Thank you so much for your wise words. I have been working at giving myself permission to not do this the way so many say you 'should' but also feeling so much doubt about that. Your words bring comfort that that it's OK to do this whatever your 'own way' is. Ty
I am currently working through a self made struggle of trying to commit to showing up for myself here on Substack so that I can build my writing habit and to improve my writing. I have your page, THIS page, bookmarked and I open it almost daily to read the words you shared.
I don't have a lot to add to your piece here other than to let you know that your words touched me and have inspired me to get back to my love for writing. <3 I hope you will come back to my comment at any point when you may struggle and that my words might help you to keep going - even when it's difficult.
I appreciate your spirit and it shines through with your writing!!
I re-read this and it hit a different cord than when I first read it. Both times I resonated with how many times I’ve started something and then felt the need to pivot.
I’ve made some changes here and I know I will continue to make them as I’ve always done. Only this time I’ve catered to my changes by creating a name that can withstand the changes rather than the previous names I chose for my countless other websites. Cheers to awareness 🙌
I love that! Thanks for coming back and re-reading it!
I have definitely seen some really lovely specific names for publications. But if that means that it stifles my creativity, then it’s not worth it. I’m so glad you’ve found a name that works for you, Lori!
This was wonderful to read. Thank you. You are truly amazing. One of the reasons I haven’t given up the my goal to start writing and sharing here. Trying to get past the block in the name of fear. This piece helps to bring the massive mountain down to size. Thank you.
Oh my gosh! I totally was paralysed, so I know where you’re coming from. The beauty is you get to just try it out while you don’t have a following! I had NO idea what my “niche” was. I just started.
This (and people like YOU) are why I'm on here. This feels like the place I've been searching over a decade for. Somewhere to practice being ME in a habitual way, without worrying about having anything figured out. I'm most excited to share in the states of confusion + uncertainty... I'm missed that kind of freedom in my writing.
Oh my gosh Dre, all my writing is about the state of confusion and uncertainty. There are a lot of us who are just trying to figure it out. And Substack allows us that safe place to do that! We are craving that connection, to say what's in our heart. I hope you are able to show up in a way that feels right for you!
I love your honesty & reminding us that we all have our own unique experiences, as everything in this life, & it’s so important not to compare, judge & criticise ourselves & others. Thank you for highlighting the importance of grounding into our own purpose & focus 🙏🏼
Thank you infinity for this. I, too, have ADHD and struggle with the same/similar things, and if nothing else (and there's plenty else), this post made me feel seen. So much gratitude to and for you today. 🌻
I don’t think we realise how much pressure we put on ourselves and how much self compassion we actually need when we aren’t able to perform like everyone else. There are ways to lean into our strengths and work around our weaknesses. Having that big lead up is one and working on multiple pieces throughout the month is another. Also, committing to a realistic cadence, while giving ourselves permission to have a bit of flexibility are all game changers. xx
This is exactly what I needed to see in the middle of the night tonight. Mika! I agree and appreciate every point you make! Too many wheels have been spinning in my new venture on this platform. You’ve given me permission to breathe. Thank you. ❤️
Lately, I've been feeling overwhelmed on Substack because of all the "monetize your substack" posts that seem to be flooding my feed. Thank you for sharing this and reminding me why I came here in the first place: to share my joy.
You can mute people in your feed and I also find it helpful to filter my Notes feed to people I follow. You can do this by going to Notes and you’ll see 3 horizontal lines. Click on that. 😄
That way you can control your space and make it your own! 💕
Wow! Mika, I've finally started spending time on SubStack both writing and reading. Your newsletters were on my to-do list. They were just what I needed to hear as I embark on my writing journey. Thank you for posting your newsletter.
That is so amazing being consistent for 9 mo. Congrats! I am also still starting out with low numbers and experimenting with Notes and trying to keep to a consistent newsletter. Here's to keeping it fresh and real.
I'm starting to stop thinking about all the numbers. Because it have happen so many times now that I get a new sub, 10min I lost one. Better to just do something else that I enjoy doing instead of put myself down.
Like playing Video games and getting mad at my teammates 😁
I try not to give any energy to losing subscribers, but I sometimes I do notice that I’ve lost a bunch 😆. It makes sense though, people are culling their lists, they may not have really checked out our stuff and it doesn’t resonate with them - so it makes sense. I just want a lovely community of people, like yourself! 😊
This was refreshing to read. I too have ADHD and two kids under 5 which can feel like a tornado sometimes 🌪️ I’ve been feeling down because I’m unsure how to engage and grow my readers. But this helped remind me to celebrate the wins! I’ve been on Substack consistently for a year and I’ve found a rhythm of posting that feels good to me. That’s a win! The rest will come with time and learning.
