The hottest Personal Reflection Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

The Social Media Sea Change

Culture Study • 13388 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Technology Use Digital Life Cultural Shifts Personal Reflection
  1. Social media is losing its value for many people. As it becomes less useful, people are realizing they can spend their time in better ways.
  2. Feeling bored isn't necessarily a bad thing; it can lead to real life experiences and personal growth. When we stop distracting ourselves, we can manage time better and feel more in control.
  3. Our privacy is important and valuable. Enjoying moments without sharing them online can make experiences more meaningful and fulfilling.

Oh No! Again

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 2006 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🏝 Travel Travel Writing Travel tips Family Travel Health & Wellness Personal Reflection
  1. Taking a break can be important, especially when life gets overwhelming. It's okay to step back and focus on personal matters and health.
  2. Traveling continuously for a long time can make it feel like an obligation instead of a joy. It's normal to experience burnout even in jobs you love.
  3. It's good to find a balance between work and personal life. Taking time off can help recharge and bring back enthusiasm.

How Do You Fall in Love with the In-Between?

Culture Study • 3654 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Holidays Traditions Family Dynamics Personal Reflection
  1. During the holiday season, routines often get disrupted, creating a feeling of being in limbo. This time can be uncomfortable, but it's also a chance to slow down and just be.
  2. It's easy to fill free time with plans and activities as a way to feel accomplished. However, true rest might mean letting go of the need to constantly do something.
  3. The liminal space we find ourselves in during the holidays can spark reflection. It's a good time to think about what really matters to us and how we want to spend our time, even if that means not making plans at all.

The comfort of drawing Batman

Austin Kleon • 2018 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Creativity Comics Cultural Commentary Personal Reflection
  1. Drawing can be a comforting activity, especially during times of boredom or stress. For some, like the author, drawing familiar characters like Batman brings joy.
  2. Airplane mode can enhance productivity because it eliminates distractions. This can turn a flight into a great opportunity to focus and create.
  3. Comfort work is any creative task you do when you don't know what else to tackle. It's nice to have simple activities, like drawing, to fall back on.

#204: When bad things happen

Maybe Baby • 1279 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Community Disaster Human experience Climate change Personal Reflection
  1. Losing a home in a disaster is more than just losing a building; it can feel like losing your entire world and memories. It's really hard to imagine what that must be like.
  2. When big disasters happen, people often struggle with how to process the pain. It can be confusing to know whether to look closely at the suffering or to step back and avoid it.
  3. Feeling powerless during crises leads to different reactions. Some believe in personal responsibility, while others think a bigger movement is necessary to create real change.
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Rick Stein’s Oddity

Vittles • 490 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Food Media Culinary culture Personal Reflection Culinary History
  1. Rick Stein's cooking shows evoke strong feelings of nostalgia for many, reflecting personal histories tied to food and family. Watching his programs can remind people of their childhood and special memories with loved ones.
  2. Stein represents an old-school style of British cooking, which can sometimes come off as out of touch and patronizing. His remarks, often laced with literary references, may feel elitist or unaware of modern sensibilities.
  3. Despite his flaws, Stein's shows highlight a deep passion for food and culture. His approach to cooking and sharing meals can offer comfort and joy, showing how food connects to home and family.

In praise of David Ackles

Soaring Twenties • 92 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎶 Music Songwriting Cultural impact Music history Personal Reflection
  1. It's good to seek out recommendations from friends instead of relying on algorithms. Friends can introduce you to music and films that you might not find on your own.
  2. Songs can tell powerful stories and change how we see people, like seeing an ex-convict as a human. These stories can influence our empathy and understanding of others.
  3. David Ackles was a talented songwriter who created deep and meaningful songs but never found commercial success. His work inspired many other artists even if he wasn't widely known.

I could write my Magnum Opus but I simply go to bed

Subtle Digressions • 1019 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Personal Reflection Self-discovery Artistic Process Mental health
  1. It's normal to struggle with finding your creative path. Many people feel lost at times, especially when comparing themselves to others who seem successful.
  2. Writing takes time and effort. It's a skill that can be improved with practice, and it's okay to start small and build confidence over time.
  3. Sharing your writing can be scary, but it’s important to embrace vulnerability. Your voice matters, and it can connect with readers in a meaningful way.

Almost everything I've written seems wrong now

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 2302 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Personal Reflection Creative Process Expression
  1. Many writers feel that their past work no longer reflects their current ideas. They might find their old writing overly simplistic or disagreeable.
  2. Personal growth and changing beliefs make it hard to reconcile old writing with new thoughts. It's challenging to explain complex ideas that now contradict previous statements.
  3. Instead of worrying about regrets or how future readers will judge them, writers find peace in seeing their work as an offering. They hope that readers will learn and grow from both the mistakes and successes in their writing.

