I started my Substack just six days ago, ready to pour my heart out. As a newcomer, I did not know what to expect. Most of the posts Substack showed me were from people sharing their struggles with gaining subscribers.
I have been a writer for most of my life; it’s how I breathe. I never needed an audience to find the motivation to write, since to me it is a form of self-care. So, I wasn't too worried about the numbers. I'm here to connect and build a true community, to find my village.
I’m here to learn from you and to share the precious lessons life has taught me. I was fully prepared for that process to take time, so having ten people subscribe in such a short time is beyond what I imagined.
For much of my life, I've downplayed my wins, both big and small. It wasn't because I didn't honor the hard work and passion my family and I poured into pursuing my dreams. The sacrifices my family made to help me get here are something I deeply respect. But a part of me never felt good about making a big deal out of my achievements, as I felt a responsibility to correct the unfairness of our world.
You see, from a young age, I've encountered two very different realities. I've seen people with immense potential, passion, and drive get buried under the weight of their responsibilities. At the same time, I've watched those without any standout qualities achieve better results simply because they had the resources to chase their definition of success. Resources which, more often than not, came from a lack of morals and ethics.
I also recognize that I am where I am today not just because of the family I was born into, but because I was born in a country not ravaged by the greed of a few. I’m lucky to live in a place where genocide and forced labor isn't a reality and where people can focus on more than just survival. It's a humbling realization that in another reality, I could have been just a number, my value determined only by the circumstances of my birth.
Both of these realities taught me to embrace my victories with humility. Watching honest people being mocked and the corrupt being worshipped also caused me to almost over-correct. I stopped celebrating myself and began to shrink my own presence, especially around those I perceived as less fortunate, to make them feel more comfortable.
A post by Dr. Alaa from Gaza a few days ago inspired me to smile and celebrate life again1. So, today, I am smiling. I'm celebrating all of you beautiful souls. I recognize there is so much to read and learn on Substack, and I’m honored that you’ve chosen to spend your valuable time with me. It’s a gift I will always cherish.
Thank you for welcoming me into your lives. I am genuinely thrilled to have you here.
I look forward to sharing my world with you. Be warned though: brevity is not my strong suit :)
Hugs,
Shubhdeep Dhillon
(aka Mithi Mirch)
Despite living in the same city, we never crossed paths. Yet on social media we got to talking because of our passion for the same current events.
I’m glad I got to know you & truly proud of your new journey on here. I enjoy reading all the posts you have posted so far. Partially because you carry a calmness about you through your writing that I wish I could achieve (I’m a out of control fire sometimes)
I’m very excited for what’s to come on your new path & im thankful for the window you opened for those of us who could sometimes use a calm guiding perspective 💕
Alignment.