Thank you for writing this article, Maia! I'm a new writer on Medium and although I tell myself I'm just writing because I enjoy it, I do find myself getting caught up in the responses. Like, why am I not getting the views on an article I believe in and think is interesting? Medium can be a competitive space and I'm trying to reframe my experience more positively. I've come to realize that my voice is unique and I might not earn a ton of views or followers or money. I'll just keep focusing on the quality of my work (and the quality of my responses and followers) and hope for the best because, as you say, the stress is not worth it. Thank you for sharing your experience and giving me an opportunity to reflect on mine!