Thank you for another moving, life affirming essay. Your warm heart beats through every word you write. I’m proud of you, too, and proud to know a little of you, from many miles away.
As for what I’m proud of. I don’t know why I find it hard to say, there are many complicated feelings around it, but I am proud of the work that I did, while I did it. I made complex decisions, performed surgery for sick babies and children, and injured adults too, and held hands with their parents and relatives as I gave them the best or worst news of their lives. I laughed with them and I cried with them and I’m proud that I showed them the human in me, in just one tiny moment of connection to ease their way. I did that. And I don’t, now. But I’ve realised that that doesn’t mean I don’t get to be proud of having done it.
Thank you for sharing something so meaningful with us.
The work you did as a surgeon for those babies, children, and injured adults wasn't just technical skill—it was profound human connection in life's most critical moments.
I'm struck by how you balanced the complex medical decisions with the compassion to hold hands, laugh, and cry with families through their best and worst moments.
That ability to maintain your humanity while performing such high-stakes work is extraordinary.
It's beautiful to see you recognize that your pride in this chapter doesn't diminish simply because it's now in your past. These connections you forged, these lives you touched—they ripple outward in ways we can never fully measure.
Our impact isn't confined to what we're doing now, but includes all we've ever done with care and presence.
Louise! You did do that, and every single one of those patients and family members will always remember your kindness, your generosity, your heart. That's YOU! You made the complex decisions when others were overwhelmed by emotion. You performed complicated surgeries with the intention of making things better and never doing any harm. You are special. I've been through two surgeries myself, and held space for family and friends through countless others. And never once did I come across a surgeon who cared as I know and feel and believe and honor how you did. You did that! And now you are in the process of taking those skills, all of them, and up-leveling them into something greater. What that is, is yet to be seen...but I promise you, it's something to be witnessed on great levels.
Damn Alex. I'm sorry none of the teachers or high school professionals did what they needed to do to go get you off the streets. And then I felt for a moment, I was one of those teachers. I had a student on the streets, and I didn't know it, until she turned up dead in her car. Frozen. Wisconsin winter. I've never completely gotten over that one.
But I digress, I want to do your homework assignment because I have something really f*cking big to celebrate and be proud of...and I know you know what it is!
I'M SO DAMN PROUD OF THE CREATOR RETREAT! I have created a magickal and mysterious and supportive and encouraging and beautiful community of creators, a safe container space for them to come together and explore all the messy and sparkly and dull and sharp and kaleidoscopic parts of being creators in the digital world. I did that! I have 19 participants, 10 guest presenters, four mentors, and a growing number of bonus presenters coming together in this retreat space that I dreamed up and made real! I did that!!!
And I'm so glad your 18yo self got himself off the streets and kept digging into the soul of himself to show up here and play a major role in my Creator Retreat. I just love you!
Thank you for reading and sharing. That is traumatic. 🩵
Your joy and pride radiate through every word of this comment!
The Creator Retreat will be absolutely extraordinary—not just as an event, but as a true community you've built from the ground up.
What stands out is how you've created something that embraces the full spectrum of the creative experience—the "messy and sparkly and dull and sharp and kaleidoscopic parts" of digital creation. That's rare and incredibly valuable.
Bringing together 19 participants, 10 guest presenters, 4 mentors, and growing bonus presenters represents so much trust in your vision and leadership.
What began as a dream in your mind has manifested into a real sanctuary where creators can be authentic and supported.
YES, YOU DID THAT!
This is exactly the kind of space our creative world needs—one that acknowledges both the magic and the challenges.
I hope you take a moment to really savor what you've built and the impact it's having on everyone involved. Your ability to transform vision into reality is inspiring to all of us!
I love love that you are inviting your readers to celebrate with you. I don't know you, and I might have said it in my comment on your last piece, but I am proud of you. I went through stuff when I was the same age you were, and I'm just about to turn 62. Life turned out great for me, but it's always been hard, and I've always been soft, sensitive and willing to carry the worries of the world on my shoulders. My recent proud moments are giving up being a people pleaser and a terrible worrier. I'm currently living with chronic physical problems and pain. I am proud of listening to what my body needs and walking/exercising/working or resting as needed. I've prescribed myself more time in Nature, more music and art to help with creativity, and mood. It's working. Love, Virg
Thank you, Virg. I've appreciated your comments over the past few weeks. Truly. 🩵 And thank you for sharing your recent proud moments!
There's something profoundly courageous about the journey you've described.
Shedding people-pleasing and excessive worry isn't just a simple choice—it's a fundamental reclaiming of your own needs and boundaries. The way you're navigating chronic physical problems and pain with such intentional self-awareness speaks volumes about your inner strength.
What resonates most (to me) is how you've become your own advocate—prescribing yourself exactly what nurtures your wellbeing: time in nature, music, art, and the wisdom to alternate between activity and rest according to what your body communicates. That's not just self-care; it's a radical act of self-respect.
And the beautiful part? "It's working."
Those words carry so much quiet triumph.
Thank you for sharing this powerful reminder that sometimes, our proudest moments are about how we learn to honor ourselves.
Virginia, stepping out of people pleasing so that you can care for yourself and love your own tenderness on a deep human level is a huge accomplishment that many never achieve. Listening to others is easy. Listening to Self is divine. You are doing that!
I went on a podcast recently. This is my third time participating in one. I was terrified the first time I did it, but by the third time, I was more relaxed. I'm not the most proficient on the topic (politics), but I hung in the whole hour and talked about the little things that I did know and care about.
What courage it takes to step into a podcast about politics—a topic that can feel so charged and where many feel pressure to be "experts."
I love how you shared your growth from that first terrified appearance to finding more comfort by your third time.
There's something powerful about speaking from a place of genuine care and knowledge, even when it's about "little things" rather than trying to cover everything. Sometimes those specific, heartfelt perspectives are exactly what listeners need to hear.
