Finding Comfort in Blocks: How Minecraft Eased My First Time Loneliness and Intense Grief at 17

The significance of forging virtual connections in Minecraft gaming during periods of solitude and times of grief.

target:	Finding Comfort in Blocks

I also updated my piece yesterday, encouraging writers to share their biographies, as our readers often express interest in more personal stories like those in this collection.

Meet ILLUMINATION Writers from Their Personally Penned Biographies

Discover the contributions of ILLUMINATION writers through their own words.

target:	Meet ILLUMINATION Writers

Last week, I published our recently boosted stories. Today, our dedicated editor shared links to all the boosted stories he read, along with his insights and links to over 100 boosted stories from ILLUMINATION publications. I believe all writers and readers will find this a treasure trove.

I Read 100+ Boosted Stories and Here’s What I Learned

Featuring boosted stories I reviewed, edited, and read on ILLUMINATION publications and the common patterns identified…

target:	I Read 100+ Boosted Stories

ILLUMINATION-Curators have crafted a new collection for our Reading Club, filled with engaging narratives.

ILLUMINATION Reading Club #8

Chosen stories from writers of ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications on Medium for enthusiastic readers.

target:	ILLUMINATION Reading Club

Every share can enhance our collective visibility. Please don’t underestimate the power of your shares. The goal of my collections is to boost reading times for these stories. So, please select a few pieces that resonate with you and support these writers.

Today, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz interviewed another remarkable writer, Gill McCulloch. You’ll learn about Gill’s background and understand why her stories are so insightful and educational.

Interview with Gill McCulloch

A biologist, first aid trainer, business owner, published author, and writer from the UK.

target:	Interview with Gill McCulloch

A few days ago, Dr. Yildiz also interviewed Adelia Ritchie, PhD. Her impressive background serves as an inspiration for many, being both a scientist and an artist.

Interview with Dr. Adelia Ritchie, PhD

A retired scientist, entrepreneur, painter, book author, and writer.

target:	Interview with Dr. Adelia Ritchie

As previously mentioned, he also interviewed one of my favorite writers, Dr. Lutz Kraushaar, who contributes to our publications. He’s a longevity expert, and you can check out this conversation to explore his stories. Dr. Kraushaar has also become a Friend of Medium and wrote a piece about it.

An Interview with Dr. Lutz Kraushaar

Dr. Kraushaar is a health scientist, researcher in biological aging, keynote speaker, and consultant.

target:	An Interview with Dr. Lutz Kraushaar

For new writers, there's an interview with popular writer Tim Denning. You may find his insights in this engaging interview. Tim serves as a source of inspiration for both fellow writers and thousands of readers. Last year, I wrote a story about Tim as part of an AI project, and I believe you'll enjoy what AI has to say about him.

An Interview with Tim Denning

Tim is a businessman, blogger with 500M+ views, and a writer for CNBC/Business Insider, inspiring the world through personal narratives.

target:	An Interview with Tim Denning

You can explore more interviews from this collection if you're interested.

Interviews with Writers on Medium

Featuring inspiring writers of ILLUMINATION.

target:	Interviews with Writers on Medium

I hope many more enthusiastic readers consider upgrading their subscriptions like he did. If you're a passionate reader like me, Dr. Kraushaar, or Dr. Broadly, and can manage it, consider upgrading your subscription, just like many early adopters I introduced in this story.

I Took the Plunge and Became a Friend of Medium (FoM) Yesterday.

Here’s why, presented with humor.

target:	I Took the Plunge and Became a Friend of Medium

ILLUMINATION editors interviewed Dr. Yildiz on how Friends of Medium can share links through our tailored social media platforms. I tried it, and sharing these stories took me only 10 minutes. I hope this brings many new readers to Medium. We all need to attract more readers to make this platform vibrant and sustainable.

How Friends of Medium Can Amplify Important Stories Via Customized Social Media Sites

An interview with Dr. Mehmet Yildiz introducing customized platforms to share valuable content via FoM links.

target:	How Friends of Medium Can Amplify Important Stories

You may also check out the recent collection by Mike Broadly, DHSc, an avid reader and proud FoM contributing to the earnings of our writers.

Mike’s Favorite Stories on ILLUMINATION Publications — #39

Featuring some engaging stories that you may enjoy.

target:	Mike’s Favorite Stories

Our editors and curators also discussed how we promote non-boosted stories, which account for over 99%. I play a significant role in this process to ensure visibility for such narratives. Thank you, everyone, for the support that keeps me moving on this incredible journey.

