The need for safe yet mind expansive places is exactly how I feel. Places that don’t harm my nervous system yet fill my curiosity cup. Substack feels like the closest thing for me right now.
Seeing the inauguration line up made it all too obvious that we are all pawns in their game and I don’t want to play.
But for when you run a business - it’s not as easy to entirely walk away. Having boundaries will be key.
The business impact... that's exactly it and why it could never be a cut and run scenario. And also, I do love creating. I love creating social media but I don't like consuming social media. Which feels a bit obnoxious?! I'm also pulled into the need for us to redefine and lead HOW we build community. It's going to be an unlearning and it's going to require us to trust the strength of what we've built on someone's else's platform when we invite them to join us more fully on our own. We — us — we exist beyond the walls of IG, TT or whatever platform we've rented space on. Always inspired by you and the way you think. Love you!
I couldn’t agree more on the importance of boundaries, Sara. But I have to say, even for me, not having a business … I don’t always love being on Instagram and I’ve left a few times, but I come back because I do love the inspiration I find, and—like you said, Alison—I like creating and sharing too
Brilliant. You articulated so many things I’ve been struggling to describe with my own relationship to social media. I’ve been slowly unplugging over the last few years but it feels like the time is here to completely leave. It’s scares me that leaving social media is such a bold and scary thing—but I think you’re right in that we need new containers…safe places to rest and remember. 🤍
I've been thinking a lot about what we'd be missing out on... is it anything we can't call our closest to get filled in about? And also, I start to imagine the depth of the insights we'd be receiving if we were to just exist in closed spaces having a more refined experience. Right now our experience is fragmented and not cohesive. Not that it has to be cohesive but there's currently no sequence. No build into something richer. It's just crumb after crumb.
"I’ve been self-taught the entire way because when you’re early, you’re also mostly alone and without a map. I suspect ... will be the same — lonely, but right." I cannot tell you how much this resonates for me. I don't necessarily have online questions but do have How to Show Up questions all the time, and a lot of my life is spent thinking "I KNOW I'm not the only one," and "someone has to go first..." Thank you for naming this! xx
Yes! Me too. I think this all the time. Like I can't possibly be the only person on Earth thinking this, and you know what, I have the words available to me to express so I will. And I'll see. I'll see what comes back. Look at what did this time! Also in some ways I think going first is softer than going later when stuff is established and polished and the standard is high. I like a scrappy start :)
This piece is so thoughtfully written. For me it’s very timely.
I deactivated my social media accounts just a couple of days ago. I did it off the back of one or two sentences written by Seth Godin, in his daily newsletter, on the subject. I can’t for the life of me remember exactly what it said, but I remember how it felt to read. And here I am! I hope it sticks.
I think the connection to business is an interesting one, and interested to see where you land. If someone finds a more meaningful way to connect with their audience, it will be you!
Every word he utters is truth. He's got such a way with a small amount of words. Thank you for this share and giving us another example of someone who chose differently.
In some ways, the business side of things feels simple. In that it all remains only I am not plugged in when it's being shared and I'm not necessarily there to witness the response and respond to that response. Or maybe I do, but in another space that has those walls and that door that's politely and lovingly shut.
Hmmm. I'm really excited to find out. I'm so interested in this.
I feel so connected to this and applaud your courage to be so open and vulnerable about this. This is just so against all the „rules“, but that’s what makes it exciting - because you are creating your own rules, staying true to yourself, questioning what has just always been done the way it did. And what’s more authentic than being you? Love this post so much.
I loved reading this Alison. Every word resonated within me. A reminder and a stirring inside that came through. I've been automating my content as you've taught me in Serve and this gentle reminder was why I do it. To be offline. With my racey mind, I almost forgot my why.
Thank you sweet Tiarni. This is most definitely a needing to take my own advice situation! What I'm feeling challenged with is creating ahead so that I can schedule — ideally from desktop and walk away. But I do wonder about the reach and resonance if I'm not there to engage... you know? A nut to crack. Appreciate you.