Your willingness to show up, contribute what you know, and stay engaged for the full hour demonstrates such personal growth.
Thank you for reminding us that expertise isn't just about knowing everything—it's about authentically sharing what matters to you and continuing to put yourself in uncomfortable spaces where you can grow.
Ilona! podcasting is both terrifying and exhilirating...and you put yourself in that state of contradictory emotions not just once, but three times. That's what it means to be fully human, fully alive, to experience the full spectrum of emotion in one moment.
Thanks, Teri. The podcast has thousands of subscribers (on YouTube as well), and I made the mistake of reading the YouTube comments afterward. One of them read, "She was your worst guest ever..." LOL. Keyboard warriors can be so brave from behind their screens.
oh my. I'm sorry that happened. There was a time a couple years ago I did one of those high ticket business coaching programs whose whole focus was getting me to guest on podcasts. I did over 30 podcasts in 6 months in the hopes that it would bring me new clients. Oddly, never once did I think to go read the comments on those podcasts. Not once, and now you have convinced me I don't need to. That said, the whole idea was to bring in new business. I spent $14K on that biz coaching program, and I didn't get one new client...rather my revenues went down significantly. I signed up for Substack a few months after that. and have never looked back. Everything here is so so so much better.
And, as you are, I am proud of myself for doing those podcasts. And I'm proud of you for doing the ones you did. I wouldn't take back the experience of the podcasts. And thanks to you, I will stay away from their comment sections and the keyboard warriors.
“Let’s celebrate one another. Let’s lift each other up. Let’s remind ourselves how far we’ve come, and give ourselves the credit we deserve for all the hard things we’ve done and the resilience we’ve shown.” This. ALL DAY LONG. Thank you for being so vulnerable and open. This needs to be said more often. I celebrate all of you and am inspired by your journey.
Thank you, my friend, for this kind and thoughtful comment. In talking with others, I think we all sometimes develop a bit of a weird relationship with our accomplishments. I wanted to provide a space for us to reclaim it. I appreciate you being here 🩵
Beckett, I'm not letting you out of the homework Alex prescribed. What are you proud of? cuz from where I sit, you have an amazing accomplishment you have achieved here since Dec 5th. You are reaching an audience who is fully touched and blessed and moved by your words. Your writing matters so much that you are getting hundreds and thousands of likes and comments from people who are deeply impressed and impacted by what you share. That's something to be proud of!
🙈 I’m proud of the fact that my writing is touching so many souls. Im proud that I don’t allow my fear hold me back. Im so very proud of making it through the last 11 years after my brain injury to see this all happening. That I have gotten to meet people like you and Alex. Thank you Teri for holding me accountable and for helping me celebrate. ❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing, Beckett, so that I can be here and celebrate with you! To see what you have been accomplishing in such a short amount of time? Truly spectacular. I enjoy not only reading through your posts, but reading through the comments.
There is NO doubt that you are touching the soul of so many of your subscribers. And your impact is growing further and further.
What stands out in your message isn't just what you've accomplished, but the remarkable journey behind it.
From brain injury to touching souls through your words—that's an incredible arc. The fear you've pushed through would stop many in their tracks, yet here you are, creating ripples of impact through your writing.
Eleven years is no small chapter of life, and the fact that you've transformed challenge into connection speaks volumes. Meeting people becomes not just a happy coincidence but a testament to the authentic path you've forged.
Your pride isn't just justified—it's inspiring. Keep writing, keep connecting, keep celebrating these victories. They matter more than you know.
can you see me happy dancing over here? It happens to be happening in all kinds of melted Minnesota snow puddles. I'm like a little girl with rainboots splashing through all the water in celebration of YOU!
Alex your essays about your younger days moved me emotionally. One second I find myself with tears and the next with a smile. Perhaps it’s just instinctual with me, my motherly protective self - wanting to hug you and say everything will be okay. I imagined I felt that glimpse of pride in yourself that you saw because all you share here on Substack makes me so proud to know you. I suppose the proudest moment I felt within myself, because of my age, is hard to pin down to just one. But, going deep into my memories, I believe the first time was when I gathered the courage to leave my abusive first marriage when I was 22 years old. My “mom” didn’t approve of leaving a marriage no matter what the reason, however, there came the point in time where it meant my survival so I had to do the unthinkable. I faced my demons and the disapproval and did all the things I had to do in order to turn my life around. When all the required legalities were finished. I had a newly found confidence within myself. It was a strange internal feeling I had never felt before and yet I was glad I felt it and proud of myself for taking the first step toward a better independent future. Thank you for your essay which actually helped me recall that younger self glimmer of pride and hope feeling that I had almost completely forgotten. Thank you sincerely Alex for all you share with us here.
You should forever be proud of the person you are today and the gift you possess in helping others.
Thank you, Kathy, for always reading and sharing. Truly 🩵 I love to see you pop in with a comment every time.
What you've shared reveals such profound courage.
Taking that step to leave your abusive marriage at 22—especially against your mother's disapproval—wasn't just difficult; it was an act of choosing your own survival when everything around you said to stay.
That moment represents something truly extraordinary: putting your own well-being above others' expectations.
The way you describe that "strange internal feeling" of confidence afterward captures something so powerful about transformation—how we sometimes don't even recognize our own strength until we're forced to use it.
Your story reminds us that sometimes our proudest moments come from our hardest decisions. The path from that pivotal choice to building an independent future has clearly shaped who you are.
Thank you for sharing something so personal. Your willingness to face both external disapproval and internal demons offers a powerful reminder that sometimes the most important approval we need is our own. Your courage then continues to ripple outward now as you share this story with others who might need to hear it. 🩵
Kathy! 22!?! I'm in awe. I had those same "disapproving" energies around divorce and leaving a marriage, so I stayed with a neglectful one. But you, you stepped up at such a young age not just out of survival, but came to fully thrive. That strange internal feeling you describe, that's magick. That kind of internal confidence that doesn't depend on the validation or appreciation or accolades from other. that's profound.
