What You’ve Heard About Me Is Wrong

As the founder (and "boss") of a Substack lit journal, I found myself turning into an uptight bitch with my crew. I wanted perfection, no room for errors, no room for people to say "there's no way I'm becoming a paid subscriber for this mess" and as a result, I became uber-perfectionist. It's easy to fall into this trap, and hard to reflect and come out the other side as a laidback facilitator. Props to you, Rick.

This was great! And so many truths about leadership. Whenever I got a new clinical group to take for Nurses' training, I would ask them to each take this personality quiz: https://brandongaille.com/color-personality-test/ I needed to find out what their needs were from me, where and how they would best feel heard, and how to best teach them. It also helped them understand one another better and build teamwork, and have more tolerance. I hope they model this in their workplaces now. It sounds like you might have hit some bumps along the road, but bridges are beautiful!!! And I think we are all in the same boat with not being able to catch up on reads :)

I love Gloria, but this one caught my attention, so I've got to read this one first. You were already amazing and kind in my eyes and this piece fully confirms that to me. I like your thoughts on the LGBTQ community. Your stance on apology 👌🏾

The past is the past, i'm not sure what went down, but moving forward sure looks good on you. Keep the Rick fires burning. Time now for togetherness, the world is burning. Positive vibes needed.

I just wonder how you manage to do so much and still write, read and run challenges, take care of your mom, do music etc etc and more. Don't sell yourself short - u r awesome. Kudos 🤗❤️🦋and more to you.

Thank you for sharing such nice words for all of us to read. And for the insight into your process. Brightest blessings, my friend!

Hi Rick, good of you to be open. I think you manage everything very well I.e your life in general or challenges on here. I liked this part a lot, “I believe in building bridges, even when misunderstandings arise.” I agree! Best! ☺️

Such a beautiful communication, combined with transparency, Rick! A great template to release to the world. Leadership has held misconceptions for ages. And somehow humans are the first to forget that we're...humans, i.e., mortal and flawed as well as righteously cool and on point. We're all here to grow, and there's much blessing in that. Thanks for writing and sharing so honestly!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and stance. I completely understand how you feel. Personally, I am on my own journey as well. I am undecided on what I want to do with Vocal Media. When I started I was highly motivated and made Vocal my primary venue for my work. However, since then I have found other sites offering a better opportunity for me to grow as a writer. There is a certain “fondness” with vocal and perhaps, is the reason for not closing my Vocal+ membership. However, as I continue down my writer’s path I may have to make difficult decisions about Vocal. I appreciate your support always. We need more like-minded people in our community, as well as country. Look forward to reading more of your work in the future.

I love your open and honest nature, Rick, and completely understand the challenges of maintaining life balance. I haven't written lately and am behind in my reading, but I make my best efforts here. Your supporters back you, this I am positive of.❤😊

How is this not a top story? I feel you on this, my friend. I struggle with letting go of the past myself, but try to respect others and not let anger take over.

Honesty like this helps build a strong and trusting community. Thank you for making your intentions so clear. I read and comment on way more than I get. But I do lag behind because I am working on a new book. But on the weekends, I try and catch up on everyone's writing.

You're a beacon of light & a huge blessing to this community Cousin! God bless you!

Thank you for sharing this Rick. From my perspective you’ve never had anything to apologise for. And as for reciprocal reads, they should never be demanded or expected. They should be accepted with gratitude. I hope writing this helped you clear your mind. And all the best with the incredible task of caring for a loved one.

lol! Really - I don’t think any of us write an article with expectations from anyone. We should be writing for ourselves, and the friends and community members and engagement are a bonus. I myself took almost a year hiatus this year. Needed to focus on my audiobook and my poetry. I love this article… kinda makes me wanna write something like this. Dig deep down and remember who I am and what I stand for.

Rick, you're a diamond. I never think anything bad about reciprocal reads. We're all just doing our best. I'm not on here as much but I'm doing my best too. It was nice to have this land in my messages as I deeply respect you too.

I am actually in Awe, how you juggle your responsibilities and attending your life dreams and goals. Admire the sacrifices you do to take care of your beautiful elderly mother. Stay strong and compassionate! 🥰🤩

Well-wrought, Rick! Time has been in shorter supply for me, so I can dig it. I make reciprocity my first priority but try to bounce in and read where I can otherwise too, and not just here. We're each of us only just one person and can only do what we can, but I'm glad I happened upon you here!

I marvel at your commitments, Rick, and the care you give to your mother. You are a good human and I’m glad I know you. Don’t worry about not being here as much as you’d wish. We all have other commitments and most people understand.

I love how honest you were here. And yes, learning from mistakes is the most important thing, so looks like you're on the right path. I wish you all the best Rick!

This was such an honest and heartfelt read. I’m so grateful to be part of the Vocal + Assist admin team. I love Vocal too, though like you, I sometimes struggle to keep up and mostly focus on stories from readers who reciprocate my reads. Thank you for reminding us that openness and kindness matter.

Rick, this is sooooooo awesome. We are all human beings with our faults, our experiences, and ready for new experiences in the future. I loved your confession and honesty

Well said, and appreciated. I am in the same boat, y writing has fallen sharply as has my reading. I try but my life is full. All the best Rick