Kelly, I think this is why your number means more than the number.
You actually know the people behind it. You remember their lives, wait until the house is quiet to read their words, and leave comments that show you were really there. And your personality shows through your writing. It’s one of a kind lol. Most of us still look at the numbers…But you’re right. Nobody is putting our subscriber count in the eulogy.
Almost 200 is worth celebrating, but the real milestone is the community you built around it.
Congratulations, Kelly. ❤️ I love reading your notes and posts. They always make me laugh.
You read that perfectly, Destin..I think especially with your essays I definitely can't help than write a whole other essay, because whether you realize it or not they seem so layered. I do love them because…..hmmmm. They feel like lying in a giant squishmello with a chunky blanket. It is the best to open up your words at the end of the day.
But before I go I'll reply, because I think I may need to pack snacks for that rabbit because now I'm free to be distracted.
Thank you, but could you imagine if I flaked and missed the absudity which is you? 😭 Just the thought of it makes me clutch at my heart. No. And also, what a pay off 🧡💗🧡
You and your bloody mum senses!! Far out, I thought you would be well asleep by now! 😂
I fear nothing would get done and everyone would be rolling their eyes at us constantly if we were in the same time zones. If I can't stick to my own script there is no hope!
I love you and thank you, I still remember that day I was getting the notifications from every essay I had written and it was giving me such anxiety, it was like you going through my junk drawers! 😂
You're the second person to refer to the comments and I've never thought to do that on other people work. I just dive in with my enthusiasm and leave. 😂
This is what I love about on here though, that we're all here being human and responding as humans. That's so beautiful to me. That's what I'm measuring. Apart from the chaos some comment sections bring. Because there are blanket forts popping up everywhere ⛺
You've definitely made this a better place for me my friend 🙏🙂 It's such a beautiful thing really. We were complete strangers and for whatever unexplainable algorithm reason, my weird and wonky words showed up in your world. You read with care and curiosity and with a genuine open heart and you told me how my words felt, to you, for you. And you didn't again and again. I can't tell you how much that means to me ☺️
I love your weird, wonky words Peter and I'm so glad I found you. I can't remember how but that doesn't matter. You're someone I need to let know I'll come back to you because you always come back to me and I LOVE seeing your notification come up even if the time zones betray us.
What I love is that I never on now which Peter is going to respond to my notes, but each time you make me laugh. Thank you! 🫂
I am looking forward to settling in with a cuppa and reading your articles. I really love the warm feeling I get when reading about your experiences. Now I can visualise you at one of my favourite places in the world... A campsite! Important visual (for me anyway). Looking forward to getting to know you better.
First of all, congratulations to you! Nobody can honestly say they did not see this coming.
What can I even say as someone who has been on the receiving end of your letters? You have simply always been there. The number of people you have gathered around yourself who are genuinely interested in what you have to say is a testament to that, Kelly.
I feel fortunate to have been a part of your ever-growing community since its very early days. It really feels like we have grown together here, so you will always be one of my favorites.
I am so, so happy and proud of what you have cultivated for yourself. I truly believe it is easy to gather numbers, but much harder to keep people coming back to your letters. You have that charm. You have that zest. And I sincerely hope and pray that you keep finding more and more people along the way!!
You are always a constant and I don't think anyone can ever show enough gratitude to people like you who open my letters and think “Where is Kelly going this week” but do.
To have you here since my early days and the journey we have both been on since we met, I can't tell you how heart bursting that is. I love that when I open yours (which will be tonight) I know I'm going on a observation, go deeper, then have something to reflect on. And I think we both do that in ways which is cool given we're both writing through our different lenses and experiences.
I'll snuggle in with your words tonight, my nighttime reading has been taken up moving paragraphs and commas this week 🙄😅 but I'm on the homestretch of my latest.
This is so true Kelly and I think at some point we all get caught up in the numbers trap. Especially when there are writers out there who's focus is to grow their page as fast as possible. I've actually turned off the subscriber number on my page because it sent me on an emotional rollercoaster...I got 3 new subscribers YEAH!! I lost one ...Oh god why did they unsubscride?? I want to enjoy the ride, enjoy the connections and laugh when someone leaves me a message that is as sarcastic as I am. There are still moments where I will look at the number and think wow I've connected with *** this many people. There are some people who never comment but I see their likes and I know I have reached them as well. Really I write for me, to be true to myself and my own voice and I think there are alot of us on here for this reason. The number means absolutely nothing without the connection to the people reading it!
