Hello all my name is Miriam and I'm a writer and a month old here on substack, and I heard joining the substack community increase subscribers my substack is @Ecoverse if you could recommend tips i would deeply app
I'd suggest you check out @SarahFay and @Substack Writers at Work. That's been my training group for all I've learned about how to get started on Substack. Good luck, Miriam!
I’m swimming in synchronicity with this post, Laura – I'm also a deep diver who adores water. I, too, got an intuition last week to repeat that brave question. To ask my dearest friends, as I did 12 years ago, what they receive from me, my vibe.
Why do I find this so scary??? (maybe I'll show them my Substack refresh and ask how it feels). Thank you for sharing your process. 🙏🏼
Christine, I hope you give this a try. I’m always interested in the truth from my friends. I certainly have enough blind spots both to my strengths and my failings. I think honest feedback given with love is one of the greatest ways that I grow.
Laura, I firmly believe your substack community will grow into something extraordinary. I too have a tight group of close friends, I call them my psychic/spiritual family. They really know me, and love me, without blind adoration. Oh, and we laugh a lot.
Anyway, they coined a description of me as a "reluctant hero." I'd much rather be on the slopes, puttering in the garden or just enjoying the simple stuff. The day "Paperdolls" (intentionally misspelled because I believe we are all connected) came out, I walked to a local bookstore and bought myself a copy. I walked home, and put it on the shelf. I knew it would be part of my life, but not a major part of it.
Then, in the 2002 and 2003, I found out that two of my perpetrators (they were older teenage boys when they abused me) devolved into monstrous men. One abducted, tortured and murdered Kacie Woody. The other abducted Elizabeth Smart.
(By the way, only when I must will I say their names. I think we give far too much glory to these monsters. I want to honor the victims/survivors)
I was devastated for quite awhile. Particularly about Kacie Woody. I felt like my gift to help bring light into the world was for naught. And, in the deepest part of my heart, I wished that more people would have believed me. Maybe, Kacie Woody would still be alive. And, maybe the brave and stellar Elizabeth Smart wouldn't have suffered so immensely.
Hence the reluctant hero emerged again. And, I wrote the continuing story in honor of Kacie Woody and Elizabeth Smart. I dedicated the re-release to them.
In the deepest part of my soul, I know that for some reason, I'm here because I can be one more voice to try to bring awareness, hope and healing to survivors. And, maybe, maybe be one voice that helps end the atrocity of childhood sexual abuse.
I'd rather be skiing or walking the dog, but there you have it. The reluctant one. And one that many view as a hero.
April, thank you for all of this. I knew the first part of your story and your book, of course, but I didn't know that your perpetrators went on to abduct and murder. I completely honor your choice not to name them.
The concept of the reluctant hero is a beautiful one and despite your misgivings about having that mantle on your shoulder, you wear it well. I appreciate you carrying the mantle and I see you as a hero, too.
Ahh, my posse (as the orderly described them as he pushed me on the gurney to get my breast cancer surgery) will be thrilled with your agreement. I, well, maybe....reluctant is the key word for me in that description. We all see you as the courageous hero and natural leader. Hence, I am confident your substack community will grow to something exceptional.
Clarification on naming my perps: I have named 'em, and did name 'em in the recent release. Since those two are incapacitated (one in jail the other killed himself after he killed Kacie Woody) don't deserve much, and I'll avoid saying their despicible names when possible. As for Kacie Woody and Elizabeth Smart--I hope their names are etched in our collective hearts forever.
Have been wanting to respond to your email and will do so here by adding that you also have the rare gift of seeing others deeply and reflecting back to them their best selves and their value. And the courage to go down into the often painful darkness and translate it into accessible language. And your quiet generosity and willingness to be imperfect. Thank you for your friendship, caring and support. Much love and appreciation, Shauna
oh my dear old friend, I am carrying you in my heart. Thank you for taking this moment in your grief to say something so very kind and generous to a friend.