I can soooo relate to the tornado! I would have loved to have been diagnosed when the children were younger - I would have been SOOOO much more kinder to myself. I’m so excited to get to know you better and your writing! I’m excited about your journey ahead. xxx
Super Grateful for this reflection, Mika. You show up in my heart as I consider an ADHD diagnosis. As a multi-passionate creative, I focus intensely, but switch to new things easily. Got a dozen 'unfinished' (or imperfect?) books, stories, etc. in my desk drawer. 🤪
STILL, I'm committed to this home on Substack. Each Friday for 9 months, I've posted a 5-minute imagination tool for creatives to grow more courage and self-compassion.
I feel free to celebrate my weirdness here! 🙌🏽 Still, I could use some ADHD-specific tools to more skillfully choose what I take on, and to bring my diverse works to a sense of closure.
Thank you for your lovely comment! I’m still working with my ADHD. I had a created a great system for my corporate working life (even before I was diagnosed). But am still on a journey to creating a system that works for me as a fellow “multi-passionate creative”. I’m getting there though and recording everything as a go along. Perhaps in the near future I will share what I’ve learned. 😊
Thank you so much for your wise words. I have been working at giving myself permission to not do this the way so many say you 'should' but also feeling so much doubt about that. Your words bring comfort that that it's OK to do this whatever your 'own way' is. Ty
You are so welcome!
If we enjoy it, we will stick at it, and we can fine tune it along the way. ☺️💕
I am currently working through a self made struggle of trying to commit to showing up for myself here on Substack so that I can build my writing habit and to improve my writing. I have your page, THIS page, bookmarked and I open it almost daily to read the words you shared.
I don't have a lot to add to your piece here other than to let you know that your words touched me and have inspired me to get back to my love for writing. <3 I hope you will come back to my comment at any point when you may struggle and that my words might help you to keep going - even when it's difficult.
Thank you so much for this.
I am incredibly touched.
It was my hope and wish that my words would find their way to someone who needed it. So thank you so much. It means more to me than you know.
I'm a re-reader and a pivoter, too, and I think I'm paying too much attention to those NEW SUBSCRIBER numbers instead of enjoying the sail.
This list is efficient, soulful stuff that we Substackers need to see so THANKS Mika!!
J
Thank you Janice for this lovely comment! I’m glad it was helpful to you! xx
I appreciate your spirit and it shines through with your writing!!
I re-read this and it hit a different cord than when I first read it. Both times I resonated with how many times I’ve started something and then felt the need to pivot.
I’ve made some changes here and I know I will continue to make them as I’ve always done. Only this time I’ve catered to my changes by creating a name that can withstand the changes rather than the previous names I chose for my countless other websites. Cheers to awareness 🙌
I love that! Thanks for coming back and re-reading it!
I have definitely seen some really lovely specific names for publications. But if that means that it stifles my creativity, then it’s not worth it. I’m so glad you’ve found a name that works for you, Lori!
This was wonderful to read. Thank you. You are truly amazing. One of the reasons I haven’t given up the my goal to start writing and sharing here. Trying to get past the block in the name of fear. This piece helps to bring the massive mountain down to size. Thank you.
Oh my gosh! I totally was paralysed, so I know where you’re coming from. The beauty is you get to just try it out while you don’t have a following! I had NO idea what my “niche” was. I just started.
Cheering you on!
This (and people like YOU) are why I'm on here. This feels like the place I've been searching over a decade for. Somewhere to practice being ME in a habitual way, without worrying about having anything figured out. I'm most excited to share in the states of confusion + uncertainty... I'm missed that kind of freedom in my writing.
Oh my gosh Dre, all my writing is about the state of confusion and uncertainty. There are a lot of us who are just trying to figure it out. And Substack allows us that safe place to do that! We are craving that connection, to say what's in our heart. I hope you are able to show up in a way that feels right for you!
Seeeee… I feel that, already, only 9 days in. 🫶 it just feel safe + real here. Thanks for protecting the vibe and sharing it with all us newbies.
I love your honesty & reminding us that we all have our own unique experiences, as everything in this life, & it’s so important not to compare, judge & criticise ourselves & others. Thank you for highlighting the importance of grounding into our own purpose & focus 🙏🏼
Thank you for your lovely words.