When I wrote this the number kept moving which was so funny and yes, I thought I'd turn mine off as well. So it hides it from you, too? 🤔
That would be cool. In my research paper rabbit hole it was saying that we associate the numbers or star reviews as more trustworthy or reputable and honestly ewww, but also I'm guilty of doing that too! Not here, more when I'm shopping! And then I thought, no, screw it, I'll leave my subs up because that's not something that should be left for judgement.
The connections by far have been overwhelming to be honest as someone that is awkward.
That you can bring your whole self and the response being “I understand you” whaaaat! 😭 That's what counts.
Absolutely! Turning of the subscription number hides it on the main screen so I would need to go to the dashboard to see it. It has definitely stopped the obsessive urge attached to the number for me anyway and I think if people like what they read the numbers mean nothing. I will continue to make the little connections one comment at a time and enjoy the journey.
Here's something about me - i have a commitment issue i can't even follow people without thinking hard about it on Instagram!
Same goes here, people that i decided to subscribe, i am committed to follow along. I may not have the time to read everything but i try. Kelly I never know what you are going to write next - which is exciting. what makes you so special to me is that you make me feel like I can be myself! No need to jazz up my words in comments looking up synonyms - checking grammar etc. i am sure you do that to people around you IRL and that's a beauty gift.
Claire!! 😭 To be honest I'm the same, I don't have many I subscribe to and I'm not sure if thats a no-no but like you I like to be committed to those I am.
Although days like today I'm like because why am all my favourite people hitting publish 🤔
As you know I have you on my nighttime list tonight, which I'm right in the dinner time/bath time rush hour, but I can't wait to listen.
You're so kind to me and can sense how genuine you are.
No jazzing up here. I read my stuff back and it may as well be “kjjjnnhbggsi” but people still understand and reply as I intended. And for online, that is pretty rare. Although I'm not on Instagram. Actually this is my first social media place ive been on. Even MySpace!! 🤣🤣
I don't do Instagram anymore, this place is by far the favorite. It feels like this old sns we had in Korea back in 2000. 😄 Basically bunch of us relfect and share our journal publically!
Okay, ahaha my main thing I want to say is this: you are the kind of reader every writer on substack must dream of having (whether they're aware of it or not) -- I feel very blessed to have found you here for sure. &&&& second, ahahaha, omg I love your voice over, there's something so intimate about actually hearing your voice, the accent, & of course, the little tangents (the grabbing of the coffee had me)
🤣 I was so sick of the essay but the end of the rabbit holes it was giving unbotherness to be normal in that one. Mind you, I'm like that with most of them come to think of it. You'd probably enjoy the BDSM one of that's the case.
But also, I love reading you although I hate the middle distance stare afterwards so I'm not just reading you, I'm 100% there. Emotions and all 🧡💗🧡
“Reading someone's essay while negotiating with a toddler about socks feels disrespectful to both of you.
So I wait. And it's hard!”
This was my favourite line! I can imagine you in bed with a warm tea on the nightstand, reading comments and articles by your favourite writers. I love that you set aside the time to do this. I don’t think you’ll lose authentic connection when you have more subscribers. This line tells me so.
Firstly. I've had America's Funniest home videos theme song ear worming me all day. So thank you 🤣
Also, yes, the waiting is hard, but as I report to you in my jammies and cuppa, I can say that's it's worth it. Thank you. No one wins if I'm multitasking that hard. I hope I never lose it the authentic cinnection.
It just might mean that my nights get later or my days start earlier. 💗
I listened to your article as I drive for work today. I related to so much of it. Now my brain is mush and I can't think of a response. I like how you carve out a time and don't multitask with articles.
