Writing Prompt #21

What 10 Things or Moments Were You Most Grateful for Last Year?

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Let’s see those listicles!

Theme: Gratitude

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WRITING PROMPT:

What 10 things or moments were you most grateful for last year? Let’s see those listicles!

Feel free to be creative with your submission (i.e. write a poem, flash fiction, combination of poetry and prose, etc.).

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Here’s me:

Settling into a writing rhythm It has helped me be more focused on my writing, especially when I’m shifting from one genre to another. If you subscribe to me, you know I publish every day, sometimes twice a day. Sorry David Perlmutter 😊.
David Perlmutter— because where would Medium be without him? He is Medium’s speed reader, highlighter, and clapper. And, occasionally, he leaves a comment. I am ever grateful for David and his presence in my Medium writing life.
Staying the course with building a writing and editing business I decided to take the plunge in 2021 (August to be exact. I was thankfully grandfathered into the previous Medium Partner Program (MPP) guidelines where I didn’t need to get 100 followers before applying and getting accepted). This is how much of a God moment it was — I published my first piece on Medium on August 10, 2021. Unbeknownst to me, the new MPP requirements began on August 11, 2021. But that’s not all I do. I have an editing business. In 2021, I was able to secure some editing jobs for dissertations, essays, and book writers. It’s too easy to walk away when your earnings aren’t what you hoped or imagined. But my Inner Voice kept telling me to show up. So I did. In the process, as you all know, I started a Medium publication (Refresh the Soul) and I was also asked to take over The Shortform and I also edit for CRY Magazine.
Learning more about how to do things better By the end of the year, I had begun batch writing because one of the lovely aspects of Medium is that you can schedule your pieces to publish ahead of time unless you’re submitting to a publication that you are not the owner of and are at the mercy of their publishing schedule. It takes time to figure out what you’re going to invest your energy into writing about, who your audience will become, and how your writing becomes effective in the overall scheme of things.
My dog, Dolce: Truth be told, she’s my ESA (Emotional Support Animal) and I had to come to accept that label as my norm in this season. She shows unconditional love (and gives many nose licks). I gladly receive it all. For someone who has been independent most of her life, it’s hard to accept the fact that I, Miss Independence, needs an ESA, but suffice it to say, I’m better for it.
Giving a slap to a health scare — Not today, Satan! Not today.
Slowing down: I don’t have any great advice for this other than being more mindful, practicing more gratitude and pausing more throughout my day has helped my anxiety and pingy brain slow down.
Starting a walking exercise regimen. I was a long-time athlete (long-distance runner, soccer player, field hockey player, etc.) but when my adrenal fatigue set in, I had to figure out a new way (a new norm). Walking has been that new norm, and I’m ever so grateful for my walking regimen.
Friendships near and far: I have been collecting friends since I was a kid, moving all over the world. Growing up as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) moving every 5 years, you have to learn how to integrate and make friends (even socially awkward me). I have been grateful for the friends who have kept in touch and who I have stayed friends with over a span of decades. They all make life a little easier. And, for some newfound friends (from Medium), it has been wonderful meeting like-minded people (writers) who I can share my journey with.
My dream team of editors at The Shortform — Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Judy Walker, Jonathan Townend, RMN, and Christina. Seriously, if you have ever owned and run a Medium publication, or any publication, for that matter, you know how much goes on behind the scenes. It is not easy. I am thankful for this group of beautiful hearts who are committed to showing up, using their mad editing skills, and being kind to our writers.

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