From the Desk

From the Desk explores themes of personal growth, the nuances of arts and culture, spirituality, and reflections on life's milestones such as fatherhood and moving. It delves into authenticity, the value of experiences over materialism, and offers introspective takes on literature, music, and lifestyle choices.

Personal Growth Arts and Culture Spirituality Literature Music Lifestyle Family and Parenting Consumerism Travel and Adventure

The hottest Substack posts of From the Desk

And their main takeaways

Drifters, Dreamers, Tourists, Growers

27 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Personal Growth Self-awareness Life lessons Mental well-being
  1. Personal growth isn't automatic. It takes intentionality and self-awareness to move forward and feel fulfilled in life.
  2. There are four types of people when it comes to growth: Drifters, Dreamers, Tourists, and Growers. Each type reflects a different relationship with intentions and self-awareness.
  3. True joy and growth come from reflection and understanding ourselves better, rather than just chasing success or comfort.

On Turning 30

45 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Life reflections Mental health Family Faith
  1. Cynicism is easy but it doesn't help. It's better to look for the good in people and situations, even when things are tough.
  2. Taking care of your body helps your mind stay healthy too. Regular exercise can really boost your mood and confidence.
  3. Friendships take real effort to maintain as adults. It's important to reach out and keep in touch, even if you're busy or far apart.

Books I Read in 2024

18 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Book Reviews Reading habits Personal Reflection
  1. Reading has become more challenging due to distractions and life's demands, especially with young kids around. It’s hard to find time and focus to get lost in a book.
  2. Returning to old favorite books can reignite the joy of reading, as familiar stories often bring comfort and engagement. Some classics can really pull you in, no matter how many times you've read them.
  3. It's important to prioritize reading only good books. If a book isn’t engaging or enjoyable, it’s okay to put it down and move on to something better.

I Accomplished None of My 2024 Goals

9 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
  1. Goals can be tough, and it's okay if you don't reach them all. What matters is learning and growing from the experience.
  2. Building good habits is more important than setting high goals. Focus on creating daily routines that support what you want to achieve.
  3. Reflecting on the past helps plan for a better future. Analyze what worked and what didn't to improve moving forward.

Brands, Ads, and the Persuadable You

9 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Advertising Branding Marketing Consumer behavior Digital Media
  1. Not all ads are great, but repetition can make a brand stick in your mind. Some ads just need to inform rather than entertain.
  2. Good brands connect emotionally with their audience. They aim to show that using their products can help you feel like a better version of yourself.
  3. Positioning is key for brands. They need to clearly show who their products are for, helping certain shoppers feel more drawn to them.
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On Learning That I'm No Longer Cool

45 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Youth
  1. Coolness is often associated with youth, and as one gets older, it becomes more challenging to maintain
  2. Trying too hard to be cool is uncool - authenticity is valued over pretending to fit in
  3. Embracing uncool interests and passions can bring a sense of freedom and self-acceptance

2023 Year in Books

18 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Books Reading Authors
  1. The author read 37 books in 2023, reflecting on the struggle to find time for focused reading in the age of distractions.
  2. There are book recommendations categorized as 'Must Reads', 'Worth It', and 'Skip It', providing insights and reviews for a variety of fiction and non-fiction titles.
  3. The act of reading is viewed as a commitment to deeper thinking and nuance, contrasting with the instant gratification of social platforms.

An Ode to Great Gear

18 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🪑 Design Philosophy Acquisition Quality Usability
  1. Gear is an integral part of our lives and can be nostalgic, tied to experiences and memories.
  2. Gear enthusiasts have philosophies in acquiring gear, like brand loyalty or minimalism.
  3. Having a 'Point of Unrecognized Satisfaction' helps assess optimal spending on gear based on usability.

Three Observations about Fatherhood

18 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
  1. Fatherhood may not alter priorities as expected, but can lead to personal growth in various areas.
  2. Fatherhood requires relaxing control and allowing children to dictate their behavior to an extent.
  3. Being a father brings inexplicable joy, despite the challenges it presents.

Rethinking Authenticity

2 HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Authenticity Psychology Self-help Behavior Identity
  1. Authenticity has evolved over time from simply factual to a character trait that is now widely misunderstood and overused.
  2. Authenticity can be a paradox, as it relies on others to judge our authenticity, leading to a performance or craft in trying to be authentic.
  3. Being authentic is challenging because it requires navigating personal changes while others evaluate our authenticity, but it's essential to stay true to oneself amidst external influences.

How to Spend Your Money so Your Neighbors Know You’re Rich

2 HN points • 07 Feb 23
  1. Old Money and New Money have different spending habits and status symbols.
  2. The Scout Guide showcases luxury businesses to help the 'New Money' spend their wealth in a way that signals status.
  3. The advertisements in The Scout Guide reflect a certain persona and play on status anxieties to promote spending behavior.

Never Waste a New Year

0 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
  1. Never waste a new year, make reflections and resolutions count.
  2. Family is important, cherish the moments and connections.
  3. Set goals in different areas of life - spiritual, physical, intellectual, and social - and strive to achieve them.

New Ways of Looking at Film and Fiction

0 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Fictional worlds in novels and films are just as important as traditional elements like plot and character, and authors put effort into world-building in various genres.
  2. Understanding elements like character structure, conventionality, completeness, connectedness, symbolic density, and psychological depth can deepen the appreciation of fiction.
  3. Different fiction works have unique combinations of these elements, such as high character structure in 'The Office' or low conventionality in 'No Country For Old Men', showcasing the diverse approaches in storytelling.

The One Where We Move To Spokane, WA

0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Prayer
  1. The author and family moved from Maryland to Spokane, Washington following a prompting
  2. Making big life decisions involves seeking divine guidance and being open to subtle promptings
  3. Moving away from home can be a defining life experience that leads to self-discovery and new perspectives