Last week’s Office Party is still going! Let’s do it again…
So often, our archives are neglected. All those posts only our earliest subscribers have seen.
Pick one of your favorite posts from your archive and show us!
Here’s how this works:
In all caps, write the TOPIC of the archived post.
Headline
URL
What it’s about in one sentence.
Tell us why you chose it.
*If it’s paywalled, un-paywall it for us just for a week.
Then:
Find someone else’s post in this thread that looks interesting (someone you haven’t met).
Tell them if you’re going to read.
Read it and respond to it in the comments of the post.
Restack! Be sure to tag the Substack author in your restack.
This is about making new connections and championing each other. The more we interact, the more the algorithm notices, and the more visible we all become. It’s brilliant!
(Notice this is Office Party rather then Office Hours but feel free to ask any questions!)
Get access to all the Office Party Friday Threads by becoming a paid subscriber to Substack Writers at Work:
The post I had the most fun with was figuring out the history of this scrap of paper I found when unhoarding my parents. The 1940s instructions to a new mother lead to a sad drowning incident and the awful contraptions involved in getting a permanent wave... May you have as much fun going down these rabbit holes as I did - https://sleepyhollowink.substack.com/p/permanent-waves
In which I start a story about a woman who has gotten away with procrastination for years until her ideas dry up, and ask you to finish it.
I chose this post because of its truth, its self-referential humor, and the fact that it is telling us to stop procrastinating going to bed and get off Substack.
I show how a teacher (or parent) can model vulnerability and self-understanding to engage children in dynamic learning situations.
This post is a narrative created from memories and notes kept during my years of teaching. My own conclusions about Reality were formed largely from my interactions with children of many ages and labels. Every day presented new insights on the effects of empathy, connection, and acceptance...with opportunities for everyone to grow. My aim is to share, and hope readers will resonate and respond.
My partner's charged relationship with food, pickles, and his ultimate mic drop moment.
This is the first time in years that I've written just to write, not to "produce copy". It was creaky and weird and had a million revisions and complete scraps, but it was also felt like freedom.
This is a review of a memoir written by one of my all-time favorite actors and writers, Alan Alda, looking at how his writing showcases his lifelong spontaneity and intense curiosity.
I chose to share this one because it was the very first book review I published on my newsletter, and the first actual article, since the one preceding it was just an announcement post. But I also wanted to share it because I'm really proud of it, and I think it's a great sample of something I love to do: talk about books!
This post is about what I hoped for, as I repeatedly sat at my 10 year old daughter's deathbed, watching her suffer.
I chose it because it was a piece of writing that I pondered over the many months and years of her illness, as I wondered how to explain to others what it is like to watch your child suffer as she dies.
I can't even imagine how you got through all that. While I've had some tragedies in life, it must be so difficult to go through that with your young child. You article really gives the sense of it.
Different stages of life with some observations and musings.
I chose this since this was a successful experiment I did with my writing, in that when inspiration struck I would immediately handwrite down an idea or line and go on from there when I had time to write out a full poem.
I adore Mary Shelley and was researching her because one of my first novel's characters is a Mary Shelley and Romanticism scholar. I also just enjoyed writing this piece because many people do not know Mary Shelley beyond her first novel Frankenstein.
that whole family is so fascinating! i'm interested in the anarchist/feminist history that comes together in the figures of William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, and I also appreciate when folks make connections btwn literature then and life now. thanks for sharing!
WHY: This is an apt representation of my writing style. Tackling serious topics satirically (Birds). As well as just poking fun at the silliness of seriousness (Headlines). The Bird post, while snarky, focuses on a recurring theme of racism, this time in a surprising arena. Enjoy!
Loved this article pretty much from the first sentence! As I said in my restack note, it was absolutely fantastic, and I think everyone here should read it.
OMG thank you so much! I'm currently working on part 2 of the children's books series, although (as per freaking usual) it's taking me a hell of a lot longer than I'd like, mostly due to my job and general mental/emotional burnout, but I promise it will be brought into existence at some point in the (hopefully) near future😅🙏
This was so lovely to read! I love contemplative, somber, and speculative writing, both in poetry and prose (which I think you've combined beautifully in this post). Reimagining history is such a healing practice, even as we must acknowledge and own the reality of what has happened in our personal and collective pasts. But because we have learned these things, over and over again, I believe the fantasy of what could have been is just as essential to realizing the potential of what can be in the present/future. Well done!
