I have two actually. Earlier in the year (and I've mentioned this) I muted everything on Notes that made me feel less. Anything shouty, anything political. I've been having a LOVELY time on there since.
My second thing relates to my goal to deepen connection and again this was to bring more focus and joy to the depth of connection possible with REAL people and not numbers and it's been JUST wonderful. So intention, action and much momentum.
Amen to the mute button on notes! I’ve done this for years on Facebook and insta and I’m glad it’s here too. I also appreciate you can switch to just people you follow - I do that when I want to feel more intentional about who I connect with and read. It’s made a big difference actually.
Mine is a tiny little thing but it’s helped me get back to posting on my substack and writing more generally. I stopped worrying about keeping to the same sort of posts as before.
I was worrying if I posted something different, readers would be annoyed. That hasn’t been the case and it was nice to step out of the little box I’d sort of made for myself, for no particular reason!
This has helped me post more again, expand the topics I was writing on, and help me find joy here again while I balance it with seriously pressured studies and a new job.
Oh I LOVE this! We get to evolve and it’s wonderful! ✨✨✨ my friend wrote a good article here - something like Hello, I’m bored of myself! It was a good read. She’s called Kat River if you want to follow/ look up.
I’ve just crossed the six month mark of being here—and my two needlemovers have been consistently writing each week and also engaging with other people. With the engaging, I’ve now got two poems being published in another anthology next month, connected with another midlife writer to learn about a possible project, and had a lovely Zoom call on Monday with another writer and creative who’s in a bit of a work pivot, like me, right now. 🦋
Whaaaaaa! I must say I adore your haikus when I see them lovely. They bring so much light to my day. As I probably mentioned PM took me like a tidal wave and I’m so grateful for your art allowing me a little time ashore to re group! Well done! I can’t believe it’s only been 6 months!!!! ✨✨✨✨
For me, it’s the new reader connections I have made. I’ve gone from 200 subs to 540 since the beginning of the year. I’m also pleased with how excited my readers have been about my book.
When I started to write on Substack I had lots of thoughts, feelings and opinions around my topic, but it was all just a jumble in my head with no clear direction or purpose. If I'm brutally honest (don't hate me anyone!) I'm not a writer so when I started writing here, I basically copied the style of writing I was subscribed to (I had been a reader here for about 4 years before I wrote a single thing) and while that felt therapeutic, it just wasn't offering anything of substance. But it was during this aimless period that my vision started to organise itself and the Manifesto emerged suddenly but organically. My rebrand really kicked everything off, it's not just a Substack anymore, I'm building a new leadership methodology which includes mentoring, training, resources, talks and hopefully a book somewhere in the mix. None of this would have come to me if it wasn't for my terrible start on Substack!
Oooo you know the funny thing about outward facing timelines is that time is actually an illusion. I feel like this is you arriving at EXACTLY the right time. What do you say to that version of yourself who started reading 4 years ago now? ✨✨✨
Well firstly I would say 'Well I never, look at you, you crazy kitten'!
And then I'd be serious and say 'Your life is going to be really different soon, you'll feel devasted about it at first, you will only focus on what is lost, let that phase just be what it is, don't try to fight it, you will find a new path which will lead you in directions you simply can't imagine right now. And you will be ok'
My one was a tip from Kerry Graham in response to a note I shared asking for advice - set myself a super small writing goal of 100 words a weekday.
It means that I write more and beyond the informational work content (have written a short story and two poems this week just for fun), I write regularly and I have a writing bank which I have built up over the last 2 months and contains inspiration or starters for future posts. And I now love writing whereas before it was a chore...
Hi friends. Two things have made the most difference for me. One is publishing once a week on the same day and time. It’s taken a while but people have started to look for my weekly post. Second is making a genuine effort to reach out to other writers in my lane and supporting each other and looking for ways to connect and collaborate.
