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Have you ever poured your heart into a Substack post, hit “publish,” and wondered if anyone even saw it?

You are not alone and it is not your writing. Substack does not reward posting alone. It rewards connection: real people reading your words, real engagement, real visibility.

That is exactly why I created Spotlight Circle.

A small, intentional group of creators supporting each other each week can transform how your work is seen:

✨ Your posts will be read
✨ Your voice will be heard
✨ You will never wonder if your work is being seen again

Plus, as a member, you will receive exclusive bonuses:

🎁 Weekly Notes Boosts to help your posts gain visibility
🎁 Regular connection in a small, supportive cohort
🎁 Spotlight opportunities to share your work and expand your reach
🎁 Membership bonus: Receive my 45-page Substack Success Blueprint ebook ($12.99 value) — included for all members!
🎁 Special Early-Bird Bonus: The first 10 members also get my Savoring Substack: What Matters Most ~ Celebrating 29 Inspiring Voices ebook ($12.99 value)
🎁 Exclusive freebies focused on creative growth, community, and gratitude

All of this for just $5 per month—less than the cost of a latte and a small step to get your work truly seen and celebrated. 😊

The first circle begins Tuesday, April 7.

If this resonates, I would love for you join Spotlight Circle.

💖 → Join Spotlight Circle

Wishing you countless moments of being seen, heard, and celebrated today.

With much love and gratitude,
Lis

________________________

Recently published

A five-month Substack conversation and the moment trust was lost

This Connection Seemed Real Until It Wasn’t

Savor Life Studio Weekly Schedule

Tuesdays – Anchor Post
Personal reflections + life at 60

Fridays – Shout-Outs
Highlighting inspiring Substack voices

Sundays – Freebie Post
Calm & creative gifts for your week ahead

________________________

Savor Life Studio ~ Create, Connect, and Grow in Peace
is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts
and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Subscribe now

New subscribers are always welcome here — encouraged and appreciated more than words can say.

☕️ Coffee 💖
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be truly honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this creative space alive. Wishing you a day full of peace and beautiful moments.

________________________

🌿 Want to know more about Savor Life Studio?
Come take a peek behind the scenes and meet Lis, explore the mission, and pick up some peaceful freebies to add more calm and clarity to your days.

Have you ever poured your heart into a Substack post only to feel like no one noticed?

You spend hours carefully crafting your words, sharing your story, and hoping your message will resonate. And sometimes, it feels like your work quietly disappears into the void.

You are not alone. Many creators experience this. They write, publish, and wait for connection that doesn’t always come.

Throughout my first year on Substack, one question kept returning:
How can more creative works and voices be lifted and seen within a community?

What if there were a way to move beyond the silence, connect with other creators, and have your work genuinely seen, heard, and celebrated?

Why this matters

As creators, we all want to feel that our work matters, that our voices are reaching someone, and that our efforts are not going unnoticed. Yet so often, our posts get lost beneath good intentions and overflowing inboxes.

After a full year on Substack, one truth has stayed with me: we do not just need more content. We need more connection. When we grow together, overwhelm takes a back seat to connection and collaboration.

Introducing Spotlight Circle

A small, intentional, paid community designed to help your work be seen, shared, and supported consistently.

How it works

• Every week, you’ll join a small cohort of 10 creators
• You’ll read and comment on just 3 posts—your only commitment
• By supporting one another, creators naturally expand their reach and grow their audiences together

What you receive

• Weekly spotlight opportunities to share your work and expand your reach
• Weekly Notes Boosts to help your posts gain visibility and engagement
• Your work noticed and celebrated by fellow creators each week
• A supportive, uplifting creative community where members inspire and lift each other up
• Simple tools and guidance to help you share, grow, and attract meaningful engagement
• Exclusive freebies focused on gratitude, mindfulness, and inspiration
• A welcoming, collaborative space to connect, flourish, and grow organically

A special bonus

You will also receive my 45-page Substack Success Blueprint Ebook, a $12.99 value, included with your membership.

Why join now

Spotlight Circle is designed to foster connection, quality, and real engagement. It’s about your work being seen, supported, and celebrated.

When we begin

The first Spotlight Circle will commence on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026. I would love for you to be part of it.

Special Early-Bird Bonus

The first 10 creators to upgrade to a paid membership will receive my exclusive ebook: Savoring Substack: Celebrating 29 Inspiring Voices—a collection to uplift, inspire, and fuel your creative journey.

This is my way of saying thank you for joining early and helping the Spotlight Circle community thrive.

How to join

If you have been wanting more eyes on your work, deeper connection, and a way to grow alongside other creators, this is for you.

Join for only $5/month — less than a latte, and your work gets seen! 😊

Click here to join Spotlight Circle

Let’s lift each other up

Together, we can create a space where every voice is seen, heard, and celebrated. I could not be more excited to watch the Spotlight Circle grow and see your creativity thrive.

With much love and gratitude,
Lis 💖

________________________

Recently published

A five-month Substack conversation and the moment trust was lost

This Connection Seemed Real Until It Wasn’t

Savor Life Studio Weekly Schedule

Tuesdays – Anchor Post
Personal reflections + life at 60

Fridays – Shout-Outs
Highlighting inspiring Substack voices

Sundays – Freebie Post
Calm & creative gifts for your week ahead

Your Spotlight Circle Welcome Gift

Join Spotlight Circle, my intentional paid community for creators, and receive my exclusive Substack Success Blueprint.

Inside, you’ll learn how to:
• Establish a daily routine for succesTire
• Define what success means to you
• Choose content themes
• Outline goals and aspirations
• Identify your unique strengths

This ebook complements your membership, helping you grow your audience and share your work with a supportive circle of fellow creators.

________________________

Savor Life Studio ~ Create, Connect, and Grow in Peace
is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts
and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Subscribe now

New subscribers are always welcome here — encouraged and appreciated more than words can say.

☕️ Coffee 💖
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be truly honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this creative space alive. Wishing you a day full of peace and beautiful moments.

________________________

Savor Life Studio Group ~ Pause, Reflect, Enjoy

✨ Looking for a space to pause, share, and celebrate the little joys in life? ✨

I’ve just reopened my Facebook group, now with 60 members! Savor Life Studio is a friendly, supportive space to share the little things that bring gratitude, like music, art, pets, nature, cooking, and photographs or quotes.

I would love to have you join us, connect with others, explore gentle mindfulness tools, and enjoy meaningful conversations.

Lis 💖

Join → Savor Life Studio

________________________

🌿 Want to know more about Savor Life Studio?
Come take a peek behind the scenes and meet Lis, explore the mission, and pick up some peaceful freebies to add more calm and clarity to your days.

Subscribe now

The night before I leave on vacation plays out like a scene in the movie Groundhog Day.

The same question swirls around in my brain, and a small panic settles in the pit of my stomach.

What if something happens to us and we don’t return from vacation?

And then all the other turbo-charged thoughts arrive in full armor, clamoring for one-on-one time with my overwhelmed amygdala, while the same incessant thought pounds a syncopated rhythm into my brain.

Not one relative or close friend knows where we keep the following information:

• Passwords

• Insurance policies

• Mortgage and property information

Not to mention:

• Credit card info

• Bank account info

• Trust documents

• Important contacts

And I’m quick to remind myself that no one even knows the password to my friendly iMac, nor how to get into the house if they need to.

These repetitive thoughts are a recent phenomenon. A few short years ago (seven, to be exact), I would breeze out of town and rarely give one tiny thought to any of the above concerns.

Not. One. Thought.

As with most things in life, we don’t see monumental change on the horizon. It often arrives without thunderous applause and leaves us quaking within the folds of grief, doubt, sadness, despair, and a myriad of other unwelcome emotions.

Well, that was my experience one early September afternoon, when I received the shocking news that my eldest brother had passed suddenly. Within the first few moments of hearing this news, I began to wonder if I would ever be able to catch my breath again in this lifetime.

What Loss and Grief Dialed High Taught Me

Losing my brother was the beginning of a lengthy journey through grief and loss. Four more elders passed within the following six years, each one etching a permanent piece within my stained-glass tapestry of grief.

And what did I learn?

Grief arrives in an infinite number of forms and carries its own weight and personality.

It can feel like 10,000 pounds pressing down on your chest, or it can simply render you helpless, bedridden, and completely exhausted.

And these are only two of the many ways it may show up in real time, demanding your full attention.

No matter how it arrives, no one escapes the loss of a loved one and the feelings it deposits in its wake, which often include:

Sadness dialed high

Fog-ridden hours, or days, or months

Frustration

Anger

Exhaustion

Inability to cope

When you are in the throes of intense grief, you do not have the bandwidth to deal with wonderings and worries around where Mom placed her important documents, or how to locate Dad’s bank accounts.

I wish to repeat that statement. You do not have the bandwidth.

When I looked back upon these stressful days of loss within my own life, two repetitive themes rose to the top:

1. Do not burden your loved ones with the worry of how best to honor your end-of-life wishes.

2. Give your loved ones the information they need, in the easiest format possible.

One of the kindest gifts you can leave behind for loved ones is the clarity of knowing how to honor your wishes, without wading through landfills of stress and worry.

Subscribe now

A Gift for When I’m Gone

That is why I created something simple… something gentle… something that could truly help.

The call to create a quick, easy format for sharing important documents and end-of-life wishes became a quiet but steady pull I could not ignore.

I was not interested in creating a complicated 50+ page document that would most likely end up at the very bottom of someone’s “To Do When I’m Completely Bored” pile of excess paperwork.

Instead, I wondered…

Can I create a document that someone can complete in one afternoon?

Bingo. That felt 110% helpful and could bring immense relief to both the organizer and the people who would share the document.

Two wins in one.

And so began the creation of A Gift for When I’m Gone.

This digital download can be completed in one quiet afternoon and may become one of the most thoughtful gifts you leave behind.

Not only did I have wonderful fun creating these documents, but they also gently erased the incessant voices of worry every time I head out the door on vacation.

