Musings on Starting Something New

And the voices in our heads that hold us back

Afternoon, friends!

Welp, my first official Substack went out yesterday after just a couple of months of dragging my feet, trying to understand the platform, and generally just procrastinating because I was afraid to hit send. And I only noticed one typo, so I guess that’s a celebration?

I’ve been writing for magazines and newspapers since I graduated from college, way back in the mid-90s. Putting words on a page for others to read is somewhat of a naked act and a real mind F&%^ if you think about it too much. It can paralyze your progress if you pause to consider how others will interpret your words. So usually, I try to avoid thinking about it at all and get the words down as quickly as possible. But after hitting send on that first Substack, I wanted to share some thoughts that might resonate with some of you, no matter what “new thing” you might be tackling.

Comparison is the enemy of progress. It’s OK to move forward imperfectly.

Substack is a space ripe for the comparison trap. At least for me. I admire so many writers here, mostly in the food writing space, but also journalists and travel writers. Diving headfirst into that pool was an active faith. Could I swim? There was a voice in my head that kept saying, “Why would anyone want to read your newsletter when (insert any name here) is writing on this platform?”

I decided to shut that voice down. Even if, in the back of my mind, I still have those thoughts. I’m not just saying that so all of you write back and say, “No Marcia, we want to hear from you!” The imposter syndrome is real.

I truly read with wonder every time I get a Caroline Chambers newsletter, wondering how she possibly has the hours in the day to test all the recipes (they are delicious), write a cookbook, and record a podcast all at the same time. I love reading Jenny Rosenstrach’s Three Things and following her move back to the city as an empty nester. So much so that I told my husband we might be moving to New York in two years when our youngest graduates from high school. Yolanda Edwards’ travel musings are the stuff that armchair daydreams are made of. And don’t get me started on all the Paris-related newsletters I subscribe to. At some point, I’ll share my favorites.

There is always going to be someone who can craft a sentence more beautifully, who can write a recipe better, who has more insight, or better travel recommendations. But I do believe that there is room for us all, so here I am.

Thank you, again, for being here. You may occasionally receive a random newsletter, like this one. Apologies in advance. I’m off to try to do a week’s worth of work in two days before leaving town. Wish me luck.