The hottest Personal Growth Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Is it revolutionary to leave a marriage?

Maybe Baby • 602 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Marriage Relationships Personal Growth Social Commentary
  1. Leaving a marriage can be seen as a bold and revolutionary act. It often requires courage and self-reflection.
  2. Not every breakup is the answer for everyone, but some people can find inspiration from those who share their experiences.
  3. There can be practical advice for those considering a breakup, which may help them feel supported in their decision.

Grandiose Narcissism, Stamina, Claremont McKenna College

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 890 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Education Social Issues Personal Growth Literature
  1. Praising kids too much can actually lead to grandiose narcissism instead of healthy self-esteem. It's better to encourage them to develop confidence in a balanced way.
  2. Many young men are not working and rely on government help. Increased screen time, especially from video games and porn, is a big part of why they're working less.
  3. Surprisingly, getting intimate with a regulated sex worker in Nevada may be safer from STIs than being with an average young woman in San Antonio.

The alms round

Silentium • 59 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Community Support Personal Growth Mindfulness
  1. The writer is asking for support to help cover the costs of running their work, including internet and equipment, as they prepare to move to a new location.
  2. They have experienced unexpected financial strains due to the relocation and the need for a new internet setup, among other things.
  3. The writer encourages readers to consider supporting their work through subscriptions, donations, or participating in their courses, emphasizing that even small contributions are appreciated.

An open letter to 56 people I know

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 4473 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Friendship Self-reflection Personal Growth Communication
  1. It's important to recognize and appreciate the goodness in yourself, even if it's hard to see. Everyone has value, and it's essential to remind ourselves of that.
  2. Friendship can deeply impact our lives, providing support during tough times and helping us grow. A genuine connection can make us feel normal and understood.
  3. We often admire others for their unique talents and perspectives, which might inspire us to reflect on our strengths and insecurities. It's great to have people in our lives who challenge and motivate us.

Open Thread: What are your most helpful ideas for difficult times?

Everything Is Amazing • 1642 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Life Advice Self-care Personal Growth Community support
  1. Most people are generally good, and if they're not, it's often because they're scared. This helps us understand and forgive others better.
  2. It's important to focus on what you stand for instead of just what you oppose. This creates a positive environment for discussion and teamwork.
  3. When you feel anxious, try doing something physically active. It can help clear your mind and improve your mood.
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Becoming prayer

Silentium • 659 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Prayer Silence Meditation Spiritual Practices Personal Growth
  1. Being in silence can help deepen our connection to prayer. It's a good way to focus and reflect on our thoughts.
  2. Taking time for quiet moments can lead to peace and clarity in our lives. It's worth making it a regular practice.
  3. Inviting silence into our daily routine can transform how we think and feel. It allows us to slow down and appreciate the moment.

Dreaming About Going Back to the Land? I Did It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 9993 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Nature Personal Growth Education Food
  1. Living on a farm brings a deep understanding of nature's realities. It's a reminder that not everything can be controlled, like waiting for hens to lay eggs.
  2. The transition from city life to a rural lifestyle can be challenging and unexpected. It often requires tough decisions, like dealing with the life and death of animals.
  3. Nature teaches valuable life lessons that many people might overlook in a digital age. Embracing these lessons can lead to personal growth and a reevaluation of what really matters in life.

Depressing, Not Depressed

Situation Normal • 128 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Therapy Depression Personal Growth Self-help
  1. There's a big difference between feeling depressed by what's happening around us and actually being depressed. You can be upset about the news but still feel okay inside.
  2. Taking care of your mental health is important. Things like therapy, medication, and yoga can help you feel stronger and more resilient.
  3. It's possible to face dark times and still come out okay. You can experience tough moments without letting them define how you feel about yourself.

relationship puzzles

bookbear express • 423 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Communication Self-help Personal Growth Emotional Intelligence
  1. Love can be found in imperfect partners, and it's okay for no one to meet all your needs. Relationships can look different for everyone, and being descriptive rather than judgmental can help you support your friends better.
  2. Feelings can change quickly, and it's important to give yourself grace when you're feeling vulnerable or anxious. Instead of overthinking, try acknowledging your emotions and give yourself some time to process them.
  3. Communicating directly about how someone makes you feel can help ease your anxiety. It's okay to express your needs and concerns in relationships, as everyone can feel clingy or needy sometimes.

