirit of Illumination. Give him a little love by reading his feature article today, and be sure to check out his other stories as well:

The Big Ask

The other thing I like to do when I feature new writers is ask that they shine the spotlight forward. Whether they write a story promoting other writers, push out links on social media, or just read and interact tirelessly, I ask the writers I feature to spread some love out to other writers that inspire them.

The power of collectivism and collaboration is amazing and real. You can really make another person’s day by seeing the value and beauty in their work. So please, take some time to support and promote another writer.

Thanks for reading, I am enjoying getting to know all the new writers on Illumination!

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Timothy Key spent over 26 years in the fire service as a firefighter/paramedic and various fire chief management roles. He firmly believes that bad managers destroy more than companies, and good managers create a passion that is contagious. Compassion, grace and gratitude drive the world; or at least they should. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and join the mail list.