That’s so relatable.. I had just asked someone if indeed they were real !! On other platforms there are so many fake people and I was taken aback that the person I was reading and talking to was not only successful in life away from Substack but also I felt they were so genuine here .. no pretenses as to who they wanted us to see as them other than themselves as they feel and love themselves!!
So great post .. you said exactly what many of us feel in our souls !!🥰
Thank you so much! :) I know exactly what you mean. It’s rare to find spaces online that actually feel real, where people show up as themselves without trying to perform. That’s what I love most about being here too - it feels genuine. 🥰
Actually yes!! 🥹 It feels like such a full circle moment for my first month on Substack - having you here reading the post that exists because of you. You were the spark that got it all started. Thank you again for that ❤️
This was the best post I've read on starting your own substack, thank you for sharing Barbara! I am seeing so many people sharing content about how to grow your substack and how to hack the system, it all feels so instagram-y and exactly the opposite reason I came here. Substack for me has been a search for something more meaningful and real. Your post is why I love this space so much. real, honest, kind, and not obsessed with vanity metrics. x
Thank you so much for this. 🥹 It means a lot to hear that my post felt like a softer, more honest corner of the platform for you. I feel the same way about all the “growth hacks” floating around… it can start to feel like the very thing so many of us are trying to move away from.
I’m really grateful my words matched what you’re looking for here. Substack feels special because of people like you who value meaning over metrics. Thank you for taking the time to tell me this. :)
thank you for this! i just wrote my first post today, it’s truely terrifying putting my words out there for all to read, but also incredibly exciting! 🤍
Thank you for sharing this, and congratulations on your first post!!🫶🏻 Hitting publish for the first time is such a mix of fear and excitement, but it’s also one of the most powerful steps you can take. I’m really glad you’re here and putting your words into the world. Keep going, it only gets better from here. 🤍
I adore this oh my goodness! I just found out about this platform and started using it this week. So incredibly excited to have a writing platform with so many wonderful people!
I’m so glad you found your way here. ♥️ Substack really is such a warm, inspiring space when you land in the right corners. Excited for you and everything you’ll create here and happy we crossed paths already. :)
I love that - it’s such a good intention to have. The community here is honestly one of the best parts of Substack. Reading and connecting more really makes it feel like home. :)
I just commented on one of your notes asking what worked for you, then stumbled on this! Thank you for sharing and I hope you’ll keep up the good work!
Just saw that too, thank you for sharing! I think what I’m enjoying most about substack so far is everyone seems to be so friendly and genuine instead of self-promoting and fake, like most platforms. It’s really fun and reassuring and makes me want to share more on here!
this is SUCH a beautiful post, and I love that you found home on substack and a place where you can finally share your words without hiding, and also have them touch people's hearts 🥹 i haven't read any of your other posts, but going to go do that right after, and I can't wait to see all the words you write and stories you tell in the coming months ❤️ congratulations on a whole month of substack!!!
Ahh this is so kind, thank you 🥹 it really means a lot to know the words landed that way. Substack has been such a special space to open up and actually be seen. I’m so happy you’re here - can’t wait to read more of your work too ❤️
Barbara, this feels like a lantern held out for anyone tiptoeing into a new room. I felt that same “quiet invitation” you describe—after years of trying platforms that never felt like home, this one finally does. Your Notes practice as “little truths” makes sense; they’re like open windows, not billboards. And I love your reminder to pair consistency with kindness—show up, but don’t grind the voice out of yourself. Congratulations on a luminous first month. Real over polished—that’s the line I’m keeping~
This is such a beautiful message - thank you for writing it!! I really love how you describe things: a “lantern held out,” that’s exactly the feeling I hope to create here. And yes, real over polishe! that’s the line I’m keeping too. :) 🤍
That’s so relatable.. I had just asked someone if indeed they were real !! On other platforms there are so many fake people and I was taken aback that the person I was reading and talking to was not only successful in life away from Substack but also I felt they were so genuine here .. no pretenses as to who they wanted us to see as them other than themselves as they feel and love themselves!!
