I've tried very hard not to get caught up in the numbers (hard as that is!). My mantra... If my words help or resonate with just one person, I'm happy, fulfilled and I've done my job. 🙏 You are doing so well Mika. Just keep being wonderful you 💕
I think I really struggled to find Substacks in the wellness space that were not completely established. But finding you at the beginning of your journey as you continue to grow exponentially has been so amazing. February has been my best month so far on Substack as well. I think the key here is to really be authentic and not getting absorbed in that dopamine hit like you said.
Having the opportunity to connect with so many people via Notes was the highlight this month. I think Notes is definitely underrated here on Substack. There are so many people out there willing to have interesting and sensible conversations with you.
Thank you for sharing, Mika! I recently did a reading deprivation as part of "The Artist's Way" and I didn't read for a week (including Substack)!! It was so hard, but so worth it. The detox helped me come back to my morning practices, like you describe, and I feel much more intentional now. Sometimes we get lost in the excitement and it can be hard to get our feet back on the ground. I'm glad to hear you're finding your groove again.
I think getting centred, aligned and intentional again is so key to keep going in this space. It can get really noisey out there (and in your head!) So having detoxes and other practices is key to making sure we don't get burned out so we can continue to show up authentically.
Hi Mika - you sound like so many bloggers I know who were so revved up and hyped when they started and saw the connections forming etc. I think it mellows out over time, you find your sweet spot and it becomes what you want it to be. For me, it's a lovely hobby, for others it's an income, and for many it's something they started with high hopes and burnt out within months through disappointment.
Just do you - your kindness and authenticity shines through - and that's what counts. :)
I think it comes back to discovering your "why" and that's what brings the joy. Those who thought they were going to be the next Oprah or JK Rowling succumbed to disappointment and gave up - such a shame because they started so well. Just be you and embrace what brings you the sparks of happiness (not the lost sleep!) x
🥹 Love you too! Morning pages are so so helpful for my mental health. Otherwise my mind spins. It’s generous that it’s 3 pages, because it really gets you to completely empty your brain and work through things.
I have to assume we’ve all been where you were (I know I was and am when I’m not careful). Most of the time, I also cover my subscriber count when I go to my dashboard 💛. Otherwise, I immediately get caught up in a crazy storm of delight or dejection. Your substack is so welcoming—thank you!
It’s a slippery slip when you look externally for gratification!
My daughter got me out of the house for a hike just now, and boy, nothing else seems important when your thighs are burning and you reach the summit! 🌄
That sounds amazing. I'm not a "good" hiker (okay, I am just very slow), but I"m trying to do it more anyway. My family and I did a bunch of hikes in the Hoh Rain Forest last week and it felt like a feast everywhere I looked (even though I was always the slowest 😊).
Last night, all I could think of was “I can’t believe I took the kids on this hike”! I was dying and I took the kids up when they were in primary school!
Getting to the top with the kids was pretty awesome though (I did learn to never pack a huge bottle of drink on a hike. I had grand plans of having a picnic at the top 😆 #rookie)
Thank you for sharing so openly your Substack roller-coaster ride in February. I'm glad you were able to prioritize self-care after a brief period of obsessing over the subscriber numbers. Seriously, you are a great "host," inviting so many writers to hang out here. It's a super power!
I'm a super introvert, and because I'vce been going through grieving this month, it has been difficult for me to sit through a long writing session. So I gathered gems from across Substack and created curated lists. Turned out that my "lazy" way to cut myself some slack was received with great enthusiasm. I got many new subscribers, but the pace was slow and steady. I've been on Substack for 10 months now (with 1 month's break), and just broke through to 200 free subscribers. But my enjoyment has not been lessened by the small number. In fact, I feel nourished by the deep connections with my readers. So the number doesn't count as much in the bigger scheme of things.
I’m glad you’ve been listening to what you can and cannot do during this time. And out of it came something quite special! I love when things fall into place like that.
You have a lovely community that you have cultivated and it sounds like you are getting more lovely readers to your amazing writing.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a lovely comment. I’m so glad we’ve been able to connect over Substack.
