The hottest Personal Experience Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Travel Topics

Open Thread 367

Astral Codex Ten • 6607 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Experience
  1. People can discuss anything they want in the open thread. It's a space for questions and random thoughts.
  2. Ayahuasca can have very different effects on people, with some reporting very negative experiences.
  3. Most content in the community is free, but there are subscription options for some exclusive materials.

NEVER. AGAIN.

COVID Reason • 3588 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Experience
  1. The author expresses frustration with COVID protocols during a family tragedy.
  2. They were angered by the restrictions and lack of compassion from various institutions.
  3. The author vows to never comply with such restrictions again.

Spin the Bottle, Roll the Dice

Seven Senses • 799 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Experience
  1. Using randomness in your adventures can make them more exciting. By spinning a bottle and rolling dice, you can discover new places that you might not have chosen otherwise.
  2. You don’t need to travel far to have a memorable day out. A local adventure can be just as fulfilling when approached with open-mindedness and curiosity.
  3. Every encounter can add meaning to your day. Whether it's a chat with a local or visiting unique spots, these moments can contribute to an overall magical experience.
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The Night Watch.

Breaking the News • 1988 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Experience
  1. Some people prefer to keep their experiences private, while others are more open about what they're going through. Everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to sharing personal experiences.
  2. Dealing with the aftereffects of COVID-19 can be tough, especially when it comes to sleep issues. It's important to learn from each other's experiences to navigate these challenges.
  3. There are many strategies for improving sleep, and trying different methods might help. Everyone's journey to better sleep can be different, so sharing what works can be really helpful.

Where Writing Comes From

Castalia • 679 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
📚 Literature Personal Experience
  1. Writing comes from different sources like imagination, memory, and research. Each source gives a unique flavor to the writing.
  2. Writing can also be reactive or projected, where emotions or empathy shape what we create. These types can feel very honest but may lack depth over time.
  3. To improve our writing, we should tap into our imagination more. By exploring different sources and types of writing, we can express ourselves in richer ways.

TEETH

Microanimism • 159 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Experience
  1. Teeth can be intriguing and complex, with a unique texture and sensation that changes over time.
  2. Neglecting dental hygiene can lead to curious observations about plaque growth and mouth bacteria.
  3. The body's physiological responses, like immune reactions, can be both fascinating and uncomfortable to experience.

Five Weeks Writing on a Boat

The Fairest Writer • 139 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📚 Literature Personal Experience
  1. Changing your writing space can really boost your creativity. Working in a cozy place like a boat helped focus on detailed work.
  2. Residencies like the Leighton Independent Residency provide a mix of independence and community. You can choose when to interact with others while still enjoying social moments.
  3. Being in a stunning natural environment, like Banff National Park, adds to the experience. Hiking and seeing wildlife adds a nice break from writing.

Seed Oil Summary

The Heart Attack Diet • 199 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Experience
  1. There are reasons to be suspicious about seed oils, with personal experience playing a role in shaping opinions.
  2. Being cautious about consuming chemicals not naturally found in food is a valid approach for health.
  3. Personal experimentation and observation can provide valuable insights into the effects of dietary choices.

My Smartphone Was Ruining My Life. So I Quit.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 936 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Experience
  1. Social media can create a false sense of connection, making people feel isolated even with many followers. It's easy to focus on appearances rather than real relationships.
  2. Taking a break from smartphones and social media can be liberating. Disconnecting can help you find clarity and happiness away from constant online pressures.
  3. Personal well-being should come first. Prioritizing mental health over online validation is important for a fulfilling life.

To the Pacific and back

Wait! Just Listen • 393 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🏝 Travel Personal Experience
  1. The beauty of Papua New Guinea's natural landscape is striking, even amidst challenges.
  2. Communities in Papua New Guinea have a deep connection to the land, transcending material ownership.
  3. Regardless of location or circumstances, the universal human longing for respect and validation is evident.

The Frontier Psychiatrists Appear on The Soft White Underbelly

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 196 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Experience
  1. The Frontier Psychiatrists were featured on The Soft White Underbelly with discussions on novel depression treatments.
  2. The interview quickly garnered over 6,000 views within a few hours of being launched on a Sunday.
  3. Topics covered in the interview included accelerated TMS, fMRI guided neuromodulation, bipolar depression, and more.

Little Fort

Splattern • 159 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Personal Experience
  1. Extreme winter communities tend to bond closely because they rely on each other for survival. Helping one another becomes necessary in harsh conditions.
  2. Acts of kindness can come unexpectedly, as shown by Judi inviting someone for a warm meal and a place to stay. It's nice to see people open their homes to others.
  3. We all have a responsibility to help those in need. There are easy ways to get involved and make a difference in our communities.