Also, loved your inclusion of the gorgeous piano piece, I listened to it while reading and it really enhanced my experience. Glad to meet another writer who feels drawn to music as inspiration.
I was going to say that if an article is paywalled, we should be able to share the Draft link which will allow people to get to the post without having to drop the paywall.
⚡️ What: this essay's all about slowing down when it feels like the only thing to do is continue to brute force your way through life
🤲🏼 Why: as we kick off the next month, my intention for February is to create capacity emotionally, mentally, and physically, giving myself time to focus on the essential and permission to say no to the inconsequential
IN A LINE: The complexities of step-parenting and thin line between supportive involvement and unintentional overstepping in blended families.
WHY: This post is based on a viral TikTok video I made where this story garnered over 300,000 views and hundreds of comments relating to the common yet often unspoken struggles of step parents.
My email is gyldenefreden@gmail.com. Can we set up a 15 minute time to brainstorm items to talk about and questions for me to pose? Are you free in Saturday?
I really enjoyed reading this piece during my breaks at work, and I especially loved the part where you talk about examining language more closely and honing in on the words that really move you in some way. That’s definitely something I can relate to (as well as being in a quite frustrating period of “transition” myself at the moment).
IN A LINE: The moment in time when I learned that my husband was diagnosed with advanced cancer and how this led to a journey of coping with cancer grief and learning how to truly live again.
WHY: I chose this post, because it is an introduction to my Substack and relatable to so many people who have had the same intense shock when learning about their own or a loved one's cancer diagnosis.
My introduction to my Sub stack, the inspiration and why it’s different.
I choose it because it’s my very first post, received some engagement and it lets you who I am and what my Sub stack is about. Thanks again Sarah for the opportunity to promote our work.
About the psychological phenomenon known as "compassion collapse"
It was one of the toughest posts to write, deeply personal and apparently controversial (who would have thought?) which resulted in many heartfelt comments (in private!) and (public) criticism from my mother... I chose it because I still want to believe that love wins!
I have such deep respect for how honestly you approach this difficult and painful topic and how carefully you hold the tension of love for your friend and your own truth. I'll be thinking about this piece for a while. Thank you for sharing it.
There's so much I can't do anything about and it's a struggle to accept that in an unjust world. I see it all around me in nature too and there's an odd comfort in that. I'm new here so this is a pretty recent one. Thank you!
Thank you, Celeste. Your comment was a delightful surprise. And I can't help but let the critters creep into my stories, so it's good to know they're enjoyable❤️
This post talks about the lessons from 'Blue Zones' (where many people live to 100 or more) and how local food and garden play significant roles in creating long-term health and wellness.
This post has recently generated the most new subscribers for me, and has an outline of topics I will be writing about in 2024
Some thoughts on Blue Zones and doing more of what we love. Chosen because it sums up my thoughts on wellness and simplifying our approach to it. Also I'm not sure how I've been missing these Friday archives but this is so much fun to read everyone's posts, thank you all and thank you Sarah for bringing us together as always!
My very personal essay "On loss and solace: healing the heart through music" about how I use music (which is my personal life blood as well as my profession) to find my way through dark times.
REST AND THE FRESH PERSPECTIVE THAT COMES FROM BREAKING AWAY FROM BUSYNESS
More Being. Less Doing. A perspective on doing absolutely nothing.
This is my first piece of Substack writing! I wanted to share what happened when I took a two-week break over the holidays. A regular meditator, I finally had time to sit and be for as long as I wanted to. It was such a profound reminder that we often need far more downtime than society allows. Seems very serious, but my wacky sense of humour is also very much injected 😋
Really excited to dive into this and coming at quite the right timing given this year, I'm also really hoping to break away from the busyness myself and play, create, and rest more!
On my toddler’s desperate pleas for a stuffed piggy in a Target snack aisle, plus catalogue marketing. And YouTube Marketing. And, just Marketing, all of which commodifies childhood.
