REALLY! It’s NOT Always About the Numbers!
Creative Paths: KDP, Etsy, YouTube & Coming Home to Substack
(This reflection is part of my ongoing series: Savoring Life at 59 — exploring freedom, rediscovery, and meaning beyond roles.) #2
Is it the words that matter most—or the numbers?
That’s the question I posed to my sixth graders one afternoon. Their answers—and my own creative journey—revealed something profound.
The classroom was abuzz with excitement as the 11- and 12-year-old brains engaged with enthusiastic claims.
“Of course, words are more important than numbers, besides, we can write numbers with words!”
Good point!
“Numbers are way more valuable than words. How could we buy things at the grocery store, build a house, or invest money without numbers?”
And the discussion was off to the races.
Upon every social media platform I’ve encountered—and yes, it’s been a long and harrowing journey—numbers reign supreme.
Someone has them.
Everybody wants them.
Success is measured by them.
And most important of all ~
The drive to capture them can be elusive and exhausting.
Following My Bliss ~ The Creative Process Unleashed
In recent years, when time was short and responsibilities loomed large, I decided to invest in some delicious and meaningful self-care.
My mission was to create products filled with inspiration, motivation, and gratitude and share them with the world at large.
KDP Amazon was the first stop on the railway to bountiful.
The KDP website states:
“Welcome to Kindle Direct Publishing. Self-publish print and digital books, and reach millions of readers around the world on Amazon.”
I thought to myself, “Cool! Awesome!”
Absentmindedly using two words that were banned within the four colorful walls of my literary classroom.
I worked like a KDP machine within every spare moment life offered and before I could say, “lickety, split” I was the proud creator of:
Gratitude Journals
Notebooks
Coloring books
Sudoku books
Many months passed and just as the sweat was drying and the enthusiasm was soaring, I received a notification that sent me reeling and started tears flowing.
SHUT DOWN!
CANCELLED!
YOU NO LONGER HAVE A KDP ACCOUNT!
Hundreds, if not thousands of hours
Gone. Gone. Gone.
Number sold: Under 10 products
I wrote at least eight emails pleading to KDP as to the reasons for the shut down—to which I never, ever received a definitive answer.
And with no answer, no products, and no account, I did what we all must do when plans change midstream and life offers up challenges that feel insurmountable and devastating ~
I pivoted.
Next up! Etsy
The Etsy homepage reads:
“Handpicked finds ~ Special items from unique Etsy sellers.”
And so began the creation of T-shirts, mugs, and digital products—all based around the themes of gratitude, savoring life, and travel.
My husband was crowned my AE ~ Artistic Editor and we were off and running toward Etsy fame and glory.
5 months.
Hundreds of hours later, maybe more.
With a plethora of digital products snuggled comfortably upon their virtual shelves, eagerly awaiting buyers—
Those elusive numbers were not in my favor, yet again.
And because some humans have an insatiable appetite for pain and suffering,
And willingly follow the formula:
FAILURE = SUCCESS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
YouTube was the next victim.
I was up for the challenge.
Visions of a nature community twinkled in my head, as I bounced myself over sandy shores and along forested trails.
I coined the term Nature Chaser and began coveting my tiny moments of bliss in the great outdoors.
After purchasing a tripod, I began shooting nature scenes with a fervor.
Next, I learned how to place acoustic, piano, and ambient tracks underneath the footage.
For awhile, my life was soaring with purpose, and meaning, and joy was a steady companion.
And best of all, my husband quickly switched crowns from Artistic Editor to Nature Chaser and we became partners in outdoor nirvana.
It was a win-win of the very best kind.
Until I realized...
Getting subscribers seemed next to impossible.
And no one seemed interested in videos
about meditation, gratitude, or swirling waves upon sandy shores.
At least not mine, anyway.
Piano Music for Relaxation was one of my favorite compilations and still brings me comfort and peace from time to time.
Final Numbers:
KDP AMAZON – Shut down!