Kelly, this is exactly why people keep coming back to you. you don’t treat anyone like a number. you read properly, leave your wonderfully long comments, remember the small details and somehow turn comment sections into kitchen conversations 😂
hearing that we make you feel at home got us (a little) emotional. you’ve become part of our routine here too, and Nelly’s auntie status is now legally binding --no backsies xD
Nearly 200 people may be the visible milestone, but showing up every day since March and still caring this much about the people behind the profiles is the part that really counts. so so proud of you. and forever grateful that you're in our circle, and not to be cheesy, but definitely in our hearts 😭❤❤
No backsies isbso something I'd expect a sister (or two) to say.
I think you would have been proud seeing me waffle through those papers, but when I tried to cite it all I was like ewww. This is not me 🤣 but how fascinating also!
You all are my family because not only to do you show up, but more importantly the vibe you leave on my notes and page it like waving a good vibe wand wherever you go.
That's what matters. How people make us feel, not the number. The side quests, the tummy tickles, the comment tangents where I know I come in sideways, but always try to meet you where you were writing from.
I don't discount people celebrating theirs, it's still an achievement. But staying and being with you counts more than numbers every could.
actually, we loved seeing you were going through papers! we do it as well, it’s a lot of work sometimes, but that’s how we use to do it back at uni! and just thought of carrying it on to substack as well —makes us feel like we’re “back” lol.
we do sisters right around here. and we’re all sisters 😭❤❤❤
A brilliant read as always - I’d rather respond in more detail but we don’t need to recover that ground.
Thankyou so much for the mention and it really was lovely to read as these things are very rare for me and yesterday I had two so thank you.
In limited experience there is a huge trade off to growth and connection - even if you argued adamantly you can have both.
It’s a time issue for starters - a volume issue and for me it’s now more I don’t see it - so I have to go find my friends.
Of course you could have both if you said… I want growth but selective connection. Which I’d say 100, 1000, 10000 you’re not connecting the same level with all anyway. some you’ll never have had interaction before in any way.
And it’s also what type of account it is. I’ll never have on my other account what I have here and this one is very special because of that - but the other one is a nice change for me because it’s very different.
Man, I’m waffling and said I didn’t do that on my phone lol.
And that's the other thing, you have two big accounts!! 🤕 Running an empire over there.
I have hope, not certainty that if you can keep being meaningful, that's the inspiration. The volume would be hectic and I have to hunt people down like I did last night after releasing myself back properly here. In saying that I need better boundaries, but fighting that urge to be with your words when they arrive.
Now I'm waffling!
I just want to say that even if I dont get to every note of yours, I'm always looking on with admiration everyday. Everyday. You're work…I don't know, I'm getting teary because I can't explain it. But what you do is truly inspiring and I can't tell you how much you mean to me.
Kelly, what a sweet post! You’re so genuine in your warmth and in the way you cheer on other writers.
There’s so much emotional depth to you, and on top of that, you’re absolutely hilarious whether in you notes or your essays. What more can one ask for..😁
Awww Elisa 🥹 that makes me smile so hard! Although my cheek is squashed against the pillow, but the other one is going strong!
I don't think people realize how much they mean to me, but if I had flaked in week three, I would have missed out on meeting you and thats the payoff and gift for sticking with something,🧡💗🧡
Oh, and just a side note…another thing I love about your writing is that you clearly haven’t fallen into the AI template🙏. Like, you don’t use “quietly” in every other sentence🤮
I know right! I didn't want to overstate it, because I originally got on a tangent just about that line. 🤣🤦🏼♀️ Because I've always wondered it, but never said it out loud before. But it's always annoyed me so quietly niggling was the best I could do after all the rewrites.
that smile when a familiar name pops up in your notifications... you described it so perfectly in a note once: the regular weirdos. and that is exactly what it feels like, isn't it? not followers. not engagement. just people you have somehow found in this wide wide wide web who make you think oh, you again. good!
i am relatively new here and i am already feeling what you are describing. the stories that make you sit quietly with your tea at nine pm. the comments that somehow turn into something that feels less like a comment section and more like two people who have stumbled into each other's living rooms and decided to stay.
what strikes me most about what you wrote is this: we come here and share the parts of ourselves that often have nowhere else to go. and somehow, across oceans and time zones and completely different lives, someone reads it and feels less alone.
