Reflecting & Looking Forward
Reviewing 15 Months of Substack Writing & Entering 2025
Reflecting on the past 15 months of writing my Substack, I acknowledge a significant milestone in a journey filled with increased self-discovery, authenticity, and a deeper connection to my inner Self. Initially, I felt apprehensive about sharing my story, which was rooted in a chaotic upbringing characterized by family secrets and complex trauma. Writing became my medium for healing—a canvas through which I could reframe years of unspoken experiences viewed through the lens of neurodivergence.
Before publishing my first article in September 2023, I held back, uncertain about the world knowing my story. However, the realization of being diagnosed as neurodivergent, coupled with the passing of my father earlier that year, unlocked a new permission within me—one that instilled the courage to share my experiences. My Substack began as a therapeutic project to heal myself and create a community where others might resonate and find resources in my experiences.
My academic background heavily influenced my writing in the beginning. I was used to research and evidence, drawing on academic rigor to discuss my experiences with neurodivergence and trauma. My early articles addressed complex topics, such as acquired versus innate neurodivergence and emotional struggles like alexithymia and toxic shame. This structured approach attracted a small yet engaged readership, encouraging me to continue.
As I transitioned into 2024, my writing evolved, shifting from academic discussions to personal narratives. I began focusing on self-healing tools that transformed my life. Journaling—mainly through spoken journaling via the Rosebud app—emerged as a pivotal tool. Its AI capabilities nurtured deeper reflection, allowing me to uncover insights that had previously eluded me. This journey into greater self-awareness intersected with my yoga practice and exploration of meditation and mindfulness, inspired by figures like Dr. Joe Dispenza.
In 2024, I began a regular meditation practice, which I incorporated into my other self-care practices. I finally found a meditation style that works for me and allows my hectic and distractable mind to settle into silence and contemplation. Meditation has become a new daily routine that illuminated pathways to presence and a better understanding of my internal landscape.
As I explored my inner landscape more deeply, I discovered the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, which I had first encountered decades ago. This transformative model taught me about the multiplicity within us—our sub-personalities or ‘parts’—and the central concept of the unchanging ‘Self.’ Engaging with these ideas provided clarity and guided me toward a shame-free acceptance of myself and all of my parts. As there are no bad parts, I have been reframing and rewriting the story of my life and myself. Consequently, I’m beginning to accept and love all aspects of myself even more.
Additionally, I now see how my parts attempt to protect me from harm through distraction, escape, perfectionism, or micromanaging. I am beginning to work on “unblending” my parts from Self. I can genuinely say that when I’m in Self, not my parts, I feel more authentic, genuine, creative, happy, and free. I aim to continue my inner work to experience this more often and fully be Self-led.
I currently view the intersection of Internal Family Systems (IFS), meditation, and journaling as three essential tools that work together to help me heal from complex trauma, unmask, and discover my authentic Self. I firmly believe this approach can benefit many people, not only me.
In reflecting on the evolution of my writing and my journey of self-discovery, I have embraced a more fluid approach to the craft. I write when I feel inspired, prioritizing authenticity over strict deadlines. This decision has allowed me to keep my Substack free, eliminating monetization pressures and enabling my creativity to flow more naturally.
As I look ahead to 2025, my path on Substack isn’t entirely clear, but my commitment to authenticity remains strong. I plan to continue sharing insights from my healing journey and exploring tools and experiences that promote personal growth.
While writing is still central to my expression, I’m excited about the possibility of branching out into audio, podcasts, or video. Regardless of my storytelling and sharing format, my mission is to contribute to the conversation on personal growth, trauma recovery, and authenticity, offering a piece of my journey as a beacon for others navigating similar challenges.
Happy New Year!
Reflection Questions for Consideration
As you reflect on the past year, what experiences or truths about yourself have emerged that you want to carry into the new year?
In considering your journey of growth and healing, which tools or practices have been most impactful for you, and how can you further integrate them into your daily life?
How can you ensure that your goals and endeavors remain aligned with your authentic Self and contribute positively to your personal development and well-being in the coming year?