Dear Alex, I held the younger you in my arms and felt the angst. Beside my intimate knowledge of living on the streets, you brought it to life on the page in a way that deeply touched me.
I'm honored to have shared space with you in a cohort when I came on Substack in the middle of 2024.
My celebration?
I've sat here staring into space wondering what to share.
I'm 75 and in the middle of my eighth decade and thankful there is no expiration date defined.
That said, I celebrate becoming Unmuffled because I'm sick and tired of remaining quiet.
As the Big Girl of Poker at 6-foot-5-inches tall, I've begun sharing my ugly secrets going back over five decades.
The details would overload this thread, but the results of my raw sharings have touched lives in ways I never expected.
Rather than people pulling back and judging me, they are leaning in. They respond with the three most desired words, "Tell me more!"
Maybe today's newsletter is the 5th chapter in the Fifty Shades of Donna!
In the midst of all this therapy writing has provided, I'm celebrating coming back online LIVE, two days from now, and sharing my MindShifting technology globally.
Alex, thank you for allowing me to stand up and speak out.
Awww, thank you Donna for your kind words. I loved sharing space in Tom’s discord 🩵 I appreciate you reading, relating, and also sharing! I am honored that you stood up and spoke out here!
What a powerful declaration of reclaiming your voice! At 75, you're demonstrating that transformation isn't bound by age—it's sparked by determination. Your decision to become "Unmuffled" after decades of silence creates such a compelling image.
There's something profoundly liberating about bringing those five decades of "ugly secrets" into the light. The most revealing part? How people are leaning in rather than pulling away, asking for "more" rather than less truth.
Your reference to this being perhaps "the 5th chapter in the Fifty Shades of Donna" brings such wonderful humor (and joy!) to something deeply serious. The way your vulnerability has become both personal therapy and a gift to others beautifully illustrates how authenticity creates connection.
And now you're taking this energy global with your MindShifting technology! What perfect timing—first finding your voice, then amplifying it. Your celebration isn't just about what you've accomplished, but about the space you're creating for others to follow your lead.
Thank you for showing us that becoming unmuffled might be the most powerful choice we can make at any age. 🩵
Thank you, Alex, for such a wonderful post. I listened to this while on my morning walk and instantly thought of my proudest time of my life being after my husband passed and that I rebuilt my life and am happy again. While there were plenty of times I wanted to surrender and just plain quit, but I didn't and I'm very proud of the person I have become since.
I love your thoughts to your younger self and your pride in who you have become. From what I know if you through Substack, it's clear you are a fantastic, kind-hearted soul! Thank you for reminding us all to celebrate us! I celebrate you and everyone here! 🩵
Thank you for listening to my post! I’m so grateful to have “met” you on this substack journey!
There's such quiet strength in what you've shared. Rebuilding a life after losing your husband involves a depth of resilience that few truly understand unless they've walked a similar path. Those moments when surrendering seemed like the easiest option—yet you chose to continue forward—reveal an inner fortitude that defines transformation. The journey from grief to finding happiness again isn't linear or predictable, which makes your achievement all the more remarkable.
What resonates most powerfully is your recognition of how this challenging chapter has shaped you into someone YOU genuinely admire today. That self-awareness speaks volumes about your growth. Thank you for offering this glimpse into such a deeply personal experience.
Nancy, I am holding a good friend through the process of re-learning how to live again after her husband passed. The depth of grief is so intense for me, holding space for her, that I wonder how she even breathes through each moment of each day. For you to say that you have come through that and can look back at what you have done and become since then is so beautiful. I keep telling my friend this, but how do I know??? I've never been where she is. I just have to believe it. And here you are, proving it. I bow to you.
Your friend is lucky to have someone like you walking beside her, Teri. ❤ Most people would rather not go through the trenches of grief. Yes, even breathing was near impossible many days. You are a blessing to many!
What a beautiful piece of writing. Thank you for sharing so openly and starting this so important conversation. It’s a hard one pride. I always felt it was ego led to say ‘I’m proud of myself for…’ out loud. I’ve started doing exactly what you do here in this piece though, it really resonated with me. I think about younger me and how she’d feel every time I do something (big or small) that feels like a moment worth celebrating. It’s helped me reframe the idea of pride.
Right now, I’m proud of the fact that I’ve spent the last 6 months rethinking work and completely unboxing myself. So much of my identity was tied to my job and place of work and it wasn’t serving me. I feel completely liberated, I’ve reconnected with myself and I’m currently living my reassemble era!
Thank you, Rachel, for reading, resonating, and sharing. Pride is hard and tricky. And a balance. We are told not to be prideful, but it is also important that we have pride in ourselves.
The transformation you've described over these past six months feels like such a profound liberation! Unboxing yourself from an identity so tightly bound to work takes remarkable self-awareness and courage. That recognition that your job wasn't serving your authentic self is a turning point many people never reach.
Your "reassemble era" is such a perfect way to describe this phase... not starting over completely, but thoughtfully putting the pieces together in a way that truly reflects who you are. There's something so powerful about reconnecting with yourself after perhaps losing touch with core aspects of your identity.
This kind of personal evolution often ripples outward, influencing not just how you experience work, but how you engage with every aspect of life. The liberation you describe suggests you've removed constraints that were limiting much more than just your professional expression.
Thank you for sharing such a meaningful journey. Your pride in this transformation is completely warranted! You're actively creating a life that honors your whole self rather than just your productive capacity. That's truly something to celebrate!
Alex, this was such a moving and inspiring way to bring this series to a close for now. Thank you for your presence and willingness to be vulnerable! It's amazing to see what you've accomplished.
I'm feeling proud today of how I'm supporting and advocating for kind, sensitive, compassionate people. It's taken a long time to shift that work from the therapy room to a more public, group-oriented form. I'm not where I want to be yet, but I'm seeing the progress and looking forward to launching something new in the coming weeks. I'm proud that I've channeled my natural stubbornness for good in this case and not given up.
