THREE YEARS!

Hello Universe 156

Yes, it’s been THREE YEARS (156 weeks) since I started writing Hello Universe. What a ride!

Thanks to all the loyal readers who have been a part of this journey. Today’s edition is a year-in-review of this newsletter. I started on this journey as a fluke, thinking that if I could do 10 weeks without a break, that would be great. But here we are, 156 weeks in, not a single week missed. Woohoo!

Today’s poem is about the journey we have been on together, dear reader.

Alright, poem starts in 3… 2… 1!

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Three years full of emotions so bright 
Thirty six months made of words that excite.
Rhythms and rhymes that reach right to your soul.
Words that come prompt you to think of your goals.

Awkward and funny and joyful and fun.
Tales of the meadows and tales of the sun.
Tales of the passage and nature of time. 
Narratives full of encouraging signs.

I write these to you from the depths of my heart.
I write these to learn my expression of art.
And when I hear from you the way that it feels.
Ideas it gives you and thoughts it reveals.

I feel that I've found all my people, and yes - 
I feel there's no reason for life to be stressed.
And onwards I'll go writing you week by week.
With words that excite and new rhymes that appeal.

I'll walk on this path hand in hand with you, friend.
And pray that this beautiful trip never ends.

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That’s it! Thank you for your love and support of Hello Universe for the past 3 years.

I’m curious to know - which Hello Universe poem has resonated most with you, dear reader? And how long have you been reading this newsletter? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

Writing Hello Universe every Tuesday wouldn't be the same without you, dear reader. Your reactions and messages inspire me to keep writing. Let's take a little trip down memory lane with a year-in-review of Hello Universe... and see if you spot your own words! 😇.

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Year-in-review:

This week, I’m sharing a few Hello Universe moments that made me happy over the last year. Hope you like these too!

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TOP POSTS:

Here are the 3 posts on Hello Universe that gave me a lot of joy to create, and were loved by readers like you!

1) A poem I wrote when faced with multiple paths to choose from.

Choosing Choices

2) A philosophical exploration of the nature of plans and reality

Plans vs. Reality

3) An anthem for life’s many ups and downs

To Live Is Such A Gift!

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REVIEWS:

You may have spotted a link in the footer of my emails where I ask you to rate the poems I write. It leads to a Google form where you can share a rating and leave some feedback.

Here are the ratings and some feedback that readers have shared. 97% of the ratings are the top 2 options, so that feels fantastic!

My sincere thanks to everyone who takes the time out and shares their feedback. You can share your feedback too by clicking here. It makes my day to see comments and feedback from readers like you. Speaking of which…

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SUBSCRIBERS:

914 subscribers receive Hello Universe every week in their inbox!

As you can see, over the past year I’ve mostly had subscriber churn from the insane boost of subs received from a Substack feature. As I’ve moved to a new city, started a new job, and even a new newsletter, I’ve not invested time dramatically in growing the reader base of Hello Universe. I’ve spent more time instead getting to know you better, dear reader, and am super happy because of it.

Here are a few tips to keep up with Hello Universe if you’ve recently signed up:

1. Move Hello Universe to your “Primary” inbox so you don’t miss out on any edition. If you don’t see an email from me on any Tuesday, it’s probably an inconsistency with your inbox, as I have been consistent for 156 weeks now!

2. Check out the Hello Universe playlist on Spotify - it’s full of songs that I suggest in “Some Fun Stuff” every week!

3. If the poems I write spur some thoughts in your head, don’t miss out on sharing your thoughts as a like or a comment. Hello Universe is a thriving community with engaged readers and you will love the experience!

4. Check out my other newsletter “Future Telescope” where I write about the world of AI and other cutting-edge technology:

If you read through all the way, I am grateful to have you here. Every week when I write to you, I imagine that I’m performing in a room full of people. Somehow, there’s now 914 people in this room. How cool!

How it feels to write to you every week!

That’s it for this week. See you next Tuesday!