Thank you Terje, very recognisable what you wrote. After a year i too find Substack just another social media platform in which I am losing interest.
As for writing, my muse and inspiration have totally abandoned me for quite a while now. Nothing comes anymore and writing about 'nothing coming' or dancing etc has not made a difference. I am hopeful that it means there is a deeper change happening.
I love your writing and in all honesty, your posts are one of the very few I actually read. I love your warmth and honesty and reading your words makes me feel uplifted and encouraged. You may not be favoured by algorhythms or by millions of subscribers (yet), but you are making a difference to me. THANK YOU.
Thank you! Your words touch my heart. The down times in writing can be truly challenging. Having an outlook that it might be a sign of deeper change is encouraging. Keep writing to see what is possible!💖
Thank you, Terje, we should always celebrate our small victories. Writing every week for one year is definitely one! In a few weeks, it will be my Substack one year anniversary too. I’ve started like you, with one post a week but I had to slow down the pace last fall when I started writing my second novel. Usually, I let my inspiration comes from what I live or what I read so I always have something to write about but if I don’t, I skip a few days to let it come again.
My goal on Substack was to earn a little extra money with my writings but I didn’t. Nevertheless, I take great pleasure in sharing myself with others and met great people all around the world, including my beloved mentor from the land down under. I love the small community I built here and that’s probably what I will be celebrating in my anniversary post. I look forward to keeping reading you. Happy anniversary! Lots of love.
Congrats on the anniversary! I always love your Friday posts which I read with my breakfast before work. I feel the same struggles and the small fear of not being liked or being "too out there" but I also love pushing my authentic self there as I feel the support from my subscribers like You! It truly is a lovely community!
In some way some people let the machines exercise for them when they attach vibrations or roll something over them in hope for the muscles to grow without moving a finger. I value the benefits of AI and support people using it to make life easier. Sometimes for some people the writing might be useful too when they value the final product and don't care too much about the joy of the process.
Agree, also for me writing, even if only for personal journaling, is an important part of self-expression to be able to release my inner process. I guess it's a similar feeling for you. 😊
I have to confess that in my time on Substack (recently also celebrated a year anniversary) I have never come across one of your posts, and I’m on here every day. I feel like whatever algorithm runs this site isolates some of us to some extent, even on Notes, so I’m very glad to meet you! The feelings you expressed in this post mirror mine closely, and I have had doubts at times but have soldiered on anyway. You are right about fearing other people’s opinions—when I write something polarizing I can expect a hit on the “likes.” We should write from the heart, and the heck with what other people think!
I’ve met so many wonderful people here on Substack. Now that I’ve subscribed, I’ll be looking for your next post!
Thank you for responding. With so many people on Substack the discovering of new people is somewhat a game of chance. I think this is why restacking other people’s posts is valuable, it helps to find interesting writers.
Thank you for sharig Terje! I think I have to sit with what I learned. I absolutely share some lessons with yours. And last but not least congratulations with your first year on Substack! I love reading your words 💗
THIS: “The dark side of being on Substack is that it’s hard to resist checking the app and website to see what’s new, whether anyone has read the post or liked your notes. When they have, you get a quick boost of dopamine. When they haven’t, there is a danger of spiralling down the path of “Nobody likes me. I’m invisible. I’m insignificant.” One has to be deliberate in creating routines and habits that support the mental wellbeing.” I feel this so strongly, it’s the real struggle.
It is a struggle indeed. The other day I was taken aback noticing that when I picked up the phone to check my calendar, I ended up scrolling. It might be best for me to leave my phone in a different room when working or writing.
Cool sandcastle. I hope to make so.e more with you. You have done so well in a year. Most of all you have learned to disregard mostly the substack white noise machine.
This post totally resonated with me, Terje! And, like you, I wouldn’t be here without the support and encouragement of Beth through her writing classes. I’m pleased I don’t understand algorithms or how to work Substack. I’m also happy to be here for the community and to have a place to share my words. Thank you! 🙏
Terje - congrats on writing every week for a year, how incredible. I related to the emotions you describe. After I publish (I write once a month), I try to move to the next essay and ruminate so I don't pay close attention to how my last piece did. that stuff doesn't end up being important anyway. The habit of writing on a dedicated regimen is powerful, and I'm sure you've experienced that.
I don't ever want to use AI in my writing, I definitely use it in my work as a physician but don't want it to cross into creativity as I think it's important to protect that.
