What a difference a year makes
Fruits of a year of consistent writing, connecting and experimenting!
After dabbling on Substack, with the same 7 subscribers for 8 months, I download the Substack App and at the start of December 2023, I committed to writing every week.
That was a year ago.
I had no idea what an amazing creative outlet Substack would be!
In a year…
✿ I moved from being paralysed with perfectionism to embracing experimenting and openly shared my journey
✿ I worked on my mindset to make sure I didn’t let outside influences dampen my creativity
✿ I connected with amazing like-minded people
✿ I started doing more digital art
✿ I enjoyed sharing my little musings on Notes
✿ I leaned into my love of community engagement and got hired to do it
✿ I helped facilitate connections through the monthly Find Your Tribe community event
✿ I got over my paralysis and money mindset and turned on paid subscriptions - while keeping everything free (and had some lovely patrons support me 🥹)
✿ I created a magnetic bookmark, a little zine filled with my musings, and I turned a floral paper collage into a printable card. I sent these as a wee thank-you gift to my wonderful patrons. (Paid subscribers, if you haven’t already, please DM me your address so I can send one your way.)
✿ I had a place to share my raw thoughts and have people resonate with it
Like this piece:
Here’s an excerpt:
“I felt adrift, lacking routine, and struggling to find motivation. I found myself grappling with my own sense of purpose and direction.
The comfort and stability that once came with a job—the routine of each day, the ease of filling out "occupation" on forms, and confidently answering the question “what do you do?”—vanished overnight.”
Without a steady income and clear direction, I found myself questioning whether I was a freelancer, entrepreneur, or simply unemployed?!
Now, I want to…
✿ Continue to cultivate a calm, uplifting space and not get swept up in the changes on Substack and what other people are doing
✿ Put more of my musings and art into the world
✿ Document my journey of being brave and putting myself out there
✿ Build a supportive, fun network for women who often feel forgetful and like a mess—those who are quick to notice where they’re not measuring up and forget the incredible things they’re already doing.
Can you help me…
I’m exploring new ideas that have been on my heart for many years, and this year, I’d love to finally make them a reality. Your feedback will help me create something truly special for this community.
Those who fill out the survey will be sent my illustrated mobile lock screen as a thank you.
Thank you…
To everyone who has read, commented, shared, or subscribed—you will never know how much it meant to me.
I’m a so thankful that I found a place where I get to interact with such wise, thoughtful and uplifting people.
To my incredible patrons, I am endlessly grateful for your generosity and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and Anita Dollmanits.Here’s to another year of creating something meaningful together—a shared space of creativity, vulnerability, and connection.
With all my gratitude,
Mika
I have that quote from your phone tattooed across my upper back. One of my all-time favorites ❤️
You've had an awesome journey so far...here's to so much more! 🍾 🥂
I'm inspired by how you've taken small steps to turn your passions into reality – from creating magnetic bookmarks to hosting community events. It's a reminder that we don't have to have it all figured out to start making progress. Sometimes, it's the smallest actions that lead to the biggest breakthroughs. I can't wait to see what you create next!