Than you so much and it’s an honor to be thought of in the same realm. Awww I’m sooo sorry 😢 for your loss. It’s heartbreaking but I’m glad she left you something that gives you a source of joy and comfort ❤️
I sometimes forget that our first Substack Live together was the first one for you. I've always thought of you as so much farther along the Substack journey, and you have always been so kind and generous with your time, your feedback, and your encouragement. And I always appreciate how you are willing to say the quiet parts out loud for all of us. Excited for what comes next!
I remember those days well. Thank you for the mention. What I admire most is that you kept showing up, even when nobody did. That's often where the real growth happens just beyond the point where most people would have quit.
Thank you, Nat. I'm glad you said yes it opened the door to a wonderful friendship and some great projects. And please don't feel bad; neither of us knew how serious things were at the time. I'm just grateful to be here and grateful to be working alongside you. ❤️
I think it's so great to be human about it 🙂 we are allowed to be emotional about our writing. In my line of work which is comms and copywriting we say relevance over reach. The quality of your tribe beats the faceless numbers. I have even started a post/ thread about the little things that make us happy - point being exactly the moments or gestures that bring joy and keep us afloat - please add your comment, would love to see what little happiness you choose ❤️ https://thehappyfew.substack.com/p/the-book-of-happy?r=7bqyqm
I relate to so many of your experiences! One of the things I'm struggling with is feeling like I've "done something wrong" because my growth plateaued--even though I kept up posting and writing notes every day. It's very discouraging, isn't it? But I love that you kept going, and I will too.
Awww Emily, this made me so happy. I can tell you, the plateau - OMG IT SUCKS!! You’re human and no matter what anyone says, I agree that you it causes you to question yourself. I think it’s a perfectly natural reaction and it’s ok to feel like that. It’s hard to feel inspired to continue, and that’s why it gives me so much joy to know that you’ll continue. 🤗 Oh my goodness, I just checked your page, love your bio!! I need to read more. Subscribed ✅ now you have one more of many to come.
Nat, your reply made my day!! Thank you so much for the nice words about my page. I really don’t know what I’m doing, so it’s good to hear that it’s resonating with some people 😅
You’re so very welcome! Don’t sell yourself short, it’s one heck of a bio! You got me to subscribe based on that alone. It made me feel like “I want to see more of what she’s doing “.
Love how you say it as it is, those are the writers I came here to read, and the way I came here to write. You can't easily do that anywhere else. So glad you didn't quit. Wish I'd known about your cocktails & mocktails, I'd have been there!
Awww Neema thank you for always having my back here too. I would have loved having you in that space, a good cocktail and a chat is always great. We need to do a live at some point.
Thank you Nat. I can really relate to this. I've been feeling disheartened recently. You've reminded me to do this first and foremost for me - and the growth will happen organically (if it's meant to)
You’re very welcome. I’m so sorry for that feeling because I know it so well, and it is definitely not easy to think positive all the time. I know the people who subscribe to me really respond well to personal stories. There are some accounts whose sole purpose is to sell strategies and they seem to do very well. Just keep being you and there will be a breakthrough. 🤗😊
You have done amazingly well 😊 I bob along at around 88 subs and that’s okay. I feel most are meaningful. That’s worth a lot.
Olivia Wickstrom does teach by her very honest example of how she grew dramatically (posting photos of life in France plus posts on exactly how she gained subs is helpful). But she may be useful to you.
Thank you so much I’m grateful to have grown the way I did. However, I do agree with you that having 88 who you know and can relate to, is very fulfilling. I’ve watched some of Olivia’s work too, she has done an amazing job. My hope is to be at that level one day. Her content is very cool and I’m still evolving and developing mine - but you’re right, she’s a great resource. Thank you so much for your support 💕💕
Thank you soooo much for this great all round compliment. It is really tempting to give up, but it’s never been my style. This is so new, that sometimes I forget to give myself grace. I am so grateful for readers and supporters like you.
The simple act of being able to see the numbers rise is such an easy and comforting indicator of growth, of evolution. When the metrics are supercharged, that little hit of dopamine keeps us routed on the journey.
In those moments it can be easy to forget that most change is additionally accompanied by an element of discomfort...but then it's also a universal truth that doing anything for a sustained period opens up a helping of routine...and routine can be boring and slow (I bet those 45 minutes felt much longer at the time.
What a wild ride consistency is eh!? :D
When you've achieved six months of consistency in this minute measured era that's a triumph.
Massive well done to you. Keep going. Enjoy the whole journey (even the frustrating bits are valuable) and most of all thanks for authentically sharing yourself!