I love these pieces you’re writing. I just read your more recent one on being your own influencer and loved it. It’s so important to ask ourselves these questions. I have been on and off social media for a few years now, and currently I do like being on there—but who knows. I love spending more time on Substack too, though I feel like it’s getting crowded here too. Hope to read more of your reflections on this, whenever you find yourself drawn to being online of course 🤍
Had a little peek and looks like we're on the same journey home to ourselves :) thanks for being here. I can't wait to keep writing... I am also feeling a bit of Substack overwhelm. It happens so quickly, doesn't it.
I have felt a strong desire to pull offline too. I used to post photos and stories so easily on Instagram and think nothing of it. Now, I either forget or can't be bothered or it doesn't feel right. Then I think - 'am I overthinking it?' where has all the fun in it gone?
I've put a time limit of 30 minutes a day on Instagram and Facebook and when it tells me my daily time limit is up, I feel quite happy as I put my phone down.
Maybe that's a first small step... :)
On the flipside - I do enjoy the content you create, I do enjoy reading your posts and I find them inspiring with often a smile or nod while reading. So I personally, and selfishly, wouldn't want you to disappear from my channels. Even though I'm limiting my time on them. Hmmm.
Substack is a great medium - long form, thought provoking, diary like... so if this is the only place we find, that's not so bad.
I have the Artists Way on my bedside and keep meaning to restart morning pages... funny.
I had my chart read by Dalia and she said I was in a period of Ketu. Maybe you are too?
I really value this share, thank you. And in some ways I'm envious of that natural boundary you hold so effortlessly. I do have that in some seasons and in others, I feel stuck in the spider's web. One thing I know for sure is I want to keep creating. I want to keep sharing and inviting. It's the how that I need to unlock... automation, yes, but I sense there's a bigger nut to crack! Weirdly I am interested in the project of getting offline. So that's something. That in itself is creative. Appreciate you taking the time to share your own journey with it.
The need for safe yet mind expansive places is exactly how I feel. Places that don’t harm my nervous system yet fill my curiosity cup. Substack feels like the closest thing for me right now.
Seeing the inauguration line up made it all too obvious that we are all pawns in their game and I don’t want to play.
But for when you run a business - it’s not as easy to entirely walk away. Having boundaries will be key.
The business impact... that's exactly it and why it could never be a cut and run scenario. And also, I do love creating. I love creating social media but I don't like consuming social media. Which feels a bit obnoxious?! I'm also pulled into the need for us to redefine and lead HOW we build community. It's going to be an unlearning and it's going to require us to trust the strength of what we've built on someone's else's platform when we invite them to join us more fully on our own. We — us — we exist beyond the walls of IG, TT or whatever platform we've rented space on. Always inspired by you and the way you think. Love you!
I couldn’t agree more on the importance of boundaries, Sara. But I have to say, even for me, not having a business … I don’t always love being on Instagram and I’ve left a few times, but I come back because I do love the inspiration I find, and—like you said, Alison—I like creating and sharing too
Brilliant. You articulated so many things I’ve been struggling to describe with my own relationship to social media. I’ve been slowly unplugging over the last few years but it feels like the time is here to completely leave. It’s scares me that leaving social media is such a bold and scary thing—but I think you’re right in that we need new containers…safe places to rest and remember. 🤍
I've been thinking a lot about what we'd be missing out on... is it anything we can't call our closest to get filled in about? And also, I start to imagine the depth of the insights we'd be receiving if we were to just exist in closed spaces having a more refined experience. Right now our experience is fragmented and not cohesive. Not that it has to be cohesive but there's currently no sequence. No build into something richer. It's just crumb after crumb.
"I’ve been self-taught the entire way because when you’re early, you’re also mostly alone and without a map. I suspect ... will be the same — lonely, but right." I cannot tell you how much this resonates for me. I don't necessarily have online questions but do have How to Show Up questions all the time, and a lot of my life is spent thinking "I KNOW I'm not the only one," and "someone has to go first..." Thank you for naming this! xx
Yes! Me too. I think this all the time. Like I can't possibly be the only person on Earth thinking this, and you know what, I have the words available to me to express so I will. And I'll see. I'll see what comes back. Look at what did this time! Also in some ways I think going first is softer than going later when stuff is established and polished and the standard is high. I like a scrappy start :)
Omg, yes to a scrappy start. It’s my courage zone ⚡️🪺🐇
This piece is so thoughtfully written. For me it’s very timely.