Happy Mother's Day, Dear Writing Moms

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 439 implied HN points • 14 May 23
📚 Literature Personal Experience
  1. Writing mothers balance many responsibilities, often finding time to write in between their daily tasks and caring for their children. They use whatever tools are available to express their creativity, showing great dedication.
  2. The experiences of motherhood deeply influence their writing, adding emotion and authenticity to their stories. Their children’s lives and milestones inspire the narratives they create.
  3. Despite the challenges of balancing writing and motherhood, these women find strength and fulfillment in both roles. Their struggles shape their writing, making it more relatable and impactful for readers.

First-class asshole

Situation Normal • 104 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🏝 Travel Personal Experience
  1. Traveling can lead to unexpected upgrades, like moving to first class, which can change your perspective on the whole experience. It's funny how a little luxury can make someone feel special.
  2. Being treated like royalty can sometimes make you act entitled, even if you were just another passenger before. It’s easy to let a good experience go to your head.
  3. Famous people can get special treatment that not everyone understands, leading to jealousy or annoyance. You never know who you might be sitting next to on a flight!

Dave

Nice Try • 319 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Experience
  1. Dave worked at a grocery store and believed he could heal people through faith. He started giving 'healings' to women but was not as successful with men.
  2. His girlfriend became seriously ill because he didn't let her get medical help, believing his powers were enough.
  3. Thankfully, a wise co-worker advised him to take her to a doctor, and that saved her life, showing that sometimes real help comes from professionals, not just faith.

Surprise pass

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Personal Experience
  1. It was extremely cold at night, leading to difficulties in sleeping and some emotional moments remembering a beloved pet.
  2. The author had a surprising encounter with a ski expert who turned out to be their favorite ski author, leading to valuable information about local skiing.
  3. The author plans to explore Kootenay National Park next and values the experience of skiing in the backcountry.

The Fabric of Reality Seemed To Be Coming Apart [Changa]

The Drug Users Bible • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Experience
  1. Changa is a blend that includes DMT and an MAOI, which makes DMT effects longer-lasting and more coherent. It's important to use it safely and to follow precautions to avoid dangerous interactions.
  2. Users often experience vibrant visuals and feelings of being in a different realm, with the ability to control their level of engagement during the trip.
  3. After the experience, people may feel relaxed but could also have physical side effects like headaches and mental fatigue, which are common with MAOIs.

Examining my (unhealthy) obsession with true crime

The Shift With Sam Baker • 99 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Experience
  1. The author reflects on their fascination with true crime, which started at a young age and was influenced by real-life cases like the disappearance of Genette Tate.
  2. The author's obsession with true crime led to a fear and paranoia, especially fueled by notorious cases like the Yorkshire Ripper and other high-profile crimes in the late 70s.
  3. The lasting impact of these true crime stories led to the author developing nighttime rituals and a constant awareness of personal safety.

The Same Week Eli Lilly Lost $15 Billion from One Tweet, I Nearly Flew to Paris to Buy Drugs

Ladyparts • 219 implied HN points • 16 Nov 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Experience
  1. The cost of prescription drugs in America can be exorbitant, but some drugs are becoming more affordable as they go generic.
  2. The power of social media and activism was demonstrated when a tweet led to a significant financial loss for a pharmaceutical company.
  3. Exploring alternative options for buying prescription drugs can sometimes lead to more affordable prices, such as considering purchasing them from other countries.

Malaria

backstory • 339 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Experience
  1. The world's first malaria vaccine program started in Cameroon, marking a health revolution for Africa.
  2. The significance and impact of experiencing malaria firsthand in Africa, highlighting the challenges and realities of the disease.
  3. The importance of access to medical care and the different healthcare experiences faced in various regions, from experiences in Africa to a reflection on the British NHS.

Not coming

Holly Elmore • 39 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Experience
  1. The author discusses anorgasmia, a condition where individuals do not experience orgasms.
  2. Approximately 7-10% of women have primary anorgasmia, based on sexual function surveys.
  3. The author feels content without orgasms and believes knowing about orgasms caused feelings of deficiency.

Good Luck / episode five

Nice Try • 39 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Experience
  1. Memories from childhood often stand out for their emotional impact. A birthday party moment can create lasting feelings of love and joy.
  2. People can have very early memories that stick with them, like seeing snow for the first time, even if it involves funny situations with pets.
  3. The way we remember things can be influenced by our feelings and imagination, leading to unique and sometimes questionable stories about our past.