Wow Jill thank you so much for this. You got the nail on the head, and as a human, your feelings are attached to those numbers. For me, I’m terrified of ever having to return to corporate, so when my numbers stall, I feel a level of anxiety that triggers fear. It’s the only way I can explain it. However, I’ve always been a fighter and I might come close to giving up, but so far I’ve never done it. The frustrating parts of the journey always has a lesson to be learned. 💛Thank you for supporting me along the way.
So true, and such an honest piece, Nat! You’re one of the reasons I started doing more recipes alongside my stories. So you just never know! Keep going 🤗
Niamh 🤗😃❤️ me? Wow!! 😮 I’m speechless. You know I LOVE your baking pics and recipes. Those kept me going through that awful time last year. You are so sweet and you’re right, I had absolutely no idea. Sending you lots of hugs 🤗!
So beautifully put. My substack is growing very slowly and I actually found out that what matters to me is the quality of those who interact with my writing and not the quantity. I have a few new friends I made here on Substack with such different perspectives over the same topics, they expand and often elevate my essays, they reflect back, they bring new perspectives. It has been a most wonderful experince.
Thank you so much! The slow growth is not too scary when there’s really good and constant engagement, so I’m happy you’re having a rich experience. I have made some wonderful friends and in a few ways I feel closer to them than some people I actually know. I think with your perspective, this will continue to be a great source of joy for you. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience and your positivity.
Great piece and I've been here a year and love the shift toward BOLD ! Keep writing.
Thank you so much Angela! This means a lot so much to me 🤗
Thank you for sharing. It's a great inspiration to keep going — don't quit — and just write. ✍️ 🙏😎❤️
I love that you are always so encouraging and supportive to me Irene. Thank you 😊🩷
You deserve it! ❤️
You have my sister's name. I miss Nat (Natalie). She left us way too soon.
But if it weren't for her leaving me all those books about writing I wouldn't be here. 😇🪽🪽🪽
Than you so much and it’s an honor to be thought of in the same realm. Awww I’m sooo sorry 😢 for your loss. It’s heartbreaking but I’m glad she left you something that gives you a source of joy and comfort ❤️
Thank you. ❤️
I sometimes forget that our first Substack Live together was the first one for you. I've always thought of you as so much farther along the Substack journey, and you have always been so kind and generous with your time, your feedback, and your encouragement. And I always appreciate how you are willing to say the quiet parts out loud for all of us. Excited for what comes next!
I was soooo scared but you and I made a great team! It just flowed so well and bonus, I ended up with a great friend 🤗🩷
I remember those days well. Thank you for the mention. What I admire most is that you kept showing up, even when nobody did. That's often where the real growth happens just beyond the point where most people would have quit.
Thank you @John Rinaldo © I was so tempted to say no when you asked, but I forced myself to say yes. Turns out it was one of the best “yeses”. I also feel terrible that I used to ask you every week, not realizing how sick you were. Glad to have you back and to be working on projects with you.
Thank you, Nat. I'm glad you said yes it opened the door to a wonderful friendship and some great projects. And please don't feel bad; neither of us knew how serious things were at the time. I'm just grateful to be here and grateful to be working alongside you. ❤️
🙏❤️
LOVE this! Thank you for sharing
You’re so very welcome. Thank you for taking the time to comment. It means a lot.
great job! what can I say, I'd show up for that cocktail ❤️
Thank you so much! Wow I would have loved that. I’m so glad you enjoyed it and it means so much to me that you took the time to comment. ❤️
I think it's so great to be human about it 🙂 we are allowed to be emotional about our writing. In my line of work which is comms and copywriting we say relevance over reach. The quality of your tribe beats the faceless numbers. I have even started a post/ thread about the little things that make us happy - point being exactly the moments or gestures that bring joy and keep us afloat - please add your comment, would love to see what little happiness you choose ❤️ https://thehappyfew.substack.com/p/the-book-of-happy?r=7bqyqm
I relate to so many of your experiences! One of the things I'm struggling with is feeling like I've "done something wrong" because my growth plateaued--even though I kept up posting and writing notes every day. It's very discouraging, isn't it? But I love that you kept going, and I will too.
Awww Emily, this made me so happy. I can tell you, the plateau - OMG IT SUCKS!! You’re human and no matter what anyone says, I agree that you it causes you to question yourself. I think it’s a perfectly natural reaction and it’s ok to feel like that. It’s hard to feel inspired to continue, and that’s why it gives me so much joy to know that you’ll continue. 🤗 Oh my goodness, I just checked your page, love your bio!! I need to read more. Subscribed ✅ now you have one more of many to come.