When I was pregnant, I heard a lot of “it’s a good thing Sarah will have Brandon because she’s going to have no idea what she’s doing as a mom.” It stuck in my mind for YEARS, making me constantly questioning what I was doing and if I was a good mom.
I think it’s a universal experience to have those voices stuck in your head from what are seemingly off handed comments, but affect the way you feel about yourself.
True friendship grows slowly and can sometimes be taken for granted, and this reflection and acoustic/folk playlist is meant to spark appreciation for companionship.
I picked this one because it marks a subtle shift in my writing. Previously I was writing primarily to local listeners of a public radio program. I've been attempting to write with a wider audience in mind and am curious if this post (and the associated playlist) will resonate with anyone in the Substack community.
Title: We Need to Talk About Casual Sexual Assault - on the normalization of predatory behavior in Hollywood, the complexity of living in a female body, and the wisdom that comes with age.
Sarah Polley wrote a wonderful book called "Run Towards the Danger" about writing into the things that keep you up at night. There's great liberation in this sort of artistry. I also value creating portraits of specific cultures (in this case, early aughts Hollywood culture) because they help us to learn, reflect, and evolve.
I only have 11 posts so far so I don’t know if it’s enough to have an archive yet, but I wanted to share this one because the reflection questions and exercises within it have helped me a lot in this current winter climate of wishing for hibernation and exhausting efforts towards change. So in case it can help anyone else I wanted to share it.
THE AGONY AND ECSTASY OF SHARING YOUR WORK PUBLICLY - A psychologist's perspective on imposter syndrome, self-doubt and the journey of writing - thought this one might find some relevance here!
I don't have much of an archive, and I know that the best writing I've got on here is my most recent. It's amazing how much depression is unlocking my writing, theres so much coming to the surface as I process it all.
So this is my latest post, I hope that's ok. It looks at DEPRESSION, GRIEF, HEALING, NOTICING, WRITING AND ACCEPTANCE. And COFFEE ☕
The post I had the most fun with was figuring out the history of this scrap of paper I found when unhoarding my parents. The 1940s instructions to a new mother lead to a sad drowning incident and the awful contraptions involved in getting a permanent wave... May you have as much fun going down these rabbit holes as I did - https://sleepyhollowink.substack.com/p/permanent-waves
DANGERS OF SLOTH AND PROCRASTINATION
Finish the story--I don't have time.
https://anngauger.substack.com/p/dangers-of-sloth-and-procrastination
In which I start a story about a woman who has gotten away with procrastination for years until her ideas dry up, and ask you to finish it.
I chose this post because of its truth, its self-referential humor, and the fact that it is telling us to stop procrastinating going to bed and get off Substack.
EDUCATION, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, HUMOROUS ANECDOTES
Tarantula Plus One: Teachers, Teach Yourself
https://sherrykillam.substack.com/p/tarantula-plus-one
I show how a teacher (or parent) can model vulnerability and self-understanding to engage children in dynamic learning situations.
This post is a narrative created from memories and notes kept during my years of teaching. My own conclusions about Reality were formed largely from my interactions with children of many ages and labels. Every day presented new insights on the effects of empathy, connection, and acceptance...with opportunities for everyone to grow. My aim is to share, and hope readers will resonate and respond.
FOOD AND BEHAVIOR
"The 1 question that changed my partner's eating habits for good"
https://elainethomps.substack.com/p/the-1-question-that-changed-my-partners
My partner's charged relationship with food, pickles, and his ultimate mic drop moment.
This is the first time in years that I've written just to write, not to "produce copy". It was creaky and weird and had a million revisions and complete scraps, but it was also felt like freedom.
BOOK REVIEW, CREATIVITY, LIFE STORIES, CURIOSITY
"REVIEW: Never Have Your Dog Stuffed"
https://open.substack.com/pub/celestebriefs/p/review-never-have-your-dog-stuffed?r=nvskj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
This is a review of a memoir written by one of my all-time favorite actors and writers, Alan Alda, looking at how his writing showcases his lifelong spontaneity and intense curiosity.
I chose to share this one because it was the very first book review I published on my newsletter, and the first actual article, since the one preceding it was just an announcement post. But I also wanted to share it because I'm really proud of it, and I think it's a great sample of something I love to do: talk about books!
