Chapter 1: A Year of Reflection

As I was compiling my achievements for the annual review at my 9-to-5 job, I decided to do a similar reflection on my journey with Medium. I started writing a piece titled "Finding Contentment Despite Low Traffic on Medium," marking over a year since I first joined the platform.

Recently, however, something remarkable happened: I received two boosts in a row! It feels surreal, almost like a daydream come true.

Back in February, I penned a post detailing my first six months on Medium when I had around 50 followers. In "My Daydreaming Plan: Writing on Medium About Ancient TCM Wisdom for Healthy Living," I concluded with an optimistic note about hoping for a boost someday—a thought I never thought would materialize. Thanks to The Taoist Online and the Medium Boost program, that dream has now been realized.

While my posts haven’t gone viral, I celebrate these small victories.

Section 1.1: Setting Realistic Expectations

You might be curious about why I felt compelled to write about being content despite low traffic. The answer is simple: I set my expectations modestly. I’ve seen other writers gain hundreds of followers in a matter of days, while I’ve been moving at my own pace, akin to a slow crawl.

Being an amateur writer, I’ve struggled to keep up with my initial goal of weekly posts. In fact, during my two-month sabbatical, I didn’t write at all. Moreover, my topics don't align with trending categories.

One of my main interests is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which resonates with me personally. However, discussing TCM can sometimes lead to polarized opinions. I’ve even experienced heated debates surrounding it, which can be quite uncomfortable.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Opportunity Within Controversy

Despite the challenges, I see these debates as an opportunity to share knowledge. My primary motivation for joining Medium was to engage with a community about culture and health practices. By connecting familiar experiences with TCM, I hope to help others gain a better understanding of its abstract concepts.

Even if my audience is small, I believe that sharing insights on self-care and healthy living can inspire positive change.

Chapter 2: Engaging with the Medium Community

Medium has been a platform for exploration and connection. The diverse stories and experiences shared here have motivated me to write rather than procrastinate.

For example, the article "Why is this Pattern Everywhere in Nature?" by Patrick Stewart inspired me to create a post titled "Yin Yang, the Law of Universe," which even got boosted!

In another instance, I found encouragement in Tim Denning's article on leverage. Motivated by his insights, I shared a historical story from "Romance of The Three Kingdoms," illustrating the concept of leveraging through the legendary 草船借箭.

The first video features Lily Meola's "Daydream," encapsulating the essence of pursuing dreams and aspirations. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, dreams can become reality.

Additionally, I received heartfelt congratulations from my Dad for my writing endeavors—first when I began my journey and again after receiving my first boost. This kind of recognition is rare from him, making it even more special.

As I navigate this journey, I’m reminded to stay focused and enjoy the process, much like the hidden flowers of figs. Patience and confidence in my efforts will yield results over time.

The second video showcases "15 ADVANCED Tips & Tricks You Didn't Know in PALWORLD," offering insights that can enhance your understanding and skills in various aspects of life.

Thank you, Medium, for this boost—it truly feels like the best Christmas gift. I appreciate your support as I share my thoughts on culture, ancient wisdom, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and work-life learning. Click here to stay updated on my publications.