Thanks for creating this space to reflect! Much needed today and always!
Thank you, my friend, for being here from start to finish!
The evolution you've described—moving your work from private therapy rooms to more public, group-oriented spaces—represents such a meaningful expansion of your impact. There's courage in that shift, especially when your focus is advocating for those whose kindness and sensitivity are often undervalued in our culture.
What particularly resonates is how you've reimagined your "natural stubbornness" as persistence toward something meaningful rather than as a limitation. That ability to harness your innate qualities toward supporting kind, sensitive, compassionate people creates ripple effects you may never fully witness.
There's something especially exciting about standing at the threshold of launching something new. That anticipation, coupled with the foundation you've already built, suggests you're poised for something truly impactful.
Your work is a beautiful contribution to a world that often overlooks sensitivity as strength. Thank you for sharing this moment of pride and the important work you continue to pursue with dedication. 🩵
Thanks, friend! This message is one of the loveliest acknowledgments I’ve received of what I’m trying to do. I’m so grateful for your support and encouragement. I definitely could not persist without people like you in my corner, Alex. 💚
Dear Dr. Alex (yes, this reply deserves the official title). Not only did you make it thru those times, you exploded into success! PhDs are not simple, nor easy by any stretch of the imagination. Congratulations. Good for you attempting to give the family reunion a try… no surprise it wasn’t good, she’s not brave enough for you.
Me. I’m proud that I chose to live consciously. To take the things I lived through and carve the deep compassion within me so I could walk alongside my patients through all their healing. I have been blessed to work with thousands of healing souls over the last 33 years.
Awww, thank you, Teyani! This reply brought tears to my eyes. I appreciate the recognition, and I know younger me does too. He tried hard. He wanted things for us. And we got them!
As for you - thank you for sharing 🩵
The choice you made speaks volumes. Taking your own lived experiences and deliberately transforming them into deep compassion for your patients represents true alchemy. Thirty-three years of walking alongside thousands in their healing journeys has created an extraordinary tapestry of human connection most people will never know.
Your description of "carving" compassion suggests this wasn't something that happened passively. Rather, you actively shaped difficult experiences into something healing and purposeful. That's a profound act of both self-healing and service.
I appreciate how your pride centers on the conscious decision to live with intention and create space for others in their vulnerable moments. This creates a legacy that extends far beyond professional milestones.
Thank you for sharing this glimpse into a life so meaningfully lived. The thousands you've served over these decades have been fortunate to have someone who truly understands that healing is a shared journey. And I have been fortunate to meet you along the way too. 🩵
Alex, this is and was incredibly uplifting and inspiring to read. I believe many can relate to the feelings and emptiness no matter their personal experiences or story, the theme of being human and getting through it. I admire all who can share such stories in ways that you just can not wait to read the next line. Help me feel the knowing I can move through this.
I am proud of myself for actually writing my book. I have talked about it for years, I have been asked and encouraged to write it, and I finally did. I am publishing it on Feb 28th, I still have no idea what that really means and how to get it out there like I want to. I am just proud of myself for finally sharing things I wanted to share in the knowing it may be a light to others.
My book, Courageous Compassion, will be available 2/28 and that feels incredibly exciting and I am proud of myself!
Thank you for this share, thank you for this space, and thank you for being a reminder of what it means to be a human and get through each moment at a time.
Thank you, Alicia, for such a kind and thoughtful comment 🩵 I so appreciate you reading, relating, and sharing too!
February 28th is about to become a landmark date! What you've accomplished goes beyond just writing words on pages—you've transformed years of intention into reality. "Courageous Compassion" now exists because you decided to move beyond talking about it and actually bring it to life. That transition from aspiration to creation is where so many dreams fade, but yours didn't.
The honesty in acknowledging you're still figuring out the publishing journey adds such authenticity to your accomplishment. The most important part is that your insights and perspective will soon be available to others who need them. Books have this magical way of finding exactly the readers who need them most.
Seeing your title in print must feel surreal after all this time! This moment represents not just the completion of a project, but the beginning of your book's own journey into the world. Your pride is so well-placed!you've created something that will continue working while you sleep, reaching people and sharing light in ways you might never even witness directly.
Congratulations on becoming an author!
Thank you Alex. Your witnessing, acknowledgement, and words feel validating and I happy receive all of that.
What an incredible space we all have here on Substack to witness others and celebrate together. I absolutely love and want to see and be a part of the celebrating others in all the ways. Thank you for being an example of this, an example of vulnerability, and how much our stories support others. Thank you!
MERCY but this was a wonderful read! I feel so much joy for you, and that you survived to share your story. You made a subscriber out of me. Keep up the wonderfulness!
Thank you for another moving, life affirming essay. Your warm heart beats through every word you write. I’m proud of you, too, and proud to know a little of you, from many miles away.
As for what I’m proud of. I don’t know why I find it hard to say, there are many complicated feelings around it, but I am proud of the work that I did, while I did it. I made complex decisions, performed surgery for sick babies and children, and injured adults too, and held hands with their parents and relatives as I gave them the best or worst news of their lives. I laughed with them and I cried with them and I’m proud that I showed them the human in me, in just one tiny moment of connection to ease their way. I did that. And I don’t, now. But I’ve realised that that doesn’t mean I don’t get to be proud of having done it.
Thank you for sharing something so meaningful with us.
The work you did as a surgeon for those babies, children, and injured adults wasn't just technical skill—it was profound human connection in life's most critical moments.
I'm struck by how you balanced the complex medical decisions with the compassion to hold hands, laugh, and cry with families through their best and worst moments.
That ability to maintain your humanity while performing such high-stakes work is extraordinary.
It's beautiful to see you recognize that your pride in this chapter doesn't diminish simply because it's now in your past. These connections you forged, these lives you touched—they ripple outward in ways we can never fully measure.