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, LIFE, REAL RELATIONSHIPS
Title: "Real Experience in an Artificially Intelligent World"
https://www.essentialissues.news/p/real-experience-in-an-artificially
My experience being friendly with a chatbot versus how real life different
While I'm often analytical, I tried to put more of my life and personality into this one.
HOPE, SUFFERING, GRIEF, DEATH, LOVE
Hope at the edge; a pause on the cusp of life and death
https://emilytammam.substack.com/p/hope-at-the-edge
This post is about what I hoped for, as I repeatedly sat at my 10 year old daughter's deathbed, watching her suffer.
I chose it because it was a piece of writing that I pondered over the many months and years of her illness, as I wondered how to explain to others what it is like to watch your child suffer as she dies.
I can't even imagine how you got through all that. While I've had some tragedies in life, it must be so difficult to go through that with your young child. You article really gives the sense of it.
Thank you Doug, for your kind words
VOYAGE OF LIFE
Title: Voyage
https://progressivepoetfederation.substack.com/p/voyage
Different stages of life with some observations and musings.
I chose this since this was a successful experiment I did with my writing, in that when inspiration struck I would immediately handwrite down an idea or line and go on from there when I had time to write out a full poem.
LITERATURE AND FEMINISM
The Genuine Goth Girl: Mary Shelley’s Prescient Fiction and Heart-Wrenching Life Resonate in the 21st Century
https://bluestockingbombshells.substack.com/p/the-genuine-goth-girl
I adore Mary Shelley and was researching her because one of my first novel's characters is a Mary Shelley and Romanticism scholar. I also just enjoyed writing this piece because many people do not know Mary Shelley beyond her first novel Frankenstein.
that whole family is so fascinating! i'm interested in the anarchist/feminist history that comes together in the figures of William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, and I also appreciate when folks make connections btwn literature then and life now. thanks for sharing!
LEADERSHIP
Lazy Leadership (and why that's not bad)
https://www.polymathicbeing.com/p/lazy-leadership
This is one of the more counterintuitive insights I've learned in my years of leadership.
It's also something that's made me the most successful.
MARRIAGE
Adam’s Bride
https://open.substack.com/pub/scribblingsfromthesoul/p/adams-bride?r=2zfwrp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
This is my first post, and it’s a love story so to speak
Topic: VULNERABILITY AND COURAGE
Title: Vulnerability, Holding the Positives and The Fight to be Authentic
URL: https://open.substack.com/pub/thethoughtlibrary/p/vulnerability-holding-the-positives
Practicing vulnerability seeking connection and being authentic.
It has important detail that helps with later posts, if offers a lot of information about vulnerability, perfectionism and courage.
Here's the link to the comment I left on your post: https://open.substack.com/pub/thethoughtlibrary/p/vulnerability-holding-the-positives?r=nvskj&utm_campaign=comment-list-share-cta&utm_medium=web&comments=true&commentId=49135759
Thank you so very much - I appreciate your time, attention and comment plus restacking. I'm grateful 🫶🏻
Going to be reading this one!
RACIST BIRD NAMES; ANNOYING HEADLINES
TITLE: Down With "Here's Why" headlines; Anti-Racist Bird Names; Not-So-Innocent Avian Namesakes
https://open.substack.com/pub/theindiaink/p/heres-why-and-racist-bird-names?r=2bytzz&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
WHY: This is an apt representation of my writing style. Tackling serious topics satirically (Birds). As well as just poking fun at the silliness of seriousness (Headlines). The Bird post, while snarky, focuses on a recurring theme of racism, this time in a surprising arena. Enjoy!
Loved this article pretty much from the first sentence! As I said in my restack note, it was absolutely fantastic, and I think everyone here should read it.
Going to be reading this!
Thanks! Hope you like it!
Looking at your Stack now, too. I loved Corduroy, and read it to my kids, too! So many things about that book were so relatable.
OMG thank you so much! I'm currently working on part 2 of the children's books series, although (as per freaking usual) it's taking me a hell of a lot longer than I'd like, mostly due to my job and general mental/emotional burnout, but I promise it will be brought into existence at some point in the (hopefully) near future😅🙏
ENVIRONMENTAL AMNESIA, LIMINAL MEMORY, LAND, HISTORY
I’ve just started on Substack - trying to find my way. So, not much of an archive!
