Six Months on Substack - Still Here

On slow growth, unexpected connections and learning to show up honestly

Six months ago I published my first post here. I had no idea what I was doing. I still don’t, not completely. But I’m still here. And that means something.

23 posts. 174 subscribers. I don’t know how many notes.

It’s definitely not been linear growth. I haven’t reached 1,000 subscribers in my first few months like so many people do.

I haven’t shared a post every week like I wanted to. I haven’t shown up on notes several times a day like I planned (and like so many people suggest). I don’t comment on other people’s posts as much as I’d like to. And maybe that’s why my growth is slow.

My inner critic is very aware of all of that. Constantly comparing myself with the ones having achieved more in less time.

But who is to say what I achieved is not enough?

Taking time to grow, just like flowers take time to bloom fully

I didn’t expect the connections. People reaching out, sharing their own stories, telling me something I wrote resonated, cheering me on. That’s not something I had in mind when I started . And honestly, it’s been one of the most meaningful parts of this whole journey.

I came here to write and I found a beautiful and supportive community too.

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I have a tendency to start projects and abandon them after a few days or weeks. Six months later, I’m still here. Still showing up, even if it’s not every day. For me, that’s actually a lot.

When I started I thought I knew what I would be writing about. I wanted to give clear answers, clear guidelines, a clear direction. Six months later I’m not so sure about any of that. And I’ve had to make peace with that.

I wanted to inspire people from a place of having it all figured out. Now I write from where I actually am - the in-between (I know, a very popular term right now, but it fits).

I’m still figuring it out. Still growing. Still struggling sometimes.

I don’t want to be another person telling you what to do, to be some kind of self-proclaimed coach.

My dream is to simply share honestly from where I am and inspire others to see their own potential, because we are so much more powerful than we allow ourselves to believe.

I want to show up more authentically, without pretending to have answers I don’t have.

Maybe that’s more valuable anyway. So, I’m working towards that.

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Sometimes it gets frustrating. I really enjoy what I write and I wish it would reach more people. But I’ve started to see slow growth differently. Seeing other writers grow big audiences while being honest, taking breaks and not necessarily showing up every day, inspired me to keep going (Thank you to all the writers taking it slow).

I’m not saying this is the right way. There is no right or wrong way to show up on Substack. Sure, there are tips and tricks, but if it stresses you out, none of it is worth it.

Find your way and what works for you.

Maybe the slow growth is preparing me. For a bigger audience, for more visibility, for more expectations. I’m finding my voice here, gaining confidence, learning what I actually want to say. I’m not sure I could even handle 1,000 subscribers just yet. And that’s okay. I’m getting there.

Less pressure also means more honesty for me right now. It’s easier to write authentically for a smaller audience. And authenticity is the whole point.

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I don’t know where this journey will take me. Maybe I’ll reach 1,000 subscribers soon. Maybe it will take much longer. Either is okay.

For now I’m enjoying finding my rhythm, without the pressure of showing up perfectly, just the intention of showing up honestly.

Six months in. Still here. Still figuring it out. Still choosing me every day.

I am very grateful for everyone who has joined me on my writing journey.

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How has your Substack journey been? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

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