Thank You Vocal

Dear Vocal,

ThankYou for making some of my stories "Top Stories", (and for the extra $5 for each one).

I never expect anyone to 'look' at my writing, whether it's research, poetry or fiction, (which I have no confidence in my own writing at all!) I really should read and take to heart my own words that I write in some of my poetry.

It's so Encouraging when someone pats you on the back and says "Well Done You" --- "Keep Going" --- "You've Got This!" And then you Encourage others to read them, and then 'they' comment really nice words, so I should Thank 'them' too.

This may seem a small thing to others, but when you were 'raised' in an environment where you were almost 'invisible' and every one else is better and cleverer than you are, you tend to 'loose faith' in yourself and in anything you do (not just writing).

Don't get me wrong, my parents did their best but my brother always outshone me, and when he was in the room, I gave up even trying, (but this is selfish of me to talk about).

The main reason for this "Letter of Gratitude" is to let YOU know how much I really appreciate your kindness in helping me to have that confidence in my own writing, and in fact, in my own self.

This doesn't 'just' encourage me to keep writing, it makes me "feel good" in myself, that I am worth something and that I have something good to contribute to this world. Because we do live on such a Beautiful planet with such nice people that it is a good life. 'I' just don't always see this. But --- with these Top Stories I look at them and you (Vocal) and realise that --- yes, it is all worth it.

Am I making any sense? I do hope so.

The power of kindness should never be overlooked, and I feel that you show that kindness. Whether it's: "Bless, let's give her a chance" or "Wow, that really is a good story" --- I still feel 'worth something'. And this is something I have found in Vocal, that everyone always want to Upbuild, Encourage and be Optimistic.

To me personally, Vocal isn't just a make-money platform, but it is a whole community where everyone tries their best, and the quality of 'workmanship' is so high that I can only be Inspired to try harder, do more research and to improve my writing. I quite often read other articles to 'learn' how to write and see what others are doing --- and all of this keeps my mind busy "in a good way".

When a 'community' helps with our Mental Health --- we stay with it!

And Vocal is one of those communities!

Another reason I 'like' Vocal is that you never judge writing. You respect, check, and maybe even need to 'help', but you never judge. We are all fairly free to pretty much write what's in our minds. And most peoples minds are 'nice'.

Again, thank you for your kindness. What is another word for kindness? Goodwill / Warmth / Gentleness / the list goes on but they all mean the same thing --- you are kind to give me a chance --- thankyou.

When someone or something helps us in every day life, he or she or they are worth staying with but also must be appreciated. I must never 'take this for granted' because it really is lovely to be appreciated in this way. I've always been a shy person but this way, I do feel a part of everything, included and certainly very happy.

Again, thank you Vocal, please accept this letter of gratitude and appreciation and know that YOU are loved for 'who' you are.

All my thanks and loving thoughts,

Ruth Stiff xx