Decide You Are Not Done

The American Peasant • 2914 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Sports Lifestyle Education Personal Growth
  1. When you want to improve a skill, don't just stop at what's easy. Keep going to push your limits, like continuing to practice a sport even if you don't enjoy it.
  2. Focusing on a specific task for longer can lead to better results. Working longer on the same project can help you learn more and improve your work.
  3. Practicing in a challenging way, instead of just going through the motions, makes a difference. Trying hard things can lead to great improvements, even if it feels frustrating at times.

Seven Years of Lovely LaJuan

Glenn Loury • 2579 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Marriage Personal Growth Emotional Expression Life reflections
  1. Marriage can grow and deepen over time, just like how the love shared between partners can become stronger with each passing year.
  2. It's important to cherish and appreciate your partner, recognizing the unique qualities that make them special.
  3. Commitment in a relationship means treating each other as equals and always showing love and respect.

From “walking in the desert” to Escaping Flatland

Building the Builders • 2 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Ambition Creativity Writing Personal Growth
  1. Raising your ambition starts with believing in yourself. When you realize you can do more than you think, it opens up new possibilities in all areas of life.
  2. Taking time for self-exploration can boost your creativity. Allowing yourself to write freely without judgment can help overcome writer's block.
  3. Pursuing your goals requires a balance between fun and responsibility. Setting aside time for both exploration and focused work helps you stay productive while enjoying the process.

When I say I believe in God

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 347 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Belief Religion Spirituality Personal Growth Self-discovery
  1. Believing in God can start suddenly and unexpectedly, sometimes triggered by self-discovery moments. It’s a personal journey that can evolve over time.
  2. Understanding oneself better, like through personality tests, can lead to deeper realizations about life and beliefs. Self-awareness is key to personal growth.
  3. Explaining spiritual beliefs can be challenging, as they are often complex and deeply personal. Everyone's experience with faith is unique.

A running doc with my little thoughts

Both Are True • 49 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Writing Communication Personal Growth Creativity Experimentation
  1. Writing for an audience can improve your ideas and make them more engaging. It helps you see your thoughts in a different light.
  2. Keeping a log of your thoughts can be a great way to capture ideas that may turn into bigger projects later on.
  3. Sharing your ideas in a way that others can interact with can lead to interesting discussions and feedback.

Choosing My Glasses

Holly’s Newsletter • 1428 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Mental health Self-Expression Life experiences
  1. Negativity bias means we often focus more on bad experiences than good ones. It's important to notice when we're doing this and try to look for the positives instead.
  2. Working on overcoming negativity bias can be tough, but it starts with accepting that we have it. Sharing good moments with others can help shift our focus to the positive.
  3. Finding supportive professionals in areas like therapy or training can make a big difference. It’s nice to meet people who understand our fears and can guide us through challenging experiences.

40 Thoughts On Turning 40 | #287

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 489 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Relationships Parenting
  1. Making big life changes can be really scary, but they often lead to positive outcomes. It's never too early to take risks and explore what truly makes you happy.
  2. Finding work that you love can take time, but it's worth the effort. Good work should feel fulfilling not just now, but also when you look back on it.
  3. Parenting is tough and full of surprises, but it's also incredibly rewarding. It reminds you to embrace joy, learn from your children, and focus on what's really important in life.

worldbuilding

bookbear express • 396 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Dating Relationships Personal Growth Writing Community
  1. Being a matchmaker can be very intense, mixing excitement with a lot of pressure. It's about connecting people and making a real difference in their lives.
  2. The process of matchmaking requires understanding people's personalities and emotions deeply. It can feel overwhelming, but these feelings can also be a strength in this work.
  3. Hosting events, like a Valentine's party, can be fun but also nerve-wracking. It's about creating opportunities for people to meet and connect, which feels rewarding and special.

In-person event, an interview, a personal note and a political comment

Charles Eisenstein • 6 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Storytelling Community Technology impact Political Commentary
  1. Take breaks for mental and physical health. Rest is really important to recharge and enjoy life.
  2. Many people feel torn between different political views. It's valuable to understand various perspectives without choosing sides.
  3. There's a unique gathering happening at the Omega Institute focused on a new and ancient story. It blends different financial contributions to make it accessible for everyone.

