The Reclamation Era

The Reclamation Era focuses on midlife, single motherhood, and neurodivergence. It explores themes of self-discovery, parenting, mental health, and societal expectations. The posts highlight the complexity of personal growth, relationship challenges, and the pursuit of authenticity and self-care during transitional life stages.

Midlife Single Motherhood Neurodivergence Self-Discovery Parenting Mental Health Societal Expectations Personal Growth Relationships Authenticity Self-Care

The hottest Substack posts of The Reclamation Era

And their main takeaways

Neurotic Self Care: A Single ADHD Mom's Guide To Time Management

199 implied HN points • 16 Sep 24
  1. Managing time can be tough, especially as a single parent. It's important to find ways to keep everything organized, even if it feels overwhelming sometimes.
  2. Self-care can sometimes feel forced and stressful. Finding quick, effective ways to take care of yourself is crucial for mental health.
  3. Having a clear schedule helps ease anxiety. Writing things down and planning your day can create a sense of control, allowing you to relax more.

Women Running Barefoot

239 implied HN points • 09 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Women's issues Personal Growth Storytelling Emotional Wellbeing Community support
  1. Even when life feels overwhelming, we can find strength to keep going. It's okay to have ups and downs; that’s part of life.
  2. Having a support system is vital, especially during tough times. The connection with others can help us heal and feel less alone.
  3. Sometimes, breaking down is necessary for growth. It's important to feel our emotions and understand that they can lead to positive change.

The Eighteenth Summer

259 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
  1. Watching your child leave for college can be a mix of joy and sadness. It's natural to feel proud of them but also miss their daily presence.
  2. Parenthood involves a lot of small losses along the way, as children grow and change. Each stage is special, but you can't go back to past moments.
  3. Entering midlife can feel like a new beginning. Many people find that they understand themselves better and enjoy new freedoms as their children grow up.

It's Fine / It's Terrible

179 implied HN points • 26 Aug 24
  1. Taking a child to college is a huge life change that brings mixed emotions. It's okay to feel both proud and sad at the same time.
  2. Maintaining your own identity and passions while being a parent is really important. It helps you cope with big transitions in life.
  3. It's normal to feel lost or overwhelmed during major events like this. Finding a way to process those feelings can help you move forward.

Gen X: Marriage Failures

239 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Marriage Generations Relationships Parenting Self-awareness
  1. Getting married young can lead to problems because people often carry unresolved issues from their childhood into relationships. It's important to know yourself before tying the knot.
  2. Sometimes, societal pressure pushes people to marry quickly, without fully understanding their own needs and patterns. Taking time to figure things out can lead to healthier relationships.
  3. Middle-aged people, especially from Gen X, often face a tough choice: stay in a troubled marriage or leave for a chance at happiness. It's crucial to listen to one's gut and seek authenticity.
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Why We Can't Stand Up

99 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy Feminism Performing Arts Women empowerment Storytelling
  1. Women in comedy often struggle to take up space and feel confident on stage. They sometimes feel they need to apologize or shrink themselves, which can hold them back.
  2. It's important for women to embrace their voices and power. By doing this, they can inspire others and feel more connected to their true selves.
  3. Creating safe spaces for female performers leads to more honest and relatable entertainment. It's crucial for women to support each other in the industry and share their stories without fear.

The Buried Martyr

179 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
  1. Being a good mother shouldn't mean being selfless all the time. It's important to take care of your own needs too.
  2. Setting boundaries and saying 'no' can be part of good parenting. Children should see parents as whole individuals, not just caregivers.
  3. It's okay to feel guilt as a parent, but you should still prioritize your own happiness and identity. A balanced life benefits both you and your children.

The Moment I Knew I Had ADHD

79 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health ADHD Awareness Personal Growth Creative Expression
  1. The author experiences moments of panic and shame related to forgetting important tasks or details. This reflects a struggle many face when managing responsibilities.
  2. ADHD is a constant presence in the author's life, often affecting daily organization and memory. It highlights the challenges people with ADHD encounter regularly.
  3. The author's messy closet symbolizes the chaos in their mind and life, representing feelings of failure and frustration. It shows how external clutter can mirror internal struggles.

Making Peace with God

179 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Religion Nostalgia Self-discovery
  1. Revisiting childhood places can be a powerful way to find healing and connection. It helps you reconnect with your past and feel a sense of belonging.
  2. Not every church or place you remember will welcome you as you expect. Sometimes, you might face locked doors, but that doesn't stop the journey of self-discovery.
  3. Feeling emotions like peace and nostalgia is natural when you reflect on your past. These feelings can help you recognize how you've grown and found your own sense of spirituality.

