28 Comments
User's avatar
Melinda Lloyd's avatar

Wise words, this made me feel braver to just go and do the things without the want for approval but for my own joy in sharing.

Grace McClure's avatar

So glad it resonated, Melinda! To create (and share) is to be brave.

Michael Owusu Nkansah M.Ed's avatar

Well, that was me, Grace. We all feel guilty about self-promotion, but as someone said, ‘ talent is not enough’.

Grace McClure's avatar

Agreed, we owe it to ourselves to confront to be more *shameless*!

Tiffany Namtu's avatar

AMEN.

Also, slow and steady wins the race! 🐢🐇 I’m such a believer in you the unbelievably great things in store for you and your writings!

Grace McClure's avatar

You are an OG 139. Thanks for the endless support!

Shawn Fulham's avatar

"if we don’t make it happen, like actually try, it’s never gonna happen." I was reminded of this in July of this year. Next thing I knew I had a new job, moved cities, a totally new life, filled with so much love and new challenges. Where will this awakening take you? 😉

Grace McClure's avatar

Thanks, Shawn! Yes, we never know what's around the corner. It's hopeful!

Rosie Ashley's avatar

Loved this article, and just know 139 active readers are better than 3k absent! You've got this <33

Grace McClure's avatar

Thanks, Rosie! Agreed, and here's to trying!

Genevieve Brock's avatar

Grace, I’m so glad I found this! We’re one in the same ☺️

I have a practical follow up question though… what have you started to do differently? You’ve jumped from 139 to over 200 since you wrote this and I’d love to know what direct action your wonderful epiphany caused?

Grace McClure's avatar

Hey Genevieve, really putting more energy into 'after publish'. Using notes, leaving comments on other writers, posting on my IG- it all has stacked. Feel free to send me a chat!

Aaliya's avatar

This is such a powerful and relatable awakening! It’s amazing how sometimes we need to see something in a new light to truly understand its significance. Your experience on Substack is a reminder that growth and change require effort and persistence. Keep pushing forward, and who knows what beautiful gardens you’ll discover along the way!

Grace McClure's avatar

Thank you, Aaliya! Totally agree. I’m grateful for the awakening ❤️

Aaliya's avatar

Bless your heart ♥️

Scarlett's avatar
7dEdited

The last lines are extremely wise. A tough pill to swallow. Loved your article!

Grace McClure's avatar

Thank you, Scarlett! Appreciate your kind comment ❤️

Reyna Simone's avatar

This was a beautiful article. You are a wonderful writer. And we are going to get more people to see your work!

Grace McClure's avatar

Reyna, this comment made my day. Thank you for the support!

Reyna Simone's avatar

Aww of course!😊

Deb McC's avatar

“Only you can come for you.” Such an impactful sentence. Needs to be line in a really good novel that you are writing. Also true. Except for your dog. Your dog will come for you. ❤️❤️

Grace McClure's avatar

Thanks Auntie D! Appreciate your support since Day 1!

tinygiant's avatar

I absolutely love being hit by an awakening like you described. Feels like it unblocks me from limiting beliefs. Gotta say though, I think it’s pretty remarkable to have written for 3 years on this platform and have gathered 139 subscribers along the way. I honestly feel like that’s a win. You showed up and other people did too. Also 139, that’s massive! They wouldn’t all fit in my flat (which idk if that’s a success metric for you but to me it is lol)

Loved this!

Grace McClure's avatar

Thank you for the kind words! I am so grateful for all the readers and subs along the way. It’s like you described, facing the ways I’ve been limiting myself by not matching intent.

Eaddy's avatar

All I have to do is try and the world will rush out to greet me, right? This essay is a great exploration of the mind-fuckery of promotion and being seen and how persistence does not equal success. It’s the definition of success that’s the kicker - speaking as someone with 3 rando subscribers, 139 seems like a lot! My first essay on Substack is called ‘Don’t start, it’s already too late’ - a same-but-different take on this tricky business.

Grace McClure's avatar

Eaddy! Can’t wait to read more of you. And thank you for all of your support. Appreciate you.