A Gift for When I’m Gone includes the following pages:

1. How to Complete this Kit in One Afternoon

2. Important People to Contact

3. Important Accounts (bank, insurance, retirement)

4. Passwords and Digital Accounts

5. Important Document Locations

• Will

• Insurance papers

• Property deeds

• Birth certificates

• Safe deposit box

• Password Manager location

6. Your End-of-Life Wishes

• Memorial or Celebration of Life

• Music or readings you love

• Burial or cremation

• Anything important you wish to be remembered

7. Notes for the People You Love (this is my most treasured section)

8. Notes & Reflections

Four Bonus Pages

• Where to Find This Guide

• A Few Final Thoughts

• A Final Note of Love

• Blank-lined page

The Greatest Gift You Can Leave Behind

When we are breezing through life’s daily rhythms, it’s challenging to stop, pause, and think about what life will be like for our loved ones when we depart this earthly realm.

I am no expert on grief, but I have experienced firsthand the stress, chaos, frustration, and confusion borne out of not knowing or understanding a loved one’s final wishes.

Grief and loss are universal, and we all can ease our loved ones’ pain once we have departed this earthly realm by gifting them an organized framework from which to navigate the days, weeks, and months that follow.

If this touches your heart, you’re warmly invited to download A Gift for When I’m Gone. The price has been kept intentionally gentle so that anyone who wishes to benefit from it can do so easily.

CLICK HERE → A Gift for When I’m Gone $14.99

Bonus Included with Every Purchase

As a small token of gratitude, I’ve also included Savor the Moment: A Simple Guide to Mindful Living with your purchase. It’s a gentle companion to this guide, created to bring more presence and calm into your daily life.

If we take the time to wrap our end-of-life wishes and personal information in calm, clear terms, we can ease our loved ones’ hearts while also bringing lasting peace to our own.

When our final act is one of love, kindness, and care, I can think of no better way to honor those who hold a sacred and cherished place within our hearts.

If you feel called to share this with someone who may benefit, please feel free to pass it along or restack.

Questions

• Have you ever had to help organize someone’s affairs after they passed?

• What was the most difficult part?

Steady on, and may you be the light that ignites countless flames soaring toward their highest and most profound destiny.

With much love and gratitude,

Lis 💖💖💖

________________________

Recently published

A five-month Substack conversation and the moment trust was lost

This Connection Seemed Real Until It Wasn’t

Savor Life Studio Weekly Schedule

Tuesdays – Anchor Post
Personal reflections + life at 60

Fridays – Shout-Outs
Highlighting inspiring Substack voices

Sundays – Freebie Post
Calm & creative gifts for your week ahead

Savor Life Studio ~ Create, Connect, and Grow in Peace
is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts
and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Subscribe now

New subscribers are always welcome here — encouraged and appreciated more than words can say.

☕️ Coffee 💖
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be truly honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this creative space alive. Wishing you a day full of peace and beautiful moments.

________________________

Savor Life Studio Group ~ Pause, Reflect, Enjoy

✨ Looking for a space to pause, share, and celebrate the little joys in life? ✨

I’ve just reopened my Facebook group, now with 60 members! Savor Life Studio is a friendly, supportive space to share the little things that bring gratitude, like music, art, pets, nature, cooking, and photographs or quotes.

I would love to have you join us, connect with others, explore gentle mindfulness tools, and enjoy meaningful conversations.

Lis 💖

Join → Savor Life Studio

________________________

🌿 Want to know more about Savor Life Studio?
Come take a peek behind the scenes and meet Lis, explore the mission, and pick up some peaceful freebies to add more calm and clarity to your days.

Subscribe now

It all began with such innocence. A quiet direct message filled with gracious light, which I promptly ignored. My general rule within cyber security is to blissfully ignore private direct messages from unknown senders.

And so I did. Ignore. Over the course of several days (perhaps weeks) three more kind, heart-filled direct messages landed in my inbox. And eventually the hook landed, I swallowed the bait, and the dance was on.

The Long Game ~ Patience and Empathy Lead the Way

Over the next five months (Yes, five!), a gentle, interesting, and heartwarming conversation ensued with Substacker X.

Questions were intermingled with good wishes, and over time, I learned:

• X worked in the medical field

• Has a relative with a very serious health condition

• Is trying hard to find more peace within work/life balance

And on and on…

Every step of the way, there were thin, tender strands of doubt watching from afar, begging to be fed and nurtured along the way.

Is he really who he says he is?

How come he rarely talks about himself?

Why does he never talk about his profession?

The correspondence lit up with mountains of grace and soul-filling wishes. Substack “Likes” were handed out like Halloween candy, and the bond was secured.

When Doubt Comes Knocking

Somewhere along the way, doubts crept into the cracks of our correspondence, and I went seeking answers.

I crossed over to Facebook and discovered that X was using his last name as his first name, and he was cross-posting the very same messages on both platforms. Not unusual, but it let me know I had found the same person.

On both Facebook and Substack, there were no photographs of X, only restacked photos of art, flowers, and the occasional small nod to something medical.

It all seemed legitimate, but something was missing. Actually, everything was missing.

*No personal photos
*No real-life experiences
*Nothing that screamed, this is who I am!

When AI Sneaks in the Back Door

I began to notice that X’s messages sounded quite a bit like my voice. With over three decades in the literary realm, I noticed his word patterns were much like my own.

Similar phrasing
No mistakes within his messages, ever!
Always rephrasing and parroting back with deep and soul-filling empathy.

I could almost feel his fingers typing out the prompt to ChatGPT:

“Respond to the following message (copy and pasted my words) with empathy, compassion, and grace, and add in that I enjoy piano, need more time for rest, and hope to work less over the next couple of months.”

And then hitting “Send.”

What makes this scenario so frightening is that technological advances have amplified and enabled the hack.

Now, it is easier than ever to impersonate, imitate, and emulate our fellow human creators.

Here’s What You Need to Know

We have entered a new era in which time is no longer of the essence. This is not like the days of yore when someone would receive an urgent phone call asking for cash to bail out a distant relative.

This scam arrives in soft, gentle hues, walking along a sandy shore, with patience dialed high.

No rush
No fury
No fire

Just simple, grace-filled moments of peace, light, and love carried on wings of tender compassion, in the form of caring words and sentences. And then one day, it arrives, and your entire being freezes.

When the Big Ask FINALLY Arrives

In my most recent correspondence, I had mentioned to X that I would be leaving town to meet with my dear friend.

When his message arrived, and my eyes scanned his mammoth-sized betrayal, my entire being tensed, and dread and disappointment seeped into every crevice.

I was in my studio loft and called out to my husband:

“How disappointing! There goes a Substack relationship down the tubes.”

X told me there was something he needed to ask, but didn’t feel entirely comfortable doing so, along with the following information:

*Finances were stretched thin
*Hoping I might be able to offer a bit of support
*No expectations or pressure

And there it was. X’s words, in black-and-white print, sliding off the page and into my heart, carrying enormous doses of empathy and compassion.

Yet, the only thing pulsating through my overwhelmed brain was the words:

Misled
Misguided
Misaligned
Misunderstanding
and ultimately, MISTRUST.

I kept thinking to myself, “WHO DOES THAT?”

Inner Turmoil, and Listening to Gentle Intuition

Every ounce of my being told me his gentle ask for funds was not okay, today, tomorrow, ever. And so, I gave myself a time-out to think about next steps.

When you are a person who shares light and love with the world and believes in the goodness within every single human being, a situation such as this requires careful consideration.

When Clarity Comes Knocking

Once settled into my hotel room, it became clear that I had one of three options:

1. Explain my feelings of discomfort and disappointment to X, and continue corresponding.

2. Explain my feelings of discomfort and disappointment to X, and say, “Farewell.”

3. Block X forever and cut off all communication.

In recent years, I found myself in situations where I felt compelled to explain myself to loved ones when I was not behaving in ways they found acceptable.

These situations led me down a long, harrowing path that eventually brought clarity, freedom, and light in giant doses to my life. I learned the following:

1. I never have to explain myself to anyone, unless I choose to do so.

2. When someone shows you their true selves, believe every action and word.

3. Without trust, there is no relationship.

And so, it became clear that X was no longer going to be a part of my Substack experience, or my life, and I blocked him that very evening.

In one click of a key, five months of communication was gone, severed and spiraling into the dark cyberspace abyss of nothingness and no return.

Why Tell the Story

I share this story with you in the most sincere hope that you never, ever find yourself in a similar situation, and if you do, you will see it for what it is before it ever takes flight within your heart.

I’ve spent decades navigating life behind a computer screen, and I’m very comfortable within the technological realm. Yet, this knowledge did not keep me from getting my heartstrings pulled, tangled, and eventually spiraling into a terminal free fall.

As for X, I wish him the very best in life. Most importantly, I hope he finds new and healthier ways to relate to humans and learns that transactional relationships often lack deep emotional intimacy and do not align mind, body, and spirit in ways that are soul-filling and life-sustaining.

Top Security Reminders for Substack Users

Substack often feels like stepping into a garden of decadence, steeped with light, love, knowledge, and beauty dialed high.

I have been reminded:

• Keep a cautious eye toward the unknown
  Pay attention to anything that feels off or inconsistent.

• Protect your inbox and trust your instincts
  Avoid engaging immediately with unsolicited messages.

• Verify identities across platforms
  Check profiles and content for consistency across different sites.

• Be wary of financial or personal requests
  Never send money or sensitive information to someone you only know online.

I will never know if X’s words were all true, partially true, or completely fabricated. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter.

For I will always remember how his final missive made me feel, and that, in the end, carried more weight than 10,000 shared pathways.

Steady on, and may you be the light that ignites countless flames soaring toward their highest and most profound destiny.

