Thank you for 4,000 subscribers!
I have compiled my most popular Substack pieces for you to read
Hi readers,
There are quite a few new faces around here (over 1,000 to be exact!) and it’s a pleasure to have you join this space. While I love Instagram, and lately I’ve been having fun exploring TikTok, Substack is still by far my favorite social platform. I enjoy writing so much; always have, and this gives me an outlet to do that more (aside from my daily journaling practice I have had for over a decade). A lot of the pieces here are so near and dear to my heart — snippets of my life story that I haven’t shared in such detail anywhere else. This is my safe space to do that.
You will find some stories live behind a paywall. Please understand that this is for a few reasons. To protect my privacy from people who watch my every move and pick it apart or turn it into a news article (so if they wanted to read it badly enough, they’d have to pay for it, which is poetic!) Another reason is that writers and creators give so much away so often; parts of themselves and their hearts for nothing in exchange. Having a paid subscriber option on Substack encourages writers that their writing is worth paying for. And it means a lot to us.
If you are interested, I would love for you to read them as they give some insight into who I am.
So, without further ado, here are my most-read Substack pieces that I’ve published since 2023:
Mateo's Birth Story
A note: This is a tender subject for me and arguably the most vulnerable thing I have ever shared online. It is my hope that you will hold space for my processing journey, as it has been healing for me to write about. I ask for your energetic care while reading.
The story of how our family ended up on Roloff Farms
You’ve probably heard many different versions of this story. Here’s mine.
Trying for baby #2
Last week, I went to Iowa to visit my mom’s side of the family. I felt so at peace there. I have gone back to visit many times, but this time felt different. It was just my son, Mateo, and I. Our first solo plane ride together. He sat on my lap for the journey there, and I watched as his eyes widened in awe of his view out the plane window. Flying with a toddler is not for the faint of heart, but together we made it a memorable trip. One I will never forget. Taking him to the place where it all began for my mom.
Are the patterns repeating?
This isn’t your typical Valentine’s Day post. There isn’t going to be pink hearts or sweet tarts here. This is about the truth. And even though it’s scary to write about, telling the truth is healing. Sometimes writing the truth feels like cold plunging. The anticipation is terrifying, but the aftermath is exhilarating.
Each piece is written with raw honesty and it would be my honor to have you read them and to even become a paid subscriber.
Happy May!
Isabel