Where is Your Journey Taking You? Reflections After 50 Days on Substack
Excitement, Uncertainty, and Hope Still Soaring
To this inspiring community,
Fifty days ago, I clicked “publish” for the first time on Substack—unsure of exactly what I was doing, only that I felt a quiet pull to write, share, and connect.
Since then, I’ve found my rhythm, deepened my voice, and even took a brave leap by doing my first Live—huge thanks to Jessica Ann for making it all possible! Each step has been a lesson in vulnerability, connection, and the power of simply showing up.
Today, I’m pausing to reflect. To look gently at what this space has become—and what it might still grow into. Whether you’ve been reading from the beginning or just arrived, thank you for being here.
This is what I’ve learned.
This is what I’ve felt.
And this is what I still wonder.
Over the last two weeks, I’ve been traveling and sharing my journey with you on Substack through my posts about Road Trip 2025. This time on the road has given me plenty of time to reflect, and here are some insights I’ve gathered.
✨What I’ve Learned
Authenticity = Connection
Substack is a place where authenticity matters. When you share your quietest truths, your story becomes a mirror for others.
Write the thing you never thought you had the courage to say out loud.
Share what feels most vulnerable—and watch what unfolds.
It’s often the rawest stories that resonate most and remind us we’re not alone.
Consistency Builds Momentum
At first, I didn’t even know the difference between a Note and a Post. But over time, I’ve fallen into a rhythm:
2 Notes a day (morning & evening)—sometimes even a midday third!
1–2 longer Posts per week
1 weekly “Shout-Out” post to highlight Substacks I’ve enjoyed
For anyone still learning the ropes, here’s a post I wrote to help:
Restack? Chat? Notes? 8 Substack Terms Finally Explained!
✨What I’ve Felt
Excitement
To finally feel part of a supportive, creative community has been pure joy.
Uncertainty
Which of my thoughts and stories are most helpful to share?
Uncertainty has been a constant companion in this journey. One post that felt especially meaningful to me—“Dear Mothers Everywhere – I See You”—was something I thought might resonate deeply with readers. Yet, it didn’t quite land.
What I’ve realized is that I can’t predict which posts will be meaningful to others. Some things I share unexpectedly touch hearts, while others, which I thought would be deeply moving, remain silent.
This has been a humbling reminder that the connection between words and readers is not always linear—and sometimes, the words that matter most are the ones that live quietly in my own heart.
How can I be of the most value here?
This is the question that lingers loudest—resurfacing regularly like an itch that cannot be ignored.
Still, I remain hopeful. Over the next 50 days on Substack, I trust that new pathways will reveal themselves with clarity and zest, and that the road ahead will begin to take shape.
As a recently retired woman stepping away from a life-long career, I gently remind myself: new beginnings take time. They ask for space. They deserve reverence. And they require the courage to breathe fully into change.
✨What I Still Wonder
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?
If you’ve been here since the beginning—or just arrived—I’d love to hear what you are learning, feeling, or wondering too. Please leave a comment below or share your reflections with me. Let’s grow together.
Closing Thoughts
I’m filled with gratitude for the connections made in just 50 days. Here’s to continuing this journey—together. To listening deeply, showing up bravely, and building something honest and alive.
Here’s to the next 50 days—and the 50 after that.
With gratitude and warmth,
Lis💖
Sending peace, light, and love ~ Always
I'm so glad we connected and honestly it feels like we have known each other for more than 50 days. That's Substack. We connect, we bond through our words, we share.
I love this space. But I’m also conscious I want to ‘live IRL’ and give myself time to do just that.
I aim to do one note per day and one or two post per month plus my monthly newsletter. Plus comment and restack where words resonate with me. My only must do commitment is my newsletter.
That works for me.
You have been busy, Lis. I started on here just before you. I wrote a few notes that got no response, then wrote one that got me 30 subscribers; then felt the need to step back and consolidate, so no more notes for now. I’ve made two or three good friends, trying to sort out where I am with the other people I come across and who is really interested in what I have to offer. I’m going to test out offering a different service in my next post, remote healing, for free. Whether I’ll get any takers, I don’t know, but I’m sure there are plenty of people on here who would be glad of it. It’s a case of finding a way to connect. It still feels like a bit of a labyrinth.