There’s something I’ve been thinking about lately… something that goes beyond building an audience or finding your voice or growing your subscriber count.
What if Substack could be a place where we actively spread joy?
Not just by sharing our own thoughts, but by becoming an encouragement to others. By showing up generously. By making someone’s day a little brighter simply because we took a moment to say I see you, and what you’re doing matters.
“You shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.” — Maya Angelou
That quote lives in my head rent-free. Because it’s so easy easy to visualize. We open an app to read, scroll, like, and move on, but without ever giving anything back. The really cool thing that can happen with a community like Substack? It’s in the giving.
Here’s something I’ve noticed on my own hard days. When I’m feeling low or stuck or just a little in the doldrums, one of the fastest ways to shift my mood is to do something kind for someone else. Leave a genuine compliment on a post. Tell a writer that their words helped me. Cheer on someone who’s just starting out. It sounds almost too simple… but it works. Every time.
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” — Booker T. Washington
There’s real science behind this, but honestly, you don’t need the research. You just need to try it once and feel the difference.
So maybe you read my last post where we talked about ditching the worry about whether we’re qualified enough, letting go of self-doubt, and just putting ourselves out there. Maybe you nodded along. Maybe you even felt that little flutter of okay, maybe I could do this.
And then you opened Substack… and thought, now what?
Here are three simple, low-pressure ways to start spreading joy on Substack.
1. Comment on Someone Else’s Notes and Restack It Too
This is the one people skip… and it’s such a missed opportunity.
Here’s a real example of what showing up looks like in practice. Alex & Books posted a Note asking: “Who still sits down and reads actual physical books?” Two words. I do! That was my entire comment. I restacked it and added my voice to the conversation.
That Note now has 50+ likes, a handful of comments, and is still gaining traction… all from simply adding to and sharing someone else’s thought.
When you leave a thoughtful comment on someone’s Note, their entire audience can see it and yours too. You’re not just supporting that writer (though that matters enormously), you’re introducing yourself to a whole new community of readers who might think, oh, I like how they think. And from personal experience, engaging with other people’s Notes is one of the things that brings me my highest engagement.
Don’t overthink it. Agree, add a thought, ask a question, share a reaction. Just be genuine. Two words can start a whole ripple effect.
2. Send Someone a Heartfelt DM
This one is quiet, but between two people. No one else sees it. There are no likes, no reshares, no public accolades. And that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.
Think about a writer on Substack whose work has genuinely moved you. Maybe they’ve been showing up consistently and you don’t think they know how much it means. Maybe one of their posts arrived on exactly the right day and said exactly the thing you needed to hear. Maybe they’re brand new and clearly pouring their whole heart into something still finding its legs.
Send them a message. Just tell them.
It doesn’t have to be long or perfectly worded. Something as simple as I just want you to know that your writing makes a difference to me can completely change someone’s day or even their week. Writers, especially those of us still building, can spend a lot of time wondering if any of this is worth it. A single genuine message has the power to answer that question with a resounding yes.
On the days when you’re feeling a little empty or discouraged yourself, this is one of the kindest things you can do for your own heart too. There is something quietly wonderful about making someone feel seen, with no audience watching and nothing to gain. It fills you back up in a way that’s hard to explain until you try it.
So pick someone this week. Hit that message button. Say the thing you’ve been thinking. You might never know just how much it meant… but they will.
3. Share a Note and Make It About Someone Else
You’ve probably heard that Notes are Substack’s version of a social media post… short, conversational, no pressure to write a full -length post. And yes, sharing your own thoughts is a wonderful place to start.
But here’s a joyful twist you can make… use a Note to celebrate someone else.
Share a book you loved and tag the author. Shout out a creative whose post stopped you in your tracks this week. Share a list of people you love reading with your readers and ask them who they’re currently loving on Substack. Not only does this spread genuine encouragement to the people you mention, it starts conversations, builds community, and introduces your readers to voices they’ll be glad they found.
It doesn’t have to be long. It doesn’t have to be polished. It just has to be you, showing up and throwing something good into the world.
Show up as yourself. Be generous. Be genuine. Repeat.
You don’t need to do all three today. Pick one. Do it this week. See what happens… not just for the person on the other end, but do it for you too.
Which of these feels most doable for you right now? Drop it in the comments. I’d love to cheer you on.
If you’re not already subscribed to this little corner of Substack… come join us. I share my life, bookish thoughts, habits, and health, and I’d love to have you join in the conversation.
“Plant flowers in others’ gardens and your life becomes a bouquet.” — Author Unknown
Book Recommendation
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I almost always add a comment on posts that I like. That's why I am constantly pestering you! I'm going to restack this too and see what that button actually does!
Excellent advice. I think I'll give it a try.