Lifting Others Lights the Way

What I’ve learned from one month of shout-outs and shared light

May 14, 2025

Where I Am Now

Still finding my way—but I know this feels right.
As I near the end of my second month on Substack, I came across Claudia Faith’s Wander Wealth contest invitation:
Ready to Be Featured? Win a Guest Post & LIVE With Me This May.

I paused, smiled, and thought, “What fun! Maybe I’ll meet someone experienced who can help answer some of the questions I’ve been holding close.”

How can I grow in community while lifting others up?
Am I doing enough with what I have to give?
Could this space become more interactive, more useful, more alive?
What does it truly mean to grow a meaningful online community?

And what continues to echo through my Substack experience so far? A swirling mix of excitement, gratitude, hope… and uncertainty.

What I’ve Felt So Far

Excitement & Gratitude for:

The stunning depth of people, writing, words, and art
Soul-filling connections I didn’t expect
A sacred space that feels bigger than me, and beautifully so

Hope:

That I’ll find ways to share what I have to offer
That the path ahead will slowly reveal itself
That one day I’ll wake knowing I’ve created something that brings peace, growth, and joy to others

Uncertainty:

As a new retiree, I’m learning how to breathe into the openness of unscheduled days
I’m listening more closely to my inner voice—learning to accept the “unbearable lightness” of not knowing what’s next

The Most Meaningful Thing I’ve Done Here

During my first month, I started a simple tradition: Friday shout-outs to other Substacks that moved me.

It became the most meaningful thing I’ve done on the platform.

Why?

It deepened my appreciation for the vast humanity woven into this space
It reminded me that people are here for so many reasons, each as unique and luminous as constellations in the night sky

Most of all, something shifted inside me—I moved from “I” to “We”
Lifting up others became not just a joy, but a purpose

What These Shout-Outs Taught Me

Connection is Everything.
There’s a wild, beautiful joy in discovering kindred spirits across the globe.
Through posts and comments, I’ve witnessed raw honesty—grief, joy, anxiety, humor, hope—served in generous, grandmother-sized helpings.

Supporting Others Matters.
Buying someone’s digital product, leaving a kind comment, restacking a post—all of it builds a web of encouragement and solidarity.

Purpose Is in the Present.
I still don’t know where I’m going. But I know this:
I’ll keep reading. Writing. Reflecting. Shouting out others.
Maybe the point isn’t reaching some big finish line—maybe it’s simply being here, fully.

What I Value Most on Substack

1. Honesty
One morning, someone sent me detailed advice about growing here.
It was direct—maybe even a little blunt—but it was filled with care. I received it as love in one of its many forms.

2. Authenticity
Each day I see mammoth-sized doses of honesty and courage.
There’s not enough time to read all the beauty being offered here.

3. Generosity
This platform has taught me that kindness isn’t rare—it’s everywhere, if you look closely. Especially in the comments. Especially in the shares.

Encouragement for Fellow Creators

If someone moves you…

Makes you smile
Inspires you
Restores your faith
Offers peace
Helps you feel seen

SHOUT THEM OUT. COMMENT. RESTACK. SHARE.

These tiny acts of encouragement ripple outward.
You may just gain a new friend.
You may help someone keep going.
You may change a life.

In Closing

Maybe growing on Substack isn’t about paid subscribers or perfect metrics.

Maybe it’s about:

Lifting each other up
Sharing what you can
Breathing life into the in-between moments
Being brave enough to show up as yourself

Maybe this—just this—is the point.

Here’s my Month 1 Highlights: Shout-Outs to Inspiring Voices
If you feel like giving it a read.

Thanks to

Claudia Faith

for the thoughtful prompt that helped me reflect on what’s felt most meaningful so far.

As I continue finding my way, I’d love to hear how things are going for you.
What’s brought you the most meaning on Substack? What keeps you showing up?

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

With love and gratitude, Lis 💖