Our impact isn't confined to what we're doing now, but includes all we've ever done with care and presence.
Thank you, so very much. 🩵 I think our humanity is all that holds us together. I treasure the memories.
Louise! You did do that, and every single one of those patients and family members will always remember your kindness, your generosity, your heart. That's YOU! You made the complex decisions when others were overwhelmed by emotion. You performed complicated surgeries with the intention of making things better and never doing any harm. You are special. I've been through two surgeries myself, and held space for family and friends through countless others. And never once did I come across a surgeon who cared as I know and feel and believe and honor how you did. You did that! And now you are in the process of taking those skills, all of them, and up-leveling them into something greater. What that is, is yet to be seen...but I promise you, it's something to be witnessed on great levels.
What a beautiful celebration of Louise. Thank you for coming back to this post and celebrating! 🩵
Thank you, Teri, you always know exactly what to say to make me feel seen and held. You have such a special gift and an incredible heart xx
Damn Alex. I'm sorry none of the teachers or high school professionals did what they needed to do to go get you off the streets. And then I felt for a moment, I was one of those teachers. I had a student on the streets, and I didn't know it, until she turned up dead in her car. Frozen. Wisconsin winter. I've never completely gotten over that one.
But I digress, I want to do your homework assignment because I have something really f*cking big to celebrate and be proud of...and I know you know what it is!
I'M SO DAMN PROUD OF THE CREATOR RETREAT! I have created a magickal and mysterious and supportive and encouraging and beautiful community of creators, a safe container space for them to come together and explore all the messy and sparkly and dull and sharp and kaleidoscopic parts of being creators in the digital world. I did that! I have 19 participants, 10 guest presenters, four mentors, and a growing number of bonus presenters coming together in this retreat space that I dreamed up and made real! I did that!!!
And I'm so glad your 18yo self got himself off the streets and kept digging into the soul of himself to show up here and play a major role in my Creator Retreat. I just love you!
Thank you for reading and sharing. That is traumatic. 🩵
Your joy and pride radiate through every word of this comment!
The Creator Retreat will be absolutely extraordinary—not just as an event, but as a true community you've built from the ground up.
What stands out is how you've created something that embraces the full spectrum of the creative experience—the "messy and sparkly and dull and sharp and kaleidoscopic parts" of digital creation. That's rare and incredibly valuable.
Bringing together 19 participants, 10 guest presenters, 4 mentors, and growing bonus presenters represents so much trust in your vision and leadership.
What began as a dream in your mind has manifested into a real sanctuary where creators can be authentic and supported.
YES, YOU DID THAT!
This is exactly the kind of space our creative world needs—one that acknowledges both the magic and the challenges.
I hope you take a moment to really savor what you've built and the impact it's having on everyone involved. Your ability to transform vision into reality is inspiring to all of us!
Teri, you are pure light imbued with love, care, and sensitivity that I've never experienced before.
Your givingness proves you care more than anyone else because you can see the spectrum of colors in others.
You receive the message color delivers, interpret its meaning and deliver that in ways our souls need.
Your support and communal celebration here in Alex's space confirms that I speak the truth.
I shall address my assignment from Alex in another comment.
I love you, Teri, just the way that you are. 💜
love you too Donna. I’m gonna go cry happy tears out loud now.
They say tears are cleansing, Teri, so I should be squeaky clean 🤪
I love love that you are inviting your readers to celebrate with you. I don't know you, and I might have said it in my comment on your last piece, but I am proud of you. I went through stuff when I was the same age you were, and I'm just about to turn 62. Life turned out great for me, but it's always been hard, and I've always been soft, sensitive and willing to carry the worries of the world on my shoulders. My recent proud moments are giving up being a people pleaser and a terrible worrier. I'm currently living with chronic physical problems and pain. I am proud of listening to what my body needs and walking/exercising/working or resting as needed. I've prescribed myself more time in Nature, more music and art to help with creativity, and mood. It's working. Love, Virg
Thank you, Virg. I've appreciated your comments over the past few weeks. Truly. 🩵 And thank you for sharing your recent proud moments!
There's something profoundly courageous about the journey you've described.
Shedding people-pleasing and excessive worry isn't just a simple choice—it's a fundamental reclaiming of your own needs and boundaries. The way you're navigating chronic physical problems and pain with such intentional self-awareness speaks volumes about your inner strength.
What resonates most (to me) is how you've become your own advocate—prescribing yourself exactly what nurtures your wellbeing: time in nature, music, art, and the wisdom to alternate between activity and rest according to what your body communicates. That's not just self-care; it's a radical act of self-respect.
And the beautiful part? "It's working."
Those words carry so much quiet triumph.
Thank you for sharing this powerful reminder that sometimes, our proudest moments are about how we learn to honor ourselves.
Virginia, stepping out of people pleasing so that you can care for yourself and love your own tenderness on a deep human level is a huge accomplishment that many never achieve. Listening to others is easy. Listening to Self is divine. You are doing that!
Thank you for celebrating Virginia. Listening to Self is divine. 🩵
I went on a podcast recently. This is my third time participating in one. I was terrified the first time I did it, but by the third time, I was more relaxed. I'm not the most proficient on the topic (politics), but I hung in the whole hour and talked about the little things that I did know and care about.
What courage it takes to step into a podcast about politics—a topic that can feel so charged and where many feel pressure to be "experts."
I love how you shared your growth from that first terrified appearance to finding more comfort by your third time.
There's something powerful about speaking from a place of genuine care and knowledge, even when it's about "little things" rather than trying to cover everything. Sometimes those specific, heartfelt perspectives are exactly what listeners need to hear.
Your willingness to show up, contribute what you know, and stay engaged for the full hour demonstrates such personal growth.
Thank you for reminding us that expertise isn't just about knowing everything—it's about authentically sharing what matters to you and continuing to put yourself in uncomfortable spaces where you can grow.
