Why 100 Subscribers Feels Like Winning an Oscar (or Finding My People)

A milestone for a too-sensitive weirdo and the community that made it possible

I joined Substack one year ago.

And today, my fourth publication - this one The Creator Retreat 🌳- reached 100 subscribers.

In my squirrelly curly-que brain, 100 subscribers means that my publication is the real deal, and that things will get easier from here on out.

Getting the email from Substack with this badge, I feel like Sally Field accepting the Best Actress Oscars in 1980 and then again in 1985.

“They said this couldn’t be done!”

….“they” are the voices in my head that I have listened to for far too long, and when the Creator Retreat hit 100 subscribers, those voices all got muffled!

We are doing this!!!

The Creator Retreat 🌳 is a real gift to me…

• It was given to me by Tom Kuegler who told me he just wants to see me succeed.

• It was given to me by Michael Thompson who saw something special in me and has become a dear friend.

• It was given to me by Kristi Keller who has celebrated every single tiny win along the way.

• It was given to me by Don Boivin who welcomed me to Substack and responded to every single word I’ve ever said to him.

• It was given to me by Ryan Delaney who accepted an invitation to step into the unknown with me and see where it takes us together.

• It was given to me by Amanda Saint and Nik and Alexander Lovell, PhD and

  Megan Lee who have agreed to ride this ride just because they like me and believe in what I’m doing.

• It was given to me by the thousands of yoga students who have followed me and commented on my writing for over twenty years.

• It was given to me by the hundreds of substackers I have read, and commented on, and supported, and who have supported me, even when I didn’t know what I was doing or saying.

Mostly, The Creator Retreat was given to me because of Neil Cunningham who is MY Creator Retreat. He is the one who pulls me out of my over-thinking mind, gets me into playful mode, replaces every nay-saying voice inside my head with a positive one speaking Truth.

I started The Creator Retreat because I believe everyone should have what my Hobbit has given to me.

This means so much more to me this time. I think the first time I hardly felt it because it was all so new. I want to say thank you to YOU, my readers. I haven’t had a ‘normal’ career. I’ve always been the too-sensitive weirdo, and I thought the world looked at me with sideways eyes, or just pretended to be nice.

I’ve wanted more than anything to have your respect. To be seen, and heard, and valued, and adored and respected as the weirdo creator that I am.

I can’t deny the fact that YOU LIKE ME! Right now, YOU LIKE ME!”

🙏 Thank You 🙏

A Community Where Weirdos Thrive

The Creator Retreat 🌳 is a space built for the too-sensitive weirdos, the introverts, the deep thinkers, and the creative souls who crave belonging. It’s for those who have felt unseen, unheard, and doubted, and who are ready to feel celebrated just as they are.

This isn’t about chasing trends or impressing strangers. It’s about finding joy in the process, connecting with like-hearted creators, and stepping into a space where being “different” is the greatest strength.

The Creator Retreat 🌳 exists because of the incredible people who believed in its vision—people who saw value in community, authenticity, and mutual support. Now, it’s here to be that space for anyone who’s ever felt out of place but still dreams of making an impact.

Join a circle where weirdness isn’t just welcomed—it’s revered. 🌱

Our program officially starts in March 2025, and applications open in January, very soon.