I appreciate that you took time to respond. You are in a good place if you are able to avoid rumination. Your comment on habits is spot on. Habits and routines have been most helpful in being consistent and growing as a writer. :)
What have you learned Terje? I'd say, simply, a lot. As I have from reading your writing, and will from reading what you post on future Fridays. Thanks for caring to share.
Congratulations on your year of writing! I’m so happy to have discovered your words and look forward to everything you have to write about in the coming months and years.
For writing consistently, for publishing consistently, for having the courage to put your words out there, for staying through all emotional ups and downs, for having made peace with your inner critic (very impressive!), for sharing so very interesting and varied posts with us! Here's to a lovely year two! 😊
Terje, thank you so much for sharing this. I've just recently started on Substack, and reading your reflections felt like a deep breath of reassurance. I especially loved what you said about how writing is both play and choice. The image of the sandbox really stayed with me. What a beautiful way to look at creativity!
Your take on dopamine loops, routines, and staying connected to the why behind writing helped me more than you know.
I’d love to stay connected! Your presence here feels like the kind of generous, grounded voice I hope to keep learning from.
Congratulations Terje for a year of showing up and telling your truth, and I find it helps to be open to, but detached from outcomes. And I love how Beth says, “I write for my readers, but I write for myself first.”
And just so you know, when I see your email in my inbox, I look forward to reading it. I love your voice, your perspective, and what you choose to share. Keep writing Terje, “the world needs your medicine”. 🥰♥️🙏🏼🕊
Thank you Terje, very recognisable what you wrote. After a year i too find Substack just another social media platform in which I am losing interest.
As for writing, my muse and inspiration have totally abandoned me for quite a while now. Nothing comes anymore and writing about 'nothing coming' or dancing etc has not made a difference. I am hopeful that it means there is a deeper change happening.
I love your writing and in all honesty, your posts are one of the very few I actually read. I love your warmth and honesty and reading your words makes me feel uplifted and encouraged. You may not be favoured by algorhythms or by millions of subscribers (yet), but you are making a difference to me. THANK YOU.
Thank you! Your words touch my heart. The down times in writing can be truly challenging. Having an outlook that it might be a sign of deeper change is encouraging. Keep writing to see what is possible!💖
Thank you, Terje, we should always celebrate our small victories. Writing every week for one year is definitely one! In a few weeks, it will be my Substack one year anniversary too. I’ve started like you, with one post a week but I had to slow down the pace last fall when I started writing my second novel. Usually, I let my inspiration comes from what I live or what I read so I always have something to write about but if I don’t, I skip a few days to let it come again.
My goal on Substack was to earn a little extra money with my writings but I didn’t. Nevertheless, I take great pleasure in sharing myself with others and met great people all around the world, including my beloved mentor from the land down under. I love the small community I built here and that’s probably what I will be celebrating in my anniversary post. I look forward to keeping reading you. Happy anniversary! Lots of love.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I am happy that we are in this community together. 💖
My pleasure. I’m happy we are in the same community too. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading. Lots of love.
Congradulations on a whole year of turning up for your writing and yourself:) I think posting every Friday for a year is amazing! Keep going:)
Thank you! A year of writing feels doable if approached one Friday at a time. :)
I only manage Substack fortnightly and sometimes that’s hard. I write to full moon and new moon to keep track. Its good to have some perimeters:)
Congrats on the anniversary! I always love your Friday posts which I read with my breakfast before work. I feel the same struggles and the small fear of not being liked or being "too out there" but I also love pushing my authentic self there as I feel the support from my subscribers like You! It truly is a lovely community!
Thank you. I am glad we are here together. :) Terje
Palju õnne!☺️🌸
This made me laugh: "Letting the AI do the writing would be as ridiculous as asking a robot do the morning exercise for me." 😄 True!!!
In some way some people let the machines exercise for them when they attach vibrations or roll something over them in hope for the muscles to grow without moving a finger. I value the benefits of AI and support people using it to make life easier. Sometimes for some people the writing might be useful too when they value the final product and don't care too much about the joy of the process.