Reclamation: The Fempire Strikes Back

79 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Comedy Storytelling Performing Arts Women empowerment
  1. Women are speaking out about topics that are often seen as taboo, like relationships and aging. This honesty helps to break down barriers and opens up important conversations.
  2. Supporting female-led performances and productions is a way of resisting the suppression of women's voices. Events like 'Reclamation: The Fempire Strikes Back' celebrate women's stories through comedy and storytelling.
  3. The focus of these discussions is on real-life experiences, including motherhood and identity. Sharing personal stories allows women to connect and support each other in navigating life's challenges.

These Grapes Are Sour

179 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Parenting Literature Vulnerability Grief Personal Growth
  1. It's okay to feel sad about what we couldn't achieve. Being honest about our feelings can be tough but it's a part of healing.
  2. Sometimes we convince ourselves that what we didn't get wasn't really valuable. Acknowledging our true desires is important.
  3. Vulnerability can be a strength. Sharing our struggles may help us connect with others and find support.

The Anti-Feminist Agenda of Family Wellness Night

99 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
  1. Parents often feel they must balance their own identities with their roles in the family. It's normal to struggle with guilt about fulfilling needs for themselves while being a caregiver.
  2. Children often see their mothers mainly in the role of a provider rather than as whole individuals. This can lead to frustration for mothers trying to teach their kids about empowerment.
  3. Feeling seen and appreciated by loved ones is very important. It shows that connections in family relationships can grow deeper over time.

The One Who Knows

19 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Art Storytelling Community Creativity Parenting
  1. A new Substack newsletter, 'Word to Your Mother,' is being created to support local women in the arts, offering opportunities for storytelling and performances.
  2. There’s a call for auditions for a local show and a writing workshop for those interested in sharing their stories.
  3. The author reflects on her feelings as her child goes to college, sharing a personal lullaby that holds special meaning during this transition.

The Old Stephanie Can't Come to the Phone Right Now. . .

159 implied HN points • 13 May 24
  1. Everyone has different parts of themselves, like an angry side that helps protect us when we're stressed or overwhelmed. It's okay to feel those emotions; they're part of who we are.
  2. Rage can be a powerful tool for change. It helps us set boundaries and evolve, reminding us that it's okay to stand up for ourselves.
  3. We're all tired of trying to please others and live up to expectations. Many people are ready to quit playing small and embrace who they truly are.

A Good Joy Ethic

99 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
  1. Homework in elementary school can be stressful for kids and may not help them learn well. It's important to find a balance between education and their well-being.
  2. Parents often want their children to be happy, but sometimes they focus too much on achievements instead of joy. It's vital to prioritize happiness over just success.
  3. Having fun and enjoying life is just as important as working hard. We need to remember to take time for joy and connection outside of work responsibilities.

But What About the Men?

119 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism Gender Issues Parenting Men's Health Social Dynamics
  1. Women should support each other and lift each other up, as this creates a stronger community. It's important to celebrate women's achievements and encourage solidarity among them.
  2. Men also deserve to pursue happiness and personal growth. Just like women, men should have the opportunity to work on themselves and strive for a fulfilling life.
  3. Being a feminist doesn't mean hating men. It involves advocating for women's rights while also recognizing the importance of good men who contribute positively to society.

Heartbreak and the Young Entrepreneur

119 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
  1. It's important for kids to try new things, even if they fail sometimes. Falling down can teach them to get back up and keep going.
  2. Parents often want to protect their children from hurt, but experiencing rejection helps them grow stronger. It's okay to feel sad and learn from those moments.
  3. Celebrating small victories, like a homemade parade, helps build resilience. Finding joy in community moments makes the tough times easier.

Poetry at Midlife

119 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
📚 Literature Poetry Memoir Creative Writing Personal Reflection Midlife
  1. Midlife can feel like a second adolescence where people reflect on their lives and embrace creativity. It's a time for exploring new ideas and breaking away from old patterns.
  2. Women at midlife have a chance to reinvent themselves by sharing their unique voices and experiences. It's important to stop editing ourselves and create freely.
  3. Acknowledging personal power can help in navigating life changes. Instead of feeling trapped, we should recognize our ability to create our own paths and find freedom.

The Suffering Club

59 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
  1. Talking about struggles in motherhood with other moms can make you feel less alone. Sharing stories helps release tension and connects you with others going through similar challenges.
  2. There’s a balance between sharing complaints and normalizing things that shouldn’t be accepted. Constantly focusing on negative experiences can keep you stuck in unhealthy situations.
  3. It’s important to recognize your own worth and not rely solely on shared suffering to decide your happiness. You have the power to change your circumstances and can seek help rather than just venting.

When You Finally See Yourself Clearly

159 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Neurodiversity Self-care Personal Development Parenting
  1. Understanding ADHD can lead to a big sense of clarity about oneself. Realizing how it affects life helps to make sense of past struggles.
  2. Being open about one's experiences with ADHD can feel overwhelming but is often met with appreciation from others. It’s important to share personal truths without worrying too much about others' opinions.
  3. Learning to embrace neurodiversity helps create more self-compassion. With better tools and understanding, it’s easier to live life fully and acknowledge one's unique thought patterns.

