Human Stuff from Lisa Olivera

Welcome to Human Stuff - my little creative sphere and writing nook away from the scrolling, algorithm, and frenzy often found in online spaces.

I'm Lisa Olivera — a writer, author of Already Enough, creative, therapist, mother, adoptee, sister, newly-learning potter... but mostly, I'm a human on the path of forgetting and remembering again. Prior to starting this Substack, I shared daily on my Instagram account for years; social media just wasn’t the place for my best writing anymore. I’ve also wanted to devote more energy to taking my writing seriously — to be honest with myself about my need to write. That’s what brings me here.

I love to write more than I love most things. My writing is dedicated to the human experience — to human stuff. Most of my work circles around creating a more compassionate relationship with ourselves and embracing our full humanity. It centers mindfulness, curiosity, creativity, questions, nature, intuition, acceptance, identity, true self-care, connection, mystery & the unknown, self-trust, presence, willingness, tuning inward, self-compassion, self-expression, and aliveness. Really, though, it centers what it means to be alive, in all its messiness and complexity, difficulty and beauty. Sometimes my writing flows — other times, it’s clunky; it’s always coming from a place of openness and curiosity, and it’s always a practice.

Here, you will find find essays, musings, lists, links, poetry, advice, resources, guidance, questions, reminders, and other forms of creative expression aimed at bringing us closer to ourselves and each other. Each Sunday (and maybe other days on occasion), you’ll receive a (free) Sunday Letter in your inbox. Once a month, paid subscribers will also receive a monthly reflection guide.

Why would I pay for writing, you might ask?

I am a believer in paying creators when we receive from them, whenever possible (and I know it isn’t always possible!). For paid subscribers, your monthly contribution to my work supports me in creating sustainability, reciprocity, and capacity to continue sharing my writing in accessible ways. It allows me to consider writing my job — to honor the work I put into each week’s offerings with integrity. It helps push against the idea that “content”, writing, and the emotional labor/time/energy behind it should always be free. It supports my ability to work on book proposals/projects and write elsewhere. Paid subscribers also support me in offering no-cost subscriptions to those who need it (if that’s you — email me at lisaolivera@gmail.com to be gifted a subscription, no questions asked). Bonus: you’ll get access to a monthly reflection guide and occasional audio recordings — from me to you. And, if being a paid subscriber just isn’t for you, you’ll still get my Sunday Letters each week.

My hope is that you will find this offering nourishing, supportive, inspiring, informative, grounding, meditative, thoughtful, connected, hopeful, and human. I hope it inspires you to take some time for yourself, scroll a little bit less, and reflect. I so look forward to showing up here and sharing with you in more intimate, meaningful ways.

You can find my website here and my Instagram here.

Take good care,
Lisa

SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS:

$0/Mo: Weekly Sunday Essay

$6/Mo or $65/year: Journaling guide, occasional audio recordings, other surprises, and my gratitude for you supporting my work.

$100/year: Founding Member — everything above, plus deep gratitude for your belief in and support of my work, as well as creating space for me to give free subscriptions to those who need it.

Each month, a portion of the proceeds of my Substack will be donated to an organization of choice.

*Disclaimer: Human Stuff is not therapy or a mental health service, nor is it a substitute for mental health services of any kind. I am not showing up in this space as a therapist — I am showing up here as a writer and fellow human. If you are looking for individualized support or therapy, please consult with your local mental health resources.

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Thanks so much for being here!

Share Human Stuff

— Explore my Website
— Find me on Instagram
— Find my book Already Enough: A Path to Self-Acceptance