With Gratitude…This Is What Happens When You Read
Writers teach, inspire, and stretch your thinking and imagination.
Hanging on to every word and anticipating the next keeps you reading. Words that cause your thoughts to spin take the reader on a journey. But what comes first, the thoughts or the words? I marvel at how a writer can form the sentences that flip the switch and light up synapsis.
In Thinking on Paper, Howard and Barton suggest that writing is “the father to thought itself. . . We do not so much send our thought in pursuit of words as use words to pursue our thoughts.”
I began reading stories on Medium several years ago. On an expedition to find good writing that would inspire and teach, I found gold on Medium. While my engagement fluctuated, I always came back for more.
Fast forward to February 2020 when I made a shift to writing full time. After posting a few pieces, I waited for responses, claps, followers — silence. Not one to become discouraged, I pressed on, took a deep breath, and kept reading, and writing.
On March 21, 2020, I came across an article by Dr Mehmet Yildiz In “An Invitation to Writers,” he described the strategy:
Develop a supportive culture based on fusion principles, reciprocity, act of kindness, and mentoring. Share content with innovative ways in Medium ecosystem. (Emphasis mine)
A supportive culture — now that was a concept worth investigating. I was searching for a community, a group of writers from whom I could learn and also support.
You cannot mandate culture.
“People are the culture, and the more intentional everyone in your organization (not just the founders or executives) is about what they want that culture to be, the more likely that culture will unfold in a healthy and contagious manner.” — Anese Cavanaugh, Contagious Culture, (p. 102)
Culture evolves through the intersection of personal and organizational values. As the editor of Illumination, Dr. Mehmet Yaldiz established a vision and values, but he must do more. Leaders must live and act on values.
Every day, I see evidence that he lives those values of diversity, synergy, fusion, and serendipity.
This publication accepts a diverse body of writers and topics. The community of writers creates synergy through participatory reading and writing.
The fusion of ideas extends the thinking of one writer and ripples across to others. Writers collaborate to create pieces that engage and teach.
Serendipity embodies the respect that writers have for each other. They do this by “practicing a random act of kindness daily.” The continuous interaction becomes a breeding ground for unexpected discoveries. Innovation arises from collective thinking and writing.
Gratitude . . .
Gratitude. noun. The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
When I open my browser to the Illumination publication, I read in awe and dig deep into myself to write one more day, one more article. I am filled with gratitude…
I scrolled through my responses and claps of articles published in Illumination. I found more gems than I could ever include here. I chose five but understand that for each one I read; I know I missed 20 others.
The responses I receive from other writers fuel my persistence. They write words that make me think and reflect on my life and beliefs. New perspectives, different experiences scroll across the screen.
Francesca Brandani gave us a beautifully written piece. She reminded me of the splendor in our precious hands.
“It is with their hands that Italians who speak only Italian make themselves understood all over the world.”
I chuckled at this line. I had the opportunity to spend three weeks in Italy exploring the towns and countryside. We traveled with an art dealer who grew up in Italy. His family thought I would make a great Italian because I also “speak” with my hands.
In a tale of two cities, Layane Moura told us about Palmas in her native home of Brazil and living in Dublin today. Her descriptions swept me away to two different but similar locations an ocean apart. The enticing photographs brought both places to life.
“… if we squeeze our eyes a little and open our hearts a little, we can at all times see the beauty in everything around us.”
The beauty of the world reveals itself to those who choose to stop and see with open hearts. Layane painted a picture of the places she sees so we can share in the wonder.
The poetry of Sumera Rizwan inspires. In “If Only,” she graced the reader with these thoughtful and beautiful words,
“rainbows of hope peeking through windows.”
My mind’s eye saw people of all nationalities, colors, and persuasions. All holding hope and looking for others who will open their hearts to the future. A future where we stop hating, respect our differences, and use kindness to create a better world.
We are stronger together. Pia Barna asks us to look inside ourselves and our strengths.
“By raising our awareness, we should be able to capture an abundance of amazing qualities in ourselves and our loved ones, and if only we can figure out how to use them, none of us should feel like they are alone.”
Pia gave me a wonderful reminder of the strength and tenacity of the human spirit. I believe in the potential of everyone to be more than they ever thought possible. When I looked inside myself, I found three strengths to share with this community. I am positive, a learner, and encouraging.
My deepest gratitude goes to all the writers and readers in the Illumination community. Arthur G. Hernandez said it best:
Imagine that. A group of people who barely know you, willing to help you showcase your work around the world. A team willing to help you hone your talent, if you ask.
In conclusion
A leader sets the expectations of a culture. But culture grows organically through people. From my perspective, this community has, indeed, created a “supportive” culture.
“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” — Albert Schweitzer
A few of my favorite gifts to you.
Send me a note.
Get more at Inspiring #yourbest.
Kathryn A. LeRoy — a relentless seeker of excellence, kindness, learning, and believer in the strength of the human spirit. My why — inspiring your potential to be and become your best.
