Chapter 1: A Curated Collection of Stories

Greetings to all passionate readers and fellow Medium enthusiasts! As we step into June, I have put together a selection of 147 collections, providing newcomers with a variety of topics to explore. Our team is busy adding new authors and publishing numerous drafts, yet I always manage to find time to spotlight some hidden gems. Our diligent editor, Aiden, has already published 167 stories—quite the impressive feat for someone so young! Prepare to enjoy an array of captivating narratives.

In addition to this, I've included highlights from ILLUMINATION's publications from April and May 2024 in the prior collection, which feature some exceptional works. Today, I’m adding stories from March 2024, as boosted pieces often struggle for visibility. Each of these stories represents a dedicated effort from our editors, nominators, and writers—truly a labor of love. Although I don’t have any boosted stories myself, I take great pleasure in reading and sharing them.

Have you come across the term "quiet quitting"? If not, you're not alone; it was new to me as well. With insights from a social worker friend, I've delved into this topic and translated it into my own words for my readers.

Today, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz has contributed a humorous yet insightful piece aimed at elderly men. If you or anyone you know has concerns regarding this demographic, be sure to check it out and share it with friends!

Yesterday, I read a heartfelt open letter from Dr. Yildiz addressed to Amazon, which serves as an important reminder for authors. This masterpiece is essential reading for anyone involved in Kindle publishing.

Chapter 2: The Growth of Health & Science

I’m excited to share that my new publication, Health and Science, is gaining traction and growing rapidly, rivaling its predecessor, ILLUMINATION. The newsletter I launched recently garnered thousands of views in May 2024, and I'm thrilled with the response!

Let's take a moment to congratulate Sufyan Maan, M.Eng, for being the most-read author in my publication, with several of his stories going viral due to their captivating insights. Additionally, a round of applause is in order for my friends David Mokotoff, MD, and Gill McCulloch, whose works were recognized as Staff Picks.

After two months, Dr. Yildiz has interviewed three fantastic authors: Payal Koul, Abhishek Biswas, and Øivind H. Solheim. You can find links to these interviews in the attached collection.

In my ongoing efforts to introduce new writers/editors, I recently featured Lawson Wallace from Health and Science. Also, meet other talented individuals such as Karen Goldfarb, Naya Monroe, MA, LCDC-I, and many more who are contributing to our vibrant community.

If you're in the mood for a chuckle, Aiden has penned a lighthearted piece about young Sheldon, humorously suggesting a recent religious change.

Following Dr. Yildiz's enlightening article, I shared my own experiences regarding the cardiovascular benefits of vitamin K2, highlighting my favorite molecules, Butyrate and β-Hydroxybutyrate.

Moreover, I recently discussed a breakthrough research finding related to osteoporosis, a significant concern for many seniors. You can find my life lessons compiled neatly in a list for easy access.

In just two days, we welcomed over 300 new writers, and I introduced them in the previous collection. It's vital that we support these new voices to foster their confidence and growth.

Our chief editor has shared a new newsletter for ILLUMINATION. With 30,000 writers on board and only 30 volunteer editors available, the current publishing situation seems unsustainable. Dr. Yildiz has proposed a new Priority Publishing service—be sure to check it out!

I also enjoyed Aiden’s story titled "Ten Easy and Fun Games for Seniors," which inspired me to write something intriguing about it.

Forgiveness is a theme I explored in a recent piece, inspired by Dr. Yildiz's scientific insights on the topic. This subject resonates deeply with me, as I've struggled with past grievances, and I believe that forgiving ourselves and others is crucial for our well-being.

Recent studies suggest that intermittent fasting can be beneficial for gut health, a practice that I personally find advantageous.

As we continue to combat the wave of digital scammers targeting our readers, I will keep track of these issues until Medium takes steps to protect our community.

Chapter 3: Curating Valuable Stories

I've begun curating health and science narratives from the archives of ILLUMINATION. Many of these stories predate my arrival on Medium, but discovering them has been a heartwarming surprise.

I recently wrote a brief piece to inform my audience about health and science in my new publication, although I struggled to comprehend the role of XLRs in metabolic health. Fortunately, Dr. Yildiz clarified this for me, shedding light on its potential benefits.

With a strong genetic link to Alzheimer's disease, I took particular interest in Dr. Yildiz's article addressing dementia—an issue that weighs heavily on my mind as I age.

Thanks to a clever writer's prompt, my creativity surged, leading me to pen a satirical piece titled "An Advice to ChatGPT on Its Hilarious Demise," addressing the humorous aspects of the AI apocalypse.

As we reflect on serious topics, Lawson Wallace's inspiring piece on his YouTube success resonates with many of us, reminding us to dream bigger.

Last week, we welcomed over 200 new writers, now exceeding 29,000 in total. I introduced them in the previous collection, so please give them a warm welcome!

Inspired by Aiden's emotional storytelling about Australians, I endeavored to express my feelings in a healthy manner through my writing.

My latest narrative centers on aging and longevity, featuring my cardiologist son and a retired cardiologist writer, both of whom have influenced my perspective significantly.

Dr. Yildiz has brought us shocking yet insightful stories that have significant societal implications.

Chapter 4: Engaging with Our Community

To attract more readers, our chief editor, Dr. Yildiz, has crafted a bulletin showcasing his favorite stories. It’s a fantastic initiative that other writers should consider replicating.

The following links lead to various boosted stories from our community:

• Boosted Stories by Pernoste & Dahl
• Gill McCulloch's Top Boosted Stories
• My Boosted Work on Medium

Each of these stories is worth your time. Dive in, engage, and share them on social media to help them reach a wider audience.

In the spirit of learning, Dr. Yildiz answered frequently asked questions regarding the boost program, shedding light on experiences that many new writers may find illuminating.

As a boost nominator, Aiden has introduced stories from frequently boosted writers, providing valuable insights for our community.

The collection of boosted stories from ILLUMINATION Publications is available for you to explore—filled with exceptional narratives that deserve your attention.

If you're eager to learn more, Dr. Yildiz's take on the detrimental effects of hate speech on social media platforms is crucial reading. Our publication maintains a strict policy against harmful content.

Lastly, as we celebrate our fourth anniversary, I've penned a lighthearted story in honor of ILLUMINATION, infused with my unique Australian flair.

Thank you for joining me in this journey through engaging stories!