I think your vulnerability and transparency -- which you have so beautifully demonstrated with this post -- is a big part of your Substack DNA in helping people feel safe experiencing, and expressing, their deepest selves. So I'd say your teleology is spot on!
Wonderful Laura. And beautifully written too. My own purpose is to inspire and awaken others to live their lives in abundance, pleasure, joy; happiness, peace and contentment. It's been that for several decades now.
I've fulfilled that purpose in various different ways, currently it's through my newly emerging Embracing Ageing Substack and community. I'm so excited to see what happens with it all! And excited to see what you birth too!
as I said, in my article, what I’ve done has been really pretty consistent through the years. It’s just taking many different forms. My challenge was articulating it. Other people seem to be able to do it much better than I could, but now I could claim it for my own
I see you, Jane. I share that same desire and energy. Yet, I believe I can experience so much joyful, ecstatic living -- because of the depths I've been willing to explore. Does that resonate?
Thank you for sharing your path to your vision. As a fellow space holder, as well as multi passionate, I too have struggled with what and how to bring to my Substack. I appreciate your way of approaching it.
You’re welcome. I actially love recording the audio. I had a brief career in radio in my twenties. I love the soubd of the human vouce recorded. I recorded my own audiobook too.
I also love the sound of the human voice. I can only listen to books & I was dismayed to read today that they are going to start using AI for audiobooks.
Thanks Laura. Why is it that we human beings (in western society anyway) have such a hard time figuring out who we really, truly are? Is it that we are all so much more than one thing? I feel like I will be on my deathbed, staring into the abyss still in search of my “purpose” and “passion”.
The longer Trump rules the world and his shadow grows darker the more I want clarity about myself. With the future so murky and out of my control, I want to at least know where I want to go and what I want do. At 65, it still alludes me.
Maybe it’s not one thing, Cathy. You are a woman with so many talents. Maybe it’s what shows up when you carve away all the crap you don’t want to do. Or what makes your heart sing when no one else is around.
I, too, have been exploring what my presence should look like on Substack. I realized that the word should is a people-pleasing and creativity-killer act of marketing. After a year of fitting into a self-made box, I decided in January that I was too interesting to stay in it! I have many interests, a few passions, and fortunately for me, I am retired, so do not have to engage continuously in the numbers game. Still, the lifelong training of competitive achievement lurks here and there. I love what you wrote here and share a similar Substack desire to support, inform and inspire through my writing.
Sue, I love that what I wrote and resonated with your process. And what you said about self-made box being too interesting to stay in. Looks like we reached the same conclusion at the same time!
yes, exactly. I was discussing this with my brother the other day who has created a Substack account but not done anything with it. He also is a solopreneur. he was asking me what he should do with his account and I really stressed to him that you can’t just post and run. It’s about investing the energy to become part of a community. It takes time and effort, that is for sure.
I believe with all my heart that it is my opportunity to show up, remain constant and not wavering in showing people the physical beauty of the earth. I silk paint it, draw it, have soldered jewelry, have learned about many birds, and flowers, and tell it, and am trying to keep my heart open and receptive to hold the love of people and earth, while also being able to grieve for any losses, without losing who I AM. That is at least part of my DNA...as well as being a fierce warrior for social and political rights of people and all beings on the planet to survive and thrive in spite of greed!
thank you. I still have not been quite able to download the subtrack, although I do and am receiving some of them, so perhaps the computer literacy is not as bad as I thought.
So wonderful to read this post Laura! I knew from your notes that there was a resonance there, but I did not know your rich background and life experience. Sharing your telelogy/ DNA here really flushes it out. I also identify as an extrovert when it comes to processing and metabolizing. I so look forward to learning more as you share on this platform!
Thank you for sharing this journey of discovery with us, Laura! There is so much I could relate to in it. I especially loved "Although I’m introverted in many ways, I’m an extrovert when it comes to processing my thoughts, direction, dilemmas, and decisions." I've never heard a better description of my own experience in the world. And I've also gone back to discover something about myself I'd clarified in the past, then forgotten - in my case multiple journal entries and a bio used for speaking engagements. I love your surprise about the discovery of your website's wisdom.