The Book of Love

Everything Is An Emergency • 2525 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
📚 Literature Memoir Creative Writing Personal Reflection Parenting Grief
  1. The author grapples with how to keep the memory of her deceased husband alive for their newborn daughter. She wants to make him a real part of Athena's life, not just a memory.
  2. Writing serves as a way to confront grief and maintain a connection with the past, helping the author hold onto memories of her husband while also creating new stories with her daughter.
  3. The author reflects on the difficulty of moving forward after loss, balancing the urge to keep her husband's story alive while also accepting that she must let him go in some ways.

Perfectly Round Eggs On A Saturday Afternoon

Soaring Twenties • 146 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Lifestyle Relationships Personal Reflection
  1. The writer enjoys a calm Saturday morning filled with small, loving moments. Waking up slowly and spending time together sets a positive tone for the day.
  2. Cooking is a shared activity that brings them joy, like making perfectly round eggs in the kitchen. This simple task highlights their connection.
  3. They cherish being present with each other, discussing plans for the day and expressing their love. It showcases the importance of quality time in relationships.

2025 recap

Both Are True • 329 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Society Philosophy Art Literature Personal Reflection
  1. Time feels like it moves really fast, especially when we're busy. We often miss the little joys around us because we're too focused on our phones.
  2. Even though life is busy, the special moments we share with others exist outside of time. Those moments, filled with love, can feel infinite.
  3. Life has its ups and downs, and we often joke about it, but it's important to find happiness in the little things. We should appreciate the good stuff that makes life meaningful.

Reflections on Y2K and a Crappy Year on Substack

Textual Variations • 265 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Film History Personal Reflection Humor
  1. Y2K was a big deal back in 1999, with many people fearing that computers would fail and cause chaos. Thankfully, it turned out to be mostly nothing, and it was a weird moment in history.
  2. 2024 was a tough year for many, especially for writers trying to grow their audience on platforms like Substack. It can be hard when things don't go as planned.
  3. Albert Pyun, a low-budget filmmaker, has a director's cut of his 1990 'Captain America' movie that many fans are excited to see. It's a chance to understand his vision better.

Suspended emotion

Disaffected Newsletter • 1538 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🎶 Music Music theory Emotional Expression Personal Reflection
  1. Music can be deeply emotional, and sometimes it can be tough to face those feelings. Taking a break from music during hard times can seem like a way to protect ourselves.
  2. Suspended notes in music create tension and beauty, making songs feel more powerful. This technique helps our hearts connect with the music on a deeper level.
  3. Understanding some music theory can enhance our listening experience. It shows us how sound works and helps us appreciate music more, even if we're not musicians ourselves.

Do good and disappear

Soaring Twenties • 131 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Lifestyle Photography Personal Reflection
  1. It's important to take a break sometimes and reflect on where you're headed. Stopping can help you reset and make better decisions.
  2. Doing good deeds without seeking attention is valuable. You can help others and then quietly move on with your life.
  3. Finding a peaceful, good place to go is worth the search. It's okay if you don't find it right away, as that is part of the journey.

My Greatest Fear (Wrestling with Faith and Fate)

Neckar’s Notes • 180 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spiritual growth Personal Reflection Eastern philosophy
  1. Fear can prevent us from taking action, making us feel stuck. It's important to recognize that running from fear might be what we truly fear.
  2. Finding purpose in life isn't about reaching a destination but about walking a path. Every moment is an opportunity to choose faith over fear.
  3. Being present and expressing gratitude can help us connect with others and find meaning. Each day is a new chance to share and make a difference.

It’s Easy To Love New York When You’re Rich

Sparks from Culture by David Roberts • 1375 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture New York City Personal Reflection Social Class
  1. Childhood environment can deeply influence a person's perspective and attachment to a place.
  2. Living in contrasting environments, like from a luxurious childhood home to a more humble college dorm, can lead to reflections on personal identity and values.
  3. Relationships and life changes can shift priorities and redefine what home and belonging mean to someone.

Pickup Lines

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 133 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social norms Technology impact Human Interaction Philosophy Personal Reflection
  1. Rudeness in daily interactions can lead to interesting conversations about empathy and kindness. When someone behaves poorly, it often sparks curiosity about their reasons and intentions.
  2. Technological progress is clear, but it's important to consider whether we've become more thoughtful and caring as a society. Just knowing more doesn't always mean we are better to each other.
  3. Our understanding of the past can change with new information. Life is about continually learning and revisiting what we thought we knew, which helps shape our connections with others.

The Queen of all Virtues 👑

The Commonplace • 1277 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Virtues Wisdom Spiritual growth Personal Reflection Decision-making
  1. Prudence is the queen of all virtues because it guides our actions and helps us make good decisions.
  2. The four cardinal virtues are prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice, providing a foundation for a moral life.
  3. Cultivating prudence involves thinking, making a choice, and taking action, leading to wise decision-making in everyday life.

On Bubbles and Awkward Silence

Soaring Twenties • 108 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Interaction Human connection Urban life Personal Reflection
  1. Life has a mix of exciting moments and quiet times. The exciting moments are what we remember and what connect us to deeper feelings.
  2. Even in crowded places, people can feel lonely and have awkward silences. However, these moments can lead to real conversations if we ask meaningful questions.
  3. Small, genuine conversations can leave a lasting impact. It doesn't take much to connect with someone on a deeper level, and those connections can give us hope.