This is prose about how we know a place in time.
https://open.substack.com/pub/kimitkonen/p/north-south-one?r=1b4v3&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
This was so lovely to read! I love contemplative, somber, and speculative writing, both in poetry and prose (which I think you've combined beautifully in this post). Reimagining history is such a healing practice, even as we must acknowledge and own the reality of what has happened in our personal and collective pasts. But because we have learned these things, over and over again, I believe the fantasy of what could have been is just as essential to realizing the potential of what can be in the present/future. Well done!
Also, loved your inclusion of the gorgeous piano piece, I listened to it while reading and it really enhanced my experience. Glad to meet another writer who feels drawn to music as inspiration.
Thank you for such a thoughtful response!
I was going to say that if an article is paywalled, we should be able to share the Draft link which will allow people to get to the post without having to drop the paywall.
Here’s my link that isn’t paywalled: https://open.substack.com/pub/professortom/p/on-reading-encyclopedias?r=sow3e&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
CREATING SPACE FOR THE CONSEQUENTIAL
👀 Title: Slowing down to speed up
🔗 URL: https://www.moremyself.xyz/p/slowing-down-to-speed-up
⚡️ What: this essay's all about slowing down when it feels like the only thing to do is continue to brute force your way through life
🤲🏼 Why: as we kick off the next month, my intention for February is to create capacity emotionally, mentally, and physically, giving myself time to focus on the essential and permission to say no to the inconsequential
Going to be reading this one!
let me know what you think :)
I really loved reading this. Very affirming for what I've been going through lately. (see my restack for a more lengthy and nicely-worded response😄)
TRAVEL-RESEARCH-WRITER’S CONCEIT
TITLE: On the Sundarbans
READ: https://livingwithwriting.substack.com/p/on-the-sundarbans
IN A LINE: A narrative essay about how my research trip for my fantasy novel kicked me off orbit in unexpected ways
WHY: It’s an account of the fantastical nature of the world’s largest mangrove, inspiring many readers to want to go there someday!
STEP-PARENTING - RELATIONSHIPS - SELF-AWARENESS
TITLE: The Step Parent Paradox
READ: https://brendalynch.substack.com/p/the-step-parent-paradox
IN A LINE: The complexities of step-parenting and thin line between supportive involvement and unintentional overstepping in blended families.
WHY: This post is based on a viral TikTok video I made where this story garnered over 300,000 views and hundreds of comments relating to the common yet often unspoken struggles of step parents.
LIFE TRANSITIONS:
TITLE: Moving to Istanbul was a huge risk
https://lucyscovell.substack.com/p/moving-to-istanbul-was-a-huge-risk
It's about the highs and lows of jumping into the unknown and how taking risks can pay off in unexpected and brilliant ways
I rarely write personal pieces but I feel this encapsulates the whirlwind adventure that is moving country
My email is gyldenefreden@gmail.com. Can we set up a 15 minute time to brainstorm items to talk about and questions for me to pose? Are you free in Saturday?
SELF HELP
Target: a place where average dreams come true.
https://lauriemucha.substack.com/p/target?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
It’s about a woman who wants more out of life. This sums up my substack nicely.
Just read this, and it definitely tickled that place inside me that goes "oof, I need a new job urgently"😅
oh yes...I am DEFINITELY going to be reading this one😂 (I'm currently an employee at Target, so this should be fun)
LIFE TRANSITIONS
TITLE: I Promise I'll Look Better in Hindsight
https://mishakhan.substack.com/p/i-promise-ill-look-better-in-hindsight
on the ways language shapes our reality
why: this post is written in a style that captures what its meant to be about. It's a bit dreamy, confused, and reflecting.
I really enjoyed reading this piece during my breaks at work, and I especially loved the part where you talk about examining language more closely and honing in on the words that really move you in some way. That’s definitely something I can relate to (as well as being in a quite frustrating period of “transition” myself at the moment).
Going to be reading this one!
Thank you!
CANCER - GRIEF - MEMOIR
TITLE: After He Said Cancer
READ: https://open.substack.com/pub/tigerinmykitchen/p/how-it-began?r=1acedj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true
IN A LINE: The moment in time when I learned that my husband was diagnosed with advanced cancer and how this led to a journey of coping with cancer grief and learning how to truly live again.
