One year ago, I started this Substack with a spark in my soul and a desire to share something real. What a wild, beautiful, and transformative ride it's been! It feels serendipitous that this anniversary aligns with this month’s music cover: “Shallow” from A Star Is Born - because that’s exactly what I never want this space to be.
Substack, to me, is a place of depth, truth and authentic expression. This is why I have grown to love it so much!
Unlike other social media platforms, which do appear to be a lot more shallow and surface level, Substack is a place for those of us who seek more. More meaning, community and thought-provoking, soul-stirring content.
Homecoming
This past year has been quite challenging for me personally, and this space has been a true refuge amidst all the external changes. It’s become a place for me to share authentically, boldly, truthfully and unfiltered, in the hope that everything I am learning on my own journey can, in some way great or small, help others.
This past year has been a sort of homecoming. A spiritual metamorphosis of coming back to self. Anything based on outdated versions of myself has had to die. That’s liberating, freeing and empowering.
Yet what few people talk about when it comes to growth and evolution is that the more you grow and ascend, the more you have to die to your former self. The more you also have to surrender and allow what wants to be shed to fall away gracefully, even if it doesn’t all make sense in the moment. And even though growth and evolution are blessings, the journey isn’t always pleasant. Sometimes it’s even gruelling, filled with grief and uncertainty. In those moments, we have the opportunity to strengthen and fortify our faith in ourselves and something greater.
As a coach and artist, I also know that I cannot take others further than I myself have gone. I therefore always welcome growth and challenges as an opportunity to dig even deeper into who I am becoming, to grow in wisdom, discernment, strength, grace and truth.
If you have followed me for a while you will know I always say that only two things ever matter: who we become and what we contribute to. It’s our growth that facilitates the former which shapes the latter.
As I’ve come home to myself, I’ve also expanded on a part of me that’s always been a guiding force - creativity.
Igniting the Inner Fire
One thing that has always helped me make sense of my own experiences and to be able to carve out the bigger spiritual and psychological meaning of it all, has been creating.
Creativity is my lifeline. Writing has become a huge part of that. Previously, as some of you know, I mostly channeled this into music and songwriting.
For the past year, writing articles and poetry has been a true joy! It’s not only helped me process and express myself authentically, it’s also helped me to serve powerfully.
I’ve received wonderful feedback on my work from you beautiful people! It’s meant, and continues to mean, so much more than you know. 💛
Soul Tribe
I’ve met amazing souls on Substack who truly feel like my soul tribe!
I want to shoutout some amazing writers and creators who have made this past year a joy for me:
Alexander Semenyuk
Brilliant writer and as wise as they come. Alexander quickly asked me to contribute a monthly poem to his publication where I continue to release a poem on the 18th of every month.
👉 Read his work here
Rolando Andrade
Psychotherapist, writer and poet who creates beautiful written work. I also had the pleasure of contributing a post to Rolando’s publication last year.
👉 Read his work here
Allison Riney
One of the most inspiring women on here! Allison exudes good vibes, resilience and strength - and is a also fellow Lighthouse writer.
👉 Read her work here
Mack Collier
Mack is a marketeer and shares marketing advice and insights through creative case studies and storytelling.
👉 Read his work here
Diamond-Michael Scott
The wiz of all things tao and qigong! Diamond-Michael never fails to provide wisdom and truth.
👉 Read his work here
Megan Youngmee
Megan is one of the most extraordinary people you’ll come across here on Substack. Follow her amazing and courageous journey.
👉 Read her work here
Colin Durrant
Colin writes pieces of true wisdom and spiritual insight through beautiful storytelling. 👉 Read his work here
These are just a few of the incredible souls I’ve connected with on here - there are so many more! If I haven’t mentioned you by name, please know your presence, support, and brilliance haven’t gone unnoticed. I’m continually inspired by this space and the powerful work being shared here. 💛
What A Difference A Year Makes
With that I conclude my first year here on Substack. May there be many more!
If you’re new here, I release 3 posts a week on personal growth, spirituality and sometimes even some social commentary through a spiritual lens.
My work includes articles, videos and poetry as well as music posts like this with some deeper reflections.
If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing to support my work. It’s free and it would be my honour to share my journey with you.
This is not just a newsletter. It’s the journey of awakening, truth, and soul expression. I hope you’ll join me on that journey.
Thanks for being here. You are truly appreciated. 💛✨
Congratulations, Hege, on your first year on Substack. It was my first year on May 5th, and I did a significant post then to mark it, so I know how significant this post and this moment are for you. I'm so glad you have found an authentic home here.
Congratulations on your first year here, Hege! Meeting you here was an unexpected joy, and I think it would only happen on Substack. You are beautiful child of God, and I’m so blessed to call you my friend. Here’s to another successful year!