The hottest Personal Reflection Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The comfort of drawing Batman

Austin Kleon • 2018 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24
🎨 Art & Illustration 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.

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

Subtle Digressions • 1019 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
📚 Literature Personal Reflection
  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.

The Social Media Sea Change

Culture Study • 13388 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture 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.

Suspended emotion

Disaffected Newsletter • 1538 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🎶 Music 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.

NOTICING BLIZZARDS

Entering The Lung • 3105 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Personal Reflection
  1. The author reflects on missing a friend and dealing with grief.
  2. The author enjoys blizzards and finds inspiration in snow-covered landscapes.
  3. The author discusses feelings of anger towards the world and rejects the idea of using pain as a muse in creative work.
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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 Personal Reflection
  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.

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

Culture Study • 3654 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

Ancient Wisdom: Why I Dug Into My Family’s Past

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 899 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Reflection
  1. As people age, they often become more interested in their family history and origins. This curiosity helps them understand their place in the world and the legacy of their ancestors.
  2. Young people tend to focus on their personal lives and future goals, while older individuals reflect on their connections to previous generations.
  3. Living in a culture that values history, like the South, can influence one’s interest in their family background and stories. These narratives shape one's identity and perspective on life.

Hurt feelings and regrets while eating a $300 meal

Sex and the State • 24 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🍲 Food & Drink Personal Reflection
  1. Spending a lot on an experience doesn't stop you from feeling hurt or regretful. A high price can't buy emotional comfort or fix relationship strains.
  2. There's a clear self-awareness that something's wrong, even if it's only partially understood. Recognizing a problem is important but doesn't immediately resolve the pain.
  3. Investing money in an experience or content can raise expectations and make disappointment sharper. Financial cost can complicate how satisfied you feel afterward.

Oh No! Again

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 2006 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🏝 Travel 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.

The Book of Love

Everything Is An Emergency • 2525 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
📚 Literature Personal Reflection
  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.

The Queen of all Virtues 👑

The Commonplace • 1277 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Reflection
  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.

Almost everything I've written seems wrong now

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 2302 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Personal Reflection
  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.

I'm not going where you're going

Disaffected Newsletter • 1958 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

#204: When bad things happen

Maybe Baby • 1279 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture 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.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 546 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Reflection
  1. The weather is nice, especially now that it's summer solstice for the northern hemisphere. It's a great time to enjoy the longer days and warm weather.
  2. There’s an interesting essay about Joan Didion that dives into her life and relationships, highlighting both her ambition and the complexities of being a writer.
  3. This content is meant for paid subscribers, indicating that it's exclusive and may contain more in-depth personal insights and recommendations.

The bliss of the invisible thread

The Pamplet • 7 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🎨 Art & Illustration Personal Reflection
  1. I keep physical notes and objects to connect my past and future selves, and I try to really listen to what’s coming through and let go of old identities.
  2. Eviction and gentrification have repeatedly threatened my artist community, and I’m determined not to let displacement happen again.
  3. I use writing and reflection to figure out cryptic messages from my past self and to stay present with whatever emerges.

Zen and the Art of Bear Spotting

The Abbey of Misrule • 416 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🏝 Travel Personal Reflection
  1. The goats in the trailer park are carefree and relaxed, showing that a simple life can be fulfilling. They teach us that sometimes, just being present and enjoying the moment is enough.
  2. The road trip to Alaska is a journey for adventure and reflection, reminding us of the importance of being on the move and exploring new places. It’s a chance to disconnect and think deeply about life.
  3. Feeling burnt out and overwhelmed is common, and it's important to take a step back to recharge. Learning from nature and simple things can help bring clarity and peace.

Bucknell Graduation

Splattern • 179 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Reflection
  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 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 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 Personal Reflection
  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.

The Life Exchange

The Abbey of Misrule • 206 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🏝 Travel Personal Reflection
  1. Hot springs are a fun and relaxing way to enjoy nature, especially on a holiday like Canada Day.
  2. Driving through deep forests and vast areas can be awe-inspiring and exciting, as there is so much wildlife and mystery around.
  3. The taiga forest has its own unique beauty and ecology, shaped by fire and climate, making it different from tropical rainforests.

Poetry at Midlife

The Reclamation Era • 119 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
📚 Literature Personal Reflection
  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.

Rick Stein’s Oddity

Vittles • 490 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Personal Reflection
  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.

A dozen summer reads

Austin Kleon • 1258 implied HN points • 27 Sep 22
📚 Literature 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.

honoring existence

spencer's paradoxes • 334 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Reflection
  1. The importance of recognizing and appreciating day-to-day moments in life
  2. Struggling with the fear of inadequacy when sharing personal observations through writing
  3. Finding purpose in writing to honor existence and embracing the imperfect, yet genuine nature of storytelling

Race Day

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 18 May 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Reflection
  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 Personal Reflection
  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.

Writing Hack: Write It Just Like That

psychotechnology • 186 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
📚 Literature Personal Reflection
  1. Starting to write can be the hardest part; don't overthink it, just begin with what comes to mind. Writing like you're talking to a friend can make your words flow more naturally.
  2. Honesty in writing is key; sharing your feelings, doubts, and experiences helps create more engaging and relatable content. Don't be afraid to show your vulnerabilities.
  3. Practice makes perfect; the more you allow yourself to write openly and quickly, the easier it becomes. Embrace your thoughts and let them shape your writing.

2025 recap

Both Are True • 329 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture 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.

2023 Retrospective: A Return to Normal?

Holodoxa • 139 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Reflection
  1. 2023 may be a return to normal, or at least as close to normal as possible in our time.
  2. The author's year was a mix of highs and lows, including personal milestones and adventures.
  3. The author focused on reading, writing, and podcasts, offering insights on their book reviews and audiobook habits.

Reflections on Y2K and a Crappy Year on Substack

Textual Variations • 265 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Reflection
  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.