WHY: I chose this post, because it is an introduction to my Substack and relatable to so many people who have had the same intense shock when learning about their own or a loved one's cancer diagnosis.
FASHION- WARDROBE BUILDING
This is not another fashion blog…this is a project!
https://1piece.substack.com/p/this-is-not-another-fashion-blog
My introduction to my Sub stack, the inspiration and why it’s different.
I choose it because it’s my very first post, received some engagement and it lets you who I am and what my Sub stack is about. Thanks again Sarah for the opportunity to promote our work.
Perfect timing, can't wait to read more!
BIRDWATCHING AT THE BOSQUE DEL APACHE
"Lifted" https://rebeccagummere.substack.com/p/lifted
In January, 2021 experiencing healing wonder in nature.
It's one of my favorite posts because it's a favorite memory I wish I could relive.
👋🏾
A TV SHOW THAT UNPACKS ANGER IN DEVASTATING FASHION
TITLE: Rage, ruin, rebirth
READ: https://amarofpatel.substack.com/p/rage-ruin-rebirth
IN A LINE: Golden Globe winner Beef shows us how the constant urge to retaliate is the desperate and undeniable cry of a need unmet.
WHY: I shared the self-righteous fury of the main characters – their sense of release – and wanted to know why. What lies beneath.
Loved Beef. Loved your analysis!
I really appreciate that, Suchitra. What a ride, eh.
I've bookmarked yours to come back to.
Yes, the show is v well written! Do stop by my Substack! 🤓
Oh wow, this sounds great. I love this sort of tv analysis and can’t wait to read. :)
Brill. Stop by, please!
FRIENDSHIPS AND NETWORKS
On friendship
https://open.substack.com/pub/laurahodgson/p/life-friendship?r=qrzpn&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
A post about taking a social risk and building a powerful social and professional network.
I chose this from my archives because it is an example of one of the life aspects I write about beyond rocking climbing and yoga.
IN THE FIELD
Maggie's father becomes obsessed with creating a corn maze, until things take a turn with her estranged mother.
https://briheron.substack.com/p/in-the-field
I chose this piece because I just started my fiction newsletter and it was my first story I posted on Substack.
HOW TO SPEAK UP AS AN INTROVERT
When Life Gets Messy: 4 Stoic solutions to manage (real or imagined) conflict.
https://livewithoutborders.substack.com/p/when-life-gets-messy
How to shift from conflict avoidance to having honest, constructive communication using Stoic psychology.
This is my first post!
ON COMPASSION COLLAPSE (AND GOOD VERSUS EVIL)
https://imolazsitva.substack.com/p/on-compassion-collapse
About the psychological phenomenon known as "compassion collapse"
It was one of the toughest posts to write, deeply personal and apparently controversial (who would have thought?) which resulted in many heartfelt comments (in private!) and (public) criticism from my mother... I chose it because I still want to believe that love wins!
Something I, too, am very passionate about, so definitely going to be reading this one.
I have such deep respect for how honestly you approach this difficult and painful topic and how carefully you hold the tension of love for your friend and your own truth. I'll be thinking about this piece for a while. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you so much Rebecca! “Thinking about this for a while is the biggest compliment I could think of! It was a difficult piece to write... 🙏🏻
Great article Imola!
Thank you Laura!
STRUGGLING WITH HUMAN POWERLESSNESS
Finding Optimism In View Of Suffering
https://trevythomas.substack.com/p/humbling-our-humanity
There's so much I can't do anything about and it's a struggle to accept that in an unjust world. I see it all around me in nature too and there's an odd comfort in that. I'm new here so this is a pretty recent one. Thank you!
This was excellent, short but immensely poignant. I would read so many stories about Mr. Squirrel and your other animal companions.
Thank you, Celeste. Your comment was a delightful surprise. And I can't help but let the critters creep into my stories, so it's good to know they're enjoyable❤️
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Quality Food Or The High Cost of “Health Care” – Which Do You Choose?
You can pay less now, but you will definitely pay more later
https://open.substack.com/pub/suesenger/p/quality-food-or-the-high-cost-of-health-care?r=2a4z6u&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
This post talks about the lessons from 'Blue Zones' (where many people live to 100 or more) and how local food and garden play significant roles in creating long-term health and wellness.
