WEEK 2 SUBSTACK: Reflections | Shout-Outs | and Lessons Learned

Connecting Voices, Sharing Stories, and Embracing Kindness: A Week of Learning and Inspiration

REFLECTIONS

1. I am overwhelmed with the quality and depth of writing coming over the Substack airwaves. Pure joy!

2. In just one short week, I connected with writers living in Taiwan, Sydney, Morocco, Ireland, Scotland, and many other places in between. Substack is, without a doubt, the quickest and most exciting way to travel the world, connect with beautiful people, and never leave the comfort of your own home.

3. According to Google, as of March 2025, Substack has over 17 million writers on the platform. Somehow, hearing those words makes my heart smile. 17 MILLION WRITERS. Beautiful. 💖

SHOUT OUTS

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 Sieking’s newsletter by clicking this link: Stress-Free Living. Thank you, Sikieng!

This newsletter shares my journey toward inner peace amidst the chaos of modern life, exploring how to manage stress, connect with your true self, and find joy in the present.

LESSONS LEARNED

1. Substack feels like a glorious tapestry of unique and expansive voices, weaving together to dance and play with the human spirit.

2. Notes are designed to “foster broader community discussions,” In my experience, not so much…but maybe someday. 😊

3. Substack is a place where kindness abounds. All of my interactions on this platform have been supremely compassionate and warm-hearted. Thank you, Substack!

   

   I enjoyed this rainbow from my studio loft, where words come to play and occasionally meander - until I lasso them into proper order and send them flying into the beyond.

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.

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