But the most important thing is the accuracy of your conclusion... you DO build safe, supportive communities fueled by writing. I can testify to this as one who has experienced it over and over, whether a 2-hour workshop or a day- or week-long retreat, the magic of their alchemy is as mysterious as it is delightful. I am happily staying tuned for more!
Shoshana, thanks for that affirmation. And i love our use of the word "alchemy." That's a perfect descriptor.
And a shout out right back to you. It's always a gift to have your steady, honest, clear presence in a group. I love watching your explorations and your incredible courage to tell the truth on the page. You're a beautiful writer and you use words as tools for powerful exploration.
Laura, I love your quote: “I feel like a midwife as my students birth their stories…”
A great metaphor. Writing, like birth, requires vulnerability, effort, and the courage to bring something wholly new and raw into the world. It can be uncomfortable, even painful but also deeply transformative. And not just for the writer but for everyone who is a witness to this birth.
Your purpose, “I create sacred spaces for people to experience their deepest selves through writing in community,” resonates. I’m excited to see how your Substack continues to unfold, like a tapestry, richly woven with your whole, expansive voice.
And a beautiful photo. You look awestruck and at home beneath the water.
Laura,,
I loved reading your process on this! You've got me thinking about my own Substack DNA and how to live it fully. Thank you.
Jeanne, I wish you the best charting your path. Good luck with your discoveries and manifesting them here for us to enjoy.
Hello all my name is Miriam and I'm a writer and a month old here on substack, and I heard joining the substack community increase subscribers my substack is @Ecoverse if you could recommend tips i would deeply app
I'd suggest you check out @SarahFay and @Substack Writers at Work. That's been my training group for all I've learned about how to get started on Substack. Good luck, Miriam!
Thank you Laura 😊
I’m swimming in synchronicity with this post, Laura – I'm also a deep diver who adores water. I, too, got an intuition last week to repeat that brave question. To ask my dearest friends, as I did 12 years ago, what they receive from me, my vibe.
Why do I find this so scary??? (maybe I'll show them my Substack refresh and ask how it feels). Thank you for sharing your process. 🙏🏼
Christine, I hope you give this a try. I’m always interested in the truth from my friends. I certainly have enough blind spots both to my strengths and my failings. I think honest feedback given with love is one of the greatest ways that I grow.
Laura, I firmly believe your substack community will grow into something extraordinary. I too have a tight group of close friends, I call them my psychic/spiritual family. They really know me, and love me, without blind adoration. Oh, and we laugh a lot.
Anyway, they coined a description of me as a "reluctant hero." I'd much rather be on the slopes, puttering in the garden or just enjoying the simple stuff. The day "Paperdolls" (intentionally misspelled because I believe we are all connected) came out, I walked to a local bookstore and bought myself a copy. I walked home, and put it on the shelf. I knew it would be part of my life, but not a major part of it.
Then, in the 2002 and 2003, I found out that two of my perpetrators (they were older teenage boys when they abused me) devolved into monstrous men. One abducted, tortured and murdered Kacie Woody. The other abducted Elizabeth Smart.
(By the way, only when I must will I say their names. I think we give far too much glory to these monsters. I want to honor the victims/survivors)
I was devastated for quite awhile. Particularly about Kacie Woody. I felt like my gift to help bring light into the world was for naught. And, in the deepest part of my heart, I wished that more people would have believed me. Maybe, Kacie Woody would still be alive. And, maybe the brave and stellar Elizabeth Smart wouldn't have suffered so immensely.
Hence the reluctant hero emerged again. And, I wrote the continuing story in honor of Kacie Woody and Elizabeth Smart. I dedicated the re-release to them.
