Month 1 Highlights: Shout-Outs to Inspiring Voices

A collection of uplifting voices that shaped my first month on Substack—shared with gratitude, in hopes they’ll inspire you too.

Reflecting on my first month of this Substack journey, I’m deeply grateful for the beautiful voices I’ve discovered and connected with. From heartfelt reflections to brilliant insights, these writers have inspired me and helped shape my experience.
Today, I’m sharing a compilation of my Friday Shout-Outs—honoring a few voices that have truly stood out and deserve to be celebrated. 💖

🔹 Thank you to my BFF, Kathleen!

Who has LIKED and SUPPORTED every single one of my posts. A gift, to be sure, and I’m deeply grateful. Kathleen is the most kind-hearted person I have ever known, and her gifts to the world flow deep and wide. She is a shining star lighting the way toward all that is good and right within the realm of humanity, and I’m grateful beyond words to call her my BFF. Thank you, BFF!

🔹 Sal Gallaher Author

Sal lives in Australia and is the Author of Secrets in the Lakes, which is now sitting in front of me, awaiting my attention. You can find Sal’s book on the shelves of a Sydney bookstore and other platforms, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is also available in eBook formatting. I will place an image of this stunning book cover below. Sal took the time to comment upon my first post, ‘At the Water’s Edge,’ and I am most grateful she did so.
Grab Secrets in the Lakes here

🔹Delightful by Lisa McCrohan

Lisa is a Psychotherapist and Coach, Author, and Poet. She shared a beautiful article this week titled “Walk and Talk Wednesday,” in which I learned that out of necessity during the pandemic, she began practicing “Walking and Talking” to her clients whilst both she and the client were outdoors. Lovely! Thank you, Lisa!
Here’s a link to Walk and Talk Wednesday:

🔹 Matt DiGeronimo

Matt is a three-time published author, a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine officer, and a student of life, learning, and thinking. This past week, I had the good fortune of connecting with Matt and being introduced to Beyond Platitudes, where Matt tackles three topics:

1. Challenging Deep-Rooted Assumptions and Biases

2. Redefining Leadership (including SELF-leadership)

3. Embracing the Writer's Journey

Matt thoughtfully and meticulously responds to writing and truly goes the extra mile to ensure his readers feel seen and understood. He is a true gift to the literary realm. I couldn't agree more with this quote from his website: "I aim to build a supportive community that nurtures creativity and resilience among writers."
Check out these gorgeous writing pieces—collaborative efforts from the collective voices thriving within Beyond Platitudes. Thank you, Matt!
🔹 The Healing House
🔹 The Ink Cathedral

🔹 Sikieng Sok

Sikieng helps you release stress effortlessly—no techniques, just understanding. I had the pleasure of connecting with Sikieng over an article she wrote titled The Illusion of Kindness: Unmasking the Hidden Selfishness in Charity. In this thought-provoking piece, Sikieng delves deep into the four types of self-interest often disguised as charity:

1. The Self-Centered Giver - Please Yourself Directly

2. The Refined Self-Interest - Pleasing Others to Please Yourself

3. The Guilt-Driven Sacrifice - Giving to Avoid Bad Feelings

4. The Selfless Gift - Real Giving Comes Without Strings

Sikieng’s insightful questions will immediately have you looking inward and assessing your motivations for giving and sharing.
You can read Sikieng’s newsletter Stress-Free Living here. Thank you, Sikieng!

🔹Alain Hajjar

I had the good fortune of connecting with Alain this past week and most appreciated his support and encouragement.
Alain is a Growth & Resilience Writer | Life Storyteller | and Coach | Helping you unlock your potential, one idea at a time | with Expert tips by guiding students and immigrants to find their dream destinations | DM for collaborations & Recommendations

Explore Alain’s publication Rise and Clarity Insider and I especially enjoyed:
🔹 Overwhelmed and Scattered: Try Planning Around Your Energy, Not Your Time

1. “The Calendar can be your most powerful ally.”

2. “Don’t overcomplicate things with grandiose goals that overwhelm you.”

3. “Tasks that require strength or stamina are typically more effectively done during the morning or early afternoon hours.”

You may also enjoy:
🔹 Life is too short Episode - with Heart Wisdom by Christina

“This Episode: It’s a reminder to focus on what truly matters: connection, authenticity, and love.” Alain Hajjar

There is more to explore on Alain’s Substack, and you will be glad you decided to look around. Thank you, Alain!

🔹 Courtney Cunningham

Getting to know Courtney has been a delight, and I'm honored to highlight her Substack this week.

Courtney’s Substack Bio: A well lived every, day woman-- Depending on wellness, nature, and my intuition to guide me back to my heart's call. Here to share what I've learned as I navigate the throes of midlife while staying true to the kid in me.

I wandered out to Courtney's Publication Not a Niche and was met with a well-organized and professional-looking website.

Right away, I was drawn to 10 Weeks on Substack—A life-changing journey. This article is filled with inspiring stories and anecdotes about how Substack has been life-changing for Courtney.

She states, "I'm drawn to voices that feel like both a reflection and a compass – people who help me see more clearly, think more deeply, and move with intention. I've found so many on Substack."

I especially enjoyed reading Courtney's article From Breakdown to Breakthrough, in which she explains, "I quit searching for roles. I quit applying. I quit spending all my time giving my energy to something that gave me nothing in return. If I've learned anything in this life, it's that listening to my heart when it speaks loud and clear will lead me where I need to be."

BEAUTIFUL!

What a joy to meet Courtney, and I'm so grateful our paths have crossed. If you take the time to explore Not a Niche, you will be so happy you decided to stop by. Thank you, Courtney!

🔹 Jay Jay

I’m Jay — a Doctor of Physical Therapy turned entrepreneur, building OptimalCare Alliance while navigating fatherhood and personal growth. Sharing real lessons, wins, and setbacks. Let’s grow and level up together.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article:
“In Between Diapers and Deadlines: What Fatherhood Taught Me About Building a Business”

This heartfelt, humorous, and beautifully written piece takes a deep and honest look at the challenges and wonders of balancing fatherhood and entrepreneurship. Reading this article was a delight from beginning to end.

If you're looking for honest, heart-centered reflections on growth, fatherhood, and building something meaningful, Jay Jay’s Substack is a space you'll want to return to again and again.

Thank you, Jay Jay!

🔹Eric Peñalba

Email & Website Copywriter │ Product Launch Sequence Strategist │ Storyteller ---> I hunt for the bigger life lessons hidden within strange, inspirational, and newsworthy stories by uncovering their unexpected connections.

Eric hunts for the bigger life lessons hidden within strange, inspirational, and newsworthy stories by uncovering their unexpected connections.

I had the pleasure of reading his piece, “Want to make sense of the chaos? Take a bite of your ‘raspberry’” — and what a joy it was to read.

Eric brilliantly shares actionable steps for navigating challenges and life transitions. His real-life anecdote of overcoming the vastness of space — linked back to the humble raspberry — was a powerful reminder of how to grab hold of one 'piece' of understanding at a time.

Eric's generous nature, reflective tone, and pearls of wisdom are true gems awaiting your discovery. Thank you, Eric!

Thank You for Reading!

Thank you very much for reading Month 1 Highlights: Shout-Outs to Inspiring Voices — I’m so excited to see what Week 5 brings in the way of words, connections, stories, and surprises.

New subscribers are ENCOURAGED, WELCOMED, and APPRECIATED more than words can say (which is almost impossible for a writer to admit, but there it is! 😄)

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

If you enjoyed this post, I’d be honored if you’d consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support means the world to me. I wish you a wonderful day filled with peace and beautiful moments.