Chapter 1: Embracing the Medium Community

It has been 48 days since I was drawn back to Medium, reminiscent of the allure of sirens from lore. The captivating narratives of fellow writers, promising both success and challenges, sparked my desire to delve deeper into this platform. My aim was to invest genuine time in my writing journey, not just rush through it.

I set a pragmatic goal for myself, one that was achievable and would prevent burnout:

Post at least once a week.

I not only achieved this target, but I often surpassed it. With every article and interaction, I felt my writing skills becoming more robust and adaptable. As these days have gone by, my eagerness to continue developing as a writer has only intensified. The stories you share, your achievements, and even your struggles motivate me to persist.

This brings me to the insights I've gathered thus far:

1. Medium thrives on mutual support.

My return in March saw me with a mere thirty-three followers, but now, I proudly have three hundred seventy-eight. My earnings for April already exceed the cost of being a Friend of Medium, which might seem modest, but it surpasses my initial expectations.

The connection between my earnings and reader engagement is clear. When I read your articles, you reciprocated, even when we were strangers. Many of you still don't know me, and that's perfectly fine. Most writers here understand that their growth hinges on how actively they engage with others.

Your dedication to reading and commenting on my work has encouraged me to return daily, eager to see your stories and hear your thoughts. The cycle of support and feedback here resembles the rhythmic dance of tides—consistent and comforting.

There were moments of disappointment with a few fleeting claps and runs, but the overall atmosphere of kind reciprocity remains strong. Thank you for that.

Section 1.1: The Power of Your Reading Choices

I initially came to share my memoir projects and writing journey. However, the interest in my pieces about writing and experiences on Medium has surged.

While narratives centered on Medium draw significant attention, I realize this is also because:

• I'm still establishing my presence.
• My following is still small.
• My reading habits have shaped the content I receive, as the algorithm caters to what I've engaged with most.

A crucial lesson emerged:

My audience reflects my reading preferences. To attract more memoir enthusiasts, I need to immerse myself in memoirs and creative nonfiction, while also submitting my work to relevant publications.

I will continue to explore stories about writing and your Medium experiences, as they hold a wealth of insights. However, I must balance this with reading content that aligns with my passion for memoir writing.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Influence of Consistent Writing

2. Commit to writing without hesitation. Show up regularly—there’s nothing to lose.

Though my progress hasn't been astronomical, I find solace in the learning process. My presence on this platform continues to expand, and for that, I am deeply thankful.

Writing here is already yielding positive outcomes. Sharing my writing journey has provided me with invaluable insights from all of you, and I encourage you to keep sharing your thoughts.

Every memoir I publish represents a step closer to completing four different projects that I aim to turn into published works. Each story shared brings me nearer to my aspirations. The feedback, comments, and encouragement I receive from you are treasures I deeply appreciate.

What insights have you gained from your initial months on Medium? I invite your reflections in the comments below.

Chapter 2: Video Insights and Inspirations

In line with my reflections, I found two videos particularly inspiring:

The first video, How To Completely Change Your Life In 30 Days | Cal Newport, discusses actionable strategies for transformation and personal growth.

The second video, July Monthly Reset and Plan | Reflections, Life Lessons, Therapy, and Going Live!, explores the importance of self-reflection and planning for personal development.