Agree, also for me writing, even if only for personal journaling, is an important part of self-expression to be able to release my inner process. I guess it's a similar feeling for you. 😊
I have to confess that in my time on Substack (recently also celebrated a year anniversary) I have never come across one of your posts, and I’m on here every day. I feel like whatever algorithm runs this site isolates some of us to some extent, even on Notes, so I’m very glad to meet you! The feelings you expressed in this post mirror mine closely, and I have had doubts at times but have soldiered on anyway. You are right about fearing other people’s opinions—when I write something polarizing I can expect a hit on the “likes.” We should write from the heart, and the heck with what other people think!
I’ve met so many wonderful people here on Substack. Now that I’ve subscribed, I’ll be looking for your next post!
Thank you for responding. With so many people on Substack the discovering of new people is somewhat a game of chance. I think this is why restacking other people’s posts is valuable, it helps to find interesting writers.
Absolutely! Nice to know ya!
Thank you for sharig Terje! I think I have to sit with what I learned. I absolutely share some lessons with yours. And last but not least congratulations with your first year on Substack! I love reading your words 💗
THIS: “The dark side of being on Substack is that it’s hard to resist checking the app and website to see what’s new, whether anyone has read the post or liked your notes. When they have, you get a quick boost of dopamine. When they haven’t, there is a danger of spiralling down the path of “Nobody likes me. I’m invisible. I’m insignificant.” One has to be deliberate in creating routines and habits that support the mental wellbeing.” I feel this so strongly, it’s the real struggle.
It is a struggle indeed. The other day I was taken aback noticing that when I picked up the phone to check my calendar, I ended up scrolling. It might be best for me to leave my phone in a different room when working or writing.
Cool sandcastle. I hope to make so.e more with you. You have done so well in a year. Most of all you have learned to disregard mostly the substack white noise machine.
Thank you for responding. I like how you phrased this: "Most of all you have learned to disregard mostly the substack white noise machine."
This post totally resonated with me, Terje! And, like you, I wouldn’t be here without the support and encouragement of Beth through her writing classes. I’m pleased I don’t understand algorithms or how to work Substack. I’m also happy to be here for the community and to have a place to share my words. Thank you! 🙏
Your last sentence should be a slogan for Substack. :)
It’s how it feels!✨
Terje - congrats on writing every week for a year, how incredible. I related to the emotions you describe. After I publish (I write once a month), I try to move to the next essay and ruminate so I don't pay close attention to how my last piece did. that stuff doesn't end up being important anyway. The habit of writing on a dedicated regimen is powerful, and I'm sure you've experienced that.
I don't ever want to use AI in my writing, I definitely use it in my work as a physician but don't want it to cross into creativity as I think it's important to protect that.
Hello from Wisconsin, USA!
I appreciate that you took time to respond. You are in a good place if you are able to avoid rumination. Your comment on habits is spot on. Habits and routines have been most helpful in being consistent and growing as a writer. :)
What have you learned Terje? I'd say, simply, a lot. As I have from reading your writing, and will from reading what you post on future Fridays. Thanks for caring to share.
Thank you!
Congratulations on your year of writing! I’m so happy to have discovered your words and look forward to everything you have to write about in the coming months and years.
Thank you! I am glad we are here together.
Congratulations, Terje! 🎉 ✨️😀
For writing consistently, for publishing consistently, for having the courage to put your words out there, for staying through all emotional ups and downs, for having made peace with your inner critic (very impressive!), for sharing so very interesting and varied posts with us! Here's to a lovely year two! 😊
Thank you!
Terje, thank you so much for sharing this. I've just recently started on Substack, and reading your reflections felt like a deep breath of reassurance. I especially loved what you said about how writing is both play and choice. The image of the sandbox really stayed with me. What a beautiful way to look at creativity!
Your take on dopamine loops, routines, and staying connected to the why behind writing helped me more than you know.
I’d love to stay connected! Your presence here feels like the kind of generous, grounded voice I hope to keep learning from.
I appreciate that you took the time to comment. Your words touch me. May your first year here bring you lots of joy and inspiration!💖
Thank you so much for your beautiful wishes, Terje.
Congratulations Terje for a year of showing up and telling your truth, and I find it helps to be open to, but detached from outcomes. And I love how Beth says, “I write for my readers, but I write for myself first.”
And just so you know, when I see your email in my inbox, I look forward to reading it. I love your voice, your perspective, and what you choose to share. Keep writing Terje, “the world needs your medicine”. 🥰♥️🙏🏼🕊
Thank you for your kind words! And for reminding about Beth’s words. 💖