Public Gratitude——— Audio Included below

Hey there. If you’re here—reading, listening, or just curious—I want to start by saying thank you. Truly. It means the world to me.

Honestly, I’m still figuring this out. Some days I wonder, Am I doing something right? Or is this just messy thoughts, swirling feelings, and random musings? Maybe it’s all of that. Maybe none of it. But here’s what I know: I write what I feel, especially what hits me during the day. And some days, those feelings are loud. Other days, they’re quiet whispers.

And that’s okay. As long as there’s an outcome—something to hold on to—that means something real is happening. And real is messy, unpredictable, and raw. But it’s still real. That’s what matters, right?

We’re not meant to do life alone. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the people closest to you have a way of becoming your compass, your lifeline. They don’t fix everything, but somehow, they remind you why you keep going.

For me, my mother, saw my love for words before I did. When I decided to leave a “serious-sky rocketing” career—the kind that gets admirable, astonishing nods at official and unofficial dinners— she felt to a (certain extent) what is in my head. Sometimes, survival isn’t enough. Sometimes, you need to choose the path that feels lighter, even if the world sees it as “lesser.” I realized simplicity isn’t failure. It’s bravery. And that’s what this feels like—a brave, shaky, messy kind of beginning.

Over a year ago, someone walked into my life and became the kind of friend you don’t expect—a brother in all the ways that matter. Roger and relentless motivator (he knows who he is). He’s the artist, the thinker, the one who saw potential in me when I didn’t.

“Why don’t you start a podcast? Or a blog? Or just... something?” he’d say. And I’d laugh it off every time. Me? Share my thoughts with the world? Yeah, right. But he didn’t stop. Every day, he’d bring it up again, every day, he told me I had something worth sharing. And guess what? He convinced me. Roger, thank you for believing in me.. He didn’t sugarcoat things or throw empty compliments my way. He just believed in me—genuinely, persistently—and somehow, that belief started to stick.

So, Roger, if you’re reading this: thank you. You gave me the courage to begin. And that? That’s a gift I’ll never forget.

And then there’s my actual brother, my own blood. Typical sibling vibes—equal parts love, annoyance, I don’t care vibe, not my problem vibe, where are you constantly and above all, tears both good and bad (currently he is enroute and charming). But you know what? Your simple comment about my “style” stuck with me. I didn’t even need to hear the rest. “Nice” was enough. Sometimes, all it takes is one word from the right person to keep going.

. To my best friend of 15 years—you already know who you are. You’re my constant, my unshakable support system. You’re the person who turned on notifications for everything I do (even the unfinished stuff) just to show me you’re here. That’s love. That’s friendship. And I’ll never stop being happy for it. You’re my constant. You’ve been there through every season—messy, shiny, and everything in between.

Then there’s C (intentionally my friend) from Greece. Your enthusiasm when I first shared the idea for this project was unmatched. Even when it was just a half-built website, you kept asking, “When’s the launch? What’s next?” Your energy was contagious, and your feedback reminded me why I started.

Smart cookie, also from Greece, you’ve been such a steady supporter. Whether it was sharing ideas, giving feedback, or just showing genuine excitement, you’ve been a quiet yet a part in this journey.

To Peter, the “knotted tippet,” you’ve always had a way of seeing beauty in chaos. Your words and insights have been invaluable, your capacity to sign up stay active, and be the decent human being that you are makes a difference.

To Isabelle, my “Aquamarine.” After long workdays, you still found the energy to listen and offer feedback. You’ve never complained, even when I overwhelmed you with my endless drafts. Your patience and encouragement have been my anchor.

And then there is a person who changed my view on a specific country that speaks Spanish (plot twist). You challenged me in ways I didn’t expect. Your honesty, humor, and ability to find the good in everyone (even me) helped me see things differently.

And there is (I would only use the last digits of the username because I haven’t asked for permission, 77) you know who you are, the understanding, the sharing the encourment of others signing up is honourable.

Here’s the thing: starting something new is terrifying. It’s messy and uncertain, and half the time, you feel like you’re making a fool of yourself. But you know what’s worse? Never starting at all.

I couldn’t have done this without the people who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. They’re the reason I’m here, writing this, speaking this, sharing this.

To all the unnamed supporters in my corner——thank you. Whether you shared my posts, left kind words, or simply took a moment to listen, you’ve been part of this journey in ways you might not even realize.

If you’re in a dark place, feeling like you’ve lost your way—know this: you don’t have to find the light all by yourself. Sometimes, the light comes from the people around you. And if you don’t have those people right now, I hope someone shows up for you soon.

But if not, let me be that push for you. Let me be the voice that says, You can do this. You deserve to try. You deserve to hope. Because, trust me, I know how it feels to doubt yourself. To feel small. To wonder, What’s the point?

But you’re here. You’re still trying. And that’s enough.

So here we are—the beginning of something that’s equal parts exciting and terrifying. There’s no perfect roadmap for this, no guarantee of success. But that’s okay. Life isn’t about guarantees; it’s about trying anyway.

I’ll keep sharing—thoughts, stories, books I love, art I admire, things that make me laugh, and things that make me cry (plus everything else). And if any of it resonates with you, then this will all be worth it.

To everyone who’s been part of this journey so far: thank you. And to anyone starting their own journey—whether it’s big or small, messy or polished—just know you’re not alone.

Let’s keep going, it’s never late till you are dead!

P.S: This is not entirely what I was thinking of posting and recording today, but another one is coming up within 2 days.

Sign up, Share, follow me on the Gram (Instagram), and also there is a YouTube channel, however I need to work on it.

By Roger Long