Chapter 1: The Essence of Writing

Writing is a fundamental aspect of my identity. From the moment I learned to wield a pen, I have been captivated by the written word. It’s an activity I not only earn a living from but would also gladly engage in without compensation. Even if everything else were stripped away from me, I would still find a way to inscribe thoughts in the dirt or within my mind. For someone with a writer’s spirit, the act of writing is indispensable.

Medium, as a platform, offers a vibrant community of writers, and it’s one of the features I appreciate most. The variety of voices that converge here—from academics and spiritual leaders to everyday individuals and advocates—creates a rich tapestry of stories. It’s a space where creativity thrives, reminiscent of the shared human experience throughout history.

Among the plethora of perspectives, I encounter a wide range of authors: scholars, believers of various faiths, secular thinkers, homemakers, conservatives, LGBTQ advocates, and, admittedly, a tiresome multitude of self-help writers. The latter often preach about the virtues of rising early and hustling relentlessly, which, while motivational for some, feels overly repetitive.

Despite my extensive reading over the past six years on this platform, I have seldom come across anyone currently experiencing homelessness. There are many narratives from those who have faced homelessness in the past, often shared with raw honesty and depth. However, it wasn't until recently that I encountered a voice from someone who is actively homeless.

I resonate deeply with the instinct to write, feeling it profoundly in my bones. Even in the absence of a stable home or job, the urge to express oneself through writing persists. This is precisely what the author I discovered is doing.

Now, a little background on my exploration of Medium: I have been seeking out emerging talents and unique writers, and so far, I’ve stumbled upon an insightful Canadian and a philosophically inclined dog. I also have plans to introduce another lesser-known writer to the community soon.

Why this quest? I’ve grown weary of the algorithm dictating my reading experience. Instead, I’m eager to uncover fresh perspectives, especially as a winter enthusiast who enjoys venturing off the beaten path.

In my recent reading, I encountered a compelling account about homelessness in America. While I may not be well-versed in the intricacies of American shelters, my recent visit revealed a pressing issue that society has yet to tackle effectively.

This article presents a distinct viewpoint, unlike the usual self-help narratives that dominate the landscape. If you peruse the comments section, you’ll notice my Penguin avatar wishing the author well, hoping for recognition from the algorithm. Sadly, it didn’t happen.

Thus, a month later, I find myself returning to champion this piece. As someone who advocates for social equity, I believe in redistributing resources where they are most needed. All proceeds from this article will go directly to the homeless author, allowing them to utilize the funds as they see fit.

My long-standing discomfort with homelessness fuels my commitment to this cause, and my volunteer work in a soup kitchen reflects that. Society has a responsibility to do better.

Countless individuals on this platform champion social justice. Now, you have an opportunity to contribute simply by reading and sharing this story. This is the kind of action the algorithm should promote, yet it often falls short.

While the algorithm lacks the capacity to assess the moral weight of content, I understand the importance of directing financial support to those in need, rather than to those who are already established. I believe that meaningful change occurs when financial resources are allocated to address social issues rather than perpetuating identity-driven narratives.

This author represents a unique voice in our community, and it’s essential that we support him. Community is about collective action.

Lastly, here’s an additional article I wrote regarding billionaires and socialism, which further explores these themes.

In this official music video, Larry Fleet captures the essence of appreciating life's small moments, reflecting on the things we often take for granted.

Chapter 2: Reflections on Youth and Choices

The second video discusses life lessons and choices, illustrating what one might do differently if given a second chance at 18.