To say Grateful Web changed my life would be an understatement. It’s the platform that gave me my first real break as a writer. In February 2020, on the brink of a global pandemic, I wrote an article for the site, not knowing how transformative that moment would be.
I still remember the excitement when my article went live. It wasn’t just the thrill of being published; it was the validation that what I’d written was worth reading. With the pandemic in full swing, many of us felt lost and disconnected. Writing for Grateful Web grounded me and gave me purpose in that uncertainty, offering me a space to explore, reflect, and have fun, which, as you can probably relate, was largely lacking in 2020. Moreover, this time of creativity gave me confidence, and with each contribution I made, my voice and identity as a writer grew stronger.
What made my writing experience even more special was the friendship I developed with Grateful Web founder Mike Moran. Our bond grew and in a moment of spontaneous adventure, we decided to meet in person for the first time – in Cairo, Egypt. Although we lived in different cities, we trusted that our friendship would flourish on the vibrant streets of Cairo. And it did! Our vacation in Egypt was simply magical, an experience that went beyond the professional realm, cemented our connection and underscored the serendipity of life.
Without Grateful Web, I don’t know if I would have found the courage to bring my stories into the world. That courage has now led to an incredible milestone in my career as an author… publication in the Los Angeles Times, LA Affairs column. I am so happy to share the article with you.
To everyone at Grateful Web and especially Mike, I adore you. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. Thank you for believing in me and giving me a voice!
Nicole is a Los Angeles native and nonprofit worker. She is working on publishing her memoir about life and lessons learned after suicide, including stories from the Los Angeles dating scene. She is on Instagram: @nicole_lise