Today, I was busy as it was the last public holiday in Australia. I assisted in onboarding around 100 new writers, allowing me to discover and list about 60 remarkable pieces.

As I wrestled with the hedonistic treadmill of pursuing money and fame, which ultimately led to burnout, Dr. Yildiz’s story resonated deeply with me. It offers valuable insights that can change one’s perspective on material possessions and money, potentially making it easier to integrate wealth effortlessly into our lives.

Why I No Longer Chase Money & How I Escaped Hedonic Treadmill to Find True Joy

The stronger I chased money, the weaker my chances were of catching it. Yet now, I feel wealthier and more joyful without the chase.

target:	Why I No Longer Chase Money

The cloning machine struck again, trying to replicate its shady duplicates in my blockbuster movie. But let me be clear — even if they begged, these scammers won’t be snagging a role in my soon-to-be award-winning cinematic masterpiece. Yay, I Was Cloned Again but I Know the Scammer Will Kick the Bucket Soon.

I learned that scammers targeted Mike's beautifully curated collections for the fifth time, spamming readers while pretending to be him. However, this time, they employed sophisticated methods that Mike revealed in a masterful post. Those scammers are unaware that Mike is a seasoned professional who won't let them win. That dubious writing club may soon be out of commission. Battling Scams: My Heartfelt Struggle Against 5 Medium Attacks in a Week, Unveiling Their Latest Tricks.

One of our consulting editors, David B. Grinberg, wrote an intriguing article about the urgent need for Medium to be more transparent with users regarding these phishing scams. Why Medium Should Be Transparent about Clone Phishing Attacks.

During our discussions, I gained a deeper understanding of Dr. Yildiz’s challenges, and I hope those who sometimes take our volunteer service for granted read this story. Managing these Medium publications is quite the challenge, and I believe it’s not all roses and rainbows for the editorial team.

A Rollercoaster of My Saturday: Challenges, Surprises, and Joyful Insights

A tale of curated publications, family dinners, and the art and science of balancing life’s ups and downs.

target:	A Rollercoaster of My Saturday

As I curated these gems, I experienced numerous “aha” moments — some inducing laughter, others bringing tears, all coloring my journey with vivid emotions. I’m thrilled to share these emotional roller coasters with you, hoping they’ll add a touch of joy or perhaps a hint of laughter to your day. Enjoy the ride.

ILLUMINATION editors have issued an important bulletin regarding the rise of spam, scams, and bot accounts, which are tarnishing the platform and causing distress to both writers and readers. Please be cautious, as I was cloned and felt quite upset about it.

Community Announcement: Concerns for Growing Spam and Scam Accounts on Medium

Let’s be vigilant regarding the increasing number of cybersecurity risks on Medium and work to protect the integrity of our accounts.

target:	Community Announcement

I came across an interesting story from Dr. Yildiz related to Mike’s situation and his findings from the spammy topics pages. Rather than sharing his remarkable story on Medium, Dr. Yildiz opted to publish it on NewsBreak, as he grew weary of spam affecting our stories' performance. He elaborated on this in a post.

The Reason I Didn’t Publish a Science and Health Article on Medium Today

Excessive robotic spam posts on the platform hinder discerning readers from discovering valuable stories written by…

target:	The Reason I Didn’t Publish a Science and Health Article

For those who missed my Vocal saga, you can read it through this link. However, I highly recommend Dr. Yildiz’s story as it raises concerns for new writers like me striving to make Medium our home.

Here’s Why I Started to Write for NewsBreak Again in 2024

Reaching out to a wider audience on a well-managed and supportive platform holds great appeal for writers.

target:	Here’s Why I Started to Write for NewsBreak Again

Our newsletter for ILLUMINATION, updating on our progress and plans, was released on both Medium and Substack. I’ll link both so you can share with your relevant audience. Sharing is a wonderful trait of community.

Monthly Updates from ILLUMINATION Editorial Team: January 2024

Helpful information summarizing achievements and plans for writers, readers, editors, curators, and administrators.

target:	Monthly Updates

ILLUMINATION-Curators have compiled and published a collection of boosted stories from ILLUMINATION-Curated. I believe you’ll discover amazing narratives in that collection. It’s a labor of love among writers, editors, nominators, and Medium curators to delight our readers.

Collection of Boosted Stories from ILLUMINATION Publications — V4

Presenting well-crafted and impactful stories for avid readers, inspiring new writers with examples.

target:	Collection of Boosted Stories

December 2023 proved to be an excellent month for me. Moreover, a story that is very dear to my heart received a boost. Many thanks for the positive feedback on this story: Gaming, Fun, and Humor: The Lifelines That Rescued Me From Social Media’s Grip on My Life.

