To Philip, My Patron Of This Art

We all need a Philip

Philip checking in on me, but I just got out of the shower

You need a Philip in your life.

My Philip is…well, Philip. But yours may be a Reena, a Tomas, a Stephen, a Tami, or a Lina. Anyone who cheers you on and engages with you even when no one or very few do, that’s your patron saint.

Philip and I “met” through Threads, if I’m not mistaken. (I could be, so he’ll have to let me know — I’ve been on many social media platforms.)

We’ve spoken remotely, and he’s a lovely gent, about 15 years my senior.

What I appreciate about Philip is that he’s genuine, kind, and humble. The kind of guy I strive to be. I do my best to be those things, but often stumble. He’s a wonderful role model for a young whippersnapper like myself.

But if you’re a content creator of any kind, you know that when you’re starting off, or are just a small account (I’m the latter), then you know how meaningful even the smallest amount of engagement means to you.

(My OG in that department is my mother, who still supports me no matter what, but that’s kind of baked into being a son, so I will find another way to honour her.)

When I see a notification pop up here on Medium, you can bet the farm that it’s going to be Philip commenting. And like today, it was.

00000000 1 00000000 — it’s like seeing a hand rise out of the sea of zeroes and salty foam…a lifeline that reminds me that people are reading, watching, listening.

I have a Philip on my YouTube channel, a few Philips on my TikTok, and in the past, on my IG and FB accounts.

I sometimes, silently, gripe that I wish I had more Philips. But there’s only ONE Philip. And he’s awesome and I don’t want to ever feel that he or anyone else that floats in from the ether to where I’ve created something are taken for granted.

I’m grateful for anyone who takes the time to consume my work, and even more so when they share something back.

So if you’re a content creator and are feeling bummed that it’s just your mom or your Philip that’s only commenting or reacting, remember that they’ve taken the time and effort to see you. To hear you. Be with you in your sacred and intimate space.

Think of them as the placeholders, the lamp lighters, the flag bearers for those who are meant to find you. They are the ones who will smile quietly to themselves when you’ve found your audience, thinking “I knew them when…”

Because your people are on the way. They just need someone to direct them to where the cool shit is.

So thank you, Philip.

Hey there! My name is Paul Silva and as a multi-potentialite, I share on different topics, but often it’s about creativity, personal stories, and the deep stuff that matters most. You can wander deeper into my world at www.therealpaulsilva.com or join me on my YouTube channel, where I share visual essays, quiet experiments, and field notes from the creative path. You can also join my email newsletter and get exclusive content there.