Change is a sign of growth. So often, we cling to old habits, jobs, people, and relationships long after we know we’ve outgrown them. It takes both self-awareness and courage to admit when something isn’t working and change course.
This letter to you is my confession — the Moon updates are not working for me anymore.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve enjoyed writing them — I’ve learned a ton about all sorts of things, from astrology to intuition to the craft of writing.
The bi-weekly rhythm has helped me develop stronger writing habits and experiment with styles as I try to find my voice (which is still a work in progress).
And best of all — I’ve picked up almost 100 subscribers along the way! It might not sound like much, but the fact that each and every one of you has made space for me in your crowded inboxes makes my heart do little backflips of joy. Thank you — I wouldn’t still be writing without you.
I’ve been writing the Moon updates for about a year now, and the other day, I realised I was in creative burnout. Creating the posts had become a mechanical process that I no longer looked forward to.
Some weeks, I managed to plan and schedule my posts (and even promote them!) in advance, but more recently, Friday mornings have found me scrambling to put them together at the last minute.
I owe you, my dear subscribers, and myself better than that.
I also realised I was making sacrifices to churn out “content” every week. I’m a content writer for a marketing agency in my day job, so I guess it’s my comfort zone.
What’s wrong with content, you might be asking. Everything online these days is content. But in my mind, there’s a difference between content and writing.
Content that ranks on Google or appeases social media algorithms can be generated by AI, whereas writing can only come from a human mind that has had human experiences and felt human emotions.
AI will never be able to do that. So although it might one day take my job, it will never be able to write my story.
There was also something performative about the Moon updates. I felt like I was constantly trying to provide enough value to be “worthy” of your subscriptions.
Also, while having a regular posting schedule provides structure for both me and you, my ADHD brain needs more variety.
I’m interested in spirituality and witchcraft, yes, but I’m a multifaceted being. I’m also interested in topics that concern us as humans more generally, whether that’s social issues or uncovering truths about the human experience.
So after some soul searching, I realised I was sacrificing my authenticity — and that’s why I was burning out.
I also realised all my favourite Substack writers — although all completely different — do one thing in their writing that I, as yet, have not managed to do.
They share their authentic selves.
Whether it’s a snippet of wisdom or a personal anecdote, I lap up the thoughts of these writers I admire because of their unique takes and perspectives.
I haven’t been able to let myself do the same because of people-pleasing, fear of judgement, and a belief that I’m inherently unworthy and no one gives a shit what I have to say.
There’s also a vulnerability that comes with authenticity — especially for writers. Being authentic means pouring our hearts and souls onto the page and often having no idea how our words are received — or whether anyone even reads them.
It feels safer to stay “reader-focused” and provide value for you (which is what I do in my day job) than to write authentically from the heart.
In the Leo Full Moon update a couple of weeks ago, I wrote about leading from the heart and the fact the word “courage” comes from the Latin root “cor”, meaning “heart”. Note that courage doesn’t mean an absence of fear — it means keeping your heart open in the face of fear.
So I’m committing to writing courageously.
What does that mean? Well, I’m not exactly sure yet. I just made it up. But it probably means experimenting with formats. Maybe sending out a short, snappy message once a week instead of a long one every two weeks. Probably a Moon update here and there when I feel inspired (but not out of obligation), maybe the odd card pull when the mood hits me.
I’ll also be sharing more about my spiritual and personal growth journey and my musings on topics ranging from spiritual influencers to personal boundaries. There might be some health and mental health-related stuff, and there’ll probably be some reflections on grief and loss. I’ve also imported some previous posts about grief from Medium, which you can now find in the archive.
That’s one thing I love about Substack. It’s a place where aspiring writers like me can experiment, find our voices, and begin growing an audience. And I think Substack readers are sophisticated, discerning, and looking for fresh perspectives and new ideas — which can only come from authenticity.
I hope you’ll join me for this journey of exploration, but if you find my authentic voice no longer resonates with you, there’ll be no hard feelings.
In gratitude,
Victoria
Thank you, Victoria. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you (it bears repeating)! It takes much courage and vulnerability to, not only, find and trust our authentic selves, but to share that voice with the world, is on another level. Authenticity and humor bring connection, and I am speaking of REAL connection, which is what I instantly felt reading your words. We often hear, "Stay true to you!" and that can just be lip service. However, you are doing the real deal. Again, thank you for your example and inspiration!
Oh, love - this made me feel such compassion, but also made me laugh (just at one point, not the whole thing). Authenticity is where I feel we should all aim, but how easy it is to get waylaid and diverted. A few people seem to be asking similar questions about their paths right now, and I've always maintained that if you follow your heart or your gut - whatever speaks to you at that point in time - then you're treading the right path for you.