15 Comments
User's avatar
Sam Holloway's avatar

I always read you because your words are pure, authentic, and not written for profit or gain. You are always indisputably you and it’s very uplifting. There’s not enough of that - even on Substack. You’re consistent and that gives us somewhere safe to go.

barbara ♡'s avatar

This really means so much to me Sam! Thank you for your words. Knowing this feels like a safe place for you is everything I hope it can be. Thank you for seeing me, and for being part of this little corner with me. I don’t take that lightly at all.

Nabanita's avatar

Congratulations! You are beginning to trust your self. That is the biggest win!

barbara ♡'s avatar

Thank you!! 🥹🫶 Trusting myself has been a slow, messy process, so hearing it reflected back like this feels definitely like a win.

Rache Brand's avatar

i love watching you evolve. it's been a pleasure to have your daily energy hits and excitement in life. Keep it going!

barbara ♡'s avatar

Thank you for your words and thank you for reading mine! Knowing that my little bursts of energy land with someone out there makes the whole thing feel worth it. 🥹 I’ll keep going, promise!

Not Exactly Ana's avatar

Keep going, girl! Big things are coming, I’m sure

barbara ♡'s avatar

Thank you!! 🩷 that really means a lot. I’m just taking it one step at a time and trusting where it’s going.

DLUx's avatar

And your point about voice trust developing through doing, not before it, that’s exactly right. Confidence follows action, not the other way round. You’re building foundations that will hold.

barbara ♡'s avatar

Thank you for your words. ❤️ And yes, exactly that. You are defintely right! I keep wanting confidence to show up first, like a polite guest, but it never does. It only arrives once I’ve already started.

A Little Bit Taller's avatar

There is a reason you have grown so steadily. We can see your voice, understand it and feel where it’s coming from. Keep being you. I’m lucky to have found you early on and watched you blossom. Keep growing.

barbara ♡'s avatar

This really got to me, thank you Matt! Being seen like that means everything. :) I’m so grateful you’re here and that you’ve been part of this from early on. Promise I’ll keep showing up as me and growing along the way. That is exactly what I want to do.

Hannah Torkelson's avatar

I am so glad you found something that brings you happiness! May you continue to grow as long as joy is in your heart here! ❤️

barbara ♡'s avatar

Thank you so much, that’s really kind of you. As long as there’s joy in this, I’m happily staying and growing here. Appreciate you ❤️

Lexis ✨'s avatar

Thank you so much for sharing your journey, Barbara! I just passed two months on Substack and definitely have been feeling that "full of doubt" place. Glad to know a shift is on the way!