You deserve the joy and celebration from doing so well on Substack, Mika! Keep doing you. You know I understand that dopamine hit. I like that you're not going to keep checking that sub count. I could see that helping with the obsession!
Wow, awesome! I also just started and have zero subscribers. I really don’t care at present because I’m just using Substack as an outlet and for connection with other people still blowing up their lives at midlife. But it’s cool to see the trajectory of how things can take off!
Right now I'm in the same early stages as your Apr - Nov stage. It's interesting to follow your journey being slightly behind. I've put in no effort to grow my subscriber list. Part of me doesn't want to - I'm enjoying how little pressure there is, and being able to use it as a space to practice my craft of writing. The other part of me does want to - I see others numbers and think, can I do that too? It creates a sense of validation beyond myself.
It's helpful to read your cautions that come with growth. Thank you for sharing.
I was very tentative when I first started. It wasn't until I took some time to really reflect (and started "The Artist's Way" again) that I realised how much I wanted to write. So, 8 months later, I went all in, and it's been a blast. I wouldn't change how it all unfolded. I wasn't in the right headspace to put myself out there. I needed the time.
I'm excited about your journey here. At least you can see that it is a safe, nurturing space, so if you do decide to shift up a gear, you know what to expect. But no rush. 😊
You are so inspiring, so passionate and so deeply caring. Thank you for trying and encouraging others to try, thank you for helping me the other day, thank you for sharing your ups and downs and thank you for just inviting us to share with you too.
You are so welcome. It’s been a roller coaster, but a lot of that is self imposed!
I am so loving this space here. I love that I don’t have to play to the algorithm and the space feels so expansive..lat the same time, I can go as fast or as slow as I like!
Oh definitely a bit up and down - had a 'not so nice comment' left one of my YT videos, but then some lovely feedback from a buyer...such is life. And yes, totally relate to not getting hung up on subscriber numbers. Have a Post-It note pinned up saying 'Enjoy! Remember why you do it'! Thank you for being honest about the ups & downs - it's so easy to get downhearted when you just see posts about how these people, (who are they anyway?) jumped from 0 - 10k subscribers in the blink of an eye!
I think most of us have been there mMika - caught up in a vicious cycle of dopamin rush&crush when checking out dashboard and subscribers count. It can drive you crazy. Thank you for being so honest about and sharing the tip of covering the number with your hand. Simple, yet effective 👍🩷
I really really appreciate being able to process this journey through writing. I want this to be something that is sustainable and in order to do that, I have to protect my mental health around it. I think it’s similar to what you talk about in your publication. Motherhood is a joy and also trying, so it’s finding ways to make sure the joy out ways the trying moments.
So exciting to see your journey here! And hearing about the other side. I also find it a rollercoaster, with flurries of subscribers (and dopamine!) then tumbleweed times. I know to let it all go. I try not to look at my dashboard figures though it’s hard when they are right there! 🫣
It’s been an interesting journey, that’s for sure. I had plans of documenting my journey of growing my Substack slowly and joyfully. The sudden uptick in Jan was very unexpected and now the numbers can be a little in people’s faces. Which I really didn’t want. I also had a moment where I thought, as things slow down, that’s now going to be out there for people to see. But I think that is reality, and that’s what I wanted to show. So it’s a tricky thing to navigate. I am just going to feel into what feels right and hopefully people will understand and feel the intent of what I put out there.
I really love this series of posts you do (and everything else you write). It’s inspiring me to reflect on my own Substack journey. It feels a bit helter skelter since I didn’t actually plan to be focussing on it at all. It’s been a really happy accident created by wanting somewhere to share what I was writing from a writing course I did in January. Now I’m trying to find that balance between writing for its own sake and writing for an outcome (I.e. creating a Substack post - not even worried about numbers on that). Seeing these posts really helps encourage me, so thank you 🙏
I will also eventually DM you because my friend writing about ADHD has created her Substack but hasn’t written yet. When she does, I’ll send it your way 😊
P.s. there’s a thing I’d love to do with interviewing people and writing about their story. It’s not a thing yet, but I’d love to add you to the short list of people if you’d be open to it? It’ll be a challenge for me, to do it with a relative stranger (do Substackers count as strangers? 🤔) but I think a fun one!