With much love and gratitude,

Lis 💖💖💖

Photo Credits:
Cover Image: Daniel Stanitzki ~ Unsplash

________________________

Recently published

A quick 5-minute routine to start your morning with gratitude and self-care:
Transform Your Day in 5 Minutes: The 3-3-3 Morning Routine

Savor Life Studio Weekly Schedule

Tuesdays – Anchor Post
Personal reflections + life at 59 (soon to be 60)

Fridays – Shout-Outs
Highlighting inspiring Substack voices

Sundays – Freebie Post
Calm & creative gifts for your week ahead

Savor Life Studio ~ Create, Connect, and Grow in Peace
is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts
and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Subscribe now

New subscribers are always welcome here — encouraged and appreciated more than words can say.

☕️ Coffee 💖
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be truly honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this creative space alive. Wishing you a day full of peace and beautiful moments.

PS — This post is public, so please feel free to restack and share with others. Thank you! 💖

________________________

Savor Life Studio ~ Pause, Reflect, Enjoy

✨ Looking for a space to pause, share, and celebrate the little joys in life? ✨

💖 Join Savor Life Studio

I’ve just reopened my Facebook group, now with 59 members! This is a friendly, supportive space to share the little things that bring gratitude, like music, art, pets, nature, cooking, and photographs or quotes.

I would love to have you join us, connect with others, explore gentle tools for mindfulness, and enjoy meaningful conversations.

Lis 💖

Join → Savor Life Studio

________________________

🌿 Want to know more about Savor Life Studio?
Come take a peek behind the scenes and meet Lis, explore the mission, and pick up some peaceful freebies to add more calm and clarity to your days.

It was pure joy joining John Rinaldo on Stories, Soul Work & Substack.

I would be delighted if you gave it a listen.

Much love and gratitude,
Lis 💖💖💖

Subscribe now

The alarm rings. My feet touch the ground. A hundred thoughts swirl through my mind, and suddenly the day is underway. Schedules, meetings, emails, and an endless stream of responsibilities pull for my attention.

Sound familiar?

For years I lived on the treadmill of constant activity and exhaustion, without realizing something incredibly simple: every single action we take each day is a choice.

• What if intention became the foundation of our actions?

• What if organization offered the framework for our days?

• What if routines gently guided the rhythm of daily life?

The most powerful transformations rarely come from hours of planning. They come from small, intentional actions practiced consistently. Sometimes those actions take only five minutes.

Why Five Minutes Matters

A simple five-minute routine can bring remarkable balance, peace, and clarity into your life. Best of all, it can take place within the first few moments of your morning.

· No stress

· No complicated planning

· No overwhelm

Just five quiet minutes of thoughtful reflection. When we intentionally reflect upon gratitude, goals, and self-care, we gently remind ourselves what deserves our attention throughout the day.

Daily action.
Small steps.
Big change.

Introducing the 3-3-3 Morning Routine

Rather than jumping out of bed at the sound of the alarm, I now begin my morning with slow, intentional breathing. I use a simple box breathing technique that follows a sixteen-second rhythm:

Box Breathing Technique

Inhale for four seconds
Hold for four seconds
Exhale for four seconds
Hold for four seconds

After a minute or two of box breathing, I move into the 3-3-3 Morning Routine, which helps guide my intentions for the day. It’s simple, calming, and surprisingly powerful.

Step 1 – Gratitude (3 Things)

Think of three people, places, or experiences that fill your heart with gratitude. Gratitude teaches us to slow down and savor life’s moments. If you’d like to dive deeper into the health and happiness benefits of gratitude, you can read my article Daily Gratitude: 7 Simple Habits That Will Change Your Life.

Some examples of where to place your focus:

• Family members or close friends

• A walk on the beach or a favorite forest trail

• A cherished memory from a vacation or meaningful outing

• A simple act of kindness you witnessed

• A favorite book, meal, or song

Visualize these people or moments and allow yourself to feel appreciation for them. Let your heart expand with light and love.

Step 2 – Daily Goals (3 Things)

Ask yourself: what are the three most important things I want to accomplish today? Keep your goals realistic and achievable. Small wins create momentum and reinforce feelings of progress.

Some examples of daily goals:

• Finish outlining a writing project

• Go grocery shopping and drop off recycling

• Catch up on correspondence

• Prepare for a meeting or creative project

• Organize one area of your home or workspace

Focus on what will keep your day moving forward while creating a sense of accomplishment.

Step 3 – Daily Self-Care (Mind, Body, Spirit)

Dedicate attention to your mind, body, and spirit. These small acts often become the most meaningful part of the practice because they shape how you feel all day.

Some ideas:
Mind

· Read an article or a few pages of a book

· Memorize the lyrics to a new song

Body

· Take a walk or practice yoga for thirty minutes

· Stretch and move intentionally

Spirit

· Spend twenty minutes journaling

· Play an instrument or take photos of nature

Select one action or intention for your mind, body, and spirit.

Even these small moments of self-care ripple into your entire day, fostering calm, clarity, and inspiration.

Subscribe now

Quick Recap of a 5-Minute Morning Routine

Gratitude – 3 Things

1. Our children

2. Afternoon visit with a dear friend

3. A delicious meal prepared by my husband

Daily Goals – 3 Things

1. Finish outlining my pillar post

2. Go grocery shopping and drop off recycling

3. Catch up on correspondence

Self-Care – Mind, Body, Spirit

1. Mind – Memorize lyrics to a new song

2. Body – Take a long walk on the beach

3. Spirit – Spend twenty minutes journaling

Prefer to Write it Down?

If you enjoy tracking your progress visually, I’ve created a 5-Minute Morning Routine PDF to help you gently track your daily habits.

Click here to receive your: 5-Minute Morning Routine PDF

Check-Ins Throughout the Day

A quick one-minute check-in at lunch helps keep your intentions fresh. In the evening, reflect on these questions:

• What am I grateful for right now?

• Is there anything I want to adjust for tomorrow?

• What were three wins from today?

Even the smallest victories deserve recognition.

Five Minutes Can Truly Change Your Life

As you settle into the evening, remind yourself of what you accomplished today. Even small steps matter. Breathe into the knowing that tomorrow is another opportunity to lead with intention, organization, and thoughtful routines.

With practice and consistency, life becomes more intentional, peaceful, and aligned with what matters most.

Five minutes truly can change a life. Why not let it be yours?

With love and gratitude,
Lis 💖💖💖

If you decide to try the 3-3-3 morning routine, I would love to hear how it works for you. Your experience might inspire someone else to begin their own five-minute transformation.

___________________________

Savor Life Studio Weekly Schedule

Tuesdays – Anchor Post
Personal reflections + life at 59 (soon to be 60)

Fridays – Shout-Outs
Highlighting inspiring Substack voices

Sundays – Freebie Post
Calm & creative gifts for your week ahead

New subscribers are always welcome here — encouraged and appreciated more than words can say.

☕️ Coffee 💖
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be truly honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this creative space alive. Wishing you a day full of peace and beautiful moments.

PS — This post is public, so please feel free to restack and share with others. Thank you! 💖

Want to know more about Savor Life Studio?
Come take a peek behind the scenes — meet Lis, explore the mission, and pick up some peaceful freebies to add more calm and clarity to your days.

(Cover Photo Credit: Stefan Ionita ~ Canva)

Subscribe now

Why Gratitude Changes Everything

Gratitude teaches us to slow down and savor life’s moments. With simple daily practices, it offers extraordinary health benefits for your mind, body, and spirit.

Practicing gratitude can strengthen relationships, boost well-being, and improve physical health.

After years of navigating challenging circumstances, I discovered that daily gratitude transforms ordinary days into extraordinary ones. Let’s explore seven habits you can start today.

Robert A. Emmons is a proponent of gratitude research. In his article, Why Gratitude Is Good, he discusses the two core components of gratitude.

First, it’s an affirmation of goodness. We affirm that there are good things in the world, gifts and benefits we’ve received. The second part of gratitude is figuring out where that goodness comes from. We recognize the sources of this goodness as being outside of ourselves.

He also outlines the benefits of consistent gratitude. For deeper insights into physical, psychological, and spiritual health benefits, see Imed Bouchrika, Ph.D., 35 Scientific Benefits of Gratitude: Mental Health Research Findings for 2026.

Benefits of Daily Gratitude

(From Robert Emmons Why Gratitude is Good)

Physical
• Strengthens immune systems
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces focus on aches and pains
• Improves sleep patterns

Psychological
• Enhances positive emotions
• Increases alertness and energy
• Brings more joy and pleasure into daily life
• Boosts happiness and optimism

Social
• Encourages compassion and generosity
• Increases forgiveness
• Reduces feelings of isolation
• Promotes greater social engagement

Before I discovered simple habits of incorporating daily gratitude into my life, I shuffled past many beautiful moments.

Life is a collection of moments, and we frequently find the most happiness, connection, and purpose within these tiny ordinary spaces of time.

Let’s dive in!

1. Start Your Day with a Morning Gratitude Routine

Starting your morning with gratitude can shift your entire day. Even a few quiet minutes can make a big difference. When you begin your day with the key elements listed below, peace, calm, and clarity often arrive on gifted wings of grace:

Intention
Organization
Routines

Choose 1–3 of the ideas listed below to begin your day, then experiment to find the perfect combination. Small moments can grow into hours of joy.

Morning Gratitude Ideas
• List three people, places, or experiences that bring you joy and give thanks for them
• Identify three things you can do today to bring positivity into your life
• Recall one peaceful moment from yesterday and give thanks for it
• Savor your morning coffee or tea fully, breathing in peace and exhaling love
• Reflect on a close friend and their three best qualities
• Bring your attention to the present with deep breathing
• Set one long-term health or well-being goal
• Commit to one small goal for a productive, positive day
• Acknowledge one positive habit you already do for your health
• Add one new habit to enhance your daily routine, such as meditation, walking, reading, journaling, getting outdoors, or staying hydrated

Short on time? Try this Five-Minute Morning Routine

For a five-minute gratitude and self-care routine, click the link to read: Transform Your Day in 5 Minutes: The 3-3-3 Morning Routine

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2. Start a Daily Gratitude Journal

Spend 5 to 10 minutes daily writing in your gratitude journal. Short lists, reflections, and writing prompts make it easy to track the beauty in your life.

