NOT Another Thing for The 'To-Do" List!
The importance of 'no obligation' communities and some of my favourites here on Substack.
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Dear Readers,
As many of you may be aware, this week has been Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme has been “Community” and I just wanted to share a few of the wonderful Communities that I have found, enjoyed and that have been so valuable to me in so many ways, since joining Substack in January 2024.
But First
For those who aren’t aware, I have struggled greatly in the past with my own mental wellbeing - for various reasons, which I won’t go into right now. I have been on quite a journey over the last few years and have been lucky enough to access a good combination of therapy, medication, wellbeing techniques and resources to help me process past trauma, battle my deep-rooted beliefs and function day to day in the world.
There have been some very dark times and there have been many happy times too. There have been times so challenging, I didn’t know if I would make it through. But I did and I will continue to, because there has always been one constant in my life that has kept me going – Connection.
Connection to my children, to friends, to family… to neighbours, to the other parents in the park, to the random person in the supermarket who bothered to look up and smile, to teachers at my children’s schools and to all those who have been brave and shared their own experiences, to help me (and others like me) feel heard, understood and less alone.
What Community Means To Me
I am so grateful to have found and be part of several wonderful communities here on Substack. Someone asked me recently what exactly it is that I get out of these communities and I was not short of things to tell them! Here are just a few words that spring to mind when I think of the communities that I’m part of.
Inspiration, Energy, Warmth, Kindness, Solidarity, Laughter, Support, Pep-talks, Time out, Space to Breathe, Feeling Connected & Less Lonely, Being Myself, Accepted, Honesty, Openness, Vulnerability, Others in the same boat, Nobody is perfect, More realistic - No ideals, Understanding, Less judgement,
Arriving as I am, Similar experiences, Authenticity, Perspective,
Celebration, Uplifting, Open minds & hearts! ♥️
“Community has had SUCH a positive impact on my mental wellbeing… it has helped me to feel connected to like-minded people and less lonely, as I spend a lot of time stuck at home, due to chronic health issues…”
“I can FULLY be myself… whether that be dishevelled and in need of a pick-me-up, or I’m bursting with energy and excitement… you guys are here for ALL of it! And I love you for that! What a lifeline!!”
“Speedy Lunchtime Lives” with Toni Jones
I have been very much enjoying from “The Shelf Help Clubhouse” releasing a series of “speedy lunchtime lives” throughout this week, with some FABULOUS guests. Discussing their own experiences of community and why staying connected is so valuable and important. You can find each of them here…
Talking Community Offline with Retreat Host,
How Community Helps us Thrive with
Community and Self-Care, with gentle Yoga evangelist,
I particularly enjoyed Toni’s chat with and how they highlighted the importance of members not feeling obligated to show up continuously. That you are a valued member of the group, regardless of how active you are within the community. They are there to provide support, nurture, guidance, inspiration and an ‘opportunity’ for connection. NOT another thing to add to our endless ‘To Do’ lists! 🥰
Awesome Communities on Substack
I have spent a LOT of time over the last (nearly) 18 months engaging, finding connection and nurturing new friendships here on Substack and I would like to highlight a few of my favourite communities. I am of-course aware that there are many, many more available, but I can only tell you about the ones I’ve enjoyed being part of and therefore think are worth a look. 👀
In Alphabetical Order…
Held –
MidStack –
&Therapeutic Writers on Substack –
And Finally
Ok, that’s it from me today – PLEASE remember the above is NOT a TO-DO list – It’s a gentle “we are here if you fancy it” – Don’t let FOMO get you either (I’ve been guilty of this, many times🤦🏽♀️) – I just wanted to spread the love, support and invitation to those who need/want it. If it’s not for you, just skip it… no worries!
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Until Next Time,
Take care of yourselves and each other! ❤️
I love this, Eva 💗 so amazing to be amongst some incredible humans on your list. And I’m so grateful you landed in my life, Coke drinking, crisps eating, and glorious! 😘😘
Beautiful Eva… it’s such a gorgeous round up of how communities on Substack make us feel. 💕