Thank you so much for your kind words. They mean a lot.
I think a lot of writers came on here to follow their passion of writing. All the other “stuff” can distract us from the real purpose of why we felt called to put “pen to paper”.
I’m coming to understand that my passions are to:
1. Share resources that help people
2. Build communities so people feel less alone
3. Have meaningful connections
Substack has been the perfect avenue to do all those things. So I’m so grateful.
Yes to be involved in your new project. Do you want to DM me and you can tell me what your vision is? I would love hear more about it.
Before I started posting frequently in January, I couldn’t have given you a decent reason as to why I write. I discovered, during that course, that it was to connect - with myself primarily and by default, and with others. Posting to substack has allowed me to connect more readily than I might have anywhere else. And far more positively.
So I completely get that aim to connect! It’s the nicest thing. Thank you for reminding me of that simple fact. I think I need to write it somewhere in giant letters 😂
I think that's why I love talking to Substack to other people! Where else can you have these beautiful deep conversations and connections with people all around the world? 🥰
I've tried very hard not to get caught up in the numbers (hard as that is!). My mantra... If my words help or resonate with just one person, I'm happy, fulfilled and I've done my job. 🙏 You are doing so well Mika. Just keep being wonderful you 💕
I hope you don’t mind, I shared this in Notes. I appreciated it so much that I thought I could benefit from it too. 💕
Bless you, of course I don't mind 🙏 💕
I love that it’s all working out for you Mika!
I think I really struggled to find Substacks in the wellness space that were not completely established. But finding you at the beginning of your journey as you continue to grow exponentially has been so amazing. February has been my best month so far on Substack as well. I think the key here is to really be authentic and not getting absorbed in that dopamine hit like you said.
All the best✨
It does feel a bit tricky to find your footing, that's for sure.
What do you think contributed to having a great month?
Having the opportunity to connect with so many people via Notes was the highlight this month. I think Notes is definitely underrated here on Substack. There are so many people out there willing to have interesting and sensible conversations with you.
It’s so great that Substack has so many tools to help us connect with people!
Thank you for sharing, Mika! I recently did a reading deprivation as part of "The Artist's Way" and I didn't read for a week (including Substack)!! It was so hard, but so worth it. The detox helped me come back to my morning practices, like you describe, and I feel much more intentional now. Sometimes we get lost in the excitement and it can be hard to get our feet back on the ground. I'm glad to hear you're finding your groove again.
I think getting centred, aligned and intentional again is so key to keep going in this space. It can get really noisey out there (and in your head!) So having detoxes and other practices is key to making sure we don't get burned out so we can continue to show up authentically.
Glad you're back!!
Hi Mika - you sound like so many bloggers I know who were so revved up and hyped when they started and saw the connections forming etc. I think it mellows out over time, you find your sweet spot and it becomes what you want it to be. For me, it's a lovely hobby, for others it's an income, and for many it's something they started with high hopes and burnt out within months through disappointment.
Just do you - your kindness and authenticity shines through - and that's what counts. :)
Wow, that's really grounding advice. Thank you so much! 🙏
What helped you to keep going over all these years?
I think it comes back to discovering your "why" and that's what brings the joy. Those who thought they were going to be the next Oprah or JK Rowling succumbed to disappointment and gave up - such a shame because they started so well. Just be you and embrace what brings you the sparks of happiness (not the lost sleep!) x
Thanks Leanne! I'm glad you didn't give up. You're writing has helped me more than you know.
I love this idea of a “dashboard detox” & appreciate you sharing that you worked to prioritize Morning Pages!! I am doing them too!! 🌞
Thanks for keeping it real, and leading by example with your display of self-awareness around your mental health. We 🤍 you Mika!
🥹 Love you too! Morning pages are so so helpful for my mental health. Otherwise my mind spins. It’s generous that it’s 3 pages, because it really gets you to completely empty your brain and work through things.