I think if I remember correctly we met of the Sunstack kink quote and to have someone here as obsessed with tables and Pens became a random side kink 😂
It's universal in how we may speak different languages, look different, live oceans apart, but we still experience emotions the same. I think that's the most beautiful thing to share. I'm more often that I want to admit am sitting there in awe like I'm holding a piece of that person that they've vulnerably shared. What a gift 🎁
What a gift to share in all of this, make friends. So yes, this is everything. This is the ultimate that numbers can't count. I love seeing your name pop up thank you for always making me smile 🫂
Kelly, I think this is why your number means more than the number.
You actually know the people behind it. You remember their lives, wait until the house is quiet to read their words, and leave comments that show you were really there. And your personality shows through your writing. It’s one of a kind lol. Most of us still look at the numbers…But you’re right. Nobody is putting our subscriber count in the eulogy.
Almost 200 is worth celebrating, but the real milestone is the community you built around it.
Congratulations, Kelly. ❤️ I love reading your notes and posts. They always make me laugh.
You read that perfectly, Destin..I think especially with your essays I definitely can't help than write a whole other essay, because whether you realize it or not they seem so layered. I do love them because…..hmmmm. They feel like lying in a giant squishmello with a chunky blanket. It is the best to open up your words at the end of the day.
The number will move, but my attention won't.
Thank you so much Destin!! 🧡
I have to echo what Destin said here. You bring me joy, both of you actually. So happy to have met you ☺️
I'm so happy to have met you also. Man we're all so lucky really. I love it here 💗
Like wise Claire. :)
Ok. I’m back.
My life motto is basically “it’s all shits and giggles until someone giggles and shits” with a good dose of “hold my beer”…
To the point where I’ve started working on a song called “I Did A Thing”.
I’m proud of you for sticking to this. And for trying. And for loving all of us as much as you do ❤️
But before I go I'll reply, because I think I may need to pack snacks for that rabbit because now I'm free to be distracted.
Thank you, but could you imagine if I flaked and missed the absudity which is you? 😭 Just the thought of it makes me clutch at my heart. No. And also, what a pay off 🧡💗🧡
I have a (I promise it is actually funny this time!!!) article to post for you.. I mean… my readers… them.. yeah…
Where was I? Oh yes!
There is either the funny voice recording I did…
Or….
The song.. in Russian.
Have you posted it? I've been on lockdown this week and using tonight as a massive catch.
No, but once you decide if you want Russian or me singing like an idiot I’ll post 🫣
Of course I want to hear Russian, but I want be able to understand it, but also I think I'll be laughing anyway 🤣
I’ll make it better: here is the Russian version of the song. I will post me being an idiot instead ❤️
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n1QCfDRFRL_h7NLzjDG9WDYCWSp92Szr4&si=BJvOCKgCBNZpIqgF
I must have sensed you posted and climbed back out of bed to read this!
I look forward to every post of yours. I Especially love hearing your voice and the Little tangents that don't match the exact script of the essay.
If we were in the same time zone I fear we would get nothing done 😅
And It's never about the numbers. It's about The people I call friends on here. ❤️
You and your bloody mum senses!! Far out, I thought you would be well asleep by now! 😂
I fear nothing would get done and everyone would be rolling their eyes at us constantly if we were in the same time zones. If I can't stick to my own script there is no hope!
I love you and thank you, I still remember that day I was getting the notifications from every essay I had written and it was giving me such anxiety, it was like you going through my junk drawers! 😂
Kelly, such a beautiful reminder of what really matters... I resonate with your heart so deeply.
The overflowing comments here truly reflect your charm...✨
These are the kindred spirits drawn to the light you radiate.
This is what a true Substacker is all about.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful heart🫶✨
Sara you are my heart! 🧡💗🧡
You're the second person to refer to the comments and I've never thought to do that on other people work. I just dive in with my enthusiasm and leave. 😂
This is what I love about on here though, that we're all here being human and responding as humans. That's so beautiful to me. That's what I'm measuring. Apart from the chaos some comment sections bring. Because there are blanket forts popping up everywhere ⛺
You've definitely made this a better place for me my friend 🙏🙂 It's such a beautiful thing really. We were complete strangers and for whatever unexplainable algorithm reason, my weird and wonky words showed up in your world. You read with care and curiosity and with a genuine open heart and you told me how my words felt, to you, for you. And you didn't again and again. I can't tell you how much that means to me ☺️
I missed you this week!