This post has recently generated the most new subscribers for me, and has an outline of topics I will be writing about in 2024
WOMEN'S HEALTH AND WELLNESS
"I Guess I Just Forgot to Die"
https://ashleygish.substack.com/p/i-guess-i-just-forgot-to-die
Some thoughts on Blue Zones and doing more of what we love. Chosen because it sums up my thoughts on wellness and simplifying our approach to it. Also I'm not sure how I've been missing these Friday archives but this is so much fun to read everyone's posts, thank you all and thank you Sarah for bringing us together as always!
Thanks for sharing, saved to read this one!
Reading and commenting - I recently wrote about Blue Zones as well.
GRIEF AND THE POWER OF CREATIVITY
My very personal essay "On loss and solace: healing the heart through music" about how I use music (which is my personal life blood as well as my profession) to find my way through dark times.
https://elisabethparry.substack.com/p/on-loss-and-solace
Planning to read this! I write about grief too.
https://open.substack.com/pub/tigerinmykitchen/p/how-it-began?r=1acedj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true
BRILLIANT!!
MISTAKES
I Made a Mistake.
https://open.substack.com/pub/cancerculture/p/i-made-a-mistake?r=yjs6z&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
The magnanimity of my patient’s response overwhelmed me. What if we all chose empathy over anger?
Yes yes yes, complexity and grappling, I love it. I have saved to read.
I am also a physician. Here is my post about making a mistake in diagnosing my husband's male breast cancer. https://open.substack.com/pub/tigerinmykitchen/p/a-zebra-in-the-backyard?r=1acedj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true
I'm hooked. You're a doctor who made a mistake, and you wrote about it. Going to read now.
LESSONS FROM FAILURE https://open.substack.com/pub/katiemorwenna/p/rose-for-a-fart?r=oxru2&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post A bit of a pep talk from a TikTok live that failed
THINKING OF LEAVING THE COUNTRY? (A FUNNY QUESTIONNAIRE)
From the Vault: Nine Essential Questions to Ask Yourself If You Are Considering Getting the Hell Out of Dodge
https://karenkarbo.substack.com/p/from-the-vault-nine-essential-questions
When I moved to France at age 60, people asked me how on earth I found the courage, not to mention the motivation.
Chose it because it still makes me snort rosé through my nose.
You gave me a lot to think about 😂
Hi, Karen 👋 Fellow expat here. I'm across the channel in England. I look forward to reading your post :)
Thank you, Sarah!
Love this! Will definitely read!
REST AND THE FRESH PERSPECTIVE THAT COMES FROM BREAKING AWAY FROM BUSYNESS
More Being. Less Doing. A perspective on doing absolutely nothing.
This is my first piece of Substack writing! I wanted to share what happened when I took a two-week break over the holidays. A regular meditator, I finally had time to sit and be for as long as I wanted to. It was such a profound reminder that we often need far more downtime than society allows. Seems very serious, but my wacky sense of humour is also very much injected 😋
https://open.substack.com/pub/emilyofeden/p/more-being-less-doing?r=1sl0x4&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
Definitely going to be reading this, because it's something I've always struggled with as a young adult and want very much to achieve in my life.
Really excited to dive into this and coming at quite the right timing given this year, I'm also really hoping to break away from the busyness myself and play, create, and rest more!
INNER CRITIC
Overcoming our demons at work - Lessons on managing our self limiting mind.
https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/p/overcoming-our-demons-at-work
I've had a long journey with my inner critic about my writing. Prompted by Beth Kempton, I enjoyed exploring this in a post.
Going to be reading this one!
ADVERTISING/ CONSUMERISM
Advertising Sucks. Advertising to Kids REALLY Sucks.
https://jennifernewton.substack.com/p/advertisements-suck-advertising-to
On my toddler’s desperate pleas for a stuffed piggy in a Target snack aisle, plus catalogue marketing. And YouTube Marketing. And, just Marketing, all of which commodifies childhood.
Saving to read!