Writing down three things per day creates a collection of over 90 savored moments in a month.

Click the link below to receive your FREE 7-Day Relaxation Journal

7-Day Mindful Moments Relaxation Journal (PDF)

3. Set Healthy Life-Work Boundaries

Protect your energy and focus by setting clear boundaries.

• Decide each morning how many hours you will dedicate to work and stick to it

• Say yes only to activities that spark joy or purpose

• Disconnect from emails and notifications after work

• Practice an evening routine that restores your mind and body

• Celebrate small successes for adopting these habits

4. Spend Time Outdoors

Nature nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. Even 30 minutes outside can lift your mood, reduce stress, and bring clarity.

Walk, hike, sit by the water, or simply listen to birdsong. Your surroundings refresh your perspective and foster gratitude naturally.

5. Create a Daily List of Priorities

Organize your day with intention using the “Three For Three” method.

3 Must Accomplish
• Grocery shopping
• Finish bills
• Pick up a thank you card

3 Gratitude/Peace Moments
• Dinner with loved ones
• Walk to the meditation bench
• Play music or write

This simple list balances productivity with mindful enjoyment, helping you feel accomplished while savoring life’s small pleasures.

6. Share Gratitude with Others

Happiest are those who spread joy to others. Share your gratitude in tangible ways.

• Smile often
• Write thank-you notes
• Call a friend for a meaningful chat
• Compliment someone on what you admire
• Volunteer your time or skills
• Open doors, give hugs, or share a meal

Acts of giving and recognition deepen your own gratitude while uplifting others.

7. Commit to a Daily Gratitude Routine

Commit to a daily practice that keeps gratitude at the center of your life.

• Commit to make gratitude a daily intention
• Write and record reflections each day, even five minutes counts
• Feel gratitude and embrace moments of joy
• Schedule reflection times that work for you, morning or evening
• Savor each moment and say “I am grateful” throughout the day
• Partner with someone to share thoughts and reflections
• Keep going, knowing gratitude grows with consistency and attention

Gratitude lays the foundation for living a life you love and savoring beautiful moments. The last and most important habit in making this a reality is committing yourself to a daily gratitude routine.

For further inspiration, you may wish to read the steps outlined in the article from Tiny Buddha titled, How to Start a Gratitude Practice and Change Your Life by Helen Russell.

Closing Thoughts
Daily gratitude transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. Start small, pick a habit or two, and watch your life shift. Over time, you’ll notice a deep and satisfying peace that accompanies each day.

May your days be filled with countless beautiful and savored moments.

With love and gratitude,
Lis 💖💖💖

If you decide to try any of these daily gratitude habits, I would love to hear how they work for you. Your experience might inspire someone else to begin their own transformation.

References
• Emmons, R. (2010). Why gratitude is good. Greater Good Science Center
• Bouchrika, I. (2023). 35 Scientific Benefits of Gratitude. Research.com
• Russell, H. How to Start a Gratitude Practice and Change Your Life. Tiny Buddha
Photo Credits:
Cover Image: Mayur Gala ~ Unsplash
All other photos: Lis at Savor Life Studio

Savor Life Studio Weekly Schedule

Tuesdays – Anchor Post
Personal reflections + life at 59 (soon to be 60)

Fridays – Shout-Outs
Highlighting inspiring Substack voices

Sundays – Freebie Post
Calm & creative gifts for your week ahead

New subscribers are always welcome here — encouraged and appreciated more than words can say.

☕️ Coffee 💖
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be truly honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this creative space alive. Wishing you a day full of peace and beautiful moments.

PS — This post is public, so please feel free to restack and share with others. Thank you! 💖

Want to know more about Savor Life Studio?
Come take a peek behind the scenes — meet Lis, explore the mission, and pick up some peaceful freebies to add more calm and clarity to your days.

What happens when 11-year-olds calculate their own screen time?

Children between the ages of ________ should be allowed to use technology for no more than _____ hours each day to support healthy, active, and balanced lives.

This was the prompt I posed every year to my 6th graders, generally 11 to 12 years old, during our unit on technology use and digital balance.

The responses were comical, staggering, sobering, and sometimes flat-out shocking.

How Much Screen Time Are Children Really Consuming?

Most students estimated between 25 and 50 hours per week of screen time. A few proudly claimed 70 to 90 hours in a single week.

Seventy to ninety hours!

I had to do the math to see if that was even possible:

• Sleep: 56 hours

• School: 35 hours

• Total: 91 hours

• Remaining time for family, friendships, hobbies, activities, meals, homework, and technology: 77 hours

Yes, 70–90 hours of tech time in a week is possible, especially if a youngster is not getting their required daily amount of sleep.

The Socratic Seminar

After reflection, research, and countless discussions, the unit culminated in a Socratic Seminar, loosely based on the Socratic method. Students focus on rigorous, question-based dialogue to uncover truth while analyzing assumptions and contradictions.

This was always the most joyous part of the unit. I was handed the gift of observing rather than participating.

Leaders were appointed, generally students looking for extra points. Half of my class would sit in the outer circle and observe the inner circle discussion, which covered:

• Recommended daily tech hours for 11–12-year-olds

• Benefits of technology use

• Downfalls of technology use

• Health concerns

• Should parents set limits on technology use?

Technology was defined as:

• Video games

• YouTube

• Any social media platform

• Texting

• Movies

Not included:

• Homework requiring electronic devices

• Music streaming

• Digital art and animation

• Music creation and production

Once the seminar began, discussions were interesting, revealing, and startling.

Parents and Technology Use: What Is Appropriate?

One seminar will stay with me forever. A preteen said:

“Well, what about my parents? They are on their phones all the time and hardly ever pay attention to me.”

Whoa. That comment opened the floodgates. I became the quiet observer of a full-on therapy session, where preteens shared the pain of feeling ignored due to parental engagement with technology.

This session highlighted that humans of all ages struggle to find balance between tech use and the daily rhythms of family, school, and work.

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Are Children Addicted to Technology?

I have witnessed children who seemed unable to remain present for a full 50-minute class period, frequently asking to step out to use the restroom and returning after checking their phones or playing games.

Addiction is defined as: being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.

I am not a doctor, but I have seen children experience negative emotional impacts when technology is removed from their routines.

From the Cleveland Clinic:

“Video game addiction, also called internet gaming disorder, is characterized by severely reduced control over gaming habits, resulting in negative impacts on daily functioning… While millions of people play video games, only a small percentage develop video game addiction.”

For more insight, The Vigilant Fox in the post titled, The Unsettling Brain Impact of Screen Time in Kids explains:

• White matter acts as the brain’s wiring system, helping communication between regions.

• Deficits in myelin production early in life = deficits in neural connectivity.

• More screen time = greater loss of white matter.

• Screens also rewire dopamine in developing brains, making moderation essential.

• Restoration, not stimulation, is the way out.

Why Screen Time and Digital Balance Matter for Families

Technology is here to stay. Rather than resist, we must find healthy ways to create balance for ourselves and children.

Children are always watching and learning from adults. How we engage with technology matters.

Ask yourself:

• How many hours do I spend using technology each day or week?

• Multiply your weekly average by 52 weeks—what is the total for the year?

Example: 5 hours a day = 1,820 hours a year. Whoa!

• Do I spend equal time socializing, dreaming, creating as I do with technology?

• If I am around children, do they have my full focus, or am I distracted?

Tiny shifts can lead to big gains.

Taking Positive Steps

With 34 years of experience in education and decades of parenting, here are my humble suggestions for creating a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

If you are still navigating tech use with your children, do not be fearful of setting limits. This may be one of the biggest parenting challenges you face, and my entire heart goes out to every single parent navigating this realm.

Parents, be united. Be brave. Be fearless.

When co-parenting, it is extremely helpful if both parents are on the same page about the role technology will play in the family. Establish mutually agreed-upon guidelines and patterns within your household.

One thing is certain when it comes to technology use: children want it. You guide it. And the struggle is real.

My best advice: Sit down with your children and have a candid, age-appropriate discussion about the benefits and downfalls of tech use. Then, with light and love, create and share your guidelines. Most importantly, stick to them.

I have seen countless children pull out the bargaining chip to regain that blissful tech buzz in their lives.

You must be firm.
You must be steadfast.
You must be consistent.

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Additional Practical Suggestions

• Practice phone-free listening. Intentional attention is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

• No phones during meals. One small change can dramatically improve family interaction.

• Use conversation starter decks for lighthearted discussions during meal time.

• Device-free time in nature builds presence (even if photography is tempting).

Closing Thoughts

If you are over 45, you likely remember a time when we:

Spent most of our free time outside, because that was where childhood unfolded.

Figured things out on our own when problems arose, stretching our resilience in the process.

Ate dinner together most nights, engaged in conversation rather than devices.

Enjoyed sleepovers filled with creativity, connection, and laughter. No notifications. No glowing screens. Just us.

Because technology is here to stay, we must lead by example and give ourselves grace to try, fail, and try again.

One device-free meal. One uninterrupted conversation. One walk without a screen.

Savored moments are the sparks that light our paths. We get to choose the direction, content, and rhythm of our journeys.

And our children are watching.

Wishing you peace, light, and love as you travel forth.
With love and gratitude always,
Lis 💖💖💖

Savor Life Studio Weekly Schedule

Tuesdays – Anchor Post
Personal reflections + life at 59 (soon to be 60)

Fridays – Shout-Outs
Highlighting inspiring Substack voices

Sundays – Freebie Post
Calm & creative gifts for your week ahead

Savor Life Studio ~ Create, Connect, and Grow in Peace
is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts
and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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New subscribers are always welcome here — encouraged and appreciated more than words can say.

☕️ Coffee 💖
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be truly honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this creative space alive. Wishing you a day full of peace and beautiful moments.

PS — This post is public, so please feel free to restack and share with others. Thank you! 💖

🌿 Want to know more about Savor Life Studio?
Come take a peek behind the scenes — meet Lis, explore the mission, and pick up some peaceful freebies to add more calm and clarity to your days.

