Yes! I love the word receiving. Some of the things I scroll by haven’t been something I’ve engaged with, but a few days later it might come back to mind and end up being thoughts I write about. Wild how it works out that way!
It takes courage to break the silence, be yourself in a world that gravitates toward similes, and, more importantly, take the stage even though "nobody at the beginning seems to listen". Your text is a beautiful reminder to keep going, to keep doing what feels right to us because when we follow the soul's path, we can’t even imagine the ripple effect it may have, even when we cannot see it with our eyes.
Beautiful text, I could feel your energy: very calm, very warm.✨
Gosh yes, so much courage. It’s some crazy number like only 5% of the online world actually posts, the rest only consume! So imagine how much courage it takes to be in that 5% everytime you hit publish. Truly wild.
A friend forwarded this to me, and it resonates deeply. I am a silent lurker, yet profoundly grateful for those who share their insights, wisdom, creations and perspectives. This was a truly uplifting read!
I will hold onto your words of wisdom, "When you share, even into silence, you create opportunities for others to learn from your journey. It’s important to be reminded of the creative vulnerability inherent in sharing our work, and how important it is to connect with others navigating similar challenges. Your willingness to be seen creates space for others to do the same."
Hahah, silent lurking has been more and more common BECAUSE there is so much content to sift through everyday, it feels like there’s not enough time to truly engage with each one. I appreciate you taking the time to read and for the encouragement 🙏
Thanks for the essay. I find self-promotion incredibly cringe too, it makes any vulnerability I might put out on the internet feel attention-seeking or antithetical to building a creative life (in the way of the work in a way, if that makes sense). This changes my perspective on it, though. Having something to stand for certainly makes the fear of being misunderstood, judged, or seen a little bit smaller.
Yes, for some reason it seems subconsciously rooted that making art and sharing art can’t go hand in hand. I’m personally working on undoing that. And simply taking a block of time each week to make, and then a block to share. Even if it’s not the same work I made that week!
How apt to read this on the day I decided I’d go back to instagram and reignite my feed as more of a place just to show who am entirely rather than just a place to share my music. I like the analogy of a garden. It’s just right. I needed this today.
I’ve been learning that it’s a really interesting time in the world of the internet to be multi passionate. There is so much noise created by AI on specialist topics, that being creative and “more than one thing” is actually your edge. It’s what makes you beautifully human. So this is a huge decision to celebrate!
Love this analogy. I feel this kind of shift in perception frees up an abundance of creativity and supports diversity in our communities 🌿 your writing puts it beautifully!
Diversity—YES! I appreciate you mentioning that Sofia. I envision a truly vibrant garden to walk through. Substack makes finding deep thinkers and artists easy.
Wow Camille! I loved this post, and your metaphor is spot on. It’s so much more compelling and natural than viewing sharing online like shouting into a megaphone, or slapping up a giant promotional billboard. Thanks for sharing this.
Truthfully, I have hesitated sharing for long because I felt it was self-promotion. This process is helping me see that it’s actually so vulnerable and courageous to do so. Thanks for reading Caroline 💛
I adore this perspective so much. I’ve been wrestling with and praying through how I show up online in my current season and this feels like another piece of the puzzle in figuring this out for myself 🤎
I deeply relate to this too. In previous life seasons I’ve shared generously and joyously, but this season feels different and I’ve refrained from sharing much at all. But that being said, when I do, I know my insights land for impact and so, there is the disconnect. This article is similarly a part of the piecing together to step forth into the next season of my life. All this to say, I’m beside you!
I think part of it is that we’re the first generation to grow up in a world where we share easily online and it’s all we know. So to come to a point where it’s like pulling back feels best, it’s an odd tension and balance, especially for writers. At least that’s how it’s been for me as a millennial who started blogging when blogging took off around 2009!
I really appreciate this framing and noticed my embrace of being online as of late reflects similar sentiments mentioned here - sharing of oneself rather than a promotion of any one thing or project. In any case, news flash, i am not an enterprise but maybe i am a...museum
Create for past you—celebrate your growth. Create for future you—the connections you’ll make, the person you’ll become. Love this so much!!
I try to remember this. I read back fondly at things I wrote in 2006-2015 and then stopped until now! Wish I kept it going!!
ufff, i relate!
Yes!!
Me too!
Silently lurking and learning to be less silent 🙂↕️
I’m learning right alongside you 😅
Same 👋😊
Someone told me that just because people are not responding doesn't mean they're not receiving.
Yes! I love the word receiving. Some of the things I scroll by haven’t been something I’ve engaged with, but a few days later it might come back to mind and end up being thoughts I write about. Wild how it works out that way!
