One Year of Intentional Writing
Substack Anniversary
One year on Substack, 77 posts. Wow! That is a lot for me and far more consistent than I have ever been in writing. Writing and I have always had a very tumultuous relationship, just like art and I have. Both writing and art have been subjects I have failed multiple times, and part of it is because I can’t do academic writing to save my life, nor do I have the imagination or stamina for fictional writing.
Through the last year, I have found my voice in conversational storytelling, which has been really cool to reflect on as I was working with turquoise multiple times last year, which is a storytelling stone. I have always groaned when Hekate calls that stone for me, but I now see the reason. Knowing that my voice and stories has resonated with the three dozen or so of you here has been incredibly healing and validating.
My journey within Substack started out with so much anxiety. I was so afraid of sharing my writing because I know that I ramble, that I talk a lot, that I tangent. Hello, ADHD brain! My first few posts were all read and edited by
before I felt ok publishing. Thank you, my love for putting up with all of my bullshit. I love you.I have so many ideas for Substacks. I have so many hopes and dreams for this space! With my natal Jupiter starting, I am really hoping for some beautiful growth and community building here. I am so grateful to each one of you! Thank you for your engagement, encouragement, and kindness.
As I have talked about before, art has been an expression that I have had to reclaim and heal within my own abilities and brain function. My brain is not good at painting, drawing, dimensions, measuring, none of that. Truly. I am a measure twice, cut three times type. We’re chalking that up to neurodivergence. I didn’t get the building and spatial awareness ND. I got the clumsy, uncoordinated, no depth perception, no concept of how things are built ND. Art for me has been reclaimed through needlework, collage, and calligraphy/hand lettering. Am I the best or the greatest at any of these? No, but they give me a healthy outlet, and I feel motivated and inspired to work within those spaces, and that feels good.
Writing has been very much the same for me. I have journals upon journals of thoughts, ideas, processing. It has been healing to write things down, then collage over them, create hidden flaps, etc. It has also been healing to come here and write more generally and being heard. I have always known that I am not special, and that my life is not the worst, not the most traumatic, not anything that no one else has experienced, and yet knowing that has not always stopped the feeling of being alone. So few people talk about their lives and experiences in depth that I have often felt like I am doing something wrong, never going to be able to connect with others, and being here has helped me feel less of that gritty, sandpaper feeling of being on the outside looking in. Thanks to you all for validating, listening, and bringing forth your stories and situations as well. You are the community that allows for healing.
There is something raw and emotional writing outside of a journal. When I am just writing for myself within the safety of a journal no one will see, I often intellectualize without actually feeling the feels. Writing on Substack has had me in a state of emotional processing that I have not always been able to access. I have written through tears, blinding rage (only to delete it all), and laughter as I recount memories that are meaningful to me. It has allowed to me to recognize patterns that I had not yet seen despite journaling. Healing is writing. Writing is healing. Having the courage to be vulnerable and let down some of the walls is healing (for me).
I plan to continue this writing journey. I hope that you all continue to join me as you have been paramount in continuing these love letters. Here’s to one year of consistency, of community, of compassion, of spiritual journeying, of intentionality.
What have you been working on consistently? Where are you in your journey, your progression? How are you feeling about it? In moments of burnout, how do you come back to what you are working on?
Wishing you well this week! May your life offer what you need in this moment.
With love,
Aventurine ✨
Happy One Year Anniversary 🥳 I love reading your posts, whether they are deep and meaningful or kitten spam! I feel like I am journeying along with you. I am actually working on being less consistent and more intuitive and forgiving to myself when I don’t achieve what I feel I should. This last year has taught me that life definitely does not have a plan and I have to go with it.
Happy Anniversary!! 🎉 I love seeing you grow as a writer. Your posts are always so inspirational and I really appreciate the reflection questions you ask. I'm also working on being consistent with my writing and my art. Some weeks are better than others, but I keep trying!