A Search for Meaning on Substack
My attempt to remain human during increasingly inhuman times
We’re approaching 120 days—4 months—of Words over Swords on Substack. Since launching on March 1, I’ve published about 30 essays and read several hundred works by other creators, both large and small.
Comparison is a habit I struggle to break. As such, I spend more time than I probably should comparing my work to the work of others on this platform. This results in me landing in a familiar, and unproductive, mental space—wondering if I’m doing Substack “right,” and feeling aimless, while I wait for someone to come along with a blueprint or instructions that tell me how to do so.
Yes, I know there is no such thing as doing Substack “right” or “wrong.” Words over Swords is my corner of this platform, to do with as I wish. But every other Substack I read seems to have a purpose, method, angle, or theme, while I feel I’ve struggled to find a consistent one. Sure, I have the broad intent of using my writing and this platform to generate a positive social media narrative. To spread empathy, joy, and kindness in a world desperately in need of it. But I’ve often felt this endeavor was lacking in focus or strategic intent.
What is Words over Swords, and where does it fit? What’s my overarching plan? I’ve written on multiple topics, in multiple styles, and on multiple themes. For this reason, I struggle to categorize my work. For instance:
It’s often political, but not politics.
It’s philosophical at times, but not philosophy.
Psychological, but not psychology.
It has elements of religion, but it’s not religious.
It’s frequently funny, but not a humor blog.
It’s humane, but not human-interest stories.
Topical, but not news
It’s about mental health, but not clinical in nature.
It addresses self-improvement without being stylized self-help.
It is, in short, a lot of things.
And when I think about it, that actually… makes sense. Because I contain all of these things, too. They are a part of me. And ultimately, I think that’s what Words over Swords is about—Me.
To echo Whitman, “I am large, I contain multitudes.” And that can be confusing. Like this blog, I’ve never felt like I fit into a neat category, or that there was some place I belonged. I’ve always struggled to fit in, and lately, I’m learning to be okay with that. To be okay just being me. I don’t have to be anything or anyone but who I want to be.
And who I want to be is a good person. Someone imperfect but striving to be better. Someone who cares about other people, whether friends, family, or strangers. Someone who spreads more kindness and goodwill than pain and strife. Someone who leaves the world just a little better than it was before they got here. That’s who I want to be. And Substack is going to help me do that.
So, what exactly, then, is Words over Swords?
It’s a series of loosely related essays that share my real-time journey to becoming the type of person I want to be. It’s a blog about what one person can do, what one person can be, just by being themselves.
What can you expect from Words over Swords in the coming months? A lot more of what you’ve seen so far. Introspective thought pieces. My take on current events and American society. Some personal stories. Some politics. Gentle humor. And a continuing effort to build an online Community of Caring and Giving here on Substack, through my Giving Tzedakah Project (see below).
What won’t you find here? Artifice. Masks. Carefully curated personas. Formulaic writing. Strategic plans. Marketing advice. Self-help pitches. Attempts to monetize your attention.
Words over Swords is about genuine connection and caring for one another in a modern world determined to minimize those things.
Words over Swords is the story of a person trying to remain human during increasingly inhuman times. And when you read, comment, and join this community, you become a part of that story, as well.
Because, ultimately, Words over Swords is about our shared humanity—Mine and Yours.
Peace and love. ✌️💛
Giving Tzedakah Project Update
Today is June 25, which means we’re five days from the end of June and the end of the first quarter of the Giving Tzedakah Project. To date, this community has contributed nearly $450 to benefit The Community FoodBank of New Jersey. We’re currently just $50 shy of our $500 stretch goal (we blew past the first $250 goal in six weeks)!
If you’d like to be part of our Community of Giving and support the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, there’s still time to contribute. Through June 30, 2025, all proceeds received from paid subscriptions to Words over Swords or the Buy Me a Coffee feature (the “Give Tzedakah” button on my posts) will benefit the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.
On July 1, we move into the second quarter of the Giving Tzedakah Project, and with that, we’ll have a new Non-Profit Organization of the Quarter. Thanks to
for nominating the organization, and congrats, Dr. Deb, on its selection in a very close vote. From July 1 - September 30, 2025, all proceeds received through Words over Swords will go to benefit our next Non-Profit Organization of the Quarter: Inspire Life Skills Training in Corona, CA.Thanks to all who have contributed financially since I launched this project on April 1. Together, we’ve brought a bit of good into the lives of those struggling with hunger and food insecurity in southern New Jersey. And that’s something to feel good about.
I relate to this challenge! I worry I'm always disappointing some segment of my readership, whetherI lean into the clinical, trauma, the belonging side, or linger too long on politics. It's all part of what I'm about.
I relate to so much of this! I am not a niche type of person and struggle with the same kind of thing in my Substack. But ultimately, people will come for you. In the age of AI, being an authentic human will only become more valuable.
As for Substack, have you checked out Sarah Fay's Substack Writers at Work? She provides a lot of great advice!