On Depression and the Blues

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 19 Nov 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Experience
  1. The common belief that depression is just a chemical imbalance is being challenged. Many researchers say we need to look at depression in a more complete way, not just based on brain chemistry.
  2. People often divide themselves into those with serious depression and those without it, but this view is changing. Everyone can experience sad feelings or depression at some point in their lives.
  3. During tough times, like the pandemic, many people felt depressed, showing that mental health struggles are universal. We can understand depression as a part of life rather than a lifelong condition.

Diary #3

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
📚 Literature Personal Experience
  1. Longevity literacy is important for understanding how long one might live after retirement, especially crucial for women who tend to live longer.
  2. Taking time for rest and reflection, like during winter, can lead to deep thinking and planning for the future.
  3. Reflecting on experiences and clearing one's mind can bring a sense of relief and renewal, allowing for fresh perspectives.

It's All Relative

Passing Time • 234 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Experience
  1. Normal is relative and depends on what we compare it to.
  2. Our social circles heavily influence what we consider normal.
  3. Comparing ourselves to others can be harmful; diversity of experiences is worth celebrating.

LiveBlogging a Pizza in the Cause of n=1 Science

The Heart Attack Diet • 39 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🍲 Food & Drink Personal Experience
  1. The author conducted an experiment by live-blogging the process of eating a pizza to observe its effects on their energy levels.
  2. Eating pizza seemed to cause temporary effects like eye strain and mental fatigue, but overall, the author felt energetic and productive after the meal.
  3. The author concluded that their experience with carbs causing drowsiness was likely a transient issue, noting that pizza served as good fuel for their writing.

Quick update: I know I haven't posted in a few days - I have a good excuse. I had surgery last Friday

Unreported Truths • 88 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Experience
  1. Back surgery should be carefully considered, especially for issues like foot drops, and timing is crucial for optimal results
  2. Medical decisions can be complex and involve balancing risks and benefits, especially when it comes to surgery
  3. Health insurance and administrative delays can impact timely medical interventions

Start the week #84

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Experience
  1. Modesty isn't the same as being jealous of others' success. It’s okay to celebrate achievements without feeling bad about it.
  2. People often react differently when you share news of success, especially in different cultures. Americans can be more supportive, while some in England might be less encouraging.
  3. Feeling overwhelmed by constant bragging can make someone unsubscribe or mute others on social media. It's fine to want a balance and appreciate modesty in sharing achievements.

A personal note 🕯️🎄🧸

Hothouse // Solutions • 4 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Personal Experience
  1. Natural disasters, like earthquakes, can have lasting impacts on our health and well-being. It's important to realize how these events can affect our daily lives, even after the shaking stops.
  2. Climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events affecting many people. Community support will be crucial as we face these challenges together.
  3. To help organizations like Hothouse thrive, supporting them on days like Giving Tuesday is vital. Your contributions help keep important journalism alive and drive conversations about climate solutions.

Why mental illness remains more complex than we may think

Theory Matters • 3 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Experience
  1. Mental illness is more complicated than just being sick. It's shaped by social and cultural factors, not just medical ones.
  2. Long stays in mental health facilities can create comfort in being seen as 'ill.' This can make it hard for some people to seek recovery and explore their true selves.
  3. Labels like 'mental health' can feel safe for some but can also trap people. They may limit how we see ourselves and our potential.

My Experience With Vegetarianism — Updated With New Reflections (2013)

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jun 13
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Experience
  1. The author shares their personal journey of transitioning from vegetarianism to incorporating high-quality animal foods for improved physical and mental health.
  2. The author explains their reasons for becoming a vegetarian, the struggles faced on a vegan diet, and the significant health improvements after reintroducing animal products rich in fat-soluble vitamins.
  3. There are potential health risks associated with vegetarian and vegan diets, including nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin B12 and zinc, which may lead to dental decay and mental health issues. Incorporating nutrient-dense animal foods can help address these deficiencies.

Travelling on Sept 11, 2001

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 13
🏝 Travel Personal Experience
  1. The author's travel experience on September 11, 2001 was dramatically affected by the terrorist attacks, leading to unexpected disruptions and unprecedented experiences.
  2. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, the author witnessed the sense of solidarity and peace among people in the United States during that challenging time.
  3. The lasting impact of the author's journey is encapsulated in the entry stamp on their passport dated September 11, 2001, a poignant reminder of a significant moment in history.