Ilona! podcasting is both terrifying and exhilirating...and you put yourself in that state of contradictory emotions not just once, but three times. That's what it means to be fully human, fully alive, to experience the full spectrum of emotion in one moment.
Thank you, Teri, for celebrating Ilona!
Thanks, Teri. The podcast has thousands of subscribers (on YouTube as well), and I made the mistake of reading the YouTube comments afterward. One of them read, "She was your worst guest ever..." LOL. Keyboard warriors can be so brave from behind their screens.
oh my. I'm sorry that happened. There was a time a couple years ago I did one of those high ticket business coaching programs whose whole focus was getting me to guest on podcasts. I did over 30 podcasts in 6 months in the hopes that it would bring me new clients. Oddly, never once did I think to go read the comments on those podcasts. Not once, and now you have convinced me I don't need to. That said, the whole idea was to bring in new business. I spent $14K on that biz coaching program, and I didn't get one new client...rather my revenues went down significantly. I signed up for Substack a few months after that. and have never looked back. Everything here is so so so much better.
And, as you are, I am proud of myself for doing those podcasts. And I'm proud of you for doing the ones you did. I wouldn't take back the experience of the podcasts. And thanks to you, I will stay away from their comment sections and the keyboard warriors.
A very interesting journey you’ve had, and I don’t think these experiences are ever wasted. I’m proud and I’m glad you are, too.
This is amazing and congrats on sharing yourself!
Thanks, Alicia! That is such a kind comment and means a lot. ❤️
You are welcome and I think we all need to be celebrated more!
“Let’s celebrate one another. Let’s lift each other up. Let’s remind ourselves how far we’ve come, and give ourselves the credit we deserve for all the hard things we’ve done and the resilience we’ve shown.” This. ALL DAY LONG. Thank you for being so vulnerable and open. This needs to be said more often. I celebrate all of you and am inspired by your journey.
Thank you, my friend, for this kind and thoughtful comment. In talking with others, I think we all sometimes develop a bit of a weird relationship with our accomplishments. I wanted to provide a space for us to reclaim it. I appreciate you being here 🩵
Beckett, I'm not letting you out of the homework Alex prescribed. What are you proud of? cuz from where I sit, you have an amazing accomplishment you have achieved here since Dec 5th. You are reaching an audience who is fully touched and blessed and moved by your words. Your writing matters so much that you are getting hundreds and thousands of likes and comments from people who are deeply impressed and impacted by what you share. That's something to be proud of!
🙈 I’m proud of the fact that my writing is touching so many souls. Im proud that I don’t allow my fear hold me back. Im so very proud of making it through the last 11 years after my brain injury to see this all happening. That I have gotten to meet people like you and Alex. Thank you Teri for holding me accountable and for helping me celebrate. ❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing, Beckett, so that I can be here and celebrate with you! To see what you have been accomplishing in such a short amount of time? Truly spectacular. I enjoy not only reading through your posts, but reading through the comments.
There is NO doubt that you are touching the soul of so many of your subscribers. And your impact is growing further and further.
What stands out in your message isn't just what you've accomplished, but the remarkable journey behind it.
From brain injury to touching souls through your words—that's an incredible arc. The fear you've pushed through would stop many in their tracks, yet here you are, creating ripples of impact through your writing.
Eleven years is no small chapter of life, and the fact that you've transformed challenge into connection speaks volumes. Meeting people becomes not just a happy coincidence but a testament to the authentic path you've forged.
Your pride isn't just justified—it's inspiring. Keep writing, keep connecting, keep celebrating these victories. They matter more than you know.
can you see me happy dancing over here? It happens to be happening in all kinds of melted Minnesota snow puddles. I'm like a little girl with rainboots splashing through all the water in celebration of YOU!
Alex your essays about your younger days moved me emotionally. One second I find myself with tears and the next with a smile. Perhaps it’s just instinctual with me, my motherly protective self - wanting to hug you and say everything will be okay. I imagined I felt that glimpse of pride in yourself that you saw because all you share here on Substack makes me so proud to know you. I suppose the proudest moment I felt within myself, because of my age, is hard to pin down to just one. But, going deep into my memories, I believe the first time was when I gathered the courage to leave my abusive first marriage when I was 22 years old. My “mom” didn’t approve of leaving a marriage no matter what the reason, however, there came the point in time where it meant my survival so I had to do the unthinkable. I faced my demons and the disapproval and did all the things I had to do in order to turn my life around. When all the required legalities were finished. I had a newly found confidence within myself. It was a strange internal feeling I had never felt before and yet I was glad I felt it and proud of myself for taking the first step toward a better independent future. Thank you for your essay which actually helped me recall that younger self glimmer of pride and hope feeling that I had almost completely forgotten. Thank you sincerely Alex for all you share with us here.
You should forever be proud of the person you are today and the gift you possess in helping others.
Thank you, Kathy, for always reading and sharing. Truly 🩵 I love to see you pop in with a comment every time.
What you've shared reveals such profound courage.
Taking that step to leave your abusive marriage at 22—especially against your mother's disapproval—wasn't just difficult; it was an act of choosing your own survival when everything around you said to stay.
That moment represents something truly extraordinary: putting your own well-being above others' expectations.
The way you describe that "strange internal feeling" of confidence afterward captures something so powerful about transformation—how we sometimes don't even recognize our own strength until we're forced to use it.
Your story reminds us that sometimes our proudest moments come from our hardest decisions. The path from that pivotal choice to building an independent future has clearly shaped who you are.
Thank you for sharing something so personal. Your willingness to face both external disapproval and internal demons offers a powerful reminder that sometimes the most important approval we need is our own. Your courage then continues to ripple outward now as you share this story with others who might need to hear it. 🩵
Kathy! 22!?! I'm in awe. I had those same "disapproving" energies around divorce and leaving a marriage, so I stayed with a neglectful one. But you, you stepped up at such a young age not just out of survival, but came to fully thrive. That strange internal feeling you describe, that's magick. That kind of internal confidence that doesn't depend on the validation or appreciation or accolades from other. that's profound.