I love your weird, wonky words Peter and I'm so glad I found you. I can't remember how but that doesn't matter. You're someone I need to let know I'll come back to you because you always come back to me and I LOVE seeing your notification come up even if the time zones betray us.
What I love is that I never on now which Peter is going to respond to my notes, but each time you make me laugh. Thank you! 🫂
See! I write "you didn't again and again" and you don't even flinch 😆.
😂😂 I read energy and intent, Peter. I get you
Hello Kelly ☺️
I am looking forward to settling in with a cuppa and reading your articles. I really love the warm feeling I get when reading about your experiences. Now I can visualise you at one of my favourite places in the world... A campsite! Important visual (for me anyway). Looking forward to getting to know you better.
Hi Katerina!! (I love seeing your name pop up ✨)
I'm all snuggled in for the night, not doing my washing, that can wait til tomorrow 😂 yes, it's a peaceful night in the park tonight.
I am so happy that piece was received as intended.
First of all, congratulations to you! Nobody can honestly say they did not see this coming.
What can I even say as someone who has been on the receiving end of your letters? You have simply always been there. The number of people you have gathered around yourself who are genuinely interested in what you have to say is a testament to that, Kelly.
I feel fortunate to have been a part of your ever-growing community since its very early days. It really feels like we have grown together here, so you will always be one of my favorites.
I am so, so happy and proud of what you have cultivated for yourself. I truly believe it is easy to gather numbers, but much harder to keep people coming back to your letters. You have that charm. You have that zest. And I sincerely hope and pray that you keep finding more and more people along the way!!
Ankesh come here 🫂
You are always a constant and I don't think anyone can ever show enough gratitude to people like you who open my letters and think “Where is Kelly going this week” but do.
To have you here since my early days and the journey we have both been on since we met, I can't tell you how heart bursting that is. I love that when I open yours (which will be tonight) I know I'm going on a observation, go deeper, then have something to reflect on. And I think we both do that in ways which is cool given we're both writing through our different lenses and experiences.
I'll snuggle in with your words tonight, my nighttime reading has been taken up moving paragraphs and commas this week 🙄😅 but I'm on the homestretch of my latest.
Ankesh, I appreciate you so much!
This is so true Kelly and I think at some point we all get caught up in the numbers trap. Especially when there are writers out there who's focus is to grow their page as fast as possible. I've actually turned off the subscriber number on my page because it sent me on an emotional rollercoaster...I got 3 new subscribers YEAH!! I lost one ...Oh god why did they unsubscride?? I want to enjoy the ride, enjoy the connections and laugh when someone leaves me a message that is as sarcastic as I am. There are still moments where I will look at the number and think wow I've connected with *** this many people. There are some people who never comment but I see their likes and I know I have reached them as well. Really I write for me, to be true to myself and my own voice and I think there are alot of us on here for this reason. The number means absolutely nothing without the connection to the people reading it!
When I wrote this the number kept moving which was so funny and yes, I thought I'd turn mine off as well. So it hides it from you, too? 🤔
That would be cool. In my research paper rabbit hole it was saying that we associate the numbers or star reviews as more trustworthy or reputable and honestly ewww, but also I'm guilty of doing that too! Not here, more when I'm shopping! And then I thought, no, screw it, I'll leave my subs up because that's not something that should be left for judgement.
The connections by far have been overwhelming to be honest as someone that is awkward.
That you can bring your whole self and the response being “I understand you” whaaaat! 😭 That's what counts.
Absolutely! Turning of the subscription number hides it on the main screen so I would need to go to the dashboard to see it. It has definitely stopped the obsessive urge attached to the number for me anyway and I think if people like what they read the numbers mean nothing. I will continue to make the little connections one comment at a time and enjoy the journey.
Here's something about me - i have a commitment issue i can't even follow people without thinking hard about it on Instagram!
Same goes here, people that i decided to subscribe, i am committed to follow along. I may not have the time to read everything but i try. Kelly I never know what you are going to write next - which is exciting. what makes you so special to me is that you make me feel like I can be myself! No need to jazz up my words in comments looking up synonyms - checking grammar etc. i am sure you do that to people around you IRL and that's a beauty gift.
