Getting by with a Little Help from My Substack Friends
A gratitude journal isn't big enough to express my appreciation for so many Substack writers and friends. Introducing an exciting new series, featuring appreciated and talented writers.
Introducing a new series, My Substack Circle, highlighting and expressing gratitude for the wonderful writers, artists and friends who comprise my Substack Circle.
How many writers feel unseen?
How many of us dream of making an impact on readers who love us and our work?
Are you banging your head on a wall because you’d rather bleed blood than more beautiful words that go unread?
I feel you.
And I read you.
You are read. You are appreciated. You are talented and I love you.
I’m big on expressing gratitude. I like gratitude journals. But today, I need something more substantial because y’all need to hear me.
Read it again.
You are read. You are appreciated. You are talented and I love you.
This has not been my favorite week but I’ve smiled through it thanks to the profound connections I’ve made in this beautiful Substack community.
I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with
, an ambitious young Iranian woman striving to make a difference by studying how to heal childhood trauma using science, philosophy and wisdom on .Haniyeh, thank you for reminding me of how much I’ve learned, sharing your culture and wisdom - and for voicing how to live authentically.
(I’m shocked he hasn’t blocked me with all of the questions I’ve asked.)
I’m increasingly grateful to have a solid well-rounded writer to lead the way and spook me out with
. Or make me chuckle with .And thank you for marrying such a phenomenally talented woman,
and for being such a great husband to her (….or else). , thank you for uplifting me with the beauty you create. It brings memories of my favorite people and memories.
And I could never forget one of my favorites,
(but Philly over Brooklyn forever). He keeps me laughing and my spirits high in our witty conversations. Michael somehow delivers the perfect response in any situation - a rare gift. Michael, I know you are always rooting for me or laughing with me (as I laugh at myself).Sometimes, reading
in the morning can turn my day around. Thank you for the laughter, the entertainment, everything.Then there is
. Does anyone know exactly how to describe Nur, besides “humble narcissist?” The man posts adorable pups all day on - clearly he has a heart of gold and a killer sense of humor.But he also enjoys challenging the rest of us to rise to his level. Thank you for pushing me forward. We should combine our superpowers some day (we can try not to use them for evil).
While I’m not yet ready to share my current turmoil with the Catholic church,
has been a source of strength. In my darkest moments, this dear friend shined a light (his publication is appropriately named , get it?).I’ve also had the pleasure to see his uplifting effect on a very special Ukrainian refugee battling PTSD far from home. When I don’t know how to help her, I know Alexander does - but more importantly, he is willing to try. Alexander, “thank you” does not suffice.
Women everywhere should drop a note of gratitude to
, the voice women AND millennials need! I’m so glad you took time to center and are back. The authenticity and relatability of validates so much. We all have so much to learn about and from you.But, for now, Marie, thank you for making it okay for me to stop pushing myself to produce while curled up in the fetal position.
But, most especially,
- from her insightful poetry, encouraging words, peaceful demeanor, this woman is pure gold. We share such a rare, transcendent connection I savor and am so honored to work with her. Thank you for keeping me going and your poignant insights on the world.Thank you for including me on KISS. I love partnering with you and soaking in the powerful yet peaceful insights shared on
, developing exciting new publications, discovering brilliant creators and every interaction we have. We have so much ahead of us, my sister.
To each person I’ve mentioned here, I want to thank you for making my days brighter, slipping in a joke when I need it most, accepting me for who I am, confiding in me and all that you do.
And thank you, Substack for bringing us all together and allowing us to create. (Except for
- all credit to the Universe for that one).Next, I’m really looking forward to more
with , reading anything written by … and a list of brilliant women from , starting with .Oh! And I’m stoked to explore
’s - history of magic and storytelling? Perfect for October. Thank you in advance, Woman, demon, countess, or whatever the hell you are….
Thank you, my pretties. Write and read on.
Thanks for the mention <3 Happy to hear my stories are doing some good. And thank you for supporting other writers! You're inspiring me to do the same
A heartfelt gratitude post. I love the way how you recalled the highlights of every meaningful conversations you had. 🩷