Substack vs Journaling

Insights from almost a year of daily public writing

What a comfort it is to have the opportunity to journal every single day

Dear Friend 

How are you today?  I’m waiting for the sun to burn through the thick cloud cover, so while I wait I’m throwing down some words, about what I’ve learnt from (almost) writing every day for a year here on Substack.

As another August approaches, I find myself on the cusp of a milestone that society has deemed significant - my 50th birthday.  It was on the 20th August last year as I celebrated my 49th, that I decided to set myself an ambitious writing challenge: to document my life daily on Substack as I approached this half century mark.  Little did I know then how this self imposed task would reshape my perspective on writing, discipline and the very nature of time itself.

For as long as I can remember, my birthdays have been quite a quiet affair.  Perhaps it’s because of the timing - mid August when the world seems to pause, or shoot off on an annual summer holiday. Or maybe it’s simply my nature, finding more comfort in quiet reflection than in boisterous celebrations and glamorous parties.  Whatever the reason, as I think more and more about my 50th, I find myself neither anxious nor overly excited, but rather calm, contemplative and oddly at peace.

Throughout my forties, even though I’ve experienced quiet a colourful decade of highs and lows, I find there is a certain magic in embracing each year as it comes.  I’ve never been one to mourn the passage of time for my youthful days long past.  Nah, I’m all about looking forward.  I’d never want to go back to any particular year. Mainly because, I’ve actually found joy in each chapter of my life, each age bringing its own bucket of wisdom, challenges and unexpected delights.  So, as I prepare to turn 50 in less than 8 weeks, I see it not as an ending, but as the beginning of what I playfully call the “autumn season” of my life, assuming of course, that I make it to the grand old age of 100.

This year of near daily writing on Substack has been a journey of all sorts, particularly one of discovery, both about the craft of my writing and about my “self”. Boy it’s taken some discipline, and at times it’s been down to pure spontaneity, of public sharing and private reflection.  Throughout it all, I’m never quite sure how my ramblings land with my readers.  And while I’ve managed to post almost every single day without fail, the attempt itself has been quite transformative.

I wanted to share with you, one of the most fascinating revelations, that being the stark contrast between my commitment to therapeutic journaling and this public writing endeavour.  Here’s the thing, for over 1200 days I’ve written a personal journal, never missing a day.  Which I bloody love talking about, and really enjoy sharing the transformations I’ve experienced.  Journaling for me has become as natural and as necessary as breathing. I know some people think I’ve lost the plot, some saying it’s all a bit “woo woo”, but journaling is my life and is now a major part of my work. So compared to journaling daily, writing daily on Substack has proven to be a totally different beast.  This made me ponder over the nature of private versus public expression and how the presence of an audience - even an unseen one - can impact my creative process.

This year of writing daily on Substack has taught me the value of imperfection.  There’s something quite liberating about committing to share one’s thoughts daily, regardless of their profundity or polish.  Some days my words flow, some days its super clunky and it annoys me, each word hard won.  But in both cases, it’s been the act of showing up, of putting words onto the page that has been rewarding for me.

Recently I noticed when I missed a day, I almost became sloth like in my ability to show up.  But then on the following day, I decided to take this writing challenge with a pinch of salt, happy to hold myself accountable without becoming a slave to the arbitrary goal. I told myself it was ok to miss a day, usually because I was working long days, travelling to a retreat or without a digital device.  What mattered the most was my overall commitment, my attitude and my determination towards my constant creativity and self-expression.

In all honestly, this journey has also reinforced my belief in the power of daily rituals.  I practiced what I preached.  Whether it was through journaling, breath work, walking the dogs, or any other wellbeing practice, there was something quite magical about committing to a variety of daily habits.  It basically anchored me in the present while also providing a thread of continuity through my days running up to the 20th August.

Looking back, I’ve realised there were at least five key lessons that stand out…

1. Consistency breeds creativity, the more I write the easier it flows.

2. Public vs private writing has very different impacts.  There is a marked difference in how I approach my Substack posts versus my private journal entries.  Will they ever merge? Could I ever be as brave as Helen Garner and publish my journals?

3. Not every piece of writing needs to make sense, sometimes just getting words on the page is enough.

4.  Writing regularly has built a stronger connection with my readers, some of whom are family and friends and others complete strangers. Even if not everyone engages with my posts, my consistent presence matters more than anything.

5.  Flexibility is key, it’s ok to miss a day, the overall commitment is what counts.

As I reflect on this a little more throughout today, I’m going to remind myself to embrace every day, capturing the moments and cherishing the memories right up to my 50th.  So to help me I’ve curated a few journaling prompts, you’re most welcome to use them too…

1. What was the first thing that came to mind when you woke up today?

2.  Describe your ideal day in detail, what would you do, see and feel?

3. What’s a small win you’ve had recently that you’re proud of?

4. If you could have dinner with anyone from your past who would it be and why?

5. What’s a fear you’d like to overcome.  How might you start working on that?

6.  If your life were a book, what would the title be and why?

I know this much, this year of daily (or nearly daily) writing has been more than just a countdown to my birthday, it’s been an exploration into my levels of discipline, creativity and emotional intelligence.  As I step, no actually LEAP towards my 50th birthday, I carry with me not just the words I’ve written but the insights I’ve gained and the growth I’ve experienced.  I might wince a little when I read back over my Substack posts, but hey ho, it’s been a blast, here’s to the next chapter, whatever it may bring.

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xx

Come and join me at one of my retreats with ease

What’s On 'with ease'

Creative Unblocking Weekend Retreat with ease & Emma Gannon - only 1 bedroom left available - 16th-18th November 2024

Rage on a Page - you’re very welcome to join the next series of my therapeutic journaling program. I’m looking to work with 6 women and there are only 3 spaces left available. Starting from the 9th September 2024

More Sales Please - a brand new day retreat to blow up the sales in your creative business without the grind, with the gorgeously energetic Sara Dalrymple of The Scoop-27th September 2024

Doing Hard Things with ease & Stacey Heale- there is a waiting list for the next retreat later this year - date tbc. Plus, there is a bursary place for one lucky guest.

Digital Detox Weekend Retreat - set in a gorgeous beach house near Pembrokeshire. Join me to learn how to take back control on the amount of time you spend on your device, find new ways to entertain yourself, embrace more positive daily activities and generally feel more upbeat and happier. Guaranteed… coastal walks, cold water therapy, feasting on local produce, therapeutic journaling workshops, reading, writing and plenty of resting! 18th-20th October 2024