For most people, “freshly pressed” means a glass of orange juice with pleasing bits of pulp, possibly accompanied by a croissant or lakeside view.
But for bloggers at WordPress, “freshly pressed” is an accolade.
It means that a WordPress employee has decided to feature one of your posts on their homepage, exposing you to lots of other bloggers, some of whom decide to “follow” your blog and a few who take the time to leave you kind and thoughtful comments.
Image source: http://www.ulaola.com
For an introvert, it’s like winning a year’s supply of networking.
It’s like being at a writers’ conference, with sweaty palms, about to approach a stranger with an awkward, self-deprecating introduction, only for the entire spiel suddenly to be rendered completely unnecessary, paving the way for a return to the happy corner where you were munching a canapé and starting at animated people self-promoting.
Today, I was “Freshly pressed.” It made me very happy indeed.
It also made me think about encouragement and success.
I’m no neuroscientist, but sometimes I wish I were.
When I am sad or frustrated or overjoyed, I like to imagine the neurons in my brain squirting coloured impulses, which travel across convoluted chemical tracks at reckless speeds.
When some one says something kind or complimentary to me, a little cluster somewhere behind my forehead ignites,like a flickering light bulb finally screwed in right. I might respond awkwardly, by fumbling with my hands or countering with disproportionate (but heartfelt) praise.
But all the while, inside a little squirt of something which I’ll call adrenalin for want of an MRI, has begun to gush about my head, leaving me feeling unusually motivated.
Kate Katharina poses as an introvert suddenly relieved of the duty to self-promote.
It’s like magic, really.
Except it’s magic that anyone can perform, any time.
Encouraging people is deeply satisfying. My mother is so good at it, that she could probably turn professional.
My favourite people to encourage are humble types, whose faces immediately display a strange guilt when you tell them that they are wonderful and who can’t think of any words to say back.
Or people who have a secret dream that isn’t quite so secret and whose faces melt strangely when you casually remark that they could achieve something they’ve never admitted to desiring.
Fortunately, you don’t need a top hat or a bunny to encourage, though in some cases either or both could come in useful.
You can encourage with words or gesture, or even by keeping your dissent silent.
And like an alchemist, you can cause a little light to go on in someone’s mind, giving them the energy necessary to finish a painting, or take an exam, or learn to swim or ride a bicycle or sing a song.
Thanks to all my readers, old and new, for encouraging me to cultivate this little patch of blogosphere.
I wish I could say that being “freshly pressed” hasn’t gone to my head, but I’ve already told you all about the little light bulb that lives behind my forehead.
“Freshly pressed” or not, I promise I’ll try to keep my writing free of pulp.
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If you want to join in the fun on Facebook you can find Kate Katharina here.
And if you’re more of a Twitter-er, you can find links to my latest posts here.
Kate Ferguson 
Congratulations! May you savor the starburst of magic for a lovely long while. ^-^
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Aw, thank you so much. Sending lots of magic stars your way too 🙂
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Great job! I came across your blog while looking at Freshly Pressed posts, and really am enjoying yours!!! 🙂 Thanks for the great reading material!
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Delighted to have you as a reader and really happy you’re enjoying the posts! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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Isn’t it wonderful that “Freshly Pressed” doesn’t leave you dry and empty like an orange, but lights a bulb in your head and releases dancing endorphines that fill you with incredible joy and energy.
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It is 🙂 Nicely put as always, Bewunderer! Thanks for your encouragement ❤
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You do look nicely pressed … ~~~~ : – )
Super CONGRATULATIONS to YOU….!!!!
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Thank you very much! I think it’s a bit like black: it suits every one 🙂
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Freshly Pressed – congratulations! Encouraging people is pretty powerful, I think that is one of the reasons I teach.
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Thank you! I taught at a language school for a year and loved it! One of the most rewarding jobs there is.. And also one of the toughest 🙂
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congrats… may your chemically induced light shine brightly for some time…
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Thanks Jennifer! Here’s hoping the fuse doesn’t blow 🙂
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Congratulations dear Kate, as a great encourager yourself it is wonderful to see your undoubted gifts and abilities publicly recognised! X
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Aw James ❤ Thank you. You are truly lovely xx
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How exciting! Magnificent Monday to you!
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Aw, thank you so much! It’s lovely to hear from you again. I hope you’re doing well 🙂
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Congratulations, Kate! As always, this is another of those times where I feel the urge jump upon the chance to reiterate this – any further thoughts on the book? 😉
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As always Clariice – thank you so much for your encouragement! I really value it. Who knows? Maybe some day I’ll have the vision and discipline required to write a book 🙂 You’ll be the first to know, promise!
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You so deserve being freshly pressed and I’m so excited for you! Your writing is great and I’ve loved reading your posts and following your blog so it is really great having that exposure and knowing that your blog was picked to be featured. Definitely very exciting!
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aw, Sarah thank you so very much, that means an awful lot. It was a lovely surprise for me 🙂 Hope you’re settling in well to the new job!
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