Val's Pals

Val's Pals explores personal development, mental health, creativity, and the challenges surrounding productivity and self-improvement. It delves into themes of self-compassion, overcoming insecurities, and the pursuit of authenticity in personal and professional realms. The content ranges from personal anecdotes to practical advice on networking, writing, and navigating life's uncertainties.

Personal Development Mental Health Creativity and Writing Productivity and Self-Improvement Networking and Professional Growth Cultural Identity Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

The hottest Substack posts of Val's Pals

And their main takeaways

here's how i lost the biggest byline of my life

98 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
  1. Don't let perfectionism stop you from publishing your work.
  2. On the internet, it's better to be consistent and promote your content.
  3. Being a 'doer' is more important than endlessly perfecting your work.

you can start a blog today

255 implied HN points • 14 May 22
  1. You have what it takes to start a blog, no matter who you are.
  2. Starting a blog is easy and you can express yourself shamelessly.
  3. It's normal to feel scared about sharing your blog, but surround yourself with supportive people.

when a family member is nearing death

137 implied HN points • 30 Oct 22
  1. Spend time with loved ones when they are nearing death
  2. Communicate any regrets or feelings to family members during difficult times
  3. Don't assume there will always be more time with family - make time to connect and avoid future regrets

for your consideration

176 implied HN points • 09 Aug 22
  1. The post is about hand writing things.
  2. The author is Valerie.
  3. There's an option for a 7-day free trial to read more posts.
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Against Derpiness

196 implied HN points • 02 Jul 22
  1. Be more intentional in day-to-day life to avoid unnecessary risks and expenses.
  2. Chaotic behavior can have its benefits but also come with its costs.
  3. Learn from past experiences to grow and become more mindful in decision-making.

unrelated paragraphs on the meaning of my life

176 implied HN points • 31 Jul 22
  1. Finding meaning makes life more enjoyable.
  2. Comparing yourself to others leads to dissatisfaction.
  3. Take control of your own happiness and fulfillment.

my anxious emo past selves

117 implied HN points • 20 Nov 22
  1. Struggling with anxiety in the past but improved since moving to Austin
  2. Reflecting on past selves and intentionally keeping a distance from that anxious self
  3. Acknowledging growth and giving advice to past selves about finding the good in the present

grimace and bear it

157 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
  1. The post discusses the theme of 'grimace and bear it'
  2. It focuses on adulthood
  3. The reader is encouraged to subscribe for a 7-day free trial

MAGIC WORDS TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

176 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
  1. Using polite language like 'thanks' even when declining
  2. Setting boundaries respectfully by saying 'I'm pretty swamped at the moment'
  3. Being clear and direct when saying 'No thanks' or 'I'm not interested'

the endless rabbit hole of denial

117 implied HN points • 13 Nov 22
  1. The post discusses feeling bothered by Sam Bankman-Fraud and the author's mom.
  2. The content behind the paywall is considered edgy and available only to paid subscribers.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe for a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives.

My Career Crisis Party at Harvard

255 implied HN points • 06 Mar 22
  1. Discussing a career crisis with undergrads can be challenging.
  2. Gen Z may prioritize pizza over reading books.
  3. Embracing uncertainty and trying new things is valuable.

on not giving up on myself

176 implied HN points • 12 Jul 22
  1. It's important to keep trying, even when things get tough.
  2. Don't give up on yourself, even if you feel like quitting.
  3. Committing and showing up for yourself is a key aspect of personal growth.

my very boring day

157 implied HN points • 07 Aug 22
  1. Valerie finds significance in slow, meandering days.
  2. She enjoys the simple pleasures of her day like eating a kiwi on the balcony.
  3. Valerie appreciates savoring the slow passage of time before the workweek rushes in.

please be nice to me

157 implied HN points • 26 Jul 22
  1. The post is about being nice to someone named Valerie.
  2. Valerie is offering a free 7-day trial to read the full post archives.
  3. Paid subscribers can sign in to access the content.

2021 Year in Review

255 implied HN points • 28 Jan 22
  1. The post is a 2021 Year in Review
  2. The focus is on sharing three bullet points at a time
  3. Subscription required for full access to the post archives

some shameless asks I've made

176 implied HN points • 09 Jun 22
  1. The author shares experiences of being both bold and timid in asking for things
  2. The author talks about asking people out on a date and facing rejection
  3. The author describes reaching out to interesting individuals, like inviting Martin Shkreli to an event, and being open to both acceptance and rejection

My Practical Reason for Meditating

196 implied HN points • 25 Apr 22
  1. Meditation helps in facing fears and insecurities.
  2. Through meditation, you can discover who you can be if you're a little braver now.
  3. Meditation can provide courage to pursue passions and be okay with failing.

