ESSAY | MONTHLY THEME | PROMPTLY WRITTEN
Start A Pub, Gain A Family
Gratitude Journal — Day 12
Back in 1999 when I completed my graduate studies at Hollins University, the only thought on my mind was that I wanted to help other writers. My goal was to be an editor or to teach. However, due to circumstances beyond my control, I was denied either of those jobs. The realization that I’d gone through a total of nine years of college to reach my goal only to have it ripped away from me led to a mental breakdown. My mental health has suffered ever since then and I have worked tirelessly to let go of my dreams and just be grateful for what I have.
And then I signed on to Medium in April of 2020. I’ve been online and blogging in one form or another since the late 90s (fun fact — I wrote my very first blog on a platform where I had to create my own space using HTML and Javascript!). When I became aware of Medium, I thought this would just be one more place for me to post my writing and maybe make a few friends. I had no idea back in April of 2020 just how wrong I was. Medium has been so much more than just a spot to hold my words. It has become a major part of my life and reawakened my dreams.
The idea for Promptly Written already existed in my mind because I had a blog on WordPress named, yes… Promptly Written. However, I used it to write poetry and fiction using prompts that swirled around WordPress and Blogger. When I noticed that so many wonderful publications here on Medium were closing their doors, I knew there would be a huge hole left on Medium for poetry and fiction writers. Many of those shuttered publications offered prompts and well, I love writing from prompts. So in October, I resurrected my old WordPress blog here on Medium and decided to open it up to writers, new and established. I thought at the time I’d be lucky if a few writers joined me. Again, was I ever wrong.
Promptly Written has grown rapidly since I opened its doors in October. I am beyond grateful and completely surprised. All of the writers who have joined me are amazing! And I am finally able to fulfill at least part of my dream — I am an editor. Maybe not the best editor, but I do hope to improve over time.
In the past forty-three days, I have been honored by some wonderful writers. Some for using my prompts in awe-inspiring ways. Others by their words of gratitude toward me. And everyone for their encouragement and friendship. Some days, like today, my gratitude swells over into tears of joy. The community of writers here on Medium has become family to me and I am humbled, grateful, and honored to be among all of you.
©2021 Lori Carlson. All Rights Reserved.
This is in response to the November Monthly Theme prompt — Keep a 30-day Gratitude journal. I am aiming to commit to this. Wish me luck!
Lori Carlson writes Poetry, Fiction, Articles, Creative Non-Fiction, and Personal Essays. Most of her topics are centered around Relationships, Spirituality, Life Lessons, Mental Health, Nature, Loss, Death, and the LGBTQ+ community. She is the Owner/Editor of Promptly Written and Not For Bedtime Stories. Check out her personal Medium blog here.
