Finding My Sanctuary

Why I Traded Social Media Noise for Substack Serenity

Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands - taken March 2023 by Marilyn Sutherland

I seek authentic connections with people in person and wanted to have that online.

For a long time, social media, once a place of connection, had morphed into curated messages and curated perfection. I felt like I was living in a crowded, noisy marketplace. It felt overwhelming and fake, so I stopped posting regularly on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Then I discovered Substack in early March, 2025, when my business coach did a one-month seminar to get several of her clients started.

It felt like stepping into a quiet garden, a place where thoughtful conversations bloom and genuine connections flourish. Substack offered a breath of fresh air. It was a place where I could finally breathe.

Here's why I found my sanctuary on Substack:

1. A Haven of Empathy, Kindness and Respect:

The Substack community, in my experience, reflects my values - and is filled with kind, thoughtful, and respectful individuals. People are genuinely interested in engaging with ideas, sharing their perspectives, and supporting each other. It’s a space where constructive dialogue and empathy are more important than being right.

2. A Focus on Meaningful Connection:

Substack fosters deeper connections. Readers choose to subscribe because they resonate with your work, creating a community of like-minded individuals. As a writer, it’s about building a relationship with those who truly value my voice, rather than chasing likes and followers.

3. A Space for Authentic Expression:

Substack allows me to express myself authentically, without the pressure of trying to conform to trends or algorithms. (I’m laughing because I don’t even know what the algorithms are looking for.) I write about what truly matters to me, share my thoughts and experiences, and connect with readers on a more personal level. It’s a place where vulnerability is welcomed, not judged. And when I read others’ posts, if I’m moved in some way, I write something from my heart.

4. A Refuge From the Noise:

The curated nature of Substack means I’m not constantly bombarded with irrelevant content or sensationalized headlines. I read and engage with the writers I admire, without being distracted by the endless stream of noise that dominates other platforms.

5. A Community of Wonderful People:

The writers and readers are passionate, insightful, and supportive, creating a community where everyone is welcomed and valued. It’s a place where I’m building genuine friendships and inspiring collaborations.

In a world that often feels increasingly fragmented and disconnected, Substack has become my sanctuary, a place where I can connect with others in a meaningful and authentic way. It’s a reminder that kindness, respect, and genuine connection are still possible, and that there are spaces where our voices can be heard and valued.

If you're feeling weary of the social media circus, I encourage you to explore Substack. You might just find or create your own quiet garden, a place where your voice can blossom and your spirit can find peace.

I’m grateful you found me and hope you want to play with me. Let me know what relationship topics you’d like me to write about.

Love,

Marilyn