These Are My Substack Flowers

Celebrating Four Months on Substack: Honoring the Connections, Community, and Inspiration That Fuel My Writing Journey

In my four months on Substack, I've discovered not just a platform for writing, but a vibrant community of creators who inspire and uplift.

Photo by the author.

Dear Readers,

I’ve been on Substack for four months now, a time filled with many highs and lows, hopes and disappointments. Despite it all, there is something about this unique journey that gives me the strength and motivation to keep logging in and finding joy on this platform.

This joy, unlike the fleeting happiness tied to reaching certain numbers, is neither temporary nor shallow. It’s not the kind of joy followed by anxiety or the hunger for more success, but a deeper, lasting happiness that comes from a sense of connection and community. It is profound, enduring, and enriching.

The word "community" was something I didn’t fully understand for a long time, even though I often came across it in posts by other Substack members. Over time, I realized that there truly is something special here and that it is possible to build genuine connections with others.

While I’ve connected with a considerable number of writers, a few stand out for their qualities and uniqueness. These are my "Substack flowers," and I want to highlight them here.

I want to apologize if I didn’t mention you here. Please know that I deeply value our connection, but these four flowers have brought me the greatest joy in our interactions.

I won’t list these flowers from best to less so, because there is no “best.” Each of them has something unique and remarkable to offer, from the beauty of their colors to the fragrance of their petals. I will introduce them in the order I discovered them, highlighting their most appealing qualities from my perspective. I also encourage you to subscribe to their newsletters and discover their work.

Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

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If we were to combine experience, intelligence, and kindness, their perfect embodiment would be named Dr Mehmet Yildiz. I first met Dr. Yildiz on Medium when I submitted one of my articles to his publication, "Illumination Curated." He not only liked the article but also nominated it for promotion and connected with me personally.

Over time, as I got to know Dr. Yildiz better through our frequent written exchanges, I came to realize that he possesses an incredible wealth of experience in technology, science, social media, leadership, and many other fields. When I read Dr. Yildiz’s biography to my best friend, it felt like we were reading about thirty different people rolled into one.

Dr. Yildiz has been instrumental in my growth as a writer. Without his high standards and constructive feedback on my writing, I wouldn’t be where I am today. His guidance has become deeply ingrained in me, so much so that he no longer needs to oversee my work as closely. His suggestion to transition from Medium to Substack was a turning point, and his generous advice and support keep me motivated. Every text you read from me here carries a part of Dr. Yildiz’s influence.

One more thing I deeply admire about Dr. Yildiz is his ability to make everyone feel special. Despite mentoring over 500 people and having countless commitments, when he writes to me, it feels like I am his sole focus. Reading comments from others, I notice they share the same impression: he has a way of making everyone feel special. Dr. Yildiz, I consider you my mentor and sincerely thank you for your selfless help.

Holly

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Holly is a gentle soul from Pennsylvania with whom I naturally connected on Substack. Her writings radiate simplicity, sincerity, and deep emotion. What won me over the most was how I could relate to her thoughts and, especially, to her feelings. Holly helped me reconnect with my repressed emotional side and find satisfaction in this introspective connection.

Moreover, her genuine interaction and support have further strengthened me. Among all the Substack authors, Holly has contributed the most to helping my writings reach a wider audience. Dear Holly, thank you for always being there for me and for being so genuine and straightforward.

Jorgen Winther

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I first noticed Jorgen Winther through the extensive and thoughtfully crafted comments he left on my posts. His comments were so detailed and meticulously structured that I often thought Jorgen would have been better off publishing them as standalone posts rather than as comments on mine.

While I consider myself quite thoughtful and insightful, Jorgen’s sharp intellect always found perspectives that made my work stronger and more refined. I also appreciate how his honesty and wisdom in his posts fully resonate with situations I’ve experienced and thoughts I’ve had, giving me a sense of not being alone. Dear Jorgen, your writing greatly resonates with me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I enjoy them a lot!

Don Boivin

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If I had to choose someone on Substack whose nature I could embody, it would undoubtedly be Don Boivin. I came across Don through one of his profoundly insightful comments, which was truly refreshing and perfectly resonated with my views. Don’s posts are filled with lots of gentleness and life wisdom, while his humility and effortless command of thoughts and words are truly invaluable.

Reading Don’s comments, whether directed at me or others, I’ve witnessed his remarkable ability to shift the focus away from himself and onto others, bringing out their best essence. To those who receive his comments, it feels as though Don is reaching for the stars just to offer them, not out of flattery but out of the genuine kindness and unburdened nature he radiates.

You truly have a gift with words, Don. I sincerely enjoy every interaction with you. Thank you.

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Beyond these four flowers I’ve highlighted, I am also grateful to all the other flowers whose beauty and fragrance make our shared journey even more delightful. Thank you all for being a part of this wonderful experience.

Love you all,

Davor