Claire!! 😭 To be honest I'm the same, I don't have many I subscribe to and I'm not sure if thats a no-no but like you I like to be committed to those I am.
Although days like today I'm like because why am all my favourite people hitting publish 🤔
As you know I have you on my nighttime list tonight, which I'm right in the dinner time/bath time rush hour, but I can't wait to listen.
You're so kind to me and can sense how genuine you are.
No jazzing up here. I read my stuff back and it may as well be “kjjjnnhbggsi” but people still understand and reply as I intended. And for online, that is pretty rare. Although I'm not on Instagram. Actually this is my first social media place ive been on. Even MySpace!! 🤣🤣
Awwweee Kelly!
I don't do Instagram anymore, this place is by far the favorite. It feels like this old sns we had in Korea back in 2000. 😄 Basically bunch of us relfect and share our journal publically!
Okay, ahaha my main thing I want to say is this: you are the kind of reader every writer on substack must dream of having (whether they're aware of it or not) -- I feel very blessed to have found you here for sure. &&&& second, ahahaha, omg I love your voice over, there's something so intimate about actually hearing your voice, the accent, & of course, the little tangents (the grabbing of the coffee had me)
🤣 I was so sick of the essay but the end of the rabbit holes it was giving unbotherness to be normal in that one. Mind you, I'm like that with most of them come to think of it. You'd probably enjoy the BDSM one of that's the case.
But also, I love reading you although I hate the middle distance stare afterwards so I'm not just reading you, I'm 100% there. Emotions and all 🧡💗🧡
Omg yes! Ahaha, I do have that piece saved! Lol I can't wait to listen to it! Later today for sure! 👀🎧
& aww, the middle distance stare is oddly a satisfying to know about ahaha, thank you for sticking with it (even though it's not light at all) 😅
“Reading someone's essay while negotiating with a toddler about socks feels disrespectful to both of you.
So I wait. And it's hard!”
This was my favourite line! I can imagine you in bed with a warm tea on the nightstand, reading comments and articles by your favourite writers. I love that you set aside the time to do this. I don’t think you’ll lose authentic connection when you have more subscribers. This line tells me so.
Firstly. I've had America's Funniest home videos theme song ear worming me all day. So thank you 🤣
Also, yes, the waiting is hard, but as I report to you in my jammies and cuppa, I can say that's it's worth it. Thank you. No one wins if I'm multitasking that hard. I hope I never lose it the authentic cinnection.
It just might mean that my nights get later or my days start earlier. 💗
I listened to your article as I drive for work today. I related to so much of it. Now my brain is mush and I can't think of a response. I like how you carve out a time and don't multitask with articles.
Something I need to do more of.
Thank you Jane! That's so cool to think I was with you on your commute today.
I think if I didn't carve out time everyone would lose out. Although it seems my responses or reads are very delayed.
But as I'm reporting from my couch and jammies, know that I'm in this comment with you. 💗
I need to too. Yet my down time I end up scrolling or falling asleep.
Kelly, this is exactly why people keep coming back to you. you don’t treat anyone like a number. you read properly, leave your wonderfully long comments, remember the small details and somehow turn comment sections into kitchen conversations 😂
hearing that we make you feel at home got us (a little) emotional. you’ve become part of our routine here too, and Nelly’s auntie status is now legally binding --no backsies xD
Nearly 200 people may be the visible milestone, but showing up every day since March and still caring this much about the people behind the profiles is the part that really counts. so so proud of you. and forever grateful that you're in our circle, and not to be cheesy, but definitely in our hearts 😭❤❤
No backsies isbso something I'd expect a sister (or two) to say.
I think you would have been proud seeing me waffle through those papers, but when I tried to cite it all I was like ewww. This is not me 🤣 but how fascinating also!
You all are my family because not only to do you show up, but more importantly the vibe you leave on my notes and page it like waving a good vibe wand wherever you go.
That's what matters. How people make us feel, not the number. The side quests, the tummy tickles, the comment tangents where I know I come in sideways, but always try to meet you where you were writing from.
