There Is Adequate Space Here For All Writers To Shine In Their Unique Ways.

Medium welcomes amateurs and professionals.

If you think your words don't matter here, think again.

I'm not a professional writer — I don't have a journalism degree, a doctorate, or Ph.D. in writing.

I'm thankful Medium doesn't require all of that. Otherwise, how would I meet you and all the other wonderful writers of this beautiful community I've come to know for the past 11 months.

I came to Medium initially to read, but I was in the thick of writing before long. I soon found myself basking in the healing therapy writing has given me.

Engaging with professional and heartfelt writers brings me much joy. There is so much I've learned from everyone here that contributes to me being a better person in general.

Writing provides me a well-needed break from my routine work and a great mindset chance to exercise my brain. In addition, I look forward to spending time with my fellow writer's friends on Medium.

At 51, I hope reading, writing, and engaging therapeutic value will prevent me from getting the dreaded Alzheimer's.

But lately, I've noticed a trend on Medium that is cause for concern and has had me questioning my purpose on the platform.

People bashing and unkind comments have detracted me from writing engaging content.

Why should anyone be subjected to or be ridiculed by others who think they don't belong or meet the criteria or standards set by another writer?

The constant criticizing and degrading of others' perspectives and quality of content should stop.

Professional writers were once amateurs. Do you know that?

The last time I checked, Medium affords all its subscribers a whole lot of options. Use them to your advantage — scroll away, unfollow or block the authors you don't want to read instead of allowing others' content to irritate you to the point where you become rude.

We don't always have to agree, but we can disagree nicely.

Rude comments and bash because an amateur writer elevates to a high volume of reads, earns a top writers’ spot, mass up claps and numerous engagements, or writes an article that has gone viral shouldn't be considered an imposter in your lane or right as a professional.

Our $5:00 monthly subscription gives us the right to write in any lane on Medium — There is no assigned or particular spot here with anyone's name written on it.

Whatever you consider best fitting as a route to success here, stick to it rather than criticizing others' course, which is working.

Stop focusing on others' choice of passage on their journey.

I came across this inspirational quote the other day that reminds me to stay in my lane and keep shining —

“A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms” — unknown.

Can we move on now from all this nonsense and get back to the true essence of writing?

I needed to get this out in the open so I, too, could get back my equilibrium.

I want to shout out "Lost Hope" by Sahil Patel#CoffeeTimesMovement #BetterWritingCommunity.

“Hope is a magical thing, Makes you believe that everything is possible”

I enjoyed this piece because, without hope, we are lost. Please have a read and support Sahil Patel!