Nat, your reply made my day!! Thank you so much for the nice words about my page. I really don’t know what I’m doing, so it’s good to hear that it’s resonating with some people 😅
You’re so very welcome! Don’t sell yourself short, it’s one heck of a bio! You got me to subscribe based on that alone. It made me feel like “I want to see more of what she’s doing “.
Oh, that’s so nice to hear. Thank you!! ✨
Love how you say it as it is, those are the writers I came here to read, and the way I came here to write. You can't easily do that anywhere else. So glad you didn't quit. Wish I'd known about your cocktails & mocktails, I'd have been there!
Awww Neema thank you for always having my back here too. I would have loved having you in that space, a good cocktail and a chat is always great. We need to do a live at some point.
For sure, would love that Nat!
Thank you Nat. I can really relate to this. I've been feeling disheartened recently. You've reminded me to do this first and foremost for me - and the growth will happen organically (if it's meant to)
You’re very welcome. I’m so sorry for that feeling because I know it so well, and it is definitely not easy to think positive all the time. I know the people who subscribe to me really respond well to personal stories. There are some accounts whose sole purpose is to sell strategies and they seem to do very well. Just keep being you and there will be a breakthrough. 🤗😊
You have done amazingly well 😊 I bob along at around 88 subs and that’s okay. I feel most are meaningful. That’s worth a lot.
Olivia Wickstrom does teach by her very honest example of how she grew dramatically (posting photos of life in France plus posts on exactly how she gained subs is helpful). But she may be useful to you.
Clearly you offer something that people want 💕
Thank you so much I’m grateful to have grown the way I did. However, I do agree with you that having 88 who you know and can relate to, is very fulfilling. I’ve watched some of Olivia’s work too, she has done an amazing job. My hope is to be at that level one day. Her content is very cool and I’m still evolving and developing mine - but you’re right, she’s a great resource. Thank you so much for your support 💕💕
You are off to a great start!
Loving the boldness to keep going and never admit defeat! I think honesty is what people crave these days and your posts resonate because of it.
Thank you soooo much for this great all round compliment. It is really tempting to give up, but it’s never been my style. This is so new, that sometimes I forget to give myself grace. I am so grateful for readers and supporters like you.
The simple act of being able to see the numbers rise is such an easy and comforting indicator of growth, of evolution. When the metrics are supercharged, that little hit of dopamine keeps us routed on the journey.
In those moments it can be easy to forget that most change is additionally accompanied by an element of discomfort...but then it's also a universal truth that doing anything for a sustained period opens up a helping of routine...and routine can be boring and slow (I bet those 45 minutes felt much longer at the time.
What a wild ride consistency is eh!? :D
When you've achieved six months of consistency in this minute measured era that's a triumph.
Massive well done to you. Keep going. Enjoy the whole journey (even the frustrating bits are valuable) and most of all thanks for authentically sharing yourself!
Wow Jill thank you so much for this. You got the nail on the head, and as a human, your feelings are attached to those numbers. For me, I’m terrified of ever having to return to corporate, so when my numbers stall, I feel a level of anxiety that triggers fear. It’s the only way I can explain it. However, I’ve always been a fighter and I might come close to giving up, but so far I’ve never done it. The frustrating parts of the journey always has a lesson to be learned. 💛Thank you for supporting me along the way.
❤️😊
So true, and such an honest piece, Nat! You’re one of the reasons I started doing more recipes alongside my stories. So you just never know! Keep going 🤗
Niamh 🤗😃❤️ me? Wow!! 😮 I’m speechless. You know I LOVE your baking pics and recipes. Those kept me going through that awful time last year. You are so sweet and you’re right, I had absolutely no idea. Sending you lots of hugs 🤗!
Thanks for sharing the journey- and I’m inspired by your courage to have stepped out and tried some different creative stuff.
Thank you Nick, I appreciate this. You know the old saying, you’ll never know unless you try.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading and commenting 😊
So beautifully put. My substack is growing very slowly and I actually found out that what matters to me is the quality of those who interact with my writing and not the quantity. I have a few new friends I made here on Substack with such different perspectives over the same topics, they expand and often elevate my essays, they reflect back, they bring new perspectives. It has been a most wonderful experince.
Thank you so much! The slow growth is not too scary when there’s really good and constant engagement, so I’m happy you’re having a rich experience. I have made some wonderful friends and in a few ways I feel closer to them than some people I actually know. I think with your perspective, this will continue to be a great source of joy for you. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience and your positivity.
Yes, this has been a great source of joy for me. Thank you.