I recently curated my monthly stories for my loyal readers and as a sample for fellow writers. I look forward to the same success this month as I continue to work hard.

Please also check our strategic approach for 2024, which aligns with Medium’s vision as articulated by Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, our chief editor.

Strategic Changes on Medium in 2023: How I Adapted to the New Strategy

Insights into the unconventional approaches through my evolution as a writer, editor, boost nominator, and publisher…

target:	Strategic Changes on Medium

He also mentioned that only 5% of his stories performed well in 2023, while the other 95% hardly garnered any views.

My Top 20 Best Performing Stories (5%) in 2023 with Reasons

Why do these stories gain more views, reads, and engagement, providing clues about the platform’s strategy?

target:	My Top 20 Best Performing Stories

Dr. Yildiz also welcomed many new writers during his holidays.

A Special Welcome to New Writers on New Year’s Day from the Chief Editor

A summary of key success factors on this platform and our 2024 strategy aligning with Medium's direction.

target:	A Special Welcome to New Writers

Announcement of New Writers for ILLUMINATION #31

A warm welcome and quick acknowledgment of your acceptance to ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications on Medium.

target:	Announcement of New Writers

#67 - Look What Aiden Found Today

Edit description.

target:	Look What Aiden Found Today

Let’s all engage with this list, and at least tweet it so that more readers can discover these stories. The purpose of these curated lists is to amplify visibility. We appreciate your wonderful support for the writers who pour their hearts and souls into these narratives to bring you joy. Here are the nominated stories from enthusiastic readers today.

Chosen Stories from ILLUMINATION Writers Today

As previously mentioned, “these stories are a combination of what I enjoyed and those nominated by volunteering editors (who are also writers and readers) on this platform. Thus, the stories in this collection reflect their collective tastes. As a publication, ILLUMINATION maintains a neutral stance for all published stories, and it’s impossible to feature over one million published works. However, we will strive to amplify as many outstanding stories as possible almost daily based on our volunteers' availability.”

Here are our wonderful and nominated stories today! I believe you will find something that satisfies your reading needs.

3 Major Reasons Why Vitamin K2 Is Extra Vital for Older Adults

Unfolding structural, cardiovascular, and cognitive aspects of this crucial vitamin.

target:	3 Major Reasons Why Vitamin K2

Do Statins Increase Diabetes Risk?

An important correlation since both diseases often co-occur.

target:	Do Statins Increase Diabetes Risk?

How to Beat Depression With Exercise

A deep dive into the data untangles the pathways from exercise to mood and explains how I overcame depression.

target:	How to Beat Depression With Exercise

Cellular Responses to Ketosis: Can Cancer Cells Listen and Behave?

Promising research on the effects of ketogenic diets and fasting on cancer prevention and treatment.

target:	Cellular Responses to Ketosis

Should Age Politically Disqualify Biden for a Second Term? (Part 2)

Poll shows Trump leading Biden by 23 points on physical and mental health…

target:	Should Age Politically Disqualify Biden

Why We Hurt the People We Love

Love is intense, and we can be clumsy, leading to inevitable hurt.

target:	Why We Hurt the People We Love

One Thing Everyone Needs

The secret to living your best life.

target:	One Thing Everyone Needs

The Beginning of the World

• An epistolary poem reflecting on the end of old ways.

  target:	The Beginning of the World

Do You Wonder Where You Rank On The Money Scales?

There are some clues.

target:	Do You Wonder Where You Rank

We Have An Utmost Responsibility To Our Own City

Rubbish clearing and drain maintenance services must be improved.

target:	We Have An Utmost Responsibility

Valentine’s Day Has Not Always Been about Roses and Candy

A brief and bloody history of the February holiday.

target:	Valentine’s Day History

The Power of Nutrition for Health: Insights from a Certified Nutritionist in Norway

Highlighting the game-changing impact of nutrition on health.

target:	The Power of Nutrition for Health

No Shampoo, No Deo, No Shower Gel For Years — The Result

I haven’t used chemical products on my body for about 2 years.

target:	No Shampoo, No Deo

Canvas Of Life

Free Verse.

target:	Canvas Of Life

KEDARNATH: That Place Is POWERFUL Beyond Your IMAGINATION

(The Yogis’ Affinity for the Mountains: A Mystical Connection).

target:	KEDARNATH

Don’t be Fooled by Being Associated with Success.