Dear beautiful creators,

As I approach the one-year mark post-retirement, a question has quietly bloomed within me:
How can I share my heart, spirit, and gifts in a way that lifts the light within others?

And then, one evening, it arrived gently but clearly: the flowers.
For months, I have wandered through neighborhoods, pausing along trails, noticing petals, sunlight, and small wild wonders, sharing these moments here with reflections and inspiration. And I realized I can share the flowers and sparks of nature with you.

Today, I am delighted to make my complete Floral Notes System available to all subscribers completely free!

• 30 original nature-inspired Note templates

• Two layout options per template, giving you 60 ready-to-use Notes

Simply add your words, reflections, quotes, poetry, or encouragement and publish

Grab your copy here: Floral Note Templates

Why this matters:

• A gentle time-saver – Prepare your Notes in one sitting and use them throughout the month

• Consistent beauty – Nature-centered Notes resonate deeply and widely with readers

• Creative inspiration – Start with beauty and let your words unfold without wondering what to post

Original, hand-captured photos

Included are full-access, usage-rights photos from my walks in nature. Use them freely for:

• Notes

• Prints

• Wallpapers

• Affirmation cards

• Other creative projects

Each photograph is a small, personal treasure, captured with intention and love, ready to inspire your creative projects.

Grab your copy here: Floral Note Templates

Create Your Templates in Canva with No Cost, No Stress, Just Your Creativity Flowing

Click Here to Download Your Free Canva Editing Guide

This offering feels like an extension of my daily walks, pausing, noticing, gathering small moments of beauty, and placing them gently into your hands.

May these Notes bring ease, inspiration, and gentle beauty into your creative journey.

With love and gratitude always,
Lis 💖💖💖

Sample Notes

New subscribers are always welcome here — encouraged and appreciated more than words can say, which is saying something, coming from a writer!

☕️ Coffee Love 💖
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be truly honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support helps keep this creative space alive.

Wishing you a day full of peace and beautiful moments.

PS This post is public, so please feel free to restack and share with others. Thank you! 💖

🌿 Want to know more about Savor Life Studio?
Take a peek behind the scenes and meet Lis, explore the mission, and pick up some peaceful freebies to add more calm and clarity to your days.🌿

Click the link to connect with Savor Life Studio

I hope this song brings a few sparks of light and love into your day.

With love and gratitude,

always,

Lis 💖💖💖

(“Company of Friends” by Danny Schmidt)

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If this post resonated, you’re warmly invited to explore more gentle reflections, songs, and offerings at Savor Life Studio.

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Dear Creators, 💖

I’m thrilled to share that a new ebook is almost ready for you: The Heart of Substack: A Practical & Inspiring Guide to Creating with Purpose — completely free!

Through my journey on Substack, I’ve discovered that the most meaning comes from connecting with other creators, building community, and sharing content that brings joy, pleasure, and purpose into the creative process.

I’m sharing this ebook with my subscribers for a limited time as a special thank-you for being part of the Savor Life Studio Community.

Special Offer: Free for all subscribers until November 15th! After that, it will be available for purchase on several platforms.

This ebook shares insights from my experience, designed to help you:

• Establish a daily routine for success

• Define your version of success on Substack

• Choose content themes that align with your interests

• Discover your unique strengths and offerings

It’s filled with reflective writing prompts to help you find clarity, direction, and joy in your creative journey.

Stay tuned — this gentle, practical guide will be available very soon, and I can’t wait for you to explore it and nurture your Substack journey with clarity and inspiration.

Wishing you peace, light, and love on waves of gratitude,
Lis 💖

✨ Something Special

With great joy, I’m thrilled to share Savoring Substack: What Matters Most ebook— 29 heartwarming stories from inspiring creators, now available for just $4.99.

Grab your copy here

Savor Life Studio Weekly Schedule

• Tuesdays – Anchor Post
• Fridays – Shout-Outs (Highlighting inspiring Substack voices)
• Sundays – Freebie Post (Calm & creative gifts for your week ahead)

New subscribers are always welcome here — encouraged and appreciated more than words can say, which is saying something, coming from a writer!

☕️ Coffee Love 💖
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be truly honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this creative space alive.
Wishing you a day full of peace and beautiful moments.

PS — This post is public, so please feel free to restack and share with others. Thank you! 💖

🌿 Want to know more about Savor Life Studio?
Take a peek behind the scenes — meet Lis, explore the mission, and pick up some peaceful freebies to add more calm and clarity to your days.

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Over many years, I’ve had the same recurring thought: I have only hours remaining in this earthly realm, and someone walks into an empty room and hands me—

One piece of paper

One pen

One chance…

to write a letter to the person in my life who most deserves my attention in that moment.

And so, this morning, at long last, I’m answering the call.

Dear Sam,

The Mama once told me a story. You were only two months old when Dad landed a job at Boeing. The family packed up the VW Bus and drove halfway across the country—five young children bound for Seattle.

Upon arriving in Mountlake Terrace, The Mama noticed you were struggling to breathe. Dr. Proctor confirmed pneumonia, and you were quickly placed in an isolette for oxygen. She told me later, “It was gut-wrenching to have him on the other side of several layers of glass.”

I’m forever grateful that Mom understood both you and me from the very beginning, that she trusted her instincts and took you to the hospital in that critical moment. She raised us into young adults who could find our way with confidence, strength, and the courage to live the lives we imagined—flying on graceful wings of hope and inspiration.

So. Many. Coveted. Memories with you.

Making time for a sister four years younger feels like a gift of mammoth proportions. You included me on paper route runs, taught me how to play chess, and played baseball games in the front yard in Wallingford. I’m forever sorry you took the blame for my wayward hit that sent the ball sailing through the front door. Dad was big on justice, but gentle parenting wasn’t exactly his strong suit.

I remember being cheated out of money in Monopoly by at least one of our seven sibs, but never once by you. You never took advantage of my youthful naïveté.

Unbeknownst to me, from the very beginning, your daily ways of being were shaping me—guiding my watchful, younger eyes. Only decades later did I see how those early lessons had morphed into the mantras I still carry:

• Follow your dreams wherever they may lead.

• Give your best effort, even when blood, sweat, and tears come calling.

• If someone is unkind, or cruel, or mean, it’s okay—healthy, even—to walk away.

• Commit with loving kindness to all you hold dear.

• Challenge yourself every day in ways you only dream possible.

• Show compassion to those not gifted with an easy way.

• Make time for the beauty in life that makes your heart sing.

And of course, your oft-repeated wisdom: “Watch what someone does, not what they say, to understand their true character.”

Even though that alone would leave my heart overflowing, there’s been so much more.

When the family structure was crumbling and I was swimming in despair, you were the one—who arrived on waves of support, love, and empathy.

When The Mama’s life was winding down, and I wasn’t always certain of the pathway forward, you were there again. Always there. Offering compassion, encouragement, and steadiness when strife simmered beneath the floorboards upon the rolling stretch of highway between Sequim and PT.

Again and again, you encouraged me, shared your heart, and helped me believe that everything would be all right.

In a lifetime, we humans are fortunate if we find even one soul who truly sees us, understands us, and gifts us their unwavering love.

Thank you, Sam, for all the

Love,

Friendship,

Support,

Laughter,

Lessons,

and so much more—

over almost six decades of living.

My heart is full. My life has been infinitely richer because you’ve been deep within its folds every single day.

If this were my one letter, my one chance, I’m sincerely honored to gift it to you.

I love you,

Lis 💖💖

Who in your life would receive your final words? Please share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to read them. 💖

Thank you so much for reading — your presence here matters deeply to me.

If this post resonated with you, feel free to recommend Savor Life Studio to others. Every share is a ripple in this growing circle of light.

With much love and gratitude,
Lis 💖

✨ Something Special

With great joy, I’m thrilled to share Savoring Substack: What Matters Most ebook— 29 heartwarming stories from inspiring creators, now available for just $4.99.

Grab your copy here

Savor Life Studio Weekly Schedule

• Tuesdays – Anchor Post
• Fridays – Shout-Outs (Highlighting inspiring Substack voices)
• Sundays – Freebie Post (Calm & creative gifts for your week ahead)

New subscribers are always welcome here — encouraged and appreciated more than words can say, which is saying something, coming from a writer!

Savor Life Studio ~ Create, Connect, and Grow in Peace is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

☕️ Coffee Love 💖
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be truly honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this creative space alive.
Wishing you a day full of peace and beautiful moments.

PS — This post is public, so please feel free to restack and share with others. Thank you! 💖

🌿 Want to know more about Savor Life Studio?
Take a peek behind the scenes — meet Lis, explore the mission, and pick up some peaceful freebies to add more calm and clarity to your days.

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It’s here! I’m thrilled to share the introduction to Savoring Substack: What Matters Most — a collection of reflections, stories, and poetry from 29 inspiring creators.

This project began as a yearning to honor the inspiring voices on Substack who show up with compassion, grace, and reverence for the creative process. Today, I’m so happy to invite you to step inside this collection for the very first time.

✨Grab Your Copy Below for $4.99

👉 Click here to download your copy
*For the internal links to work, please download the PDF from Google Drive before reading.

If you enjoy the ebook, I’d be so grateful if you’d consider sharing this post with your friends and fellow creators on Substack.

Every share helps these 29 inspiring voices reach more hearts and minds — and strengthens our beautiful community of creators.💖

INTRODUCTION

By Lis Nagy

Savoring Substack: What Matters Most

When I first stumbled upon Substack, it felt as though I had wandered into a children’s sandbox where everyone had already learned to “play nice”—a place where kindness, compassion, and respect ruled the realm.

After months of exploration, the depth of wisdom, soul-filling stories, and the ever-present longing to connect in profoundly meaningful ways rose like beacons of light, sprinkling joy into daily scrolls.

Tiny tendrils of hope began spreading outward. I wondered: How can I lift these voices and send them soaring across Substack—and beyond? Another link in the ever-present quest for community and connection.

