Even on Substack, the world keeps talking

so I am going back to Instagram (half joking 🤭)

I haven’t written on Substack in a while. One reason is how consumed I’ve been with Wildbloom, a new venture that truly reflects where I am in life. But the real reason is that Substack itself has started to feel overwhelming.

Over two years ago, I stepped away from social media, and, in some ways, from real life, to care for myself and my unborn baby. When she turned one, I joined Substack, thinking I was ready to engage with the world again, but in a quieter, more intentional way. After just a few posts and minimal browsing, I felt exhausted, even though I only followed a handful of writers whose words resonate with me.

I keep asking myself why that is, because deep down, I know I want to write and share with an audience that matters.

Is it the weight of writing properly, of polishing, formatting, making sure it looks and sounds legit? Or is it that every time I open the app, I feel drained by all the talking? There’s also the constant comparison to Instagram. I sense an air of superiority, as if the people here are deeper thinkers, more substantial than those still on the Instagram train. But at the end of the day, it seems like everyone is just shouting to be heard, no matter the platform. Or maybe I’m simply not ready to take in more information, even wisdom, from people I admire. All the words jumping at me became too much. Now, I still read a few Substack newsletters in my inbox, but I don’t open the app anymore.

Quietly, I returned to Instagram, of all places. I started a new account for Wildbloom and, instead of following friends and influencers, I curated a small feed of florists, chefs, writers, community leaders, and local businesses whose values and aesthetics align with mine. Each day, I spend a few minutes looking at pictures of flowers, gardens, and beautiful food on my feed. It brings me joy and inspiration. I started posting a few things here and there, not out of obligation or the need to grow a following, but out of a simple desire to share what’s on my heart. And it has been lovely.

Here’s a screenshot of my Wildbloom Instagram feed from today:

That said, I’m not leaving Substack. I do love writing here, and I know I’ll return. I’m just not sure when. And that’s okay. There is no need to force myself to post every week just to “grow my Substack.” Whether on Instagram or here, I’m content with three followers and writing mostly for them, and for myself.

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In 2023, after becoming pregnant with my daughter. I decided to wipe my Instagram clean and stepped away from the world. Now, as my daughter turns one, I feel ready to reengage. Follow me on Instagram as I rebuild my feed and my life.

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