I don't discount people celebrating theirs, it's still an achievement. But staying and being with you counts more than numbers every could.
All my love 🧡💗🧡
actually, we loved seeing you were going through papers! we do it as well, it’s a lot of work sometimes, but that’s how we use to do it back at uni! and just thought of carrying it on to substack as well —makes us feel like we’re “back” lol.
we do sisters right around here. and we’re all sisters 😭❤❤❤
A brilliant read as always - I’d rather respond in more detail but we don’t need to recover that ground.
Thankyou so much for the mention and it really was lovely to read as these things are very rare for me and yesterday I had two so thank you.
In limited experience there is a huge trade off to growth and connection - even if you argued adamantly you can have both.
It’s a time issue for starters - a volume issue and for me it’s now more I don’t see it - so I have to go find my friends.
Of course you could have both if you said… I want growth but selective connection. Which I’d say 100, 1000, 10000 you’re not connecting the same level with all anyway. some you’ll never have had interaction before in any way.
And it’s also what type of account it is. I’ll never have on my other account what I have here and this one is very special because of that - but the other one is a nice change for me because it’s very different.
Man, I’m waffling and said I didn’t do that on my phone lol.
😂
And that's the other thing, you have two big accounts!! 🤕 Running an empire over there.
I have hope, not certainty that if you can keep being meaningful, that's the inspiration. The volume would be hectic and I have to hunt people down like I did last night after releasing myself back properly here. In saying that I need better boundaries, but fighting that urge to be with your words when they arrive.
Now I'm waffling!
I just want to say that even if I dont get to every note of yours, I'm always looking on with admiration everyday. Everyday. You're work…I don't know, I'm getting teary because I can't explain it. But what you do is truly inspiring and I can't tell you how much you mean to me.
Kelly, what a sweet post! You’re so genuine in your warmth and in the way you cheer on other writers.
There’s so much emotional depth to you, and on top of that, you’re absolutely hilarious whether in you notes or your essays. What more can one ask for..😁
Awww Elisa 🥹 that makes me smile so hard! Although my cheek is squashed against the pillow, but the other one is going strong!
I don't think people realize how much they mean to me, but if I had flaked in week three, I would have missed out on meeting you and thats the payoff and gift for sticking with something,🧡💗🧡
Oh, and just a side note…another thing I love about your writing is that you clearly haven’t fallen into the AI template🙏. Like, you don’t use “quietly” in every other sentence🤮
I know right! I didn't want to overstate it, because I originally got on a tangent just about that line. 🤣🤦🏼♀️ Because I've always wondered it, but never said it out loud before. But it's always annoyed me so quietly niggling was the best I could do after all the rewrites.
Haha you did well, Kelly😊
Weird, I made another comment first that apparently got lost somewhere🤔. Was laughing out loud at your cheeks😁.
Also, love the other comments and how we all cherish you!🥰
See! There you go again..”one cheek going strong”😂
Love the other comments here and how they cherish you too🌸
that smile when a familiar name pops up in your notifications... you described it so perfectly in a note once: the regular weirdos. and that is exactly what it feels like, isn't it? not followers. not engagement. just people you have somehow found in this wide wide wide web who make you think oh, you again. good!
i am relatively new here and i am already feeling what you are describing. the stories that make you sit quietly with your tea at nine pm. the comments that somehow turn into something that feels less like a comment section and more like two people who have stumbled into each other's living rooms and decided to stay.
what strikes me most about what you wrote is this: we come here and share the parts of ourselves that often have nowhere else to go. and somehow, across oceans and time zones and completely different lives, someone reads it and feels less alone.
that is not a small thing.
that is actually everything. 🤍
I think if I remember correctly we met of the Sunstack kink quote and to have someone here as obsessed with tables and Pens became a random side kink 😂
It's universal in how we may speak different languages, look different, live oceans apart, but we still experience emotions the same. I think that's the most beautiful thing to share. I'm more often that I want to admit am sitting there in awe like I'm holding a piece of that person that they've vulnerably shared. What a gift 🎁
What a gift to share in all of this, make friends. So yes, this is everything. This is the ultimate that numbers can't count. I love seeing your name pop up thank you for always making me smile 🫂