Happy Substackaversary to me

ty for reading <3

A year ago today, I gave myself permission to publicly unravel and duel with my inner critic via Substack.

me, getting ready to throw hands with my inner critic

Since my first post, I have gotten more comfortable exploring the inner workings of my brain and sharing what I have learned or am learning in the process. I wasn’t sure how or whether what I was experiencing would land, but have been pleasantly surprised by the feedback I’ve received. While many of y’all reading are personal friends (love y’all down!!), this platform has connected me to kind strangers I have yet to meet. I am grateful for you all and am excited to continue writing, taking creative risks, and exploring what these ramblings can morph into.

some flowers for y’all <3

This month is about practicing gratitude and deep reflection. I am relishing the fact that a year ago, I had 3 subscribers and am currently at 147 (weee!). A year ago, I was very unemployed and being asphyxiated by my nihilism — now (after 10 months on the hunt) I am fully employed and actively fighting my existential dread by building community and letting my imagination wander. A year ago, I was lamenting the fact that I was about to turn 35 and had not yet achieved traditional markers of “success” and “adulthood” (i.e. marriage, children, gainful employment, legal status, home ownership). Now, I am fully embracing my still-in-progress life and appreciating that I haven’t (yet) gotten everything I thought I wanted.

shoutout Chani for reminding me that my life is unfolding in the exact squiggly line it’s supposed to.

Thank you for bearing witness and supporting me with your time, eyeballs, and wallets (shoutout the paid subscribers!). I am excited to continue pouring into this creative endeavor and experimenting with the substance, aesthetic, and delivery of my content.

With love and LOLs,

Denia