I'm not going where you're going

Disaffected Newsletter • 1958 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Views Social Issues Cultural critique Personal Reflection
  1. Losing friends can happen when your views change. When someone undergoes personal growth or changes their beliefs, it can strain relationships.
  2. Some people choose to ignore harsh realities. It's hard to stay friends with those who refuse to see or accept truths you believe are important.
  3. Living in denial affects trust. When friends refuse to acknowledge issues, it can lead to a breakdown in trust and a feeling that you can't stay in the same space anymore.

Bucknell Graduation

Splattern • 179 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🎭️ Culture Social Events Higher education Personal Reflection Family Dynamics Celebration
  1. Seeing the graduation was a surprise. The students really embraced the moment and had a lot of fun, even if it meant pushing their limits.
  2. People often feel uncertain during big life changes, like graduation. This makes them focus more on enjoying the present instead of worrying about the future.
  3. Family gatherings can change over time. It was nice to see everyone getting along and sharing laughs while helping each other, showing how relationships evolve.

Where There's a Will, There's a Way

Ladyparts • 698 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mortality Personal Reflection
  1. Having a will is crucial for planning your affairs, and many people, especially men, avoid thinking about it.
  2. A significant 67% of Americans do not have any estate planning, indicating a widespread lack of preparedness for the inevitable.
  3. Taking steps to create a will and consider your mortality is essential to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out.

Shoot! How To Swear Like a Motherf*cker When Writing Online

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 459 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
📚 Literature Writing Style Communication Humor Personal Reflection
  1. Use swearing sparingly in your writing for maximum impact. If you swear a lot in real life, it can add authenticity to your writing too.
  2. Write like you speak. If cursing feels natural for you, don’t hold back, but make sure it's in line with your personality.
  3. Humor in swearing can lighten the tone. It's more effective when used wisely, so don’t punch down on others.

Happy Thanksgiving

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 419 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Thanksgiving Personal Reflection Local history Conservation
  1. Hope is important during Thanksgiving and we should strive for a just and equitable world.
  2. Nature plays a big role in our lives, whether it's hiking in beautiful places or enjoying the sights and sounds of urban wildlife like coyotes.
  3. It's essential to appreciate the little things around us, like unique plants and animals, and share our experiences with others.

Notes On Thankfulness

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 160 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Philosophy Personal Reflection
  1. Being grateful for the simple things in life, like family and pets, can really brighten our days. It's important to take a moment to appreciate those who walk beside us, both literally and metaphorically.
  2. Finding joy in nature and small moments can help us feel connected and hopeful. Whether it's watching birds or spending time by the water, these experiences can lift our spirits.
  3. Humor and friendship are valuable, especially during tough times. Even in darkness, sharing laughter and support with friends can make a big difference.

Poetry at Midlife

The Reclamation Era • 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.

A dozen summer reads

Austin Kleon • 1258 implied HN points • 27 Sep 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Reading Culture Author insights Personal Reflection
  1. Reading can feel like a guilty pleasure, especially when it takes you away from work. It's nice to enjoy those moments of diving into a good book during the day.
  2. Summer is a great time for reading because there's less guilt about taking a break. The hot weather makes it easier to relax with a book while others are on vacation.
  3. Every book you read contributes to your personal story. The books shape who you are and reflect your interests and experiences.

Books I Read in 2024

From the Desk • 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.

Race Day

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 18 May 24
🎭️ Culture Adventure Storytelling Personal Reflection Travel Running
  1. The author is participating in a 50-mile race on familiar trails, which brings back childhood memories of hiking with their dad. These moments reflect a mix of nostalgia and personal growth.
  2. They are using the race as a chance to think about a future adventure in Africa, aiming to combine running with creating content. This shows a desire to merge physical challenges with creative storytelling.
  3. Inspired by other adventurers, the author plans to undertake an unsupported journey while documenting their experience. Learning from the past, they hope to prepare better and faster for the content side of their adventure.

Scribbling in Long-Handed Oblivion

Variations on a Theme • 119 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Handwriting Personal Reflection Artistic expression
  1. Handwriting with a pen and paper is becoming less common as digital recordkeeping takes over in schools and workplaces.
  2. Small amounts of tension, whether in handwriting or playing an instrument, can greatly affect the quality of output, emphasizing the importance of relaxation and slowing down.
  3. Taking time to slow down, enjoy simple rituals like drinking coffee, and using old-fashioned pen and paper can provide peace and preparedness for whatever the day brings.

The Discomfort of Being Okay

David Spinks' Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-Improvement Mindfulness Personal Reflection Emotional Well-being
  1. It's normal to feel uncomfortable when everything is okay. Sometimes our minds look for problems when there aren't any.
  2. Being okay means accepting that there is nothing to fix or change. This can feel strange, but it’s also a sign of personal growth.
  3. Finding peace in being okay can be a challenge, but it's important work to appreciate moments of contentment.