In the deepest part of my soul, I know that for some reason, I'm here because I can be one more voice to try to bring awareness, hope and healing to survivors. And, maybe, maybe be one voice that helps end the atrocity of childhood sexual abuse.
I'd rather be skiing or walking the dog, but there you have it. The reluctant one. And one that many view as a hero.
April, thank you for all of this. I knew the first part of your story and your book, of course, but I didn't know that your perpetrators went on to abduct and murder. I completely honor your choice not to name them.
The concept of the reluctant hero is a beautiful one and despite your misgivings about having that mantle on your shoulder, you wear it well. I appreciate you carrying the mantle and I see you as a hero, too.
Ahh, my posse (as the orderly described them as he pushed me on the gurney to get my breast cancer surgery) will be thrilled with your agreement. I, well, maybe....reluctant is the key word for me in that description. We all see you as the courageous hero and natural leader. Hence, I am confident your substack community will grow to something exceptional.
Clarification on naming my perps: I have named 'em, and did name 'em in the recent release. Since those two are incapacitated (one in jail the other killed himself after he killed Kacie Woody) don't deserve much, and I'll avoid saying their despicible names when possible. As for Kacie Woody and Elizabeth Smart--I hope their names are etched in our collective hearts forever.
I love that you have a “posse” there for you.
Dear Laura,
Have been wanting to respond to your email and will do so here by adding that you also have the rare gift of seeing others deeply and reflecting back to them their best selves and their value. And the courage to go down into the often painful darkness and translate it into accessible language. And your quiet generosity and willingness to be imperfect. Thank you for your friendship, caring and support. Much love and appreciation, Shauna
oh my dear old friend, I am carrying you in my heart. Thank you for taking this moment in your grief to say something so very kind and generous to a friend.
Let’s connect offline.
That is so lovely and heartfelt! Thank you (and Laura for inspiration)for posting it so we can all have a moment of true grace🥰
Joan, so lovely of you to say so. Thanks for coming by and taking the time to respond.
I think your vulnerability and transparency -- which you have so beautifully demonstrated with this post -- is a big part of your Substack DNA in helping people feel safe experiencing, and expressing, their deepest selves. So I'd say your teleology is spot on!
Fanen, thanks for saying so. I really appreciate that. I think example is always one of the greatest teachers.
Wonderful Laura. And beautifully written too. My own purpose is to inspire and awaken others to live their lives in abundance, pleasure, joy; happiness, peace and contentment. It's been that for several decades now.
I've fulfilled that purpose in various different ways, currently it's through my newly emerging Embracing Ageing Substack and community. I'm so excited to see what happens with it all! And excited to see what you birth too!
as I said, in my article, what I’ve done has been really pretty consistent through the years. It’s just taking many different forms. My challenge was articulating it. Other people seem to be able to do it much better than I could, but now I could claim it for my own
I see you, Jane. I share that same desire and energy. Yet, I believe I can experience so much joyful, ecstatic living -- because of the depths I've been willing to explore. Does that resonate?
Thank you for sharing your path to your vision. As a fellow space holder, as well as multi passionate, I too have struggled with what and how to bring to my Substack. I appreciate your way of approaching it.
Jenny, what have you come to for yourself?
Thanks for making this more accessible with audio. 💜
Also, I appreciate how you modeled your process of seeking important answers in your life. I love the group setting!!💞🥳
You’re welcome. I actially love recording the audio. I had a brief career in radio in my twenties. I love the soubd of the human vouce recorded. I recorded my own audiobook too.
I also love the sound of the human voice. I can only listen to books & I was dismayed to read today that they are going to start using AI for audiobooks.
Thanks Laura. Why is it that we human beings (in western society anyway) have such a hard time figuring out who we really, truly are? Is it that we are all so much more than one thing? I feel like I will be on my deathbed, staring into the abyss still in search of my “purpose” and “passion”.
The longer Trump rules the world and his shadow grows darker the more I want clarity about myself. With the future so murky and out of my control, I want to at least know where I want to go and what I want do. At 65, it still alludes me.
