ESSAY | MONTHLY THEME | PROMPTLY WRITTEN
Thank You, PW Writers
Gratitude Journal — Day 21
I just finished writing this week’s PW News newsletter. Each week when I prepare the newsletter, I get to relive all of the stories you, the writers of PW, share with us here. I get to relive the comments shared, the responses, and the appreciation I feel for every one of you.
So many of you are new to Medium and although I’ve been here for nineteen months, I remember the struggles I went through in those early days and weeks of being a new member. I remember seeking publications that would accept my often dark poetry, strange fiction, and quirky personal essays. I recall reading others here and feeling a bit intimidated, wondering if my own work would be good enough. What I discovered was that Medium can often be a great place to build communities, but it also has its toxic side.
This is why I welcome new-to-Medium writers at PW. I don’t want any of you to feel intimidated to share your words with us. I don’t want you to feel like your work isn’t good enough. It is, and you deserve a place to showcase it. So I want you to know, I am grateful that you have selected PW as a community to share your work. I am grateful that you trust me with your words. And I am grateful for the interactions we share through comments and responses. I see you. I value you. You and your words are enough.
And to all writers here at PW — new and seasoned — I am grateful for your kindness, your participation, your amazing work, and for allowing me, Alyse Rowe, and Katrina D. to be your editors and publishers. This has always been one of my dream jobs and while editors do not get paid here on Medium, this is truly a labor of love.
Thank you all. A million times, thank 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!
I’ve amassed a nice size list of work that leaves me in awe. I used to write appreciation lists, but I no longer have the time. I still keep the list though and it continues to grow. Check it out and maybe you will find a few awe-inspiring stories you’d like to keep too!
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.