A well-lived life means wasting some time

Wondering Freely • 1468 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mindfulness Stoicism Personal Growth
  1. It's okay to waste some time in life. Taking things slow can actually help you enjoy life more than just rushing through every moment.
  2. Living life to the fullest doesn't mean doing everything on a checklist. Sometimes, just relaxing and being yourself is more fulfilling.
  3. Feeling guilty for not being constantly productive is normal, but learning to rest and take breaks is important for your happiness.

some thoughts on friendship

bookbear express • 770 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Friendship Relationships Personal Growth Social Dynamics Communication
  1. True friendship can feel like a marriage, taking time to develop and evolve. It's important to appreciate the journey of getting to know each other deeply over the years.
  2. Making friends is a lot like dating, with excitement and a bit of uncertainty. It takes time to figure out the friendship dynamics and sometimes requires patience to see if it grows.
  3. Friendship can be asymmetrical; one person may want more closeness than the other. It's okay to feel hurt by this, but it's also essential to recognize that not all friendships will be balanced.

why it's impossible to finish anything, especially the good things

Both Are True • 245 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📚 Literature Essays Writing Creativity Parenting Personal Growth
  1. Distractions often keep us from finishing our ideas. When we start something, everyday things like parenting or chores can pull us away.
  2. The closer we get to completing a project, the more we might doubt its worth. It's common to think an idea isn't good enough as we work on it.
  3. Acknowledging our fears about sharing finished work is tough, but creating and putting it out there is essential. We have to be brave and share our creations, no matter the fear.

What I'm Thankful For

Freddie deBoer • 10643 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Thanksgiving Family Mental health Media Personal Growth Food
  1. Being thankful for loved ones is essential. Family and friends provide support in tough times.
  2. Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday because it focuses on gratitude without the stress of gift-giving. It’s a time to relax and enjoy good food and company.
  3. Mental health medications can be life-saving. They have helped many people rebuild their lives, despite some negative opinions about them.

How and What Are You Learning as an Adult?

Culture Study • 1756 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Education Social Issues Cultural Studies
  1. Learning as an adult is important for personal growth. It helps you understand yourself and the world better.
  2. There are many ways to learn, including asking questions and engaging with others. Conversations with diverse people can offer new insights.
  3. Embracing continuous learning can lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life. It's never too late to start learning something new.

Want to Be Happier? Use These Five Charts to Improve Your Life.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2796 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Growth Wellbeing Happiness
  1. Happiness comes from many types of wealth, not just money. You should focus on time, social connections, mental well-being, and physical health too.
  2. Reflect on the time you have left with loved ones. Understanding this can help you prioritize your time and who you spend it with.
  3. There's always something more to chase in life, like a bigger boat. Instead of striving for what society tells you to want, figure out what truly matters to you.

My mind transformed completely, and there were some tradeoffs

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 5472 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Awakening Consciousness Mindfulness Personal Growth
  1. Meditation can change your way of seeing the world. It makes past and future thoughts feel lighter, almost like they are just wispy thoughts instead of heavy burdens.
  2. Practicing meditation often feels like having a hobby that others don’t understand or appreciate. You may see benefits in your life, but sharing that with others can be tricky because many might not be ready to commit to it.
  3. Even after lots of meditation, you might still experience normal emotional struggles. You can feel calm and connected one moment and then get upset over something small, which can be confusing and humbling.

Mental bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 1258 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health Personal Growth Social Commentary Cultural critique
  1. The word 'autism' has lost its meaning and can refer to many unrelated conditions or traits, making it confusing for people to understand what it really means.
  2. People can change their beliefs over time, especially about deep, personal topics, often through therapy and self-reflection.
  3. Normal, decent people might unknowingly support harmful behaviors because they assume everyone has good intentions, which makes them vulnerable to manipulation.

The Self Reflection Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1870 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Personal Growth Mindfulness Psychology Coaching
  1. Reflecting on your past can help you understand how you've changed and what you're proud of. It's a chance to see what you've learned and what you want to leave behind.
  2. Thinking about your present helps you identify your needs and what's important in your life. It prompts you to evaluate your daily habits and relationships.
  3. Looking toward the future encourages you to think about your goals and what success means to you. It's about planning the changes you want to make and how to grow into your best self.