I have to assume we’ve all been where you were (I know I was and am when I’m not careful). Most of the time, I also cover my subscriber count when I go to my dashboard 💛. Otherwise, I immediately get caught up in a crazy storm of delight or dejection. Your substack is so welcoming—thank you!
“crazy storm of delight or dejection” - yes!
It’s a slippery slip when you look externally for gratification!
My daughter got me out of the house for a hike just now, and boy, nothing else seems important when your thighs are burning and you reach the summit! 🌄
That sounds amazing. I'm not a "good" hiker (okay, I am just very slow), but I"m trying to do it more anyway. My family and I did a bunch of hikes in the Hoh Rain Forest last week and it felt like a feast everywhere I looked (even though I was always the slowest 😊).
Last night, all I could think of was “I can’t believe I took the kids on this hike”! I was dying and I took the kids up when they were in primary school!
Getting to the top with the kids was pretty awesome though (I did learn to never pack a huge bottle of drink on a hike. I had grand plans of having a picnic at the top 😆 #rookie)
😁
Thank you for sharing so openly your Substack roller-coaster ride in February. I'm glad you were able to prioritize self-care after a brief period of obsessing over the subscriber numbers. Seriously, you are a great "host," inviting so many writers to hang out here. It's a super power!
I'm a super introvert, and because I'vce been going through grieving this month, it has been difficult for me to sit through a long writing session. So I gathered gems from across Substack and created curated lists. Turned out that my "lazy" way to cut myself some slack was received with great enthusiasm. I got many new subscribers, but the pace was slow and steady. I've been on Substack for 10 months now (with 1 month's break), and just broke through to 200 free subscribers. But my enjoyment has not been lessened by the small number. In fact, I feel nourished by the deep connections with my readers. So the number doesn't count as much in the bigger scheme of things.
Hugs to you during your grieving process. 💕
I’m glad you’ve been listening to what you can and cannot do during this time. And out of it came something quite special! I love when things fall into place like that.
You have a lovely community that you have cultivated and it sounds like you are getting more lovely readers to your amazing writing.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a lovely comment. I’m so glad we’ve been able to connect over Substack.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Mika!
Likewise, really glad we've been able to connect here!
You deserve the joy and celebration from doing so well on Substack, Mika! Keep doing you. You know I understand that dopamine hit. I like that you're not going to keep checking that sub count. I could see that helping with the obsession!
I didn’t even know I was obsessed until the numbers started to slow down 🫢
Wow, awesome! I also just started and have zero subscribers. I really don’t care at present because I’m just using Substack as an outlet and for connection with other people still blowing up their lives at midlife. But it’s cool to see the trajectory of how things can take off!
"blowing up their lives at midlife" - ummmm I think that's exactly what I did!! 😅hahaha
https://musingsbymika.substack.com/p/stepping-into-the-unknown-of-quitting
Off to check you out! hahaha
Right now I'm in the same early stages as your Apr - Nov stage. It's interesting to follow your journey being slightly behind. I've put in no effort to grow my subscriber list. Part of me doesn't want to - I'm enjoying how little pressure there is, and being able to use it as a space to practice my craft of writing. The other part of me does want to - I see others numbers and think, can I do that too? It creates a sense of validation beyond myself.
It's helpful to read your cautions that come with growth. Thank you for sharing.
I was very tentative when I first started. It wasn't until I took some time to really reflect (and started "The Artist's Way" again) that I realised how much I wanted to write. So, 8 months later, I went all in, and it's been a blast. I wouldn't change how it all unfolded. I wasn't in the right headspace to put myself out there. I needed the time.
I'm excited about your journey here. At least you can see that it is a safe, nurturing space, so if you do decide to shift up a gear, you know what to expect. But no rush. 😊
Incase helpful to anyone here you can bookmark the post creation page so you don’t have to go into dashboard at all. ✨❣️✨
Game changer!!! Thank you Claire!
You are so inspiring, so passionate and so deeply caring. Thank you for trying and encouraging others to try, thank you for helping me the other day, thank you for sharing your ups and downs and thank you for just inviting us to share with you too.
Thank you.
You are so welcome. It’s been a roller coaster, but a lot of that is self imposed!
