What the World Needs: Another Substack

Notes on Living, Dying, and Paying Attention

This space is an offering—an invitation to explore the mysteries of life, death, and all that stirs in between. My path took a sharp turn in March 2021, when I was diagnosed with stage 4 bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma). Before that, my days were spent on the frontlines of global conflict—advocating for human rights, shaping policy, and walking alongside those navigating impossible circumstances.

Over time, I began to feel a quiet pull. I had witnessed how even the most committed change-makers could lose themselves in the very systems they were trying to heal. I longed to support them in a deeper, more sustainable way—one that nourished not just strategy, but the human spirit.

That longing led me toward coaching. As I made the transition, I immersed myself in disciplines that could support transformation from the inside out: neuroscience, emotional intelligence, executive and team coaching, Internal Family Systems, meditation, Reiki, yoga, and more.

Then, the ground shifted again. My diagnosis became its own sacred curriculum—one that continues to humble, unravel, and awaken me.

In illness, I’ve found moments of stillness, awe, and gratitude I never knew were possible. Through this Substack, I hope to share not just my story, but the raw, beautiful, and sometimes brutal truths I’ve gathered—alongside lessons from extraordinary people I’ve worked with around the world. This is a space for reflection, not performance—for truth, not perfection.

What kind of community am I looking to build here?

To be honest, I resisted joining yet another platform. I’m not here to chase algorithms or force content. I want to share when something meaningful arises. So I won’t be publishing on any set schedule, only when inspiration calls.

At this stage, I don’t intend to charge for access. That’s not because I’m independently wealthy—on the contrary. I had left my job before my diagnosis, assuming I’d be able to work far more than I can now, given the realities of this disease. Still, I never want cost to be a barrier for anyone who might find value here. I’m exploring the possibility of accepting donations—some to support my writing and health challenges I’m navigating, and some to contribute to causes close to my heart, like the International Legal Foundation and their work delivering justice to vulnerable communities in post-conflict countries.

If you're living with illness, navigating uncertainty, working on the front lines of social change—especially in nonprofit or humanitarian settings—or simply asking deeper questions about this human journey, this space is for you.

I'm embracing serendipity here. If even one person finds something in these words that eases their path, then this will have been worth it. My hope is to offer a soft place to land, a candle in the dark, a quiet reminder that you're not alone.

With gratitude,
Stephanie

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