Thank you, Everyone!
Some thoughts on the last week or so!
I want to confess something. I've had quite an emotional rollercoaster of a week. Internally, that inner voice in me has been kicking my butt for past mistakes, horrible actions and bad decisions. This is a regular occurrence, but this week I felt it more. Everyday I am learning more about myself and the way I have been and the way I want to be, but it's been quite a struggle at times.
Writing definitely helps. Like more than I ever thought possible (which is weird because, I am drawn to writing that comes from deep places within). That's why I guess I write a ton of stuff every week. I am working on me and trying everyday to be a better version of me, but I realised a few things, or let's say they became more pominent in my mind over the last week or so. And it was tough. I am fine and good though.
Writing wise and Vocal wise, I have been quite fortunate recently - with Top Stories and a lot of milestones achieved. Which does help counter the more negative aspects of how I am feeling. It also holds me accountable and shows me where I am failing can be improved upon.
One thing that helped, aside from my wife coming home from her trip to visit her mum (glad to have her back!), is you lot. I am talking to each and everyone of you that has interacted with me, read my stuff, liked my stuff, commented some truly lovely things about it. Even people who haven't, who have written some amazing things that I have had the priviledge of reading. This has all helped a great deal too.
That's what makes it worth writing on Vocal sometimes, whether I get 1 comment or 21 comments. I appreciate every single last one of them. I appreciate all the hard work that goes into other people's work and I am still trying to balance out working on my own stuff and being a good supporter. There is always room for improvement, but I think we all have that in common,
A case in point, particularly this week is just the outpouring of awesome poems by people as part of the unofficial challenge I set with Donna Renee! The reason why there has been an influx of poems about everyone's most hated food and beverages. For a full list of this beautiful outpuring of madness you can find all the entries on Donna's inaugural entry that started it all and rightly got awarded Top Story here:
This morning when I looked at Vocal, I saw that even more people had gotten involved in the hilarious and creative insanity. I applaud everyone and while I may not have read and commented on them all yet, I will get to that!
This gave me a big smile. Not quite as big a smile as when my wife rolled up in front of our house last night. But, you know...close second? Sorry, guys!
I love the fact that people just joined in...because...fun...because giggles because why the hell not?
I published one of my most open hearted and revealing poems yesterday while the madness was going on, and the silliness (and brilliance, let's not forget that many of these poems are stone cold classics that every single person should be proud of) kinda helped make it a little easier to sneak that one out. So, I'm grateful for that.
This...this is why I am going to keep doing the Vocal Deep Cuts (thank you Vocal for making that Top Story, as it means more people will get to see the awesome poems and pieces featured) thing...this is why I will always make time to read the incredible amount of great stuff that is produced and published by writers on this platform every single day. This is why I am thankful to you all.
So...yeah...everyone keep doing what you're doing!
Mumble over.
*
Thanks for reading!
About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Award-Winning Writer, Poet, Scottish-Italian, Subversive.
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection out now!
Streams and Scratches in My Mind coming soon!
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from Paul Stewart and writers in Confessions and other communities.
Comments (42)
Mike, I think your work is inspired and genuine, regardless of the genre. Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, music highlights, or instructional, but it is all backed up by your support for all of us here in Vocal. It all comes full circle in your writing.
Holy moly! This one escalated since I last stopped by Paul! 😉 Congrats on your top story and leaderboard recognition! ☺️👏
I love that you're shouting out others. I keep meaning to enter into that challenge.
Very inspiring and real.
Awesome Paul!
Another top story and many more to come, congratulations!
Congratulations
❤️❤️❤️the return of a loving heart
Congratulations
Congratulations
Congratulations 🎉🎊🍾🎈
I resonated with a lot of what you wrote, thank you 🙏
super...
Congratulations on a Great Top Story🎉😉💖🎉🎉🎉🎉
Always good to be appreciated and getting Top Story is a reminder of that as well as the comments generated. Congrats and just keep doing what you're doing!
That wasn’t a mumble. It was an exhale from your beautiful soul. You’ve been a rider from day one. I deeply appreciate all of what I’ve read of your writings, your endlessly thoughtful comments and for just being straight up real. Congratulations on this, Paul.
Sending you lots of love, keep the positivity 💜
You give at least as much as you receive from the community, Paul. We're fortunate to have you. Congratulations!
So grateful for YOU, pal! You seriously are such a valuable person in this community! I’m So sorry you’ve been struggling. Life can be really challenging, but just know that you are not alone. We are here for you and we got your back! Thanks for you ever honest sharing, your amazing poetry, your wonderful stories and your treasured comments! You are freakin’ rad, dude!
Ditto! Ditto!! Ditto!!! Congratulations on Top Story!!!♥️♥️💕
Awww, Paul, this is the sweetest thing ever. Ever? Well, yeah, that's how I feel right now. I loved every word of this, though I'm sad to hear you've been struggling. It's incredible how fast a community like this one grows and strengthens, and I'm happy to be a part of it, even if I'm a newcomer and somewhat less active on the platform than everyone else who has commented below. But you're just so kind and wonderful, all the time! And I love your poetry, and everything you write. It's so fun to see you experiment and get your Top Stories, and see how much everyone loves interacting with you. I hope that knowledge doesn't ever fade away for you, even on slower days here on Vocal. We all appreciate you! Congrats on this getting TS! It needed to be read. ❤️❤️❤️
No... thank YOU! I'm pretty sure most people here have experienced the motivational dynamo that is P to the a-u-l, grand master of all things poetic, inspirational and hilarious. We are lucky to have you in our community, Paul. x
Paul, this was really a very nice article. I enjoyed reading it and I enjoyed your sincerity. I totally get what you say about "a better me." One thing I have come to learn recently is that sometimes in that search for the "better me" I just have to learn to let go of things... things like worrying about what others think. Like you I have made my mistakes - usually they are unintentional - I have never been out to intentionally hurt anybody. I've learned to acknowledge my mistakes and to make amends with anybody that was affected. But sometimes there are some people that you must walk away from. I'm in a good place right now. I feel good about me and that's all that matters to me right now. I am going to continue to move forward and do that best I can. Like you I have been very fortunate lately with Vocal + Assist flourishing and a lot of people enjoying the group. I have my fun YouTube show with actual professional as guests. I've been enjoying my writing and Vocal. It's nice getting those occasional tips and bonuses. But the best thing about it is the support... the nice comments and encouragement... the people. Paul, I want to say thank you for your recent support. That means a lot to me.
Having not read anything but the title, I just came here to say: “You’re welcome.”
Congrats on TS! Love what you bring to the platform!