I am so loving this space here. I love that I don’t have to play to the algorithm and the space feels so expansive..lat the same time, I can go as fast or as slow as I like!
Oh definitely a bit up and down - had a 'not so nice comment' left one of my YT videos, but then some lovely feedback from a buyer...such is life. And yes, totally relate to not getting hung up on subscriber numbers. Have a Post-It note pinned up saying 'Enjoy! Remember why you do it'! Thank you for being honest about the ups & downs - it's so easy to get downhearted when you just see posts about how these people, (who are they anyway?) jumped from 0 - 10k subscribers in the blink of an eye!
I know we need to run our own race, but it would help if we didn’t get tripped up by others (with their unhelpful words), or us sometimes!
I have heard of people talk about going back to the “why”. So important isn’t it!
Yesterday, I went out in nature, and that helped to put everything in perspective! It was great. There is life outside our four walls! 💕
I think most of us have been there mMika - caught up in a vicious cycle of dopamin rush&crush when checking out dashboard and subscribers count. It can drive you crazy. Thank you for being so honest about and sharing the tip of covering the number with your hand. Simple, yet effective 👍🩷
I really really appreciate being able to process this journey through writing. I want this to be something that is sustainable and in order to do that, I have to protect my mental health around it. I think it’s similar to what you talk about in your publication. Motherhood is a joy and also trying, so it’s finding ways to make sure the joy out ways the trying moments.
So exciting to see your journey here! And hearing about the other side. I also find it a rollercoaster, with flurries of subscribers (and dopamine!) then tumbleweed times. I know to let it all go. I try not to look at my dashboard figures though it’s hard when they are right there! 🫣
It’s been an interesting journey, that’s for sure. I had plans of documenting my journey of growing my Substack slowly and joyfully. The sudden uptick in Jan was very unexpected and now the numbers can be a little in people’s faces. Which I really didn’t want. I also had a moment where I thought, as things slow down, that’s now going to be out there for people to see. But I think that is reality, and that’s what I wanted to show. So it’s a tricky thing to navigate. I am just going to feel into what feels right and hopefully people will understand and feel the intent of what I put out there.
I really love this series of posts you do (and everything else you write). It’s inspiring me to reflect on my own Substack journey. It feels a bit helter skelter since I didn’t actually plan to be focussing on it at all. It’s been a really happy accident created by wanting somewhere to share what I was writing from a writing course I did in January. Now I’m trying to find that balance between writing for its own sake and writing for an outcome (I.e. creating a Substack post - not even worried about numbers on that). Seeing these posts really helps encourage me, so thank you 🙏
I will also eventually DM you because my friend writing about ADHD has created her Substack but hasn’t written yet. When she does, I’ll send it your way 😊
P.s. there’s a thing I’d love to do with interviewing people and writing about their story. It’s not a thing yet, but I’d love to add you to the short list of people if you’d be open to it? It’ll be a challenge for me, to do it with a relative stranger (do Substackers count as strangers? 🤔) but I think a fun one!
Thank you so much for your kind words. They mean a lot.
I think a lot of writers came on here to follow their passion of writing. All the other “stuff” can distract us from the real purpose of why we felt called to put “pen to paper”.
I’m coming to understand that my passions are to:
1. Share resources that help people
2. Build communities so people feel less alone
3. Have meaningful connections
Substack has been the perfect avenue to do all those things. So I’m so grateful.
Yes to be involved in your new project. Do you want to DM me and you can tell me what your vision is? I would love hear more about it.
Before I started posting frequently in January, I couldn’t have given you a decent reason as to why I write. I discovered, during that course, that it was to connect - with myself primarily and by default, and with others. Posting to substack has allowed me to connect more readily than I might have anywhere else. And far more positively.
So I completely get that aim to connect! It’s the nicest thing. Thank you for reminding me of that simple fact. I think I need to write it somewhere in giant letters 😂
Ah I’d love that! Yes I’ll DM you ☺️
I think that's why I love talking to Substack to other people! Where else can you have these beautiful deep conversations and connections with people all around the world? 🥰