This is a beautiful story, Rick. Congratulations to both you, and to Rob, for your continued success. It's so well deserved given how I see you showing up on this platform.
There's a word someone introduced to me last year, which came to mind immediately as I read what you shared: compersion, or wholehearted participation in the happiness of others. There's a similar word in Japanese: mudita, or sincere and wholehearted joy experienced in taking pleasure in the success, happiness, or well-being of others.
No doubt, both for you and Rob, this is only the latest of many more catalysts to come on your journey ahead!
I love being introduced to "mudita" which when I looked it up appears to be a Sanskrit word with the meaning you described. Really I can't tell you how well-timed this is. I personally feel as though mudita is the most important thing I could develop in my life right now, and I'm also going to introduce it to our whole Write Hearted community. Thanks Adam!
This is a cool behind-the-scenes look at someone's success from your lens. I also think it's really cool that you, Rob, and Alex meet and discuss writing - what a rich experience. As I've come to know, writing takes a village, and when you find that village, it's one of the best things about this little creative activity we do.
One time I got published widely, and I soon came to find out not everyone was happy about me getting published. I called a friend and complained to him, and he replied "Success is a bitch!" It was a hard lesson. I'm glad Rob has good people backing him. Cheers Rick!
I had a similar experience, thanks to the Tourtelot bounce! I spotted Rob's essay on Saturday in The Substack Post and literally cheered! I'd read and restacked his piece in early in April, because I loved it and Rob's writing, so it was a thrill to see it had got recognition.
It didn't occur to me that it would impact me in any way, until my Substack notifications went crazy shortly afterwards. Rob recommended me after we discovered each other's writing last summer.
Typical of Rob that he didn't spot what was happening until he was back from his hike. He has his priorities right!
That's really cool Wendy. Who knows by what channels or recommendations or shares his post reached the curators of the Substack newsletter, (maybe because of you!) but continuing to support one another as authors is the way forward for sure. And re priorities, it's actually been one of the most impactful parts of this experience, watching my own orientation to the success while aware that Rob is ignoring it for what really matters.
Hahaha I also was reaping the benefits of Rob's beautiful essay and it also took me a while to figure out what was going on. I haven't had a subscriber bump like this in YEARS. I had no idea he recommended my newsletter. I had no idea recommending people's newsletters could be so impactful.
Thanks for sharing this story, Rick! This was fun.
Writing and publishing week after week is obviously its own reward in terms of slow growth, learning, and nurturing connections with subscribers and other authors—but it's fun that it also has a built in lottery function and that every once in a while gives you a winning ticket.
Of all your essays, Rick, this one truly deserves full marks for being honestly human. It takes courage to write such a candid resume. But how wonderful that you found joy in Rob’s success. And all those new subscribers have lucked in twice in finding Rob’s work and yours. Also, kudos for ignoring your phone blowing up for as long as you did!
It's interesting to notice my hesitation whenever the truth is right there to share but it isn't flattering—not only in the eyes of others but also to admit to myself. And yet the more these realities are not hidden, from me or from others, the better things seem to get.
And as Charlie Bleecker would say, it takes guts not to write present-day apologies for those past unflattering thoughts/moments and to just write them as they were, unsparingly.
Beautiful and honest, as usual! It can be hard to look at things inside of ourselves like envy. Your transparent vulnerability is always so refreshing. Thanks for sharing and congrats to both you and Rob ◡̈
…congratulations Rob that rules!…and also to you rick…supporting friends with ongoing support is one of the key tenets to getting back what you give…living in the eyes of strangers gives us mystery, but in the eyes of those who know us we can find depths…
I know, and the experience is kinda just starting for Rob. He's got 250 comments on his piece. To say he's going to have some catch up work on his plate after getting back from his vacation is an understatement.
Rick, you are like the player-coach on the court and in the background providing the foundation that makes the other players, and the game, better. - so says me, and all who know you 😊
I really like that James, this idea of player-coach. I've struggled with this question in my life because I love doing both (playing/coaching) and never wanted to give up one for the other. Finding a sweet spot in a hybrid of the two is truly a joy. Thank you.
Such a wonderful continuation of the message I heard at a concert last night. The wonderful duo, "Gypsy Soul" shared some beautiful stories. During one of them, they told the audience, "When you do kind things for someone for no earthly reason other than to be kind, it starts a ripple effect that continues on without any foreseeable end."
Sounds like you are part of (and one of the causes of) a wonderful ripple effect!
Love this Chris. I'd argue in this moment that the purpose of life is to get over oneself as soon as possible so you can start participating in that ripple effect. It took me extra long, but better late than never.
This is a beautiful story, Rick. Congratulations to both you, and to Rob, for your continued success. It's so well deserved given how I see you showing up on this platform.
There's a word someone introduced to me last year, which came to mind immediately as I read what you shared: compersion, or wholehearted participation in the happiness of others. There's a similar word in Japanese: mudita, or sincere and wholehearted joy experienced in taking pleasure in the success, happiness, or well-being of others.
No doubt, both for you and Rob, this is only the latest of many more catalysts to come on your journey ahead!
I love being introduced to "mudita" which when I looked it up appears to be a Sanskrit word with the meaning you described. Really I can't tell you how well-timed this is. I personally feel as though mudita is the most important thing I could develop in my life right now, and I'm also going to introduce it to our whole Write Hearted community. Thanks Adam!
You are right that it’s definitely Sanskrit… my brain must have been on Sunday mode!
I’m glad that it landed at a great time, Rick. Much love!