I deactivated my social media accounts just a couple of days ago. I did it off the back of one or two sentences written by Seth Godin, in his daily newsletter, on the subject. I can’t for the life of me remember exactly what it said, but I remember how it felt to read. And here I am! I hope it sticks.
I think the connection to business is an interesting one, and interested to see where you land. If someone finds a more meaningful way to connect with their audience, it will be you!
Every word he utters is truth. He's got such a way with a small amount of words. Thank you for this share and giving us another example of someone who chose differently.
In some ways, the business side of things feels simple. In that it all remains only I am not plugged in when it's being shared and I'm not necessarily there to witness the response and respond to that response. Or maybe I do, but in another space that has those walls and that door that's politely and lovingly shut.
Hmmm. I'm really excited to find out. I'm so interested in this.
Appreciate you always. Kiss to the babe from me.
I feel so connected to this and applaud your courage to be so open and vulnerable about this. This is just so against all the „rules“, but that’s what makes it exciting - because you are creating your own rules, staying true to yourself, questioning what has just always been done the way it did. And what’s more authentic than being you? Love this post so much.
Thank you so very much.
I loved reading this Alison. Every word resonated within me. A reminder and a stirring inside that came through. I've been automating my content as you've taught me in Serve and this gentle reminder was why I do it. To be offline. With my racey mind, I almost forgot my why.
Your share arrived right on time.
Thank you sweet Tiarni. This is most definitely a needing to take my own advice situation! What I'm feeling challenged with is creating ahead so that I can schedule — ideally from desktop and walk away. But I do wonder about the reach and resonance if I'm not there to engage... you know? A nut to crack. Appreciate you.
Just, brilliant. Thank you for this beautiful share.
Thank you for always receiving me and encouraging me. ♥️
I love these pieces you’re writing. I just read your more recent one on being your own influencer and loved it. It’s so important to ask ourselves these questions. I have been on and off social media for a few years now, and currently I do like being on there—but who knows. I love spending more time on Substack too, though I feel like it’s getting crowded here too. Hope to read more of your reflections on this, whenever you find yourself drawn to being online of course 🤍
Had a little peek and looks like we're on the same journey home to ourselves :) thanks for being here. I can't wait to keep writing... I am also feeling a bit of Substack overwhelm. It happens so quickly, doesn't it.
So quickly!
I have felt a strong desire to pull offline too. I used to post photos and stories so easily on Instagram and think nothing of it. Now, I either forget or can't be bothered or it doesn't feel right. Then I think - 'am I overthinking it?' where has all the fun in it gone?
I've put a time limit of 30 minutes a day on Instagram and Facebook and when it tells me my daily time limit is up, I feel quite happy as I put my phone down.
Maybe that's a first small step... :)
On the flipside - I do enjoy the content you create, I do enjoy reading your posts and I find them inspiring with often a smile or nod while reading. So I personally, and selfishly, wouldn't want you to disappear from my channels. Even though I'm limiting my time on them. Hmmm.
Substack is a great medium - long form, thought provoking, diary like... so if this is the only place we find, that's not so bad.
I have the Artists Way on my bedside and keep meaning to restart morning pages... funny.
I had my chart read by Dalia and she said I was in a period of Ketu. Maybe you are too?
I really value this share, thank you. And in some ways I'm envious of that natural boundary you hold so effortlessly. I do have that in some seasons and in others, I feel stuck in the spider's web. One thing I know for sure is I want to keep creating. I want to keep sharing and inviting. It's the how that I need to unlock... automation, yes, but I sense there's a bigger nut to crack! Weirdly I am interested in the project of getting offline. So that's something. That in itself is creative. Appreciate you taking the time to share your own journey with it.
I look forward to seeing where this takes you :)