Slanting Light
A Note I Posted On Substack Went Viral…And I Might Know Why!
I shared this picture on Substack notes and it went viral. It surprised me as the like count kept rising with thoughtful responses like…wow, beautiful, nostalgic, lovely and magical!
“This is mesmerizing and holds such a gift of morning reflection. Thanks for sharing, it graced my feed today.”
“I’m really impressed the golden color came through in the photo. It is truly spectacular. I can only imagine how beautiful it was seeing it at the time!”
I think this peacock image is resonating because things like slanting light shining in our homes gives hope and delight. It’s so small, simple…fleeting but it’s often the little things that stand out and bring meaning to our lives.
In spite of the challenges humanity is currently facing; the response around this peacock image gave me reason to feel optimistic. Here’s why!
The attention surrounding this picture is emblematic of a greater trend. Even when it doesn’t seem like it—people are looking for good and beauty in our world.
We welcome sunlight through our windows splashing over walls because every day we’re seeking glimmers of hope, wherever they may turn up.
People are feeling done with social media, yep facebook, yep instagram! No longer will we sidestep and follow-in-line with algorithmic systems that devalue people.
Substack’s platform is not your typical social media experience. It’s adjacent yet set apart, above the rest so the speak. The social media we’re familiar with doesn’t prioritize human flourishing with defined morals that encourage people to interact with respect and kindness.
This makes Substack unique, it operates differently, and might be one of the few platforms on the internet that isn’t beholden to algorithms, influencers, advertisers, and corporate interests.
On Substack you’re more than likely to encounter thoughtful people that care about authenticity, who are sharing long-form writing such as stories, essays, poetry, and art with an engaged readership. A platform that’s beneficial for the creator where trust between writer and reader can be established.
Recently Substack added “notes” to the platform. What are notes exactly?
Notes are short-form posts where writers can share quick thoughts, ideas, quotes or photos with their subscribers and the wider Substack community.
A note can be an image or just words…a story, a poem or pep-talk. Notes tend to be thoughtful with the intention of connecting with like-minded people.
If you’re writing and creating your newsletter on Substack, I want to encourage you to stick with it. The good you’re doing might feel small like a wave in the high seas but overtime your future self will thank you! Keep showing up, be consistent, and always be genuine.
By Emily Dickinson
Tell all the truth but tell it slant —
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth's superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind —
This is great. What a great piece. Great quote by emily
People are really searching for the good ✨ love this