Under the Old Ginkgo

Tech and Tea • 476 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Nature Personal Growth Family Culinary Tradition
  1. The ginkgo tree in the backyard, despite being a nuisance with its smelly fruit, holds deep meaning and connection for the family. It represents the changing seasons and has special memories tied to it.
  2. Being 'useless' can actually mean thriving on your own terms. Instead of chasing traditional success, it's okay to embrace your unique path and focus on what really matters to you.
  3. You don’t have to scale and fit into conventional molds. Finding a small, appreciative audience for your personal gifts can be just as fulfilling as chasing big success.

when the youtube motivational videos stop working

Both Are True • 226 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Motivation Film Personal Growth Fitness Psychology
  1. Motivational videos can inspire workouts, but they may lose their impact over time. Sometimes you need something deeper, like an emotional connection to a story.
  2. True fulfillment comes from within, not from external achievements or recognition. It's important to know that your self-worth isn't defined by likes, numbers, or others' opinions.
  3. Feeling empty or seeking validation is normal. It's helpful to find healthy ways to express emotions, like writing or working out, instead of relying on outside sources for happiness.

Be It Resolved!

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2156 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Creative Writing Relationships Self-reflection Mindfulness
  1. Make time to appreciate the beautiful things around you every day. It can really lift your spirits and change your perspective.
  2. Focus on writing more deeply and ambitiously. Challenge yourself to explore new forms of writing you haven't tried before.
  3. Invest in your friendships by regularly reaching out and making plans. Being a good friend can bring joy to both you and those you care about.

Humanity Must Awaken From The Dream Of Separation

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2239 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Enlightenment Compassion Personal Growth Philosophy
  1. Many people think they are separate from others and the world, which causes a lot of suffering. We feel this even though our true nature isn't separate; it's just a belief we hold.
  2. We create problems as a society because we compete instead of collaborate. This competition leads to issues like poverty and war.
  3. If humanity can realize that we are not separate, we can work together and solve many of our biggest challenges. This realization has the potential to change everything for the better.

When I find myself in times of trouble, mother math comes to me

The Intrinsic Perspective • 9701 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Life Advice Mental health Statistics Personal Growth Complex Systems
  1. Life has ups and downs, and problems often come in clusters. It's normal to feel overwhelmed when things go wrong.
  2. When you're at a low point, remember that life is like a rollercoaster with many twists and turns. Things often improve after tough times.
  3. Statistically, when you feel at your worst, it might actually be the moment before things start to get better. Hang in there!

Five Advanced Meditation Techniques (also, drugs)

Superb Owl • 4396 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Meditation Mental health Personal Growth Mindfulness Self-Improvement
  1. Experimenting with different meditation techniques can help if you're feeling stuck. Trying new methods like kasina or mirror gazing can bring fresh perspectives and experiences.
  2. Pain can be a powerful focus during meditation. Instead of avoiding discomfort, you can lean into it to gain better awareness and understanding of your sensations.
  3. Using substances like cannabis or psychedelics may enhance meditation experiences, but it's important to be cautious and not become overly dependent on them.

if you drink enough coffee you start peeing coffee

Both Are True • 155 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting Writing Mental health Creativity Personal Growth
  1. It's okay to write about simple, everyday things, like kids or pets. Those topics can hold deep meaning, even if they seem easy.
  2. Children can remind us of the joy and love in life. They let us see the world differently and embrace our own innocence.
  3. Life doesn't have to be hard or complicated. Sometimes the best ideas come from a place of relaxation and simplicity.

Celebrating wins

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 21 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Athletics Competition Public Speaking Personal Growth
  1. Celebrating your wins helps boost your energy and motivation. It's important to take a moment to enjoy your achievements instead of just focusing on what to improve.
  2. Public speaking can be challenging, but overcoming that fear can lead to great personal growth and satisfaction. It feels rewarding to push through and succeed in something you once dreaded.
  3. Having a positive mindset about your journey can inspire you to keep improving. Working with a coach can help elevate your skills and spread a good message about mental health and performance.

hello anxiety, my old friend

Both Are True • 223 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Anxiety Self-care Personal Growth Emotional Well-being
  1. It's normal to feel anxious while waiting for a response from someone. The uncertainty can make your mind race, imagining different scenarios.
  2. Even though anxiety can feel overwhelming, it's important to remind yourself that things are probably okay. It's just a part of life to face new worries.
  3. Realizing that anxiety may always be there can help you cope with it. Accepting it might make it feel less daunting.

A Year in Sardinia

The Analog Family • 759 implied HN points • 26 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Language Learning Cultural Exchange Travel experiences Personal Growth
  1. Living abroad without smartphones leads to real immersion in the culture and language. It helps you learn and connect deeply with your surroundings.
  2. Feeling lost and homesick is part of the process, but overcoming these feelings can lead to personal growth and lifelong friendships.
  3. Modern communication tools can make it too easy to escape discomfort instead of fully engaging with new experiences, which may hinder genuine learning.