My interview series, Human/Mother, has really taken off! I have found that people genuinely want to connect with another Substacker and are open to answering really vulnerable questions. It's been fun! I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes for the remainder of the year! You can find them all housed here: katrinadonhamwrites.substack.com. 🙂
I think consistency 🫶🏽 it’s meant so much that you are consistent on Substack. I find it helps me if I have a freak out and step back for a week or so, there’s a constant and I can just switch back in where I stopped for a bit. This has actually had a calming effect on my nervous system and has helped me tell myself that I’m safe in this space. Also I’m working with a coach to help with the freak out side haha 😅😆🩷 and working on this has meant I’ve started to build the publication for my community behind the scenes 💞✨😀
Oh I adore this Rachel and you know what appears “consistent” is often a well thought through strategy that sees the real me resting behind the scenes. We build up a real picture of what we perceive I think? Congratulations on this beautiful self awareness and self acceptance too! ✨✨✨
Def rebranding my space as a sanctuary for the holistic migraine warrior! A space of softness, strength, and deep remembering.
It’s helped me align my offerings with that intention - free 5 minute meditations most weeks. I did this weeks myself yesterday and it was lovely.
Also, speaking out about chronic pain (on notes) and the way my journey has aligned with what pain science has been telling us for decades. This helped send a flurry of new subscribers my way.
Finally, been waiting for the flow of energy to be there to tackle my about page and completely rewrite it - spent 5 hours on it the other day 🌀 really pleased with it😎
Mine has been a rebrand from Down Clarty Lonnen to RIPE, thanks to the help given in this community, I should add. Not only has it brought me new followers, but has recharged me with new enthusiasm and a boldness to free my voice that was being held back down that muddy lane.
I also took a five week break from writing essays - I went to France on holiday, kept up with notes, and journalled but didn't write news pieces. It was a welcome break and now I'm going strong with renewed enthusiasm and purpose.
For me I think it’s giving myself freedom to experiment and play, try different things… I’ve recently done some interviews with some women who inspire me. And I did a collaboration with an artist - and fellow sober person - about the myth that alcohol makes us more creative.
This has all allowed me to enjoy sharing on Substack more and my subscribers continue to grow ✨
Love this question Claire!💕 my answer is twofold too: 1. Finding this home in Substack so I can feel free to peruse all my creative ideas. I had so many different long form things I wanted to do between video, audio and writing but felt like I had to create them in different places or do them on my own site without community.
So freedom has been the first shift ✨
2. Then I’d say having fun in the testing is the second part- once I could breathe within this home and fully be fine- now it’s fun to try something and make tweaks like a scientist to see how what I wanted to create can be received by the people meant to see it 🥰
Attuning to my greater Vision—especially at the New Moon or when i am bleeding as the veil is thin and i can feel and really see/ sense into the expanse of it ♥️
Ok, I'll go first.
I have two actually. Earlier in the year (and I've mentioned this) I muted everything on Notes that made me feel less. Anything shouty, anything political. I've been having a LOVELY time on there since.
My second thing relates to my goal to deepen connection and again this was to bring more focus and joy to the depth of connection possible with REAL people and not numbers and it's been JUST wonderful. So intention, action and much momentum.
How about you?
✨
Amen to the mute button on notes! I’ve done this for years on Facebook and insta and I’m glad it’s here too. I also appreciate you can switch to just people you follow - I do that when I want to feel more intentional about who I connect with and read. It’s made a big difference actually.
That’s exactly it Karen - intention is everything. The world is noisy! ✨✨
Yes! The connection and how we can deepen it and at the same time mute whatever doesn’t serve us.
Mine is a tiny little thing but it’s helped me get back to posting on my substack and writing more generally. I stopped worrying about keeping to the same sort of posts as before.
I was worrying if I posted something different, readers would be annoyed. That hasn’t been the case and it was nice to step out of the little box I’d sort of made for myself, for no particular reason!
This has helped me post more again, expand the topics I was writing on, and help me find joy here again while I balance it with seriously pressured studies and a new job.
