# Celebrating 100 Followers: A Journey of Growth and Gratitude
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Chapter 1: The Emotional Impact of 100 Followers
I know this might sound overly sentimental, but hitting 100 followers truly moved me to tears. While this milestone might not seem earth-shattering, let me share why it meant so much to me.
For many writers on Medium, reaching 100 followers used to be a significant milestone, unlocking the potential for earnings. Although this has changed over time, the importance of this number still resonates deeply with many, including myself. I usually find overly emotional posts a bit silly, but the feelings I experienced were genuine!
The Isolated Beginnings
I began my writing journey in 2023, and in the absence of followers, I felt completely unnoticed. This sense of inadequacy led me to abandon my efforts, convincing myself that no one was interested in my thoughts. However, everything changed when I returned in January 2024.
This time, I committed to putting my best foot forward, even if it meant writing into the void. My focus shifted towards honing my voice and connecting with readers, rather than obsessing over follower counts.
The Surprising Joy of 14 Cents
I won't sugarcoat it—seeing my first earnings of 14 cents in January was exhilarating! It wasn’t about the money itself; it was proof that at least one person resonated with my words. That small validation was a powerful motivator to continue.
Earning 63 cents in February felt equally rewarding, showcasing my progress, no matter how minor. But March? March was nothing short of astonishing.
A March to Remember
Earning $13.86 this month left me in awe—not because of newfound wealth, but because just two months prior, such growth seemed unimaginable. To put things into perspective, that's a staggering increase of over 2000% from January. It’s surreal!
Gratitude for Support
I understand that numbers can be volatile, and I’m not naïve about that. Yet, this journey transcends mere statistics. Each follow, comment, and acceptance into publications has reinforced my belief in myself and my writing.
To every person who has played a role in this journey—thank you! Your support has been invaluable, more than you can imagine.
Encouragement for Emerging Writers
If you’re a budding writer feeling discouraged, please don’t lose hope. There’s an audience out there waiting for your unique voice, and discovering them is one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable.
Keep writing, keep engaging, and recognize the importance of those early supporters; they could dramatically influence your path.
A Heartfelt Conclusion
While 100 followers may seem trivial to some, for me, it symbolizes the transition from feeling invisible to realizing that my words might actually resonate with others. That sense of validation is truly priceless.
I also want to express my gratitude to individuals who have inspired or assisted me on this journey—whether directly or indirectly. While I can’t list everyone, your contributions, whether through motivation or publications, have not gone unnoticed.
Thank you to Ross Derbyshire, John Williams, Sincerely Riley, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz (Tech), Liu Xing, Carl Jeffers, Nathan Chen, ILLUMINATION, Martynas Ki. (@strangecash), Kate Brennan, Joseph Anthony (José Antonio Ribeiro Neto), and many more. Your support means the world to me!