Freedom as a mental state rather than a destination reframes what the whole thing is for — you can't arrive at it, you can only practice it in how you approach the work.
Thank you, Riza. An inspiring story that reminds me of my three adult sons and how they just keep going and discovering life - their way. Simply showing up and talking to people is what we all do when we are little. Later in life the same people can become both the most interesting and scary experience. Luckily, when we connect back with ourselves, everything changes again. Life is infinitely wise and supportive. William's story supports me in unlearning old habits that do no longer serve me. And I love your expression of Digital Wu-Wei. Warmly, Claudia
The bit about people becoming both the most interesting and the scariest experience as we grow up, and then reconnecting with ourselves flipping that again, that's such a full circle way to say it.
Grateful William's story is doing that unlearning work for you. Warmly right back at you.
Haha yeah digital Wu-Wei is what I think we - anti hustle cultures - need most! the nature has it’s way to progress. Why not follow nature’s law🙂
I love that William started journalling 📔 I call Journalling my super power 💫 It keeps me grounded and happy, and is one of the best habits I’ve developed.
I’ve been quite quiet on Substack for a few months as something felt off about who I’m writing for and why. Taking time out and not overthinking things has allowed me to get clear again - it’s been like a reboot for my brain 😄
That reboot feeling after stepping back is real, and honestly rarer than people admit. Most people come back from a quiet period apologizing for it, you came back clearer!
Genuinely glad journaling gave you that anchor, I saw your publication’s name is related! Pen is Power! (great name by the way!)
That statistic tracks with basically everything I've seen too. And you're right about the comment part, a thoughtful one lands heavier than people realize, most never think about it from the other side.
I just started Substack 3 weeks ago and I now have 31 subscribers and your right about interacting people in your field/niche it really helps with growth
Funny story - I'm actually getting coached by him right now even though he's younger than me haha. Great guy.
And a great post on showing it's never too late to start, the Internet is truly the great equalizer. Also, this sounded a lot like it was written by him?
Wait, no way, you're actually getting coached by him?!
That's such a small world moment honestly, love that. 😅😍
And ahaha good catch but no, it’s all by me.
I just asked William a few questions to get real data and quotes, then wrote the piece myself around his answers.
I'm pretty transparent about that stuff generally, if anyone ever guest posts on my publication it goes up under their own name as the author, never mine. Wanted to make sure that's clear! 🤍
I just started Substack 3 weeks ago and I now have 31 subscribers and your right about interacting people in your field/niche it really helps with growth
Great feature, Riza.
I'm actually interviewing Substack creators with stories like that on my publication, and I've seen his name around and liked his content.
This article inspires me to actually reach out to him for an interview.
Thanks ☺️
That would be a great interview honestly, @William Leroux’s story has a lot more layers than what fit into one piece.
Hope it happens! :)
Freedom as a mental state rather than a destination reframes what the whole thing is for — you can't arrive at it, you can only practice it in how you approach the work.
Yeah, treating it as a practice instead of a destination changes what "having it" even means. You never arrive, you just keep choosing it.
Thank you, Riza. An inspiring story that reminds me of my three adult sons and how they just keep going and discovering life - their way. Simply showing up and talking to people is what we all do when we are little. Later in life the same people can become both the most interesting and scary experience. Luckily, when we connect back with ourselves, everything changes again. Life is infinitely wise and supportive. William's story supports me in unlearning old habits that do no longer serve me. And I love your expression of Digital Wu-Wei. Warmly, Claudia
Claudia this is beautiful honestly.
The bit about people becoming both the most interesting and the scariest experience as we grow up, and then reconnecting with ourselves flipping that again, that's such a full circle way to say it.
Grateful William's story is doing that unlearning work for you. Warmly right back at you.
Haha yeah digital Wu-Wei is what I think we - anti hustle cultures - need most! the nature has it’s way to progress. Why not follow nature’s law🙂
Yes, why not :-). Appreciate your warm respomse!