I know I need reminding of this and wondered if others needed it too. 💕
I’m so glad it was helpful xx
Thank you infinity for this. I, too, have ADHD and struggle with the same/similar things, and if nothing else (and there's plenty else), this post made me feel seen. So much gratitude to and for you today. 🌻
I don’t think we realise how much pressure we put on ourselves and how much self compassion we actually need when we aren’t able to perform like everyone else. There are ways to lean into our strengths and work around our weaknesses. Having that big lead up is one and working on multiple pieces throughout the month is another. Also, committing to a realistic cadence, while giving ourselves permission to have a bit of flexibility are all game changers. xx
All the very very best to you!
This is exactly what I needed to see in the middle of the night tonight. Mika! I agree and appreciate every point you make! Too many wheels have been spinning in my new venture on this platform. You’ve given me permission to breathe. Thank you. ❤️
I am so so glad! It makes me so happy to know that you can breathe, take your time and to experiment! All the very best! 😊
Lately, I've been feeling overwhelmed on Substack because of all the "monetize your substack" posts that seem to be flooding my feed. Thank you for sharing this and reminding me why I came here in the first place: to share my joy.
You can mute people in your feed and I also find it helpful to filter my Notes feed to people I follow. You can do this by going to Notes and you’ll see 3 horizontal lines. Click on that. 😄
That way you can control your space and make it your own! 💕
Thank you so much! I had no idea I could do this
I love this! Thank you for the encouragement!
You’re so welcome! Thank you so much for subscribing!
This might be useful to you. It’s all the resources I used when I first started and what I wish I had! https://open.substack.com/pub/musingsbymika/p/free-resources-for-substack-newbies?r=iv86x&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thank you so much!
Wow! Mika, I've finally started spending time on SubStack both writing and reading. Your newsletters were on my to-do list. They were just what I needed to hear as I embark on my writing journey. Thank you for posting your newsletter.
Thank you for your kind words and for reading my newsletters! It means so much!
This might be helpful as you start your Substack journey xx
https://open.substack.com/pub/musingsbymika/p/free-resources-for-substack-newbies?r=iv86x&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
That is so amazing being consistent for 9 mo. Congrats! I am also still starting out with low numbers and experimenting with Notes and trying to keep to a consistent newsletter. Here's to keeping it fresh and real.
Thanks so much! I had 7 subscribers for 8 months, before I started showing up consistently. 😄
I think you’re going to love Substack!
Did you attend the Sparkle Summit? They had a fiction panel: https://open.substack.com/pub/sparklesummit/p/integrating-fiction-and-substack?r=iv86x&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I did. It was amazing! I have to go over the videos again.
I'm starting to stop thinking about all the numbers. Because it have happen so many times now that I get a new sub, 10min I lost one. Better to just do something else that I enjoy doing instead of put myself down.
Like playing Video games and getting mad at my teammates 😁
I try not to give any energy to losing subscribers, but I sometimes I do notice that I’ve lost a bunch 😆. It makes sense though, people are culling their lists, they may not have really checked out our stuff and it doesn’t resonate with them - so it makes sense. I just want a lovely community of people, like yourself! 😊
This was refreshing to read. I too have ADHD and two kids under 5 which can feel like a tornado sometimes 🌪️ I’ve been feeling down because I’m unsure how to engage and grow my readers. But this helped remind me to celebrate the wins! I’ve been on Substack consistently for a year and I’ve found a rhythm of posting that feels good to me. That’s a win! The rest will come with time and learning.
I can soooo relate to the tornado! I would have loved to have been diagnosed when the children were younger - I would have been SOOOO much more kinder to myself. I’m so excited to get to know you better and your writing! I’m excited about your journey ahead. xxx
CREATIVE CONSISTENCY with ADHD?
Super Grateful for this reflection, Mika. You show up in my heart as I consider an ADHD diagnosis. As a multi-passionate creative, I focus intensely, but switch to new things easily. Got a dozen 'unfinished' (or imperfect?) books, stories, etc. in my desk drawer. 🤪
STILL, I'm committed to this home on Substack. Each Friday for 9 months, I've posted a 5-minute imagination tool for creatives to grow more courage and self-compassion.
I feel free to celebrate my weirdness here! 🙌🏽 Still, I could use some ADHD-specific tools to more skillfully choose what I take on, and to bring my diverse works to a sense of closure.
Thank you, Mika 🥰 Carry on in Beauty...
Thank you for your lovely comment! I’m still working with my ADHD. I had a created a great system for my corporate working life (even before I was diagnosed). But am still on a journey to creating a system that works for me as a fellow “multi-passionate creative”. I’m getting there though and recording everything as a go along. Perhaps in the near future I will share what I’ve learned. 😊
I’d love that. Keep me posted 🥰