Maybe one day. Or not…
Maybe it’s not one thing, Cathy. You are a woman with so many talents. Maybe it’s what shows up when you carve away all the crap you don’t want to do. Or what makes your heart sing when no one else is around.
I, too, have been exploring what my presence should look like on Substack. I realized that the word should is a people-pleasing and creativity-killer act of marketing. After a year of fitting into a self-made box, I decided in January that I was too interesting to stay in it! I have many interests, a few passions, and fortunately for me, I am retired, so do not have to engage continuously in the numbers game. Still, the lifelong training of competitive achievement lurks here and there. I love what you wrote here and share a similar Substack desire to support, inform and inspire through my writing.
Sue, I love that what I wrote and resonated with your process. And what you said about self-made box being too interesting to stay in. Looks like we reached the same conclusion at the same time!
In Substack, like all social media, the winners are joiners. The people who think for themselves are... Well, we've all experienced high school : )
yes, exactly. I was discussing this with my brother the other day who has created a Substack account but not done anything with it. He also is a solopreneur. he was asking me what he should do with his account and I really stressed to him that you can’t just post and run. It’s about investing the energy to become part of a community. It takes time and effort, that is for sure.
I believe with all my heart that it is my opportunity to show up, remain constant and not wavering in showing people the physical beauty of the earth. I silk paint it, draw it, have soldered jewelry, have learned about many birds, and flowers, and tell it, and am trying to keep my heart open and receptive to hold the love of people and earth, while also being able to grieve for any losses, without losing who I AM. That is at least part of my DNA...as well as being a fierce warrior for social and political rights of people and all beings on the planet to survive and thrive in spite of greed!
I so love your warrior spirit. I’m glad you’re finding it again. It’s so easy to feel despairing these days.
thank you. I still have not been quite able to download the subtrack, although I do and am receiving some of them, so perhaps the computer literacy is not as bad as I thought.
So wonderful to read this post Laura! I knew from your notes that there was a resonance there, but I did not know your rich background and life experience. Sharing your telelogy/ DNA here really flushes it out. I also identify as an extrovert when it comes to processing and metabolizing. I so look forward to learning more as you share on this platform!
This is the best thing about Substack—meeting like-minded creatives!
Thank you for sharing this journey of discovery with us, Laura! There is so much I could relate to in it. I especially loved "Although I’m introverted in many ways, I’m an extrovert when it comes to processing my thoughts, direction, dilemmas, and decisions." I've never heard a better description of my own experience in the world. And I've also gone back to discover something about myself I'd clarified in the past, then forgotten - in my case multiple journal entries and a bio used for speaking engagements. I love your surprise about the discovery of your website's wisdom.
But the most important thing is the accuracy of your conclusion... you DO build safe, supportive communities fueled by writing. I can testify to this as one who has experienced it over and over, whether a 2-hour workshop or a day- or week-long retreat, the magic of their alchemy is as mysterious as it is delightful. I am happily staying tuned for more!
Shoshana, thanks for that affirmation. And i love our use of the word "alchemy." That's a perfect descriptor.
And a shout out right back to you. It's always a gift to have your steady, honest, clear presence in a group. I love watching your explorations and your incredible courage to tell the truth on the page. You're a beautiful writer and you use words as tools for powerful exploration.
Laura, I love your quote: “I feel like a midwife as my students birth their stories…”
A great metaphor. Writing, like birth, requires vulnerability, effort, and the courage to bring something wholly new and raw into the world. It can be uncomfortable, even painful but also deeply transformative. And not just for the writer but for everyone who is a witness to this birth.
Your purpose, “I create sacred spaces for people to experience their deepest selves through writing in community,” resonates. I’m excited to see how your Substack continues to unfold, like a tapestry, richly woven with your whole, expansive voice.
And a beautiful photo. You look awestruck and at home beneath the water.
Thanks, Mahi. I so appreciate the reflection. When I look at that picture, I really want to get underwater!