The hottest Reflection Substack posts right now

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Thirty-One: A Year-Long Project

lettersonbeing • 216 implied HN points • 04 May 23
📚 Literature Reflection
  1. The author is challenging themselves to write something new every day for a year.
  2. The goal is to write daily without expecting each piece to be amazing.
  3. Sharing the project helps with accountability and can inspire others to start their own year-long project.

Lent - even if you're not Catholic

The Other Side of Fear • 3 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflection
  1. Lent can be used by anyone as a dedicated time to reflect and try to give up bad habits, not just a religious ritual for Catholics.
  2. Mindless phone and social media use, snacking, and avoiding deep work are common vices that are worth cutting back on during a focused period.
  3. It’s easy to excuse bad habits with past achievements, but you should measure yourself by how well you use your gifts and aim to live in a better, more intentional way.

One Year Ago Today

Ladyparts • 539 implied HN points • 03 Aug 22
📚 Literature Reflection
  1. The author reflects on a challenging time and the emotional toll it took on her, and shares how she felt overwhelmed by multiple difficulties occurring simultaneously.
  2. Despite feeling broken and hopeless at the time, the author has now found that the triggers of those feelings no longer cause the same level of distress, showing personal growth and resilience.
  3. The experience of feeling at rock bottom and thinking everything was over has shifted over the year, highlighting the transformative power of time and healing.
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Wild Problems

Holodoxa • 159 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Reflection
  1. Rational methodologies alone cannot solve all conflicts; values play a crucial role in decisions.
  2. Wild problems, unlike tame problems, cannot be resolved through purely rational analysis.
  3. Effective altruism, while appealing in theory, can lead to challenging ethical dilemmas when taken too seriously.

Seek Sunlight

Investing 101 • 69 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Reflection
  1. Chasing professional success doesn't always bring true happiness. Achieving goals may feel good temporarily, but it often leads to more questions about purpose.
  2. Reflecting on what truly matters in life is important. Finding fulfillment often comes from personal values and relationships, not just accomplishments.
  3. Living authentically means prioritizing what matters long-term, like family and well-being, rather than just aiming for professional achievements.

Happy Birthday to Us! 🥳🎂

10x your mind • 139 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Reflection
  1. The newsletter '10x Your Mind' is celebrating its first anniversary, filled with hope, inspiration, and gratitude.
  2. The journey of '10x Your Mind' started as a quest to understand common mental pitfalls but has evolved into a source of smart thinking and real-life wisdom.
  3. The author's top 7 favorite posts from the past year are shared, inviting readers to revisit them and continue the journey of hope and growth.

Twice-Found Sounds

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 518 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Reflection
  1. The author reflects on the pressure and influence of social media on their creative work, and the desire to distance themselves from mainstream trends and metrics.
  2. They find inspiration in their past work in sound collage and resolve to continue pursuing multimedia endeavors with a newfound creative freedom.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of personal experience in creativity, encouraging individuals of any age to engage in creative pursuits without worrying about skill level or societal expectations.

Walking Fuji

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 628 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🏝 Travel Reflection
  1. The author recalls childhood experiences of traveling with family to unique places around the world.
  2. The author's parents believed that experiential learning through travel was the best form of education.
  3. The family's travels were often to less touristy locations and driven by a desire to experience the world on a budget.

Goodbye to 2023

Tech and Tea • 575 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Reflection
  1. 2023 was a challenging year with moments of joy and difficulty.
  2. Gratitude helped in navigating the tough times.
  3. Taking time for reflection and intention-setting is important for the new year.

This is 48...

Notes in the Margins • 59 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflection
  1. Transitioning careers can evoke memories of family members' similar experiences and decision-making, highlighting patterns of change and self-protection.
  2. Navigating difficult situations by holding ourselves accountable without internalizing others' negativity can lead to a renewal of self-trust and hope.
  3. Valuable lessons can be learned and shared at any age, emphasizing the continual growth and learning opportunities in life.

Leaning into joy and community

Tech and Tea • 213 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Reflection
  1. Finding joy in small things, like spending time with babies or pets, can really lift your spirits. Their happiness is often infectious and helps bring comfort during tough times.
  2. Enjoying comfort food can be a great source of solace. Sharing meals that remind you of home or trying simple snacks can help create a cozy atmosphere.
  3. Being part of a community, like the Buy Nothing group, can offer support and connection. Exchanging items without the pressure of conversation can foster a sense of belonging.

There's Nothing Wrong with Being Alone

OK Doomer • 183 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Reflection
  1. Many people struggle to be alone because they feel uncomfortable with their own thoughts. It's common for folks to prefer distraction over quiet reflection.
  2. A study showed that half of adults would rather give themselves electric shocks than sit alone for just fifteen minutes. This highlights how difficult solitude can be for some.
  3. Pascal noted that our problems often arise from not being able to tolerate silence and being alone. This idea has been relevant for centuries.

Learning to see the world as a botanic garden

Eternal Sunshine of the Stochastic Mind • 119 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Reflection
  1. Visiting a botanic garden can offer a profound sense of wonder and appreciation for nature's beauty.
  2. Being surrounded by diverse plant life helps in fostering a deep connection with the environment.
  3. Moments of awe and admiration from nature can bring clarity and perspective to everyday challenges, reminding us of the beauty in imperfection.

Gratitude, the antidote to imposter syndrome

Meaning-Making • 117 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Reflection
  1. Imposter syndrome can make us feel like we don't deserve success, but it's important not to compare ourselves to others.
  2. We each have our own unique path to follow, so focus on your journey and creative endeavors without worrying about competition.
  3. Practicing gratitude can help combat feelings of being an imposter and make us appreciate what we have achieved.

A week of inspiration

Iterare • 117 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflection
  1. People on independent paths may need to redefine their way of life.
  2. Finding inspiration can come from emotional grounding in rational frameworks.
  3. Exercising control over how we think is essential for personal growth.

Dizzy

The Weasel Speaks • 117 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
💼 Business Reflection
  1. Reflection is key to assessing growth and progress in both personal and professional life.
  2. Regular self-reflection can help differentiate exceptional professionals from mediocre ones.
  3. Taking intentional time to reflect can lead to learning, improvement, and a better understanding of one's trajectory.

The end of literary criticism

The Leftovers • 139 implied HN points • 08 Feb 23
📚 Literature Reflection
  1. The post discusses the idea of the end of literary criticism and reflects on mortality and life's meaning.
  2. The author talks about a personal Twitter list named DICKHEADS, and how it serves as a reminder of mortality and the importance of accepting life's end.
  3. There's a reflection on life wearing one out so that accepting its end is a more natural process, rather than feeling robbed.

Après Cancer, quoi?

The Global