Oh I LOVE this! We get to evolve and it’s wonderful! ✨✨✨ my friend wrote a good article here - something like Hello, I’m bored of myself! It was a good read. She’s called Kat River if you want to follow/ look up.
I will look her up, thank you! Sounds like my kind of writing 😁
You’ll adore her.
Yes! Stretch the writing muscles!
I will call this my gym session 😆
I’ve just crossed the six month mark of being here—and my two needlemovers have been consistently writing each week and also engaging with other people. With the engaging, I’ve now got two poems being published in another anthology next month, connected with another midlife writer to learn about a possible project, and had a lovely Zoom call on Monday with another writer and creative who’s in a bit of a work pivot, like me, right now. 🦋
Whaaaaaa! I must say I adore your haikus when I see them lovely. They bring so much light to my day. As I probably mentioned PM took me like a tidal wave and I’m so grateful for your art allowing me a little time ashore to re group! Well done! I can’t believe it’s only been 6 months!!!! ✨✨✨✨
Thank you. 🙏
Found you and Followed! I could use more haikus in my life 🥰
Ah—amazing and followed back. Have a wonderful weekend, Amanda. 🦋
For me it’s been collaborations. This has been a real game changer during the past year. I love them and definitely looking forward to more…
Same same! Loved ours! ✨✨✨✨✨💃🏽
Me tooooo! 🩶🫶🏼🌿
For me it’s connecting with people I’d not have met elsewhere! I have a whole new tribe of friends on here
I feel like community has been a game changer for me too Julie ✨ it’s magical!
Totally this! A few of us danced together this morning!
For me, it’s the new reader connections I have made. I’ve gone from 200 subs to 540 since the beginning of the year. I’m also pleased with how excited my readers have been about my book.
Yay!! Nikki!! You are flying - beautiful work. ✨✨✨
Thank you!
When I started to write on Substack I had lots of thoughts, feelings and opinions around my topic, but it was all just a jumble in my head with no clear direction or purpose. If I'm brutally honest (don't hate me anyone!) I'm not a writer so when I started writing here, I basically copied the style of writing I was subscribed to (I had been a reader here for about 4 years before I wrote a single thing) and while that felt therapeutic, it just wasn't offering anything of substance. But it was during this aimless period that my vision started to organise itself and the Manifesto emerged suddenly but organically. My rebrand really kicked everything off, it's not just a Substack anymore, I'm building a new leadership methodology which includes mentoring, training, resources, talks and hopefully a book somewhere in the mix. None of this would have come to me if it wasn't for my terrible start on Substack!
Oooo you know the funny thing about outward facing timelines is that time is actually an illusion. I feel like this is you arriving at EXACTLY the right time. What do you say to that version of yourself who started reading 4 years ago now? ✨✨✨
Well firstly I would say 'Well I never, look at you, you crazy kitten'!
And then I'd be serious and say 'Your life is going to be really different soon, you'll feel devasted about it at first, you will only focus on what is lost, let that phase just be what it is, don't try to fight it, you will find a new path which will lead you in directions you simply can't imagine right now. And you will be ok'
Ooh, I feel all emotional!
It’s a beautiful practise. A good letter writing task for a new or full moon too. ✨✨✨
Good idea! I haven't really said this out loud before like this.
This is one of the reasons I’m here. 🪞 ✨
My one was a tip from Kerry Graham in response to a note I shared asking for advice - set myself a super small writing goal of 100 words a weekday.
It means that I write more and beyond the informational work content (have written a short story and two poems this week just for fun), I write regularly and I have a writing bank which I have built up over the last 2 months and contains inspiration or starters for future posts. And I now love writing whereas before it was a chore...
OH WOW! love this for you so so much. Are you writing every single day Collette?
I aim for weekdays and write about 3 or 4 times a week (I work a 4 day week so it tends to work around that)- not all of it goes on Substack though!