At the same time, I felt a deep desire to share what other creators were experiencing—their inspiring sparks, interactions, and friendships that breathed meaning into daily rhythms.

And so, this project was born of a methodical ache, an incessant yearning to honor the inspiring voices who share themselves fully, wholly, completely. To capture the heart and soul of what truly matters most on Substack—and what keeps creators showing up with compassion, grace, and reverence for the creative process.

The project has blossomed into a soul-filling journey of savored friendships and awe-inspiring stories. I send chasm-deep gratitude to every. Single. Creator. Who took precious time, light, and love to reflect on what matters most to them on this platform.

In total, there are 29 submissions—each one arriving on the gifted wings of inspiration in its unique form: reflections, stories, poetry, even a personal letter.

May Savoring Substack: What Matters Most bring you deep pleasure in the reading, and soul-filling inspiration around the infinite possibilities of connection, community, and honoring the artist’s journey.

Thank you—one and all—for believing in this project, for lifting your voices upward and outward, and for sharing your gifts with such grace and compassion.

May your passions soar on wings of beauty and joy.
And may peace, light, and love be close companions—today, tomorrow, always.

With deep love and gratitude,
Lis 💖

✨ Download the Savoring Substack ebook here

A Big Shout-Out to Every. Single. Creator. Below!

✨Sae Abiola ✨Billie Moon ✨Carla Darcy
✨Michelle Hopkins ✨Karl Tame ✨Uchechukwu Onyekpe
✨John Rinaldo ✨Corie Feiner ✨Rebekah Lynn Pierce
✨Jeannie Ewing ✨Sam Messersmith ✨Karen Langston
✨Rodney Daut ✨Sylvia (Sly) Callender ✨Margaret Williams, MS, ACC
✨Courtney Cunningham ✨Derek Lakin ✨Janki Patel
✨Jennifer Ellen Parker ✨Anthony Anselmo (The (Wild)erness Journal)
✨Daisy R. Birchwood ✨Namrita Khosla ✨Latinx Bridges
✨Valoria Hart (Heartfelt Boundaries) ✨Easy Weezy ✨Daan Katz
✨Lavender ✨Old Man Talks ✨Grace Grossmann

Savor Life Studio Weekly Schedule

• Tuesdays – Anchor Post
• Fridays – Shout-Outs (Highlighting inspiring Substack voices)
• Sundays – Freebie Post (Calm & creative gifts for your week ahead)

New subscribers are always welcome here — encouraged and appreciated more than words can say, which is saying something, coming from a writer!

Savor Life Studio ~ Create, Connect, and Grow in Peace is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

☕️ Coffee Love 💖
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be truly honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this creative space alive.

PS — This post is public, so please feel free to restack and share with others. Thank you! 💖

🌿 Want to know more about Savor Life Studio?
Take a peek behind the scenes — meet Lis, explore the mission, and pick up some peaceful freebies to add more calm and clarity to your days.

Here are some highlights from five songs we truly enjoy performing:
💖💖💖
🎶 Across the Great Divide (Cover) – Kate Wolf
🎶 Country Roads (Cover) – John Denver
🎶 Goin’ Gone (Cover) – Kathy Mattea
🎶 Maggie London (Original) – Larry Costello
🎶 Let It Be (Cover) – The Beatles

We hope you enjoy!

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I am sincerely humbled by my recent nominations for the Sunshine Blogger Award by Courtney Cunningham, Saira Anwar, Carla Darcy, and Sae Abiola. Thank you so much for including me in your chosen nominations.

To continue this beautiful thread of light and love, I am choosing to forgo my usual Friday SHOUT OUT | & REFLECTION to hold space for the questions posed and give time to honor the wonderings within.

I have selected four questions from each creator, as life has called upon my time in ways that will not allow for the honoring and careful reflection of each question posed. Please accept my apologies in advance.

I’ve reached a point in life where I send my energy to where it is needed most, and I follow the calling. Sometimes, it reveals itself in a quiet stroll along savored wooded trails, or in the form of a much-needed conversation. When I follow the natural rhythms of the spirit, I’m sometimes unable to be fully present for everything I wish to do, but I find deep peace in knowing that so long as I’m walking the path with light and love, peace and grace will be steady companions.

☀️🌞 The Sunshine Blogger Award Rules: 🌞☀️

• Display the Award’s official logo somewhere on your blog.

• Thank the person who nominated you.

• Provide a link to your nominator’s blog.

• Answer your nominator’s questions

• Nominate up to 11 bloggers.

COURTNEY CUNNINGHAM

Dear Courtney,
The unbridled joy, spirit, and depth you bring to the Substack community are a treasured gift. Thank you for welcoming me to Substack and for sharing yourself with such grace, authenticity, and warmth, every. Single. Day. Your posts/notes are delightful and inspiring offerings within this thriving community of creators.

Courtney’s Questions:

1. What do you write about?

   I write about my life experiences and the tiny truths I have collected along the way. I’m currently in the midst of a series titled, “Savoring Life at 59 - exploring freedom, rediscovery, and meaning beyond roles.”
   
   Writing about other Substacks brings immense joy, and poetry has been a constant genre throughout my life, which afforded a natural segue into songwriting.

2. Why?

   I write to understand, to bear witness, and to uncover secreted truths that are begging for room, to breathe upon the page, and find the light of day. And perhaps, these discoveries will offer hope, inspiration, and joy within the glorious tapestry of humanity.

3. What was your favorite hobby as a child?

   As a young child, I lived in Seattle in a bustling and populated neighborhood. My love for the outdoors led me to build a campsite in a neighbor’s hedge up the street, which I eventually learned was not appreciated. 😊

   From the age of eight, I grew up on a farm, and daily work, sports, and 4-H consumed most of my waking hours.

4. What is your favorite hobby now?

   I’m not sure I can select one favorite hobby. Writing, playing my guitar or banjo, photography, and traveling lead the list.

Courtney’s Nominations:

*Sam Messersmith *Kathleen Thorne RN, LMT *Lis *Saira Anwar *Fang Wei

SAIRA ANWAR

Dear Saira,
Your words carry light and love, and your generous spirit floats on wings of grace. Your daily Notes surround my heart, and I thank you for gifting and sharing in such a way that heals, nourishes, and inspires the human spirit.

Saira’s Questions:

1. Why did you start your Substack?

   I started my Substack as a way to return to writing, which has always been my anchor—a constant thread weaving throughout every chapter of my life.
   
   Also present was a deep desire to share my love of nature, music, photography, and travel in a way that would offer greater peace, calm, mindfulness, spiritual awakening, and, most importantly, a place to pause and reconnect with oneself in a world that demands constant attention.
   
   I had no idea Substack would so quickly become a rich tapestry of voices, support, friendship, and ultimately, the community I had been hoping and pining for with the deepest recesses of my mind and heart.

2. A book that changed your life?

   During a time of struggle and challenge, I discovered Dr. Wayne M. Dyer’s book Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life.

   It truly changed my way of being in the world, and my husband and I are now on our second reading of the audiobook.

3. What’s your go-to comfort activity when you’re feeling low?

   Spending time in nature has a profoundly grounding effect on my emotions. Also, strumming my guitar is a place where my feelings are held with such grace and beauty, and musicians generally lean into the lows, as some of our best song lyrics come from struggle and woes.

4. Tea or coffee (or something else)?

   Both! I grew up in a family where morning coffee was sacred (along with doughnuts), and the morning rituals surrounding that first cup of coffee in my life are present and real. I enjoy a cup of tea in the late afternoon when my energy begins to ebb, and quiet comes knocking, like a soft and comforting blanket.

Saira’s Nominations:

*Simone Kornalijnslijper *Daily Self-Love Practice *Kassi Wilson *Mymy Khan *Ruth O'Reilly *Lis *Debra King *Ral Joseph *Astrid Sadaya *Saima Durrani *Stephanie Marie

CARLA DARCY

Dear Carla,
So much of your Substack deeply resonates. Your gifted words and insights around spirituality, healing, self-growth, nature, and gratitude offer sanctuaries of light and love for all to enjoy. Thank you for sharing your journey and for spreading grace and beauty wherever you go.

Carla’s Questions:

1. What’s one small thing that never fails to make your day better?
Strolling along sandy shores or forested trails with my husband always brings peace and joy.

2. If you could relive one moment from your life, just to experience it again, what would it be?
I’m deeply grateful for all of the experiences within my life, even those that challenged me to the very depths of my being. I would not wish to relive an experience, as each one taught me what I was supposed to learn, and I’m holding space for all of the moments unfolding in the present.

3. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to in the next year?
I’m excited for the European Adventure my husband and I have planned for September.

4. What’s a lesson you wish you’d learned sooner in life?
When you cease expecting, you have all things.

Carla’s Nominations:

*Lis *Colin Durrant *Wifa Hasan *Holly *Lavender *Marie & Jacqueline Campion *VedicSoul *Cigarette Talk *Kyen Jimwan *Sebastian Case *Daisy R. Birchwood

SAE ABIOLA

Dear Sae,
I sincerely appreciate the healing sanctuary you offer within your Substack, where everyone is welcome and rediscovery and reflection are encouraged. Your profound and soulful connection within the human experience radiates and creates a sacred space for renewal. Thank you for sharing your journey with such honesty and grace.

Sae’s Questions:

1. What gives you peace when things feel out of control?
The inherent and deep knowing that with time, and grace, and patience, all things circle back to a place of peace and healing.

2. What’s a moment from your past you carry gently with you?
The sacred time I spent with my mom as she was living with Alzheimer's and finding her way through her life's journey with grace, humility, and gratitude.

3. What do you hope your words do for others?
Uplift, inspire, resonate, encourage, along with providing daily doses of hope, joy, light, love, peace, and gratitude.

4. What reminds you of who you truly are?
My deep love, compassion, and empathy for humanity and the unwavering desire to share whatever gifts are called upon, as wholly and sacredly, and as often as is humanly possible.