MOTHERHOOD
They Said I’d Be a Terrible Mother
https://humanfeelings.substack.com/p/they-said-id-be-a-terrible-mother
When I was pregnant, I heard a lot of “it’s a good thing Sarah will have Brandon because she’s going to have no idea what she’s doing as a mom.” It stuck in my mind for YEARS, making me constantly questioning what I was doing and if I was a good mom.
I think it’s a universal experience to have those voices stuck in your head from what are seemingly off handed comments, but affect the way you feel about yourself.
FRIENDSHIP
Find your people, find yourself
https://barrett.substack.com/p/find-your-people-find-yourself
True friendship grows slowly and can sometimes be taken for granted, and this reflection and acoustic/folk playlist is meant to spark appreciation for companionship.
I picked this one because it marks a subtle shift in my writing. Previously I was writing primarily to local listeners of a public radio program. I've been attempting to write with a wider audience in mind and am curious if this post (and the associated playlist) will resonate with anyone in the Substack community.
love this!
I’ve spent the last few years really focused on deepening my friendships so I can’t wait to read this.
Topic: SEXUAL POLITICS
Title: We Need to Talk About Casual Sexual Assault - on the normalization of predatory behavior in Hollywood, the complexity of living in a female body, and the wisdom that comes with age.
URL: https://lyonsshare.substack.com/p/a-bunch-of-dicks-part-3
Sarah Polley wrote a wonderful book called "Run Towards the Danger" about writing into the things that keep you up at night. There's great liberation in this sort of artistry. I also value creating portraits of specific cultures (in this case, early aughts Hollywood culture) because they help us to learn, reflect, and evolve.
WINTER
Reflections and Exercises for Winter
https://open.substack.com/pub/jesseparissmith/p/happy-winter-solstice?r=x23fw&utm_medium=ios
I only have 11 posts so far so I don’t know if it’s enough to have an archive yet, but I wanted to share this one because the reflection questions and exercises within it have helped me a lot in this current winter climate of wishing for hibernation and exhausting efforts towards change. So in case it can help anyone else I wanted to share it.
Oh I’m so excited to dig in. I’ve been really trying to appreciate winter for what it is this year so hopefully your questions will help with this!
Ohh yay!! I hope so, too!! <3 <3 <3
THE AGONY AND ECSTASY OF SHARING YOUR WORK PUBLICLY - A psychologist's perspective on imposter syndrome, self-doubt and the journey of writing - thought this one might find some relevance here!
https://drvickiconnop.substack.com/p/the-agony-and-ecstasy-of-sharing
Going to be reading this one!
I’ve been struggling A LOT recently with imposter syndrome so I’m headed over to read it now!
I don't have much of an archive, and I know that the best writing I've got on here is my most recent. It's amazing how much depression is unlocking my writing, theres so much coming to the surface as I process it all.
So this is my latest post, I hope that's ok. It looks at DEPRESSION, GRIEF, HEALING, NOTICING, WRITING AND ACCEPTANCE. And COFFEE ☕
https://open.substack.com/pub/soberliferocks/p/life-isnt-all-summer-sun-we-have
I plan to read. I also write on my depression after my husband's advanced breast cancer daignosis. https://open.substack.com/pub/tigerinmykitchen/p/the-grief-monster?r=1acedj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true
Just read, shared, ans commented. I love the question you’re posing there about being open and honest.
Thank you Sarah, I really appreciate that. And you're so right, what a different world it would be if we could be honest about how we feel more!
I’m fairly new, so I’ll share a recent post called The Great Switcheroo:
https://open.substack.com/pub/nikkifinlay/p/the-great-car-switcheroo-of-2022?r=kaavc&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
It’s a little story on how my family coped with the difficulty of buying a car during the chip shortage. It’s also a lesson on supply and demand.
In my first post on Substack I shared the age-old joke: “How do you train an economist?” “Teach a parrot to say supply and demand.”
SOON: on the fleeting nature of MOTHERHOOD
https://open.substack.com/pub/inthethickofit/p/soon?r=24ua57&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
I usually write personal essays but from time to time I also share short stories. This one garnered so much lovely feedback. Hope you enjoy!
As a fellow motherhood writer, I felt these feelings so viscerally. Loved it - and I read, commented, and shared. Can’t wait to read more from you!
Thank you for your kind words 🙏