Oh perfect! What a beautiful practise
Hi friends. Two things have made the most difference for me. One is publishing once a week on the same day and time. It’s taken a while but people have started to look for my weekly post. Second is making a genuine effort to reach out to other writers in my lane and supporting each other and looking for ways to connect and collaborate.
I 💜 collabs too Donna! I think that work is my fave to be honest! ✨✨✨
My interview series, Human/Mother, has really taken off! I have found that people genuinely want to connect with another Substacker and are open to answering really vulnerable questions. It's been fun! I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes for the remainder of the year! You can find them all housed here: katrinadonhamwrites.substack.com. 🙂
Oooo thank you for sharing - I will read on the train on the way home from London. Thanks for sharing your wins Katrina!! ✨✨✨
I think consistency 🫶🏽 it’s meant so much that you are consistent on Substack. I find it helps me if I have a freak out and step back for a week or so, there’s a constant and I can just switch back in where I stopped for a bit. This has actually had a calming effect on my nervous system and has helped me tell myself that I’m safe in this space. Also I’m working with a coach to help with the freak out side haha 😅😆🩷 and working on this has meant I’ve started to build the publication for my community behind the scenes 💞✨😀
Oh I adore this Rachel and you know what appears “consistent” is often a well thought through strategy that sees the real me resting behind the scenes. We build up a real picture of what we perceive I think? Congratulations on this beautiful self awareness and self acceptance too! ✨✨✨
Yes that’s so true ☺️✨thanks Claire 💞
Def rebranding my space as a sanctuary for the holistic migraine warrior! A space of softness, strength, and deep remembering.
It’s helped me align my offerings with that intention - free 5 minute meditations most weeks. I did this weeks myself yesterday and it was lovely.
Also, speaking out about chronic pain (on notes) and the way my journey has aligned with what pain science has been telling us for decades. This helped send a flurry of new subscribers my way.
Finally, been waiting for the flow of energy to be there to tackle my about page and completely rewrite it - spent 5 hours on it the other day 🌀 really pleased with it😎
Deep remembering is DELICIOUS for you! OH MY! Congratulations my love - in awe of you!! ✨✨✨
I love the idea of making your substack a sanctuary- beautiful Amber!💕
Thank you, we do need it🙏💖💕
Mine has been a rebrand from Down Clarty Lonnen to RIPE, thanks to the help given in this community, I should add. Not only has it brought me new followers, but has recharged me with new enthusiasm and a boldness to free my voice that was being held back down that muddy lane.
I also took a five week break from writing essays - I went to France on holiday, kept up with notes, and journalled but didn't write news pieces. It was a welcome break and now I'm going strong with renewed enthusiasm and purpose.
Sue you are such a powerful life force in this space! Go unleash and do your thing! We are SO ready for this! ✨✨✨
Bless you Claire - thank you SO much for helping me move forwards. xxx
For me I think it’s giving myself freedom to experiment and play, try different things… I’ve recently done some interviews with some women who inspire me. And I did a collaboration with an artist - and fellow sober person - about the myth that alcohol makes us more creative.
This has all allowed me to enjoy sharing on Substack more and my subscribers continue to grow ✨
Love this question Claire!💕 my answer is twofold too: 1. Finding this home in Substack so I can feel free to peruse all my creative ideas. I had so many different long form things I wanted to do between video, audio and writing but felt like I had to create them in different places or do them on my own site without community.
So freedom has been the first shift ✨
2. Then I’d say having fun in the testing is the second part- once I could breathe within this home and fully be fine- now it’s fun to try something and make tweaks like a scientist to see how what I wanted to create can be received by the people meant to see it 🥰
We are such twins! Creativity and permission slips ROCK! Yes Megan!! ✨✨✨✨
👯♀️👯♀️👯♀️💕
Attuning to my greater Vision—especially at the New Moon or when i am bleeding as the veil is thin and i can feel and really see/ sense into the expanse of it ♥️
WOW mic drop yes yes yes Kate! All of this. ✨✨✨✨