It looks as if you are trying too hard Britt.

I know the feeling ... wanting a rest, but not able to 'stop'!

I've recently done a self-check to re-establish a more sane approach to working with Medium. It's a holding exercise, not dissimilar to your own use of Adrian's idea:

I now use a principle called READ-for-READ** whenever I want to control my reading and contacts with fellow authors. It gives me more relaxed time for new writing.

** 'READ for READ' is a concept designed to promote more than just a simple 'clap'.

PS:

If it helps, you'll find a "NEW INDEX to Fred's Story Boxes"(pinned near-top of my Home Page), explains the principle.

😅 😅 😅

Fred