Sae’s Nominations:

*Easy Weezy * Liz Collard Arnold *Laurel *Shain Parwiz *Ociel Gonzalez *IS IT PROPAGANDA?® *MOM Leadership Village *Miranda *Judith Samuel *Ibrahim Garba *Imie *Steph *Divya B Kumar *Zero to Visibility *Rachel G. Vick *Lis *Tamil *Cathy Ben-Ameh *Esther Nkechi *Itoro Etukudo *Temiloluwa *Grace Grossmann *Daria Cupareanu *Nicole T *Damilola Adeniji *Lauren *Dolapo *Leti *LetishaWrites *Becky Aig *Uchechukwu Onyekpe *Emily Quinton *Heartfelt Boundaries

Lis’s Nominations:

*Note: I have chosen to nominate creators who are not already listed above in hopes of lifting more voices and bringing more light and love into the Sunshine Blogger Award Circle. Rather than nominating the allotted 11 for each award, I have chosen to nominate a total of 20. I appreciate your understanding.

*Kathleen *Sly *Rodney Daut *Sal Gallaher *The (Wild)erness Journal *Margaret Williams, MS, ACC *Luna *Daan Katz *Derek Lakin *Karen Langston
*John Rinaldo *Jessica Ann *Rebekah Lynn Pierce *Alain Hajjar *Jeannie Ewing *Claudia Faith *Corie Feiner *Janki *Namrita Khosla *Dr Anney V

Lis’s Questions:

1. What is one savored moment you have experienced this month?

2. What is your most treasured memory from your childhood?

3. Who was your most inspiring mentor during your formative years?

4. What is number one on your bucket list of things to do?

5. What was the best vacation you ever experienced? What made it wonderful?

6. If you could give three pieces of advice to your younger self, what would you say?

If you have reached the end of this post, thank you so very much for supporting this beautiful and coveted circle of lifting voices within the Substack community.

Your presence here matters deeply to me. May your Substack grow and fly on wings of grace, beauty, and joy — and thank you for all that you are doing to make this Substack community beautiful, bright, and soul-filling.

With much love and gratitude,

Lis 💖

Savor Life Studio Weekly Schedule

• Tuesdays – Anchor Post
• Fridays – Shout-Outs (Highlighting inspiring Substack voices)
• Sundays – Freebie Post (Calm & creative gifts for your week ahead)

New subscribers are always welcome here — encouraged and appreciated more than words can say, which is saying something, coming from a writer! 😄

Savor Life Studio ~ Create, Connect, and Grow in Peace is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

☕️ Coffee Love 💖
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be truly honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this creative space alive.
Wishing you a day full of peace and beautiful moments.

PS — This post is public, so please feel free to restack and share with others. Thank you! 💖

🌿 Want to know more about Savor Life Studio?
Take a peek behind the scenes — meet Lis, explore the mission, and pick up some peaceful freebies to add more calm and clarity to your days.

Subscribe now

Recommendations? Until about two weeks ago, I paid little to no attention to this icon upon the Substack Dashboard. Truthfully, I haven’t given much love to any of the icons on Dashboard Central other than noticing the wayward and ever-flitting subscriber count that seems to be participating in a perpetual game of cat and mouse.

If this is your first visit to Savor Life Studio, welcome! I am thrilled you are here because savoring life, people, moments, and connection is what this Substack is all about. I’m stepping away from my latest series: Savoring Life at 59 — exploring freedom, rediscovery, and meaning beyond roles — to share my most recent and joyous discovery here upon this golden platform of beautiful creators.

Let’s get to it.

How Recommendations Work

After being on Substack for several months, I casually clicked on the recommendations icon and was shocked to discover that 25% of my 330 subscribers have come from recommendations.

(Yes! 25%!)

I decided to conduct a deep dive into how this feature works. Google/AI states:

“Recommendations on Substack are a powerful tool for growing a publication's subscriber base and network. By recommending other Substacks, writers can reach new audiences, build connections with fellow creators, and foster a sense of community, ultimately leading to increased visibility and subscriber growth.”

After clicking the 'Subscribe' button, you are often prompted to decide the following:

A. Do I follow the writers/creators that a particular Substack recommends?
B. Do I subscribe to a small number of recommended publications?

Well, if you're like me, you breeze through the subscription process at lightning speed, trying to get back to the loving, nurturing, soul-filling Substack scroll as quickly as possible, and pass right by this incredible opportunity to uplift and shout out other Substacks regularly.

Now that I have learned how vital and integral this feature can be in helping Substacks increase visibility and reach a much larger audience, I am deeply mindful of not sweeping past this opportunity.

If you choose to opt out of adding the recommended followers and publications to your Substack experience, you can quickly and easily add recommendations one at a time.

Once you have subscribed to a Substack and wish to recommend, click on the Dashboard icon and take the following steps:

Click ‘Dashboard’ ~ Click ‘Recommendations’ ~ Click ‘Add recommendation’

You will also have the opportunity to write a brief description about the Substack you are recommending. Even writing one sentence can significantly enhance a reader's understanding of a Substack and why they might wish to subscribe.

Benefits of Recommendations

When another Substack user recommends your publication, you've been given another 'fan' in your ever-growing audience. I liken this to how I show my support and allegiance to Bruce Springsteen's music. The word EPIC comes to mind, and I'm a fan for life. Forever and Always.

Every single recommendation you are gifted is a cherished and coveted stamp of approval and support for all that you are creating upon this platform, with the following benefits:

• Free of charge

• Organic connections

• Community building

• Substack credibility

And for those looking to rev up the Substack growth…

The engines are not only running, they are now circling the track with more support and engagement than ever before.

Building Community

Discussing community is the part of this post where my heart begins to dance and fingers fly across the keyboard. Here is a simple formula to demonstrate the power of recommendations:

Subscribe + Recommendation =
Cross promotion
Discoverability
Community Building on High

When a Substack recommends another, the recommendation often appears on the recommender’s home page.

How wonderful! It’s as though someone has sprinkled the precious stardust from your creative works into the Universe, for all to discover.

Also, when you recommend a Substack, they are notified to reciprocate.

Just imagine having your Substack recommended while you eat, sleep, hike Mt. Kilimanjaro, or stay home and bake peanut butter cookies, which are a personal fave.
Beautiful!

Recommending Substacks

If you decide to recommend a Substack, it’s essential to ensure it aligns with the core ideals and content within your own Substack. For example, I write about savoring life’s precious moments, mindfulness, nature, photography, storytelling, creative inspiration, travel, and highlighting other Substacks.

Here’s a link to my latest post titled:
SHOUT-OUTS | & REFLECTIONS | Edition #8 | Lifting Voices Up

My most recent series is titled 'Savoring Life at 59' — exploring freedom, rediscovery, and meaning beyond roles. Click below to read the first post in this series:
Savoring Life at 59: Letting Go to Begin Again.

I would not recommend Substacks that focus on themes not within the above categories. Still, if you are coming from a place of peace and are a kind human, or covet ice cream as though your very survival depends upon your next savored bowl, I will most likely subscribe.

How to Earn Substack Recommendations

Recommendations start where all meaningful connections begin: relationship building. If I were to create a circle of life for Substack, it would look something like this: Circle of Life upon Substack

Three Simple Ways to Gain More Substack Recommendations

1. Reach out to Substacks you have built relationships with and discuss the possibilities of recommending one another's Substacks.

2. Support and recommend other Substacks regularly.

3. Sometimes people don't think to recommend until you gently remind them. Use a brief, friendly sentence at the end of posts like:

   "If you're enjoying this space, I'd be honored if you recommended it to others."

   (You can also link directly to your Substack recommendation page.)

Downsides to Recommendations

Now that I have highlighted all the benefits of recommending other Substacks, I would be remiss if I didn't let you in on a newly discovered secret.

I don't consider these to be huge negatives of dramatic proportions, but they do warrant an honorable mention.

Scoop #1:

If a Substack recommends you and they are growing slowly, or not at all, or stop posting, their gifts to your Substack will be minimal.

Scoop #2:

When recommended by a Substack user who is not aligned with your goals and vision, you may gain subscribers who are also not aligned.

For many Substacks, like my own, I do not consider this an issue, as it's my most profound hope that, regardless of the content a person creates, their desire for peace, love, light, community, and cherished moments will provide value to their scrolling experience.

Final Thoughts

It’s clear to see that there are a plethora of treasured gifts when one chooses to recommend another Substack, including the following:

• Increased visibility

• Audience reach

• Discoverability

• Reciprocal recommendations

• Organic connections

• Community building

• Substack credibility

I call this a WIN-WIN situation.

A Surprising Discovery About My Subscribers

I was genuinely shocked when I discovered this:

• 25% of my subscribers came from Substack recommendations.

• The majority of those came from just two Substacks. Yes—only two!

• Currently, eight Substacks are recommending Savor Life Studio.

• 84 out of my 330 subscribers (25%) have found me through the recommendations of six of those eight.

It’s wild to think how just a few kind mentions can create such a meaningful ripple. I had no idea recommendations were making such an impact, and I am deeply grateful to the following Substacks who are recommending Savor Life Studio:

Wildest Dreams Jessica Ann
Tranquil Nurturing Space Namrita Khosla and Sonia
The Writer’s Cafe Sal Gallaher
The Empowered Leader Margaret Williams
Saira The Poet Saira Anwar
Meditative Journaling
Rise and Clarity Insider Alain Hajjar
Sae Abiola Publication Sae Abiola

Thank you so much to the above Substacks for your gracious and kind support.

Personal Goal:

I have made a personal goal of recommending at least three Substacks a week, as I can now deeply feel and understand the inherent and valued connection to building community and lifting voices every single time I hit the recommend icon.

From the very first moment upon Substack, I knew I had landed someplace special. In four months, I have:

• Met and collaborated with people from all over the world.

• Begun curating: Savoring Substack: What Has Moved Us Most.

• Participated in three LIVES

• Written too many Notes to count
  
  And Most Important:

I'm following my dream to thrive within a compassionate, kind, caring, and understanding community of creators who value lifting one another and focus upon inspiring and growing together.

If this article has been helpful to you in any way, I would appreciate hearing your thoughts in the comments below.

