Writing What We All Feel

When I started my Substack, I practically begged people to read it: friends, family, even teachers. I craved validation, unsure of my voice. I kept reminding everyone to give it a read.

But this week, something shifted. They started telling me they love reading it. They said it felt like me: witty, a little stupid, deeply honest. That meant everything.

I write in 150 words or less. It leaves space: space for them to feel, and maybe these words are as much theirs as they are mine. That could be why it feels so familiar.

Hearing, “I look forward to your blogs,” changed me. Not because I need the praise (…doesn't hurt though), but because it reminded me that connection is real. My short, imperfect writing opened something: inside them, and inside me.

Validation isn’t a weakness. Just this little joy I’ve found. That’s enough.