10 Comments
User's avatar
Anny VanDriel's avatar

Great story. I'm new here! I found you through your interview with Morgan from Light 56. I just started my Substack and am about to share my fourth post. I'm a hairdresser, but I love writing. I don't know what I'm doing on this platform but excited to learn!

Vanessa Li's avatar

Aww, yay welcome Anny!! And, love your background; going to the salon is a sacred ritual for me (albeit way too sparse), and excited for you to explore writing and engaging on this platform!

Nonprofit Curious's avatar

I adore your transparency and openness with the JOURNEY! Wow, am I inspired after this read! Thank you for being 1000000000% authentic with every word you write on every substack! <3

Vanessa Li's avatar

UGHHH thank you for sharing how this read made you feel, and I'm soooo committed to sharing the messy middle. THIS IS LIFE! And, I'm here (and learning from) all parts of it!

Magali Mathieu's avatar

Loved reading the origin story and omg I also fell in love with the "Humans of New York" back in the day!

Vanessa Li's avatar

Thanks, Magali, and yessss obsessed with Humans of New York :) Any celebration of the ordinary human and all our life stories is beautiful.

JQ The Star's avatar

"thank you for giving me a chance to reflect and share my story." This post was reflective, and through it I sensed you were able to see the effect your journey has been having on other's as they navigate their stories.

I'm a writer who posts irregularly to his Substack. Challenged with the question of "Do I want to turn my hobby into a chore?" That's a question I'm happy to sit with. At least for now

Vanessa Li's avatar

Starling, I see you in your dilemma and also love that it feels ok for you to sit with that being unanswered for now. The universe and your intuition will reveal the answers in due time! Thanks for reading my reflections and sharing some of your own <3

CUPPA with Sophie Davies's avatar

I love hearing about your evolution on Substack - so inspiring! It gives me so much food for thought for my own vision going forward. Brava Vanessa!

Vanessa Li's avatar

Thank you, Sophie! Amazing how sitting down to reflect on things can bring be so impactful. Co-hosting our event together was certainly the catalyst for me to take a pause and think on what this journey has been for me. Can't wait to hear more about yours!