Thank you so much for reading, and your presence here matters deeply to me. May your Substack grow and fly on wings of grace, beauty, and joy — and thank you for all that you are doing to make this Substack community beautiful, bright, and soul-filling.

If this post resonated with you, feel free to recommend Savor Life Studio to others. Every share is a ripple in this growing circle of light.

With much love and gratitude,

Lis 💖

Savor Life Studio Weekly Schedule

• Tuesdays – Anchor Post
• Fridays – Shout-Outs (Highlighting inspiring Substack voices)
• Sundays – Freebie Post (Calm & creative gifts for your week ahead)

New subscribers are always welcome here — encouraged and appreciated more than words can say, which is saying something, coming from a writer! 😄

Savor Life Studio ~ Create, Connect, and Grow in Peace is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

☕️ Coffee Love 💖
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be truly honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this creative space alive.
Wishing you a day full of peace and beautiful moments.

PS — This post is public, so please feel free to restack and share with others. Thank you! 💖

🌿 Want to know more about Savor Life Studio?
Take a peek behind the scenes — meet Lis, explore the mission, and pick up some peaceful freebies to add more calm and clarity to your days.

Welcome to Savor Life Studio! 🌿

I’m Lis—the creator behind this space dedicated to bringing calm, clarity, and connection through nature and mindfulness.

As a lifelong educator, I find deep peace in creating resources that inspire reflection, creativity, and presence. I hope that they bring the same sense of grounding and inspiration to you.

Lifting up voices and sharing favorite Substacks in my weekly ‘Shout-Out’ post has filled me with joy and a true sense of belonging. I’m deeply grateful for the soul-filling connections I’ve discovered within this wonderful Substack community.

When I’m not out in nature or writing, you’ll likely find me spending time with loved ones, playing guitar, curled up with a good book, traveling, or savoring a scoop of peanut butter ice cream. I’m thankful for all the moments that bring joy, laughter, and connection.

With love,
Lis 💖

Subscribe now

✨REFLECTIONS

It’s been another nourishing, motivating, and soul-filling week here on Substack.

This past week, I was inspired to write a poem honoring self through transition, loss, and rediscovery. Click here to read: A Mother’s Wish: You Are Enough

This poem is Part 3 of my ongoing series, "Savoring Life at 59," which explores freedom, rediscovery, and meaning beyond roles.

Within this poem, the following reflection:

Being kind is always more important
Than being right

And discovering oneself is the nourishing guide
toward truly seeing others

And when life challenges you
In ways that feel immeasurable and devastating—

You can rise again
To a new day
And find another way

To venture forth
And rewrite the pages of your journey

✨Excitement & Gratitude for:

• The stunning depth of people, writing, words, and art

• Soul-filling connections I didn’t expect

• A sacred space that offers compassion, empathy, grace, and beauty in grandma-sized doses

✨What is Next?

I’m still not exactly sure where this creative journey is headed, but the path continues to unfold, one beautiful day at a time. And for now, that’s more than enough.

My longing to be part of a larger creative community — one that values peace, kindness, the written word, the human experience, and lifting each other up — only continues to grow.

✨ Most Inspiring Moments:

⭐ This week, I was overjoyed to receive many heartwarming submissions for the Savoring Substack: What Has Moved Us Most ebook project I am curating. My excitement for this project soars with each new submission, and I’m filled with gratitude for all the soul-filling and inspirational submissions received.

🌟 INSPIRING SUBSTACKS

I’m absolutely thrilled to share two extraordinary Substacks this week—spaces that offer not only profound insight and honesty but also the kind of emotional resonance that stays with you long after you’ve read the final word. These writers embody courage, clarity, and compassion, and their work is a true gift to anyone seeking meaning, connection, and healing.

🌟 JEANNIE EWING –

I GROW STRONG AGAIN –

I Grow Strong Again

Embracing the beautiful, broken, and brutal parts of life. Stories that build bridges + connect and unite us in our common humanity.

By Jeannie Ewing

Jeannie’s Substack feels like opening doors to rooms filled with depth, acceptance, and a profound sense of belonging. When I first discovered I Grow Strong Again, I was immediately drawn in by these words:

“On my Substack, I take seriously: inclusion, respect and non-violence, and celebration.”

I Grow Strong Again shares a plethora of intriguing titles and images that capture the essence and heart of each post. Here are just a few sample titles:

I have a complicated relationship with religion.

POEM: Where birds take flight, I want to go, too.

I wrote the book I didn’t believe I was equipped to write.

And be sure to gift yourself this inspiring and beautiful post, which describes Jeannie’s journey into blogging, and so much more.

My path out of darkness was writing.

Jeannie’s About section shares:

We live in a hostile culture, where few of us feel safe being who we are without fear of violence—usually in the form of verbal assaults, physical altercations, or social ostracism. Division and discord continue to polarize us, so I am intentional about my Substack as a space where everyone knows they are welcome, supported, and valued.
I believe that each of us belongs to the human family, and we all deserve a place to freely share our stories without worrying about recrimination, judgment, or criticism.

Jeannie’s Notes are a rich blend of inspiring messages, authentic reflections filled with truth and depth, and countless restacks that highlight the best Substack has to offer.

You won’t want to miss this inspiring post:
I have a confession to make

I Grow Strong Again

I have a confession to make

OK, so I’m taking a deep breath as I introduce you to the thematic thread of June’s weekly posts. I haven’t publicly written or spoken about my creative past—the…

Read more

10 months ago · 58 likes · 102 comments · Jeannie Ewing

Through I Grow Strong Again, Jeannie offers a beautiful and welcoming platform to explore what “I grow strong again” means in your life. If you feel moved to contribute your voice, here’s the link to offer a submission:

Submissions Page

Thank you so much, Jeannie, for all your heartfelt, creative, and intentional work around inclusion, respect, non-violence, and lifting voices along the way. It’s been a deep and heartwarming honor meeting you, and I’m genuinely looking forward to what the future holds in the way of connections, community, and friendship.

🌟 SLY–

THE HSP SANCTUARY –

The HSP Sanctuary

A soft sanctuary for your nervous system & tender heart.

By Sly

Once you journey into Sly’s Substack, you will wish to gift yourself time and space to read and savor her beautiful words. They will circle your heart and pull you into a place of sheer and brilliant honesty, courage, and bravery dialed on high. Each story takes you another step deeper within Sly’s incredible journey, and you will feel ever so appreciative of bearing gentle witness to her truths and discoveries.

Sly’s About page within The HSP Sanctuary states:

Welcome to your nervous system’s favorite inbox.

Welcome to the HSP Sanctuary the soft corner of the internet where being “too sensitive” is finally seen as the superpower it is…and your nervous system’s favorite inbox.

I’m Sly a Kenyan-American Pediatric RN based in Los Angeles, trauma recovery storyteller, and founder of The HSP Sanctuary.

This is a safe space for highly sensitive people seeking nervous system care, emotional clarity, and a slow, brave connection with me.

I write for sensitive souls who’ve been told they’re “too much” their whole lives.

If you’re here, you probably know that ache.

At first glance within the bloomingwithsly home page, you will see intriguing post titles jumping off the page.

Sly suggests, “If you’re new here, start with these:”

Mother My rawest truth about missing the mother I needed.

From Silent Observer to Blooming Voice How I learned to stop hiding.

And a few other posts you will not want to miss:

The Day I Stole My Voice Back From the People Who Buried It

When Your Body Remembers What Your Mind Forgot.

Within the HSP Sanctuary, here’s what you can expect from Sly:

• 💛 Weekly deep dives into mother wounds, nervous system healing, and learning to love yourself without conditions.
  Think raw stories about no contact, setting boundaries with family, and giving your inner child the love they deserved.

• 💛 2–3 daily Notes gentle reminders that your sensitivity isn’t broken, your boundaries matter, and choosing yourself isn’t selfish, it’s survival.

• 💛 A community where your tender heart is celebrated, not “fixed.”
  Where we’re all learning to mother ourselves and break cycles instead of repeating them.

Thank you so much, Sly, for offering your readers a soft place to land where everyone feels seen and welcomed with open arms. It has been a treasured gift to step into your Substack community. I’m genuinely excited about all the beautiful connections, friendships, and meaningful moments still to come.

THANK YOU FOR READING!

Thank you very much for reading SHOUT-OUTS | & REFLECTIONS | Edition #8 | Lifting Voices Up

👉 Click below to read the two previous posts in this series.
SHOUT-OUTS & REFLECTIONS | Edition #7 | Lifting Voices Up

SHOUT-OUTS & REFLECTIONS | Edition #6 | Lifting Voices Up

Wishing you peace, light, and meaning on your journey.
Let’s keep lifting each other up—one small act at a time.

With love and gratitude,
Lis at Savor Life Studio 💖

Savor Life Studio Weekly Schedule

• Tuesdays – Anchor Post
• Fridays – Shout-Outs (Highlighting inspiring Substack voices)
• Sundays – Freebie Post (Calm & creative gifts for your week ahead)

New subscribers are always welcome here — encouraged and appreciated more than words can say, which is saying something, coming from a writer! 😄

☕️ Coffee Love 💖
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be truly honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this creative space alive.
Wishing you a day full of peace and beautiful moments.

PS — This post is public, so please feel free to restack and share with others. Thank you! 💖

Want to know more about Savor Life Studio?
Take a peek behind the scenes — meet Lis, explore the mission, and pick up some peaceful freebies to add more calm and clarity to your days.

Welcome to Savor Life Studio! 🌿

Thank you for being here.
I’m Lis — a writer, musician, nature-lover, and traveler, drawn to the beauty of simple moments and the wisdom of the natural world.

Through this space, Savor Life Studio, I share reflections, stories, voices, and photographs that bring more calm, clarity, and connection into our days.

I’m endlessly grateful for small joys, authentic connection, and the quiet creativity that unites us across distance and time.

I’m so glad you’re here. And if you ever feel inspired to reach out, I’d genuinely love to connect.

With love and gratitude,
Lis 💖