ENERGY|CONNECTION|GRATITUDE
Why I Joined Illumination
My love letter to you…
Why did I join Illumination? To be seen, heard and valued. The End…
…Actually — it was the beginning.
The beginning of a wonderful journey. One I was not looking for but found. And I am so grateful that I did!
As many of you know, I am creating a business to help women in mid life reinvent — transform themselves. I have been on this journey and have realized that the second half of life can be the best half.
On the advice of my fabulous business coach, Thomas Anderson, I joined Medium in December so that I could share my message and find my tribe. What I found instead was crickets…
I hung in posting articles and memes as often as possible and by March, I was losing hope. Tom mentioned connecting with other writers, but it seemed too time consuming. To look up names and see what they posted — I felt no connection in wanting to connect with others…
By mid March, having time now in lock down, Tom connected me with two wonderful, wise, fun men that I also consider friends — JeffHerring.com and Tim Maudlin, and their program to help writers on the Medium platform. Tim shared that a NEW publication was starting — Illumination. Tim had been invited to write.
I decided I would invite myself and reached out to Dr Mehmet Yildiz and submitted an article and the rest as they say is history. I entered SIP not with a feeling of isolation but with a feeling of community.
I quickly discovered that this was THE PLACE TO BE and it continues to be, as it grows faster than any other publication. Why?
I have shared before that Dr Yildiz is a catalyst with great energy, a fabulous creator, and he has brought together a community that is like minded. Law of Vibration — like attracts like.
Recently I was talking with Tom discussing one of my articles and he mentioned Gurpreet Dhariwal as he noticed her highlights in what I wrote. He asked me how he would have recognized her name.
I responded with, “Gurpreet is a soulful poet who has highlighted many of my writings, highlights for many writers — she is very generous with that and very kind. I feel like she drinks in what she reads.”
It was then that I realized that in our short time together in this amazing publication, I am getting to know the writers. Glimpses of who they are and what they are about.
When I joined Illumination, I wasn't expecting this kind of journey…
…To see, to hear, to value — and hold close those writers I am connecting to.
I’m so grateful. Thank you Tom, Jeff, Tim and Dr. Yildiz…thank you….
I wish, truly wish, I had time to read every article each shares. Life is not allowing this for me, but I do my best. And when I do, it’s my me time to sit and smile — and enjoy.
I will usually set an hour aside and I usually end up on much longer. When I have to pull away, I will often write names of those I want to visit with next time —
Some of the writers like:
Desiree Driesenaar —who believes that spirituality should be combined with science. She’s also written fiction and was published in (Dutch) Cosmopolitan. She shares how she keeps hope going, even during a time of loss. And looks for a better world ahead.
Trista Ainsworth — a professional organizer and full time joy seeker. Looks to bring order and beauty to all she does. Loves nature and feels the magic in it. Loves to celebrate the events of loved ones in her life making both the people and the celebration very special.
Amy Marley — raised in a holistic fashion, strayed for a time to come back around. Carrying many titles, she does not like or want to judge or be judged by labels. Believes that everyone is important.
Ksenia Sein — from a business world to a creative path, sharing her beautiful soul in her poetry and a beautiful voice through her original music. She has a bright light and shines it for all to see.
Henery X (long) — an inspiring man that shares how to manifest and the importance of what you give equaling what you receive. It a published author, who looks to help bring out the greatness in everyone.
Paul Myers MBA — his articles are insightful giving direction in business covering topics of leadership and entrepreneurship. Though as first glance it might seem as he is all stats and facts — there is a soulful side that shines.
Selma — sees what’s happening in and to our world and longs for something more. Gets us thinking. Knows the Universe is on our side and wishes us miracles with all she writes. Senses things and shares, even if it doesn’t make sense to her.
Rasheed Hooda — he states he is a weirdo, but I see a man who sees a bigger picture and works hard. Likes to turn things around and make things function better and has achieved great success in doing so. Not only hears his gut, but listens and follows through. He’s a connector and generous with this.
Aurora Eliam, CMP — leads the path to unlocking our creativity and finding joy. Helps us to understand others that we deal with along with ourselves. Looks to the deeper level, sets boundaries and makes a point to love herself. Something we all need to do.
Livia Dabs — realized that though she had compassion that brought her to nursing, it didn’t give her the creative outlet her soul was calling for. She was brave enough to leave what no longer was serving her to move into something more — something magical.
Indra Raj Pathak — has a law degree and spent years in a career heading schools and mentoring teachers. Looks to help those that don’t have a voice, find their voice, as he has spent his life following his inner voice. Feels success is personal. Gifted in writing both insightful stories and poems.
Terry Mansfield — from a Marine, to an English teacher, military officer to tech exec, he shares poems, haikus, light hearted as well as deep thoughtful articles. And he’s a reader, along with being a supporter. I will find that Terry has clapped for my past posts, which is much appreciated.
Salam Khan — multilingual, writing soulful poetry. An editor in Illumination and Polyglot Poetry. When Illumination went dark and I shared my feelings, Salam responded with reassurance that we could all be there still for each other. I found that so touching…
Jessica Cote — has a passion for writing, and passionately writes. She has had some challenges and through processing, keeps a positive outlook. Has adopted the Asian culture and has a Master’s degree in English Literature.
Kathryn LeRoy, Ph.D. — always a learner with her career beginning in education. Looks to help others to become their best. Beautiful poems, deep, insightful articles filled with gratitude. Questioning why and giving hope.
John Ross — his compassion and eagerness to help has led him to other countries. Has suffered loss leaning on faith and others for support. Has his dream career with the NBA the past 13 years working with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Timothy Key — the first one to edit an article of mine. He guides us through articles sharing tips for Illumination. A former Fire Chief spending 26 years serving and protecting. He prompted me to dig in deeper with the If I wasn’t a writer series.
Marlane Ainsworth — a soulful lady using tarot, books and meditation on her journey to peace and freedom. She encourages us to not distract ourselves with others, but to go within and be more conscious. To watch and listen.
Mike Schoenhofer, MSW — has an interest in spirituality, mental health and writing. Was a priest who met his wife (a nun) in Africa and wrote a book to share their story. Moved into the mental health field, retiring as a CEO, now freeing up time for him to write more and enjoy his family.
Kevin Buddaeus — Editor in both Illumination and Polyglot Poetry. I see his name shared in different articles and I enjoy the camaraderie between Kevin and some of the other writers. Is hardworking and has created our official Twitter account. Loves how and why questions.
Glimpses of my friends and what I’ve learned about them. It’s not just about what you write, it’s who you are. Hopes that I didn’t leave anyone out (not intentional by any means). Smiling throughout this whole process as I think of each…
And there are others that I am getting to know as we continue. Trying to find the time to fit in all that I would like from Illumination — a good problem to have.
I shared why I joined Illumination — and why I stay is all of YOU…
I realize June is approaching and with that I will be returning to my life, working my full time job and continuing to create my business on the side. And the next few weeks, busier, with programs I’ve enrolled in. I will participate as often as I can — writing and reading here on Illumination.
For many, SIP has been a scary, lonely time — for me it’s been a gift. A gift of time with so many of you, each day brighten with the love and support I feel.
When I think of Illumination, I think of… LOVE… (my attempt at acronyms)
Light-filled community
Opportunity
Value
Each Other
A light filled community which gives us opportunities daily to value each other — and what we write.
Until next time ~
Sending you light, love — and gratitude!
Be Well,