This is a cool behind-the-scenes look at someone's success from your lens. I also think it's really cool that you, Rob, and Alex meet and discuss writing - what a rich experience. As I've come to know, writing takes a village, and when you find that village, it's one of the best things about this little creative activity we do.
One time I got published widely, and I soon came to find out not everyone was happy about me getting published. I called a friend and complained to him, and he replied "Success is a bitch!" It was a hard lesson. I'm glad Rob has good people backing him. Cheers Rick!
Love your little anecdote, and yes, the need to write is an incurable condition that deserves its own support network. : )
Beautiful. Your support of other people never fails to impress me.
Also – its wonderful that one of your comments did so well, you consistently show up and more than deserve your own success too.
Thank you Claire.
I will check out your writing, Rick.
I had a similar experience, thanks to the Tourtelot bounce! I spotted Rob's essay on Saturday in The Substack Post and literally cheered! I'd read and restacked his piece in early in April, because I loved it and Rob's writing, so it was a thrill to see it had got recognition.
It didn't occur to me that it would impact me in any way, until my Substack notifications went crazy shortly afterwards. Rob recommended me after we discovered each other's writing last summer.
Typical of Rob that he didn't spot what was happening until he was back from his hike. He has his priorities right!
But yes, a heartwarming experience all round.
Thank you and congratulations, @robtourtelot !
That's really cool Wendy. Who knows by what channels or recommendations or shares his post reached the curators of the Substack newsletter, (maybe because of you!) but continuing to support one another as authors is the way forward for sure. And re priorities, it's actually been one of the most impactful parts of this experience, watching my own orientation to the success while aware that Rob is ignoring it for what really matters.
Absolutely Rick! I’m heartened by it and thanks for writing about it.
And yes, the mutual support here is so inspiring.
Hahaha I also was reaping the benefits of Rob's beautiful essay and it also took me a while to figure out what was going on. I haven't had a subscriber bump like this in YEARS. I had no idea he recommended my newsletter. I had no idea recommending people's newsletters could be so impactful.
Thanks for sharing this story, Rick! This was fun.
Writing and publishing week after week is obviously its own reward in terms of slow growth, learning, and nurturing connections with subscribers and other authors—but it's fun that it also has a built in lottery function and that every once in a while gives you a winning ticket.
Haha totally!
Rick, you're a brilliant writer. I don't know how many followers you have, but I know you deserve more.
That's super kind of you to say Mak. Thank you.
Of all your essays, Rick, this one truly deserves full marks for being honestly human. It takes courage to write such a candid resume. But how wonderful that you found joy in Rob’s success. And all those new subscribers have lucked in twice in finding Rob’s work and yours. Also, kudos for ignoring your phone blowing up for as long as you did!
It's interesting to notice my hesitation whenever the truth is right there to share but it isn't flattering—not only in the eyes of others but also to admit to myself. And yet the more these realities are not hidden, from me or from others, the better things seem to get.
And as Charlie Bleecker would say, it takes guts not to write present-day apologies for those past unflattering thoughts/moments and to just write them as they were, unsparingly.
The moment I read about you forgetting to turn your phone silent, my phone rang.
And I thought, "Why is this not silenced?!"
I'm happy to read that your relentless input pays off! And I'm sure you're very strict with yourself when you describe yourself as jealous.
But as Marcus Aurelius wrote: "Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself."
Also, I remember reading Rob's writing in the Substack newsletter when skimming through it. Then today I enjoyed reading more of the background story.
Those circles and synchronicities are fun. And great quote. Thank you Martin.
I love this. And isn't that just so - human stories reach, meet and level humanity.
That is beautifully said Cherry.
Kind - I think you said it first.
Perhaps in some way, but the person who can put the most meaning and heart into the fewest words should not go unrecognized. : )
When I found myself teaching undergrads how to write poems (a thing we picked up on the way) I found my forte - in less as more. Thank you.
A rising tide lifts all ships.
(And what a beautiful story of loss and keeping that was)
Thanks Karena.
Beautiful and honest, as usual! It can be hard to look at things inside of ourselves like envy. Your transparent vulnerability is always so refreshing. Thanks for sharing and congrats to both you and Rob ◡̈
Thank you Rachel.
…congratulations Rob that rules!…and also to you rick…supporting friends with ongoing support is one of the key tenets to getting back what you give…living in the eyes of strangers gives us mystery, but in the eyes of those who know us we can find depths…
mysteries and depths : ) it's really what we've signed up for
Wonderfully captured. Glad you wrote about this, my friend. Such a cool experience.
I know, and the experience is kinda just starting for Rob. He's got 250 comments on his piece. To say he's going to have some catch up work on his plate after getting back from his vacation is an understatement.
Rick, you are like the player-coach on the court and in the background providing the foundation that makes the other players, and the game, better. - so says me, and all who know you 😊
I really like that James, this idea of player-coach. I've struggled with this question in my life because I love doing both (playing/coaching) and never wanted to give up one for the other. Finding a sweet spot in a hybrid of the two is truly a joy. Thank you.
Such a wonderful continuation of the message I heard at a concert last night. The wonderful duo, "Gypsy Soul" shared some beautiful stories. During one of them, they told the audience, "When you do kind things for someone for no earthly reason other than to be kind, it starts a ripple effect that continues on without any foreseeable end."
Sounds like you are part of (and one of the causes of) a wonderful ripple effect!
Love this Chris. I'd argue in this moment that the purpose of life is to get over oneself as soon as possible so you can start participating in that ripple effect. It took me extra long, but better late than never.
Feeling very celebratory and happy for all three of you!!!
Thank you Eric.