Feeling Proud of $144: A Journey of Connection and Growth
Written on
Chapter 1: The Value Beyond Dollars
Four months have passed since I started sharing my thoughts on this digital platform. In that time, I've held onto the hope that my words would resonate with someone, anywhere. And they did!
While my bank account isn't overflowing just yet, my heart is certainly brimming with joy. Today, I saw my earnings: $144.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. That’s not a huge amount. I’ve done the calculations too—it's roughly $0.05 per hour. I can almost hear my dad’s voice echoing in my mind, “You call that a living? Back in my day…” But here’s the crux of the matter: it's not just about the money.
It’s the exhilaration that comes when a reader comments on how my words impacted them. Or when I notice a sudden increase in traffic, knowing someone out there is engaging with my story. That feeling is invaluable.
Do you recall my post titled "I Hate People"? Yes, the one where I stumbled through a rather embarrassing experience? It turns out I’m not the only one who has faced such moments (figuratively speaking, of course…or maybe not). Many connected with that tale—they laughed, cried, and even sent me virtual hugs.
This, my friends, is the essence of writing: the ability to connect with strangers, share our vulnerabilities and victories, and foster a community built on shared experiences.
While $144 may not seem significant in the grand scheme of things, to me, it signifies so much more. It validates my voice, showcases the importance of connection, and serves as a loud and proud "heck yes!" to pursuing my dreams, regardless of their size.
For the past four months, I’ve avoided overusing tags, and I don’t intend to start now. However, I genuinely want to express my gratitude to each one of you who follows my journey and engages with my content. Your support means the world to me.
Thank you, and I appreciate every single one of you!
Michele Maize, Thief Fernando Munaretti, Shad Hagan, M.S., Kit Desjacques, Theodore McDowell, B.R. Shenoy, Manali Jarząbkiewicz, Trish Church, Chrysa Stergiou, Linda Rivenbark, KGMunro, My Cozy Den, Dion Groove, The Smoke Shop Alchemist, Annelise Lords ❤️, Never Give Up Ninja ❤️, John Delavera, Willow Reed, Anthony Peterman, Sam David Parker 🌸, R Lu Skerdoo, Rupal Teotia, Marco FranMoreland, John Susan Wheelock, Grace Delphia, Jill Eng, Suzie Alexander, JD's Stories From the Mountain ~ Renee Lauren, Marcia Abboud, Melissa Herzog, Travel Writer, Jan Sebastian, Sompa Mensah, Hari G. Darcy V.N., ["Len"] Giberson, Freda Savahl, Aracelly Bibl, Kendall Lyons, Janice Osei-Boamah, Ryan Chin, Mika Oka, Carolyn Stone, Alex Falasca, Mary Kontouri, Manali Jarząbkiewicz, Harsha Gurnani, Amelie D. Phoenix, Katharine Valentino, Long After the Thrill of Living is Gone (aka Kate), Ylia Hena, Bernadette E Wallace, Valerie Ask, Lea - Dating Muse, Mike Ketch, Brendan Donaghy, Elena Wasserzier, Frank Priegue, Michael Burg, Matt.