Thank you, Teri, for coming back to share in our celebration of Kathy 🩵
Dear Alex, I held the younger you in my arms and felt the angst. Beside my intimate knowledge of living on the streets, you brought it to life on the page in a way that deeply touched me.
I'm honored to have shared space with you in a cohort when I came on Substack in the middle of 2024.
My celebration?
I've sat here staring into space wondering what to share.
I'm 75 and in the middle of my eighth decade and thankful there is no expiration date defined.
That said, I celebrate becoming Unmuffled because I'm sick and tired of remaining quiet.
As the Big Girl of Poker at 6-foot-5-inches tall, I've begun sharing my ugly secrets going back over five decades.
The details would overload this thread, but the results of my raw sharings have touched lives in ways I never expected.
Rather than people pulling back and judging me, they are leaning in. They respond with the three most desired words, "Tell me more!"
Maybe today's newsletter is the 5th chapter in the Fifty Shades of Donna!
In the midst of all this therapy writing has provided, I'm celebrating coming back online LIVE, two days from now, and sharing my MindShifting technology globally.
Alex, thank you for allowing me to stand up and speak out.
Consider yourself hugged 🤗
Donna
Awww, thank you Donna for your kind words. I loved sharing space in Tom’s discord 🩵 I appreciate you reading, relating, and also sharing! I am honored that you stood up and spoke out here!
What a powerful declaration of reclaiming your voice! At 75, you're demonstrating that transformation isn't bound by age—it's sparked by determination. Your decision to become "Unmuffled" after decades of silence creates such a compelling image.
There's something profoundly liberating about bringing those five decades of "ugly secrets" into the light. The most revealing part? How people are leaning in rather than pulling away, asking for "more" rather than less truth.
Your reference to this being perhaps "the 5th chapter in the Fifty Shades of Donna" brings such wonderful humor (and joy!) to something deeply serious. The way your vulnerability has become both personal therapy and a gift to others beautifully illustrates how authenticity creates connection.
And now you're taking this energy global with your MindShifting technology! What perfect timing—first finding your voice, then amplifying it. Your celebration isn't just about what you've accomplished, but about the space you're creating for others to follow your lead.
Thank you for showing us that becoming unmuffled might be the most powerful choice we can make at any age. 🩵
I consider myself hugged 🩵
Phew, Alex! You do have a gift for crafting the perfect response.
I am going to print this and savor it whenever Doubting Dickhead raises his ugly head inside my mind.
I’m DMing you with a gift.
I’ll check my DMs in a little bit! But no DM is necessary, I’m glad it was valuable to you 🩵
Thank you, Alex, for such a wonderful post. I listened to this while on my morning walk and instantly thought of my proudest time of my life being after my husband passed and that I rebuilt my life and am happy again. While there were plenty of times I wanted to surrender and just plain quit, but I didn't and I'm very proud of the person I have become since.
I love your thoughts to your younger self and your pride in who you have become. From what I know if you through Substack, it's clear you are a fantastic, kind-hearted soul! Thank you for reminding us all to celebrate us! I celebrate you and everyone here! 🩵
Thank you for listening to my post! I’m so grateful to have “met” you on this substack journey!
There's such quiet strength in what you've shared. Rebuilding a life after losing your husband involves a depth of resilience that few truly understand unless they've walked a similar path. Those moments when surrendering seemed like the easiest option—yet you chose to continue forward—reveal an inner fortitude that defines transformation. The journey from grief to finding happiness again isn't linear or predictable, which makes your achievement all the more remarkable.
What resonates most powerfully is your recognition of how this challenging chapter has shaped you into someone YOU genuinely admire today. That self-awareness speaks volumes about your growth. Thank you for offering this glimpse into such a deeply personal experience.
Nancy, I am holding a good friend through the process of re-learning how to live again after her husband passed. The depth of grief is so intense for me, holding space for her, that I wonder how she even breathes through each moment of each day. For you to say that you have come through that and can look back at what you have done and become since then is so beautiful. I keep telling my friend this, but how do I know??? I've never been where she is. I just have to believe it. And here you are, proving it. I bow to you.
Your friend is lucky to have someone like you walking beside her, Teri. ❤ Most people would rather not go through the trenches of grief. Yes, even breathing was near impossible many days. You are a blessing to many!
What a beautiful piece of writing. Thank you for sharing so openly and starting this so important conversation. It’s a hard one pride. I always felt it was ego led to say ‘I’m proud of myself for…’ out loud. I’ve started doing exactly what you do here in this piece though, it really resonated with me. I think about younger me and how she’d feel every time I do something (big or small) that feels like a moment worth celebrating. It’s helped me reframe the idea of pride.
Right now, I’m proud of the fact that I’ve spent the last 6 months rethinking work and completely unboxing myself. So much of my identity was tied to my job and place of work and it wasn’t serving me. I feel completely liberated, I’ve reconnected with myself and I’m currently living my reassemble era!
Thank you, Rachel, for reading, resonating, and sharing. Pride is hard and tricky. And a balance. We are told not to be prideful, but it is also important that we have pride in ourselves.
The transformation you've described over these past six months feels like such a profound liberation! Unboxing yourself from an identity so tightly bound to work takes remarkable self-awareness and courage. That recognition that your job wasn't serving your authentic self is a turning point many people never reach.
Your "reassemble era" is such a perfect way to describe this phase... not starting over completely, but thoughtfully putting the pieces together in a way that truly reflects who you are. There's something so powerful about reconnecting with yourself after perhaps losing touch with core aspects of your identity.
This kind of personal evolution often ripples outward, influencing not just how you experience work, but how you engage with every aspect of life. The liberation you describe suggests you've removed constraints that were limiting much more than just your professional expression.