I really like this
It takes courage to break the silence, be yourself in a world that gravitates toward similes, and, more importantly, take the stage even though "nobody at the beginning seems to listen". Your text is a beautiful reminder to keep going, to keep doing what feels right to us because when we follow the soul's path, we can’t even imagine the ripple effect it may have, even when we cannot see it with our eyes.
Beautiful text, I could feel your energy: very calm, very warm.✨
Gosh yes, so much courage. It’s some crazy number like only 5% of the online world actually posts, the rest only consume! So imagine how much courage it takes to be in that 5% everytime you hit publish. Truly wild.
Your garden analogy is really lovely, Camille - thanks for sharing🙂
Thanks Suansita! It's been so much less pressure to create and publish with it in mind, vs. trying to make each piece perfect.
A friend forwarded this to me, and it resonates deeply. I am a silent lurker, yet profoundly grateful for those who share their insights, wisdom, creations and perspectives. This was a truly uplifting read!
I will hold onto your words of wisdom, "When you share, even into silence, you create opportunities for others to learn from your journey. It’s important to be reminded of the creative vulnerability inherent in sharing our work, and how important it is to connect with others navigating similar challenges. Your willingness to be seen creates space for others to do the same."
Thank you for your beautiful words. xx
Hahah, silent lurking has been more and more common BECAUSE there is so much content to sift through everyday, it feels like there’s not enough time to truly engage with each one. I appreciate you taking the time to read and for the encouragement 🙏
Thanks for the essay. I find self-promotion incredibly cringe too, it makes any vulnerability I might put out on the internet feel attention-seeking or antithetical to building a creative life (in the way of the work in a way, if that makes sense). This changes my perspective on it, though. Having something to stand for certainly makes the fear of being misunderstood, judged, or seen a little bit smaller.
Yes, for some reason it seems subconsciously rooted that making art and sharing art can’t go hand in hand. I’m personally working on undoing that. And simply taking a block of time each week to make, and then a block to share. Even if it’s not the same work I made that week!
Im captivated by the title and image alone. Saving to read later and take it in.
I love that Substack culture is like this! Read when you have the space to take it in like a favourite magazine or the Sunday paper :)
Very helpful! Thank you.
How apt to read this on the day I decided I’d go back to instagram and reignite my feed as more of a place just to show who am entirely rather than just a place to share my music. I like the analogy of a garden. It’s just right. I needed this today.
I’ve been learning that it’s a really interesting time in the world of the internet to be multi passionate. There is so much noise created by AI on specialist topics, that being creative and “more than one thing” is actually your edge. It’s what makes you beautifully human. So this is a huge decision to celebrate!
Love this analogy. I feel this kind of shift in perception frees up an abundance of creativity and supports diversity in our communities 🌿 your writing puts it beautifully!
Diversity—YES! I appreciate you mentioning that Sofia. I envision a truly vibrant garden to walk through. Substack makes finding deep thinkers and artists easy.
Wow Camille! I loved this post, and your metaphor is spot on. It’s so much more compelling and natural than viewing sharing online like shouting into a megaphone, or slapping up a giant promotional billboard. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks so much Evan. The thought of putting myself on a billboard still makes me want to melt into a puddle. I much prefer the planting seeds visual 😂
Thank you for the reminder that ultimately sharing is caring
Truthfully, I have hesitated sharing for long because I felt it was self-promotion. This process is helping me see that it’s actually so vulnerable and courageous to do so. Thanks for reading Caroline 💛
I adore this perspective so much. I’ve been wrestling with and praying through how I show up online in my current season and this feels like another piece of the puzzle in figuring this out for myself 🤎
So glad to hear this Yelena. I write mostly to remind myself so I'm glad it's been helpful for you too.
I deeply relate to this too. In previous life seasons I’ve shared generously and joyously, but this season feels different and I’ve refrained from sharing much at all. But that being said, when I do, I know my insights land for impact and so, there is the disconnect. This article is similarly a part of the piecing together to step forth into the next season of my life. All this to say, I’m beside you!
I think part of it is that we’re the first generation to grow up in a world where we share easily online and it’s all we know. So to come to a point where it’s like pulling back feels best, it’s an odd tension and balance, especially for writers. At least that’s how it’s been for me as a millennial who started blogging when blogging took off around 2009!
Such a helpful reframe! I like the idea of digital garden as sometimes I can be a bit apprehensive sharing online, but I'm slowly showing up.
As was I! Definitely needed this reframe too and it’s helped a lot 🙏
I really appreciate this framing and noticed my embrace of being online as of late reflects similar sentiments mentioned here - sharing of oneself rather than a promotion of any one thing or project. In any case, news flash, i am not an enterprise but maybe i am a...museum