Rebalancing, Not Quitting: The Long Game of Alignment
A season of redirection, reflection, and remembering why we started.
I’ve seen a number of once-promising Substacks go silent lately. Writers who launched with big energy—daily posts, multiple pieces a week, chasing the dream of paid subscribers. They tried everything, got frustrated when the growth didn’t come fast enough, and then... vanished.
But that’s not the fate of Align & Thrive.
Has life required me to hit pause on aggressive growth here? Absolutely. But disappear? Never. This space still means everything to me.
When Life Happens
What’s been happening behind the scenes? In short: real life. I underestimated just how much time, heart, and hustle it takes to turn Beyond Aligned Books into a sustainable business. The foundation was solid—but clients don’t just show up. Just like on Substack, you have to build. Connect. Nurture. It’s not “build it and they will come.” It’s more like “build it, then show up every day to invite them in.” It’s about building trust and that takes time and effort.
That same energy has gone into prepping for my next chapter: leaving NYC and beginning a digital nomad life. The plan? Two suitcases, one backpack, and three storage boxes (books, memories, and wall art worth crossing oceans for). The process has been physically and emotionally exhausting—and deeply clarifying.
And then there’s Lucy, my 17-year-old pup who, despite cancer and age, has made it clear she’s not ready to say goodbye. Our original plan was to wait for her to cross the rainbow bridge before I made my move. But life doesn’t always wait. So we’re gearing up for a cross-country road trip to Spokane, Washington —one last chapter together, surrounded by family. I am excited about Lucy's reunion with my dad. She was always so happy to see when we were getting close to grandpa’s house back in her youth. (Cute video alert 2015, when she was 7)
Depending on Lucy’s timeline and my visa eligibility, I may end up going straight from Spokane to Spain, skipping the nomad limbo entirely. We'll see. I’m just taking it one day at a time with one vision of the future.
What Business Has Taught Me Lately
What’s clear to me now is this: if I could give any advice to someone starting a business or launching a Substack, it would be this—
Building a business starts by building relationships. It’s best to start before you think you're ready.
Audience growth isn’t about algorithms or hacks—it’s about connection. And connection takes time. Had I started those conversations earlier, the transition to full-time founder would’ve felt less lonely and a lot more supported.
Building An Audience, One Trust Move at a Time
Relationships take time—but they’re the foundation of everything. Here’s the shortcut version:
Know Yourself – Get clear on your strengths, values, and what you uniquely offer. Be real.
Connect Genuinely – Show sincere interest. Listen with empathy.
Build Trust – Be reliable. Keep your word. Respect boundaries.
Offer Value – Share freely. Give without expecting instant returns.
Nurture Over Time – Stay consistent. Let your humanity (and imperfections) show.
Ask Thoughtfully – When the time comes, make clear, respectful requests.
✨ Trust grows in layers. Patience, sincerity, and consistency are your best tools. The runway is longer than you think. Plan accordingly. Start now.
Where I’m Focusing My Energy Now
I’m still here, just writing less often while I focus on what matters most today. That includes Thrive Hive—the community I’m proudest of building. It’s not just another offer. It’s a soul-feeding ecosystem for aligned creators and entrepreneurs. If you've been looking for real support, authentic connection, and a business-aligned-with-life kind of space, founder spots are open. No pressure. Just awareness. It's what I'm most proud of—and where I feel most energized.
“We’re not just building businesses—we’re building energy-aware, values-aligned paths forward. Whether it’s nonlinear work styles, spoon theory, or learning to trust again, Thrive Hive is where we grow through reflection, not perfection.” That feeling after our last Buzz Peer Group Session
Read more in this related article…
Your Align & Thrive Takeaways
Prioritize what feeds your soul and your goals.
Accept that success—on Substack or in business—isn’t instant, but it is worth the work.
Don’t abandon your dreams. Just give them room to breathe on a timeline that works for you.
Revisit, realign, and keep going.
✨ How are you doing today?
Is there a small shift you could make—just one—that would bring more alignment into your life right now? Maybe it’s time to pause something, or restart something else with intention. I’d love to hear about it in the comments or in your own reflection. This journey is better when we share it.
☕ Want to Support the Journey?
Align & Thrive is free to read. But if something here resonated, you can show your support (and raise my optimism) by buying me a coffee. Every cup fuels this mission—caffeine-wise and emotionally. 💛
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There will be missteps.
There will be wins.
And life will keep throwing curveballs.
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