Holding Your Own Basket

99 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Family Dynamics Emotional Health Storytelling Motherhood
  1. It's okay to enjoy your own happiness without sharing it with others. Your moments of joy can be just for you.
  2. Talking about your day can help you feel valued and connected, but it's important to check if it truly brings you closer to others.
  3. Learning to appreciate your own achievements and holding your own 'basket' can lead to a more fulfilling life. You don't always have to prove your worth to others.

The Battle of Phoebe & Monica in My Head

99 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Neurodiversity Education Parenting Creativity
  1. Understanding your brain's two modes, creative and task-focused, can help manage ADHD better. It's like needing both the fun and relaxed side and the organized side to get things done.
  2. Being aware of how much time is spent in a relaxed, creative state can help push you into more productive tasks. It’s important to find a balance between daydreaming and doing chores.
  3. Teaching or engaging in hands-on activities can ground you and pull you back into focus when you find yourself lost in thoughts. This balance keeps both parts of your brain working well together.

Confessions of a Serial Monogamist

19 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Divorce Dating Personal Growth Women
  1. Being in a long-term relationship can make it hard to understand dating after a breakup. It's okay to feel confused about starting over.
  2. Dating apps are often seen as intimidating, especially for those who haven't used them before. Many people prefer real connections instead of casual dating.
  3. Being a serial monogamist—someone who is often in relationships—can bring up feelings of uncertainty and self-reflection after a divorce. It's normal to question past patterns in relationships.

Let's Connect this Summer!

39 implied HN points • 29 May 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Personal Growth Community Engagement Workshops
  1. There are writing groups available for all levels, so anyone can join and start without feeling behind. It's a great way to express creativity and connect with others.
  2. The ADHD Moms Club offers a free space for support and sharing tips among moms. It's a fun way to connect and tackle challenges together.
  3. A free decluttering challenge is happening this summer to help reduce stress at home. It's a helpful way to start the season fresh and take control.

Taylor Swift for the Therapy Generation

59 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🎶 Music Artists Albums Lyrics Mental health Cultural impact
  1. Taylor Swift's music resonates deeply with many women, especially because it feels like therapy. Her songs help listeners process their emotions and experiences.
  2. Her different musical eras represent various parts of her life, encouraging fans to reflect on their own identities and emotions. This idea aligns with concepts from Internal Family Systems therapy.
  3. The release of her album and the ongoing discussions about self-acceptance have created a cultural moment where exploring one's feelings and personal history is celebrated and encouraged.

Bad Boundaries

79 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Parenting Self-care
  1. Many people want to help but struggle to ask for what they really need. It's common to feel guilty about asking for help when everyone has their own problems.
  2. Sometimes, we don't even know what we need because we feel overwhelmed or like we should be independent. This can make it hard to admit that we need support.
  3. There's a fear of overstepping or getting involved in others' lives, so people often hold back from offering specific help. Simple actions, like dropping off a meal, can make a big difference in showing care.

The Song That Made Me Leave

19 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Lyrics Pop culture Artists
  1. Breaking points often lead us to wake up to ourselves and make important life changes. It's essential to recognize when it's time to move on from a situation that no longer serves us.
  2. Music can deeply influence our emotions and decisions. Songs, especially those from artists like Taylor Swift, can resonate with our personal experiences and help us process feelings.
  3. Sharing stories about personal struggles, like marriage and divorce, can be powerful and cathartic. Many people connect with these topics, and writing about them can lead to healing.

I Have a Diagnosis!

99 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health ADHD Awareness Personal Growth Community support
  1. Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can bring relief and validation, showing that your brain works differently rather than you being lazy or incompetent. This understanding helps many people feel more at ease with themselves.
  2. ADHD affects how people prioritize tasks, with those diagnosed often struggling to engage in tasks they find uninteresting, unlike typical brains that focus on what needs to be done.
  3. Talking about ADHD openly among peers can foster support and understanding, benefiting not just the individual but also their relationships, especially in parenting.

I Wrote a Book

79 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books Writing Authors Publishing Narrative
  1. The author finished writing a book after many months of hard work and revisions, organizing her thoughts and ideas like puzzle pieces.
  2. She felt a strong emotional connection to her late friend while writing, which motivated her to complete the book.
  3. The final manuscript turned out to be 191 pages long, which has special significance to her as it's her lucky number.

Funny Girls

19 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
😂 Humor Stand-up Comedy Women Diversity Community
  1. Women in comedy benefit from supporting each other and building a positive community. When women collaborate, they can create a more inclusive and encouraging environment.
  2. The Boulder Comedy Festival highlights diversity and women's voices in stand-up. It aims to change the male-dominated landscape by showcasing a variety of talented comedians.
  3. There are still challenges, like sexism and discrimination, in the comedy industry. But by working together and focusing on positivity, women can overcome these obstacles and succeed.