If you’re not working and seeing results for yourself, you’re coasting.

target:	Don’t be Fooled by Success

I Will Reach My First 100 Followers On Medium In The Next Few Days.

I started writing on Medium on January 18th, 2024, and didn't expect much, just like many new writers.

target:	I Will Reach My First 100 Followers

Lessons of Patience and Perseverance From the Chinese Bamboo Tree

Results Will Show One Day.

target:	Lessons of Patience

My Hubby’s Head On A Spit

Mission Accomplished.

target:	My Hubby’s Head

Action And Confidence Are Closely Related — How To Get Confident Enough To Action!

I used to focus on analysis until I realized action is better!

target:	Action And Confidence

What To Do When Women Don’t Trust You

Essential reading for all good men.

target:	What To Do When Women Don’t Trust You

Healthy Aging

What is it, and what does it mean to you?

target:	Healthy Aging

There Is Only Me

A poem.

target:	There Is Only Me

First We Examine the Four Pillars to Define Four Economic Systems

Part 1 of A Discussion of Thomas D. Simpson’s Capitalism versus Socialism “Pillars of Economic Systems.”

target:	First We Examine the Four Pillars

It’s Not Always Easy To Be Different

A high school girl was suspected to be trans.

target:	It’s Not Always Easy To Be Different

Turning memories into unforgettable stories

A 10x boosted writer gives a behind-the-scenes look at one of her most read stories.

target:	Turning memories into unforgettable stories

Mastering the Big Five Personality Traits

Improve Your Life With This Personality Model.

target:	Mastering the Big Five

There Is No Birth Or Death

There is only now.

target:	There Is No Birth Or Death

Guidance in the Darkness: What to Expect When Calling a Suicide Hotline

Insights from a crisis counsellor.

target:	Guidance in the Darkness

Two months, more than nine pounds lost, constipation is also good!

Health tips.

target:	Two months, more than nine pounds lost

I wish not to be Emily

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash.

target:	I wish not to be Emily

Poem: A Flash. The Future Forever Changed

Image by Ralph from Pixabay.

target:	Poem: A Flash

When You Need to Take a Break

Healing happens when you pay attention with intention to what your body needs.

target:	When You Need to Take a Break

Squid Game Is Back In 2024

The suspense is finally over: there will be a Season 2 for Squid Game this year.

target:	Squid Game Is Back

The Lesbian’s Guide to Life for Men

“Don’t Be a Dick.”

target:	The Lesbian’s Guide to Life

Facebook Doesn’t Accept Me — They Think I Have a Fake Name

My last name is God. And it’s my real name.

target:	Facebook Doesn’t Accept Me

Europa

Signs That This Moon Could Sustain Life!

target:	Europa

Sometimes a check sheet is all the data you need

Being data-driven in a sea of anecdotes.

target:	Sometimes a check sheet is all the data you need

The Neuroscience of Hope

How Learning and Experience Can Transform Your Mental Landscape.

target:	The Neuroscience of Hope

Unlock Your Potential: 3 Key Insights to Surpass Your Limits

The power of choice: steering your path.

target:	Unlock Your Potential

Poppy’s Favorite Meal Grammy Would Make for Him

My grandfather aka Poppy, loved Tex-Mex food. He was born in Chicago but moved to Texas after marrying my…

target:	Poppy’s Favorite Meal

On A Mission Of Search And Rescue

Thomas McIlhenry begins his investigation of Marcus Houston’s trial.

target:	On A Mission Of Search And Rescue

This is Sparta

A few things about Sparta outside of 300.

target:	This is Sparta

Spot and Stop Fallacies in Your Brain

It’s time to view your conversations through a logic lens.

target:	Spot and Stop Fallacies

I’ve dealt with injuries for years: here’s what I learned

Lesson number 1.

target:	I’ve dealt with injuries

I Destroyed my Self-Confidence by Hiding Behind my Biggest Insecurity

How embracing your frugality will BOOST your self-esteem.

target:	I Destroyed my Self-Confidence

Beyond the Burn: Unraveling the Exercise Paradox — Why Physical Activity Fails in Weight Loss

Science claims your workouts burn fewer calories than you think! That I could accept. But when science said walking 5…

target:	Beyond the Burn

Why ‘Eat Less Move More’ for Weight Loss ALWAYS Works

A response to the fraud “Dr.” Jason Fung, whose article is currently topping the trending tab.

target:	Why ‘Eat Less Move More’

Is Mexico Ready for a Female President?

I am breaking barriers and roles in Mexican politics.

target:	Is Mexico Ready for a Female President?