So great post .. you said exactly what many of us feel in our souls !!🥰
Thank you so much! :) I know exactly what you mean. It’s rare to find spaces online that actually feel real, where people show up as themselves without trying to perform. That’s what I love most about being here too - it feels genuine. 🥰
Nooooo wait you started substack because of my TikTok? 🥹 I feel so honored. 🤍
Actually yes!! 🥹 It feels like such a full circle moment for my first month on Substack - having you here reading the post that exists because of you. You were the spark that got it all started. Thank you again for that ❤️
I love this so much 🥹
Absolutely EPIC that she's reading this🥹🫰🏿🩵
This was the best post I've read on starting your own substack, thank you for sharing Barbara! I am seeing so many people sharing content about how to grow your substack and how to hack the system, it all feels so instagram-y and exactly the opposite reason I came here. Substack for me has been a search for something more meaningful and real. Your post is why I love this space so much. real, honest, kind, and not obsessed with vanity metrics. x
Thank you so much for this. 🥹 It means a lot to hear that my post felt like a softer, more honest corner of the platform for you. I feel the same way about all the “growth hacks” floating around… it can start to feel like the very thing so many of us are trying to move away from.
I’m really grateful my words matched what you’re looking for here. Substack feels special because of people like you who value meaning over metrics. Thank you for taking the time to tell me this. :)
My own conclusions after just a few weeks, but laid out beautifully...Thank you
Thank you for taking the time reading it. Happy it resonated and you got a similar experience :)
Wowww this is great.
Ive been on here for 10 days about. I really really love it!!
Thank you, that makes me really happy. Substack has such a special vibe, and I’m glad you’re loving it already. Excited you’re here. :)
thank you for this! i just wrote my first post today, it’s truely terrifying putting my words out there for all to read, but also incredibly exciting! 🤍
Thank you for sharing this, and congratulations on your first post!!🫶🏻 Hitting publish for the first time is such a mix of fear and excitement, but it’s also one of the most powerful steps you can take. I’m really glad you’re here and putting your words into the world. Keep going, it only gets better from here. 🤍
Such an insightful helpful post. Truly I thank you for sharing bits of your own journey. 🦋💕
I’m glad my post resonated and helped you!! Thank you for reading ✨😊
Great insights… thanks for sharing <3
Wonderfully written ❤️
Substack really feels like home. Thank you for the helpful tips.
Thank you, glad the tips helped you !! And happy you found a home here too :)
I adore this oh my goodness! I just found out about this platform and started using it this week. So incredibly excited to have a writing platform with so many wonderful people!
I’m so glad you found your way here. ♥️ Substack really is such a warm, inspiring space when you land in the right corners. Excited for you and everything you’ll create here and happy we crossed paths already. :)
This made me realize that I don't engage enough. I want to start reading more, and getting to know the community that lives here
I love that - it’s such a good intention to have. The community here is honestly one of the best parts of Substack. Reading and connecting more really makes it feel like home. :)
I just commented on one of your notes asking what worked for you, then stumbled on this! Thank you for sharing and I hope you’ll keep up the good work!
I just read your comment and actually linked this exact post in my reply! Thank you for reading and for the kind words, it really means a lot. :)
Just saw that too, thank you for sharing! I think what I’m enjoying most about substack so far is everyone seems to be so friendly and genuine instead of self-promoting and fake, like most platforms. It’s really fun and reassuring and makes me want to share more on here!
Thanks for the reply, appreciate you! :)
this is SUCH a beautiful post, and I love that you found home on substack and a place where you can finally share your words without hiding, and also have them touch people's hearts 🥹 i haven't read any of your other posts, but going to go do that right after, and I can't wait to see all the words you write and stories you tell in the coming months ❤️ congratulations on a whole month of substack!!!
Ahh this is so kind, thank you 🥹 it really means a lot to know the words landed that way. Substack has been such a special space to open up and actually be seen. I’m so happy you’re here - can’t wait to read more of your work too ❤️
Loved this read, sums up a lot of how I feel about Substack and the tips are helpful! Can't wait to carry on reading your work and watch you grow!
Thank you so much - that really means a lot! I’m so glad the post resonated and that the tips were helpful. Excited to have you here ✨
Barbara, this feels like a lantern held out for anyone tiptoeing into a new room. I felt that same “quiet invitation” you describe—after years of trying platforms that never felt like home, this one finally does. Your Notes practice as “little truths” makes sense; they’re like open windows, not billboards. And I love your reminder to pair consistency with kindness—show up, but don’t grind the voice out of yourself. Congratulations on a luminous first month. Real over polished—that’s the line I’m keeping~
This is such a beautiful message - thank you for writing it!! I really love how you describe things: a “lantern held out,” that’s exactly the feeling I hope to create here. And yes, real over polishe! that’s the line I’m keeping too. :) 🤍
So glad it resonated, Barbara~ your space carries that same quiet light~
Fantastic tips. Thanks for sharing this piece.
Thank you so much, I’m really glad you found it helpful! :)