Giving up is not an option!

"Reset your password Lila". My friend shouted.

"What? Oh, sorry. I was not listening.

"Your name is on that company's list that got hacked, they want everyone to change their password right away".

"Oh, ok. I'm gonna do it now, let me just save this story first".

"Are you still writing on that platform Lila, what is it called again"? My friend Patricia asked.

"You mean Creative Media? Well, yes and no, it's just not the same as it was before". I answered with a bit of sadness in my voice.

"Why do you say that? I know how happy you were when you first joined".

"Let's put it this way, you know when you join a small organization, and everybody knows you, knows your name, and you feel really great to be a part of the team? (Not that they were that small when I joined, just a figure of speech), anyway, then the business starts to grow, and somehow along the way you feel lost and alone. What once felt like a closeknit family, became a global network of thousands. Now the hundred fishes swimming in the pond have spawned into thousands of different varieties and the pond has over flooded her edges. You begin to feel like nobody knows you anymore.

The floodgates of writers have been opened and there is no closing that gate ever again. It is great to know that a business is thriving and doing exceptionally well.

Individually, however some of the fishes are somehow feeling a bit forlorn, lost and a little sad. There are many changes that have been instituted. Change is good, but when that change unconsciously impacts negatively on the many, and yet positively on the few, the great paradigm shift's impact is sadly deeply felt".

"Soooo! What you are saying is that you thought that this was going to be about you, and they should cater to just you, and not expand their business goals"? Patty was not one to pull her punches.

"Whose side are you on anyway, you are supposed to encourage, not scold.".

"Did you not say that you met some great people along the way, isn't that what it is supposed to be about, writing and reading, encouraging and supporting each other towards the same end goals"?

"Yes, you are so right. But you asked and I am just highlighting some concerns".

"Like what for instance"? Patty asked.

"Everyone has gone digital and our platform is following suit. The only problem is that the more they grow, the more impersonal things seem to become. This media is built on a reward system, I mean reward is great, but I think people just want to be recognized. Many are in it for monetary gain, others for the love of writing, but deep down I think we are all in for the same reason, to find a family of like-minded writers, and to feel equally appreciated and welcomed".

"Ha, look at the poem on the wall. Desiderata, you put it there, remember, everyone has to do what it takes to chart their own path ahead"!

I looked to where Patty was pointing, to the lovely poem on the wall, a reminder of the amazing diversity and colorful pot-pourri of talent and personalities comprising the sum total of our species. I started to read.

DESIDERATA

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, 1948.

Patty stood waiting until I was finished reading. I took a deep breath and smiled. True friends really tell you as they see it. I knew that more was coming. Three, two, one, and....Patricia!

"Tell me something, did you join this group to become rich or was it for a chance to do something that you love to do, which is to write and express yourself. There is nothing wrong with being rich, but if that is the end goal, go write a book or do some other personal media work to generate a monetary income". I wished for no better friend, an honest and no holds barred punch in the gut kind of friend.

"I know, right. I have decisions to make. Thanks for opening my eyes and helping me see the light".

"It was my pleasure. All the best. May you make the decision that honors you best. 'Live long and prosper' ". Always the Trekkie that one. She knew how to make me laugh.

"Wakanda Forever"! I replied with a fist bump. We both had great a high five moment.

"You know what is the new mantra from now on? Patricia asked, grinning.

"Nope, but I;m sure that you are gonna tell me"!

"RESET YOUR PASSWORD". "No one else will do it for you".

So true!

Many Blessings.

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Donna Fox wrote a story called MY HERO on Vocal. In it she encourages us all to find the hero inside ourselves. I borrowed your phrase for this story Donna.