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Captivating Reads This Week
My weekly roundup of inspiring reads — 20
My head has been all over the place this week as last week’s woes have not yet been sorted out. I am focusing on the things that did happen, though, and I am feeling grateful. Also, it is fun to see my gratitude jar filling up. Yes, I have one where I drop little notes with one-line messages about what I am grateful for.
The idea is to grab a handful when I am feeling low so I can either feel better or at least have a good laugh. I mean, who writes “Curry came out so well” in a gratitude note? Yes, all about appreciating the tiny things that happily add up to the big stuff.
That didn’t entirely make the crazy stuff go away though. I had work deadlines to meet. I kept getting distracted by the 40-odd browser windows open and whined about how my laptop was slow. Then I’d copy something to put in another document, get distracted again, and copy something else, only to realize that I had forgotten to paste the first part and now have some completely useless info I don’t need. And no, I was not practicing what I preach about being mindful. Not guilty!
Do you experience that? Sigh.
I did spend time in the kitchen experimenting and cooking up some new dishes that turned out really well. Also, I acquired a new closet that I am looking forward to arranging. I got some new plants from my neighbor’s exhibition. All in all — I have nothing to complain about.
But I did do a sneaky thing this past week. I clapped for articles I read without commenting and shared them on social media and felt a tiny bit guilty. I thought I should stay away from Medium for at least long enough to finish some work. That resolution lasted exactly 10 minutes and I was back — only to feel frustrated that the notification bell showed 400 notifications. And I couldn’t get the “older notifications” link to work.
In two words, I’m overwhelmed. I have Medium-fatigue, I think. Am I going to do anything about it? Absolutely nothing. 😉.
The good news is that nothing came in the way of my reading. I am glad my laptop bears no grudges!
Here’s this week’s fabulous collection. I was thrilled to “meet” some new writers this week. I will never stop being amazed at the power of words — words skilfully woven by these talented writers.
So here are some regular favorites (yes, I have them. I am sure you do, too!) and some new friends! Enjoy!
Adrienne Beaumont’s brush with a Taipan scared the sh*t out of me! Read it and you’ll know why.
Ali Hall talks about why being an honorable mention has been an emotional journey. I love her writing!
Nancy Blackman shares surprising things she learned from writing on Medium in the first 30 days. Her post has a lot of helpful resources — do check it out.
pockett dessert, one of my favorite writers, dazzles with her writing as well as her photography. This post was a fun read! Can you imagine a husband daycare?
Gabriella Korosi’s post “Achieving Stillness” is a soothing and meditative read. Loved it!
In her soulfully reflective piece, Evelyn Lim looks to nature for life lessons.
James Beaufait’s writing is always a pleasure to read. In his post, he explores the origins of love
If you are struggling with self-acceptance, read Sandra Pawula’s excellent advice on how to accept yourself, no matter what.
Gratitude makes the heart grow fonder. Please enjoy Katie Michaelson’s post about how being thankful makes her happy. It makes me happy, too!
I really love how B.R. Shenoy showcases writers and their posts on Medium! In this post, she talks about Kris Bedenian’s post about inclusivity. I would love for us to support each other like this and plan to do it.
Liberty Forrest, Author shows how you can find some magic when you need it. Yes, to the magic!
Trista Signe Ainsworth has some loving advice for writers and invites you to respond to a prompt.
Pene Hodge has a brand new publication “Our souls in words”. She’s a prolific and wonderful writer and I urge you to explore her writing and her new publication.
Do you have an About me story in Quy Ma’s publication, About Me Stories? If you said no or muttered something like er… um… , guiltily, like me, please work on it. Also, Quy Ma has new submission guidelines — go check them out.
Enjoy Thief’s beautiful verse — I love his poetry. I think this is among his best (very hard to choose!)
BichoDoMato’s posts are always fun and this one’s no exception. He has a quirky way of expressing himself that will have you smiling or laughing out loud. He is also a very kind person!
Another fun read from Yana Bostongirl about comment lingo! You’ll enjoy it!
And oh, want to earn some cash? Edina Abena Jackson is hosting a cash giveaway — you can win $100. Enter before 31 October. Visit the post below for the easy peasy rules.
I would really love to go on and on — but I am reserving some of my favorite reads for my weekly roundup on Coffee Times which will be up on Thursday!
Have a great week!
Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles ❤ Did you smile today?
I love Medium and the wonderful writers I engage with. Sadly, the Medium Partner Program is not open to writers based in India. One of the reasons I write is to support underprivileged children. Would you buy me a cup of coffee? Thank you so much!