Etsy – 77 Sales | 5 Star Review Average | No longer stocking Etsy shelves
YouTube – 24 Subscribers | 41 Videos
In March of 2025...
...someone sent me a link to a Substack, and I was
Homeward Bound ~ at long last.
Words replaced numbers and joy plummeted to an all-time high.
HOME AT LAST!
I was connecting with people worldwide who also cared about words,
And wrote with the tender precision of physicians performing surgery on the entire planet—
Aligning spirits, healing wounds, and holding space for every. single. person.
seeking nurturing and loving care.
And then came presence—mine, yours, and the collective energy of countless voices…
Sharing words that say:
It’s OUR TIME
To be HEARD and HONORED!
Slowly, gradually, gently…
For the first time ever within a social media platform—
I BELONGED!
“My there be peace, light, and love” became my mantra,
And lifting voices provided the fuel and inspiration
for everyday posts.
Gratitude linked arms with hope
and together,
we began walking upon clouds of joy.
Long Live the Words and Creators!
For myself, it’s always been about the words and the artistic creations.
The numbers often wish to consume the narrative—
and one must be aware of their persistence.
It’s important to ask the following question from time to time:
Would you rather have 1,000 subscribers who never read/view your posts,
or 100 subscribers who hang on your every word/creation?
✨ Measures of Substack Success
These days, I’ve redefined what success means to me. It’s not about numbers or going viral—it’s about connection, intention, and showing up with heart. Here’s how I currently measure my Substack success:
Restacking Posts That Deeply Resonate — Sharing the words of others that move me brings deep and lasting joy and is a way of saying, 'Yes, this matters.'
Commenting on Posts and Notes — Meaningful conversations are the lifeblood of this space, and I cherish each thoughtful exchange.
Building Community — Every connection adds warmth and purpose. Whether it's a new subscriber or a heartfelt message, I feel it deeply.
Creative Offerings Shared — When I send something out into the world—big or small—it’s a victory of spirit and intention.
Celebrating New Substacks — Reaching out, lifting up, and offering support to new voices brings joy and connection full circle.
In my own kingdom of creative exploration, words will always reign supreme.
They are at the very foundation of human connection—
and have the grace, beauty, and power
to guide us toward our best and highest selves,
Accomplishing dinosaur-sized miracles
with joy dialed on high
and hope weaving in and out of every. single. word.
Lifting Others Lights The Way offers a heartfelt reflection on the unexpected joys and meaningful lessons I’ve discovered through celebrating and magnifying voices across the Substack community.
No Regrets
Do I regret spending hundreds, if not thousands, of hours creating products that were deleted without explanation?
Or pouring copious time into learning systems—only to watch my soulful creations sit untouched in an oversaturated virtual marketplace?
Not for one second.
When treated with reverence, our scars and wounds become our coveted superpowers.
We get to activate them whenever and however we choose.
My activation button?
It resides in an unwavering belief that knowledge is power—
and those words, carefully strung together with grace and humility,
are the sacred link to connection, to truth,
And to all that is beautiful and just in this world.
Every step of my journey has brought me to this moment—
where inspiration flies on wings of intention,
hope follows along like a radiant puppy,
and there’s always someone awaiting a shout-out.
Maybe the key to a fulfilling life
is scooping up all the failures,
molding them into a golden bell,
and ringing that bell on high
every single day—
to remind us:
Every attempt is a victory.
Light follows darkness.
And even the most trying moments
can be turned into something
that rings true and beautiful.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
Thank you very much for reading REALLY! It’s NOT Always About the Numbers!
👉 Click below to read the first post in this series
Savoring Life at 59: Letting Go to Begin Again
(This reflection is part of my ongoing series: Savoring Life at 59 — exploring freedom, rediscovery, and meaning beyond roles.)
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 💖
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Wishing you a day full of peace and beautiful moments.
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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. My hope is 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 ❤️
Thank you for sharing this amazing piece 👍👍👍