As I open my laptop and log into my Gmail account, I am saddened to think that this will be the last time I will double click the folder labeled “Urban Walls” and begin typing a new article. Unfortunately, Urban Walls will be closing down shortly after this article is posted. So, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone that has helped me along this journey for the past 2 ½ years.
First, I have to say thank you to Roberta for asking me to be a part of the Urban Walls team. I remember a time in college when I wanted to start a blog, but I just didn’t quite have the motivation. I still have vivid memories of the evening Roberta called me when I was on the balcony of a condo I was renting for a long weekend at the beach and she asked me to be a “blogger” for her platform. Honestly, at first I was unsure - I had written some blogs before, but never on a consistent basis. But like almost every opportunity that has come my way, I said yes and told myself I would figure it out!
After that it was off to the races!
Every month there was a different opportunity to convey my thoughts on an experience I was having, comment on current events, or to just write something cool and interesting that might entice readers. And with that, I was able to become a better writer, a better editor, a better organizer... It helped me remember that the words we use do matter and it made me a more confident writer and speaker in-general. This opportunity really allowed me to find my voice (and for those that know me, you know that I love to talk). Blogging became a vessel for channeling my thoughts and I will forever be grateful to Roberta for that.
Throughout my time blogging, it has brought many smiles to my face when people have said things like, “I love reading your blogs'', or “I really like the way you write”, or “I really connect to the topics you write about.” Artists have listed my blogs as “press” on their CV’s. My articles have been cited in other articles... All of those little moments have been very humbling.
I’m on the go so often that sometimes it’s hard to sit down and put my thoughts into words. That’s why being able to blog every month has given me a chance to really slow down and focus my for a time. This has allowed me to rummage through my experiences and decide what I am inspired to write about. Whether it's something as happy-go-lucky as Holiday gifts or as serious as social activism, it has been fun and impactful to intentionally take time to create content that I feel is important for people to read.
I want to thank every single person that has taken time to read the blogs I have written - seriously, you don’t know how much it means to me. Thank you to everyone who has helped me to edit each article, find my mistakes, and give me good feedback before I present these to the public. Thank you to everyone that has done some dope sh*t and inspired me to write about it. And lastly, thank you to everyone who has believed in me up until this point. Your encouragement has helped me persevere through everything.
Once one door closes, another opens, so this is not the end, but for now: thank you and goodbye Urban Walls World!
Love,
Thomas
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