my favorite podcast

137 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
  1. The Pathless Path Podcast by Paul Millerd provides deep, honest conversations about work and life.
  2. Episodes share unique experiences, like navigating tensions with Asian parents and embracing nonlinear paths.
  3. Listeners appreciate the authenticity and vulnerability of the guests on the podcast.

ways i beat myself up recently

137 implied HN points • 06 Aug 22
  1. Overcoming anxiety can lead to personal growth and improvements
  2. Don't let comparisons with others bring you down
  3. Focusing on self-worth without seeking external validation is important

“maybe you should be more organized”

176 implied HN points • 12 May 22
  1. The cost of being messy may not seem high until something important gets damaged.
  2. Sometimes, we need a significant event to prompt us to change our habits.
  3. Being organized can prevent accidents and mishaps in daily life.

e x h a u s t i o n

137 implied HN points • 02 Aug 22
  1. The post is titled 'exhaustion'.
  2. It was shared on Valerie's Substack newsletter portal.
  3. There is an option to start a 7-day free trial to access more content.

don't believe everything you think

157 implied HN points • 02 Jun 22
  1. Don't believe everything you think
  2. Exercising for 20 minutes or completing tasks you avoid isn't as bad as you think
  3. Discipline is important for personal growth and well-being

how to be at war with yourself

98 implied HN points • 22 Oct 22
  1. The author shares a personal experience about struggling with work hours.
  2. Seeking help from HR or higher management can help with work-related issues.
  3. It's okay to ask for support when feeling overwhelmed at work.

go to fogo de chao

157 implied HN points • 16 May 22
  1. Fogo de Chao is an all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse with high-quality and affordable meat options
  2. Consider going during lunch hours for better value
  3. Focus on beef and lamb cuts, specify your preferences, and bring friends for a great dining experience

Are you there, God?

117 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
  1. Valerie is feeling a desire for more meaningful writing
  2. She is becoming impatient with her current writing style
  3. Valerie is looking forward to her next writing project

it takes too much energy to do anything at all

157 implied HN points • 14 Apr 22
  1. It takes a lot of energy to engage in activities we care about.
  2. Facing internal and external obstacles can make it challenging to work on personal projects.
  3. Acknowledging the difficulty in taking action can, paradoxically, fuel the determination to keep going.

On not being a Strategic, Successful Slytherin

58 implied HN points • 11 Dec 22
  1. The post discusses not being a strategic and successful Slytherin.
  2. The author talks about the struggles of adulting and professional growth.
  3. To read more, a paid subscription or a 7-day free trial is needed.

i give you permission to complain more

117 implied HN points • 09 May 22
  1. It's okay to complain and vent about tasks you dislike
  2. Acknowledging your true feelings can make doing tasks more bearable
  3. Giving yourself permission to complain can be a way to release stress and build connections

WRITE WHAT’S REAL!

58 implied HN points • 26 Nov 22
  1. The post discusses a trick for improving bad writing
  2. There is a paywall to access the full post
  3. A 7-day free trial is offered to access the full post archives

Welcome, Val's Super Pals!

58 implied HN points • 23 Oct 22
  1. Valerie introduced Valerie's Vault TM for her paid subscribers.
  2. Valerie aims to share interesting writing that may not meet strict standards.
  3. Paid subscribers can access Valerie's writing and give feedback on what should be prioritized.

val's pals now has paid subscriptions!

58 implied HN points • 17 Oct 22
  1. Val's Pals now offers paid subscriptions for exclusive content.
  2. Paid subscriptions enable Valerie to share edgier content and receive support for her writing.
  3. Readers can suggest topics for Valerie to write about in her upcoming posts.

host an organ eating party

78 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
  1. The writer hosted an organ eating party with a friend
  2. They spent weeks preparing for the party with sourcing meats and coordinating
  3. The event was a success, with guests enjoying unique dishes like heart and duck tongue

I HATE EXERCISING

58 implied HN points • 27 Jul 22
  1. The author hates exercising but found running surprisingly great when done slowly while chatting with a friend.
  2. The author seeks fun and low-effort ways to exercise outdoors in 15 minutes or less.
  3. Subscribing to the author's newsletter can also support them.

DON'T PRESS THE BUTTON

58 implied HN points • 22 May 22
  1. Don't press the button.
  2. Don't wonder if this is reverse psychology.
  3. Don't spend time doing things that matter.

The Point Where Everything Goes to Shit (and How to Avoid Complete and Utter Misery)

58 implied HN points • 06 Apr 22
  1. Take time to intentionally relax and chill out to avoid hitting rock bottom emotionally.
  2. Create a list of activities that make you happy and calm, then do them regularly.
  3. Recognize and accept your tendencies towards seeking out intense emotions, but strive to approach them with kindness and awareness.

Coming soon

58 implied HN points • 28 Jan 22
  1. Val's Pals newsletter is coming soon
  2. The newsletter is about making friends, but requires a subscription
  3. The newsletter can be followed on valspals.substack.com