Thank you for sharing such a meaningful journey. Your pride in this transformation is completely warranted! You're actively creating a life that honors your whole self rather than just your productive capacity. That's truly something to celebrate!
🤍💫
Alex, this was such a moving and inspiring way to bring this series to a close for now. Thank you for your presence and willingness to be vulnerable! It's amazing to see what you've accomplished.
I'm feeling proud today of how I'm supporting and advocating for kind, sensitive, compassionate people. It's taken a long time to shift that work from the therapy room to a more public, group-oriented form. I'm not where I want to be yet, but I'm seeing the progress and looking forward to launching something new in the coming weeks. I'm proud that I've channeled my natural stubbornness for good in this case and not given up.
Thanks for creating this space to reflect! Much needed today and always!
Thank you, my friend, for being here from start to finish!
The evolution you've described—moving your work from private therapy rooms to more public, group-oriented spaces—represents such a meaningful expansion of your impact. There's courage in that shift, especially when your focus is advocating for those whose kindness and sensitivity are often undervalued in our culture.
What particularly resonates is how you've reimagined your "natural stubbornness" as persistence toward something meaningful rather than as a limitation. That ability to harness your innate qualities toward supporting kind, sensitive, compassionate people creates ripple effects you may never fully witness.
There's something especially exciting about standing at the threshold of launching something new. That anticipation, coupled with the foundation you've already built, suggests you're poised for something truly impactful.
Your work is a beautiful contribution to a world that often overlooks sensitivity as strength. Thank you for sharing this moment of pride and the important work you continue to pursue with dedication. 🩵
Thanks, friend! This message is one of the loveliest acknowledgments I’ve received of what I’m trying to do. I’m so grateful for your support and encouragement. I definitely could not persist without people like you in my corner, Alex. 💚
Of course! And the same to you, my friend. 🩵
Thank you! 🙏
Dear Dr. Alex (yes, this reply deserves the official title). Not only did you make it thru those times, you exploded into success! PhDs are not simple, nor easy by any stretch of the imagination. Congratulations. Good for you attempting to give the family reunion a try… no surprise it wasn’t good, she’s not brave enough for you.
Me. I’m proud that I chose to live consciously. To take the things I lived through and carve the deep compassion within me so I could walk alongside my patients through all their healing. I have been blessed to work with thousands of healing souls over the last 33 years.
Awww, thank you, Teyani! This reply brought tears to my eyes. I appreciate the recognition, and I know younger me does too. He tried hard. He wanted things for us. And we got them!
As for you - thank you for sharing 🩵
The choice you made speaks volumes. Taking your own lived experiences and deliberately transforming them into deep compassion for your patients represents true alchemy. Thirty-three years of walking alongside thousands in their healing journeys has created an extraordinary tapestry of human connection most people will never know.
Your description of "carving" compassion suggests this wasn't something that happened passively. Rather, you actively shaped difficult experiences into something healing and purposeful. That's a profound act of both self-healing and service.
I appreciate how your pride centers on the conscious decision to live with intention and create space for others in their vulnerable moments. This creates a legacy that extends far beyond professional milestones.
Thank you for sharing this glimpse into a life so meaningfully lived. The thousands you've served over these decades have been fortunate to have someone who truly understands that healing is a shared journey. And I have been fortunate to meet you along the way too. 🩵
Oh Alexander… and now your kind and generous words bring tears to my eyes also.
I’m honored to meet you also.
Your incredible journey is a story that needs to be told. Many times, and to many audiences.
Please continue to lift up your heart and tell it out loud for all to experience the compelling joy of your triumph. You are inspiring so many.
Thank you, Teyani. I appreciate your words, more than you know. 🩵
Alex, this is and was incredibly uplifting and inspiring to read. I believe many can relate to the feelings and emptiness no matter their personal experiences or story, the theme of being human and getting through it. I admire all who can share such stories in ways that you just can not wait to read the next line. Help me feel the knowing I can move through this.
I am proud of myself for actually writing my book. I have talked about it for years, I have been asked and encouraged to write it, and I finally did. I am publishing it on Feb 28th, I still have no idea what that really means and how to get it out there like I want to. I am just proud of myself for finally sharing things I wanted to share in the knowing it may be a light to others.
My book, Courageous Compassion, will be available 2/28 and that feels incredibly exciting and I am proud of myself!
Thank you for this share, thank you for this space, and thank you for being a reminder of what it means to be a human and get through each moment at a time.
Thank you, Alicia, for such a kind and thoughtful comment 🩵 I so appreciate you reading, relating, and sharing too!
February 28th is about to become a landmark date! What you've accomplished goes beyond just writing words on pages—you've transformed years of intention into reality. "Courageous Compassion" now exists because you decided to move beyond talking about it and actually bring it to life. That transition from aspiration to creation is where so many dreams fade, but yours didn't.
The honesty in acknowledging you're still figuring out the publishing journey adds such authenticity to your accomplishment. The most important part is that your insights and perspective will soon be available to others who need them. Books have this magical way of finding exactly the readers who need them most.
Seeing your title in print must feel surreal after all this time! This moment represents not just the completion of a project, but the beginning of your book's own journey into the world. Your pride is so well-placed!you've created something that will continue working while you sleep, reaching people and sharing light in ways you might never even witness directly.
Congratulations on becoming an author!
Thank you Alex. Your witnessing, acknowledgement, and words feel validating and I happy receive all of that.
What an incredible space we all have here on Substack to witness others and celebrate together. I absolutely love and want to see and be a part of the celebrating others in all the ways. Thank you for being an example of this, an example of vulnerability, and how much our stories support others. Thank you!
You are most welcome, Alicia. Thank you for being here! 🩵 I am grateful for Substack and this space. Truly!
MERCY but this was a wonderful read! I feel so much joy for you, and that you survived to share your story. You made a subscriber out of me. Keep up the wonderfulness!
Thank you, EC. I appreciate you reading, sharing in joy, and subscribing!