Sure Claudia 🙏🤍
Great post Riza 🫶🏻
I love that William started journalling 📔 I call Journalling my super power 💫 It keeps me grounded and happy, and is one of the best habits I’ve developed.
I’ve been quite quiet on Substack for a few months as something felt off about who I’m writing for and why. Taking time out and not overthinking things has allowed me to get clear again - it’s been like a reboot for my brain 😄
Looking forward to next Saturdays post 🧡
That reboot feeling after stepping back is real, and honestly rarer than people admit. Most people come back from a quiet period apologizing for it, you came back clearer!
Genuinely glad journaling gave you that anchor, I saw your publication’s name is related! Pen is Power! (great name by the way!)
Excited to have you back for Saturday.😍🤍
I saw something the other day like this, that the 1% that succeed are typically just the 1% that persisted when everyone else quit!!
And genuine, human connection can never be underestimated. A real comment, thoughtful and sincere can completely change someone’s day! Xx
That statistic tracks with basically everything I've seen too. And you're right about the comment part, a thoughtful one lands heavier than people realize, most never think about it from the other side.
Like this one to me 🥹☺️
Sara, that means a lot. Thank you for reading it that closely, genuinely.
Wow Riza
Really inspiring
I just started Substack 3 weeks ago and I now have 31 subscribers and your right about interacting people in your field/niche it really helps with growth
31 in 3 weeks is a strong start Sommie!! and glad the niche interaction point landed, that's usually the piece people skip early on. :)
Imposter syndrome is real! It’s good to know consistency does pay off eventually.
Yeah, it really is, and the fact that it never fully goes away even after consistency starts paying off is the part nobody warns you about!
William’s honesty about growth is always so great to hear.
I love following him and I’ve learned a lot about his story now from your post!!
He gives us early creators hope for sure! Consistency always wins🙌 great read as always, Riza!!
His honesty is what makes the whole story land.
Really glad it gave you some hope for where you're at right now.
Yes for sure!!🙌🙌
😍👋
Funny story - I'm actually getting coached by him right now even though he's younger than me haha. Great guy.
And a great post on showing it's never too late to start, the Internet is truly the great equalizer. Also, this sounded a lot like it was written by him?
Wait, no way, you're actually getting coached by him?!
That's such a small world moment honestly, love that. 😅😍
And ahaha good catch but no, it’s all by me.
I just asked William a few questions to get real data and quotes, then wrote the piece myself around his answers.
I'm pretty transparent about that stuff generally, if anyone ever guest posts on my publication it goes up under their own name as the author, never mine. Wanted to make sure that's clear! 🤍
I see, that's awesome. Thanks for clarifying! Good to see the interviews you're putting out!
Appreciate you asking honestly, better to clear it up than let it sit ambiguous. :)
That period of silence is underrated. I just kept publishing knowing people weren't reading it which was a freedom for me.
If I'm going to be honest, I'm a bit intimidated by growing too big and not being as closely connected to people. The intimacy of it.
I still remember first comment and that person.
What I love Riza is that you tell the human story behind the numbers. See you next Saturday!
Publishing into silence and calling it freedom instead of failure says a lot about where your head was at, that's not a small mindset shift!!
The intimacy fear is honest and real, growth does cost you something even when it's the good kind.
Wow Kelly! Still remembering that first comment says much about how much this actually means to you!
This is amazing. I really love this space with this spirit we’re building! :)
See you Saturday, always.🤍
David story is so inspiring.
I hope one or two lesson sticks to my head..
I should keep moving against all odds and should remember that every little action compounds.
I should stop waiting for viral moments.
Thanks for sharing Riza
If those 2 lessons stick, that's genuinely the whole game, moving despite the odds and trusting the compounding instead of chasing the spike!
Thank you for reading it.🤍
Thanks Riza, good to see these encouraging cases.
Of course! Thank you for taking time and reading them :)🤍
Wow Riza
Really inspiring
I just started Substack 3 weeks ago and I now have 31 subscribers and your right about interacting people in your field/niche it really helps with growth
Thank you for adding mental health to the equation.