You’re More Than Claps

This piece has been cooking in my head for a few days and because I was hit by another couple of other ideas, I let this one sit for a while.

But I can’t hold it anymore. I just HAVE TO let it out!

These past few months, I’ve been reading all the beautiful comments and kind compliments from all of you here in Medium. Kind-hearted strangers with beautiful souls who I haven’t met in real life (I’ll say ‘I haven’t met’ because you’ll never know where life will take you one day. Maybe we’ll have a cuppa together one day. Fingers crossed!) who have been welcoming me with open arms.

I’ve been blessed to get to know some of you outside Medium (via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and even though we haven’t met yet, I feel like I know you in person! How bizarre!

Then a few days ago, as I was typing a comment to a fellow writer, a feeling started to spread in my body.

It started from the centre of my heart and it quickly warmed my whole body.

I read once in an article here in Medium that to gain more followers and readers and claps, I have to engage by reading and giving others claps first.

Well, yes, it’s true.

Even before I read that piece of wisdom, I have realized that when I reach out, people reciprocate by reaching out too.

But then this feeling started to take root as I talk to more and more people here in Medium and a voice whispered in my head as I typed my response to another writer.

The voice told me that I’m not doing this only for the claps.

I genuinely care about the people I talk to in this platform.

When I type a comment or a response, I type it like I’m actually talking to you. Like I’m actually talking to a friend who’s sitting right in front of me.

Such a lovely feeling…

I feel a little insane sometimes. (Okay… nearly all the time. Okaaayyy… ALL the time.)

How can I form this feeling of bonding with people who I have never met before? Some of you who don’t put your pictures on your profiles, I don’t even know what you look like!

Yet, here I am, feeling all warm and cozy whenever I talk to you!

So this piece of writing is dedicated to all of you out there who have been reading me, spending your precious time to stop by to have a virtual cuppa with me, and showing me that humanity is amazing.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

It really means a lot to have all of you in my circle (yes I have imaginary Medium circle). Each and everyone of you really matters to me and I am grateful for each and everyone of you.

Thank you for being my friends, thank you for being amazing and above all,

Thank you for being you.