Fed Is Best.

99 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
  1. It's important to take care of yourself and prioritize your own needs, even during busy times. Feeding yourself can be just as important as completing tasks around the house.
  2. The idea of 'fed is best' goes beyond food; it's about nurturing your whole self—body, mind, and spirit. It's okay to lean on help and simplify your routines.
  3. Don't stress over perfect traditions or meals. Sometimes frozen dinners are just fine, and what matters most is that you're nourished and supported.

Smart, Quiet Girls with ADHD

79 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health ADHD Awareness Personal Growth
  1. Quiet girls with ADHD often go unnoticed because they blend in as good students. They might seem focused on their work, but their minds can be wandering elsewhere.
  2. Women with ADHD can face shame and anxiety about their symptoms, feeling inadequate compared to others. Understanding and validation can be really helpful.
  3. Getting a diagnosis can be a tough journey, but it's important for women to listen to their feelings and seek support. Finding the right professionals can make a big difference.

Grace, Period.

99 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
  1. Giving yourself a 'grace period' allows for time to explore and figure out what you want in life. It's okay to be uncertain and take things one step at a time.
  2. Having flexibility and self-compassion can help reduce pressure when facing life's challenges. It's important to recognize that you might not have everything figured out, even at the end of a set time period.
  3. Sometimes, you just need to simply give yourself grace without strict deadlines. Life can be messy, and it's okay to embrace imperfections while you navigate through it.

We Were Swensen

39 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Identity Memory Community Personal Growth
  1. Nostalgia can hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of moments when we felt free and accepted. It's important to cherish these memories as they shape who we are today.
  2. Old writing and reflections on the past can be treasures, revealing parts of ourselves that we may have forgotten. They help us understand our journey and personal growth over the years.
  3. Communities shaped by shared experiences can leave a lasting impact on our lives. These connections remind us of our true selves and the joy of belonging.

Queen of the Castle

59 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Women Identity Parenting Art Personal Growth
  1. Embracing the 'queen archetype' represents a powerful phase for women in midlife, encouraging autonomy and self-empowerment. It's a time to recognize one's strength and wisdom.
  2. The transition from the traditional phases of womanhood—maiden, mother, crone—adds a new title: the 'queen', signifying a vibrant and active role during this life stage.
  3. Choosing a personal word for the year, like 'sovereignty', helps set intentions to reclaim one's life and prioritize personal voice and authority in decision-making.

The Very Worst Hotel

99 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Experiences Hotels Air Travel Tourism Stories
  1. Traveling can lead to unexpected and funny experiences, even if they're not ideal, like a less-than-clean hotel room.
  2. Sometimes, checking into a place can bring surprises, like strange items found in your room that make you question how they got there.
  3. Humor can help cope with the craziness of a situation, like a crazy hotel stay or a barking dog in a hallway.

Gaze At My Navel

99 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
📚 Literature Memoir Writing Women's issues Self-Expression Parenting
  1. It's easy to feel the need to apologize or add disclaimers when sharing personal stories, especially for women. This often comes from wanting to be liked and accepted.
  2. Embracing our own stories without insecurity is important. Everyone's experiences matter and women especially should feel empowered to share theirs without shame.
  3. Letting go of the need for approval can help us grow. It's okay if not everyone likes what we present; the focus should be on being true to ourselves.

Midlife Mom, Interrupted.

99 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
  1. Back to school can be chaotic, especially remembering how hard it was during the pandemic. Reflecting on past challenges can help us appreciate the present.
  2. Moments of unexpected interruptions, like home renovations, can add stress to daily life. Balancing everything can feel overwhelming at times.
  3. Finding humor in chaos, like wearing pajamas while handling home deliveries, can be a way to cope. It's okay to laugh at our less-than-perfect moments.

The Magic of Time Travel

59 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Memory Identity Home Childhood Parenting
  1. People often feel a strong connection to their childhood homes. Visiting these places can bring back memories and a sense of who we used to be.
  2. There's a desire to revisit not just places, but also previous versions of ourselves. It’s like wanting to time travel to rediscover moments from our past.
  3. Sharing our childhood experiences with our children helps them see us as whole people, not just as their parents. It's a way to connect different generations and share our stories.

Mean Mommy

39 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
  1. Sometimes mornings can be chaotic, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed and not enough. It's easy to feel like a 'Mean Mommy' when things don't go as planned.
  2. Moments of guilt and shame can stick with us and affect how we view parenting. It's important to reflect on these feelings and understand they can shape our children's memories too.
  3. Therapy and open conversations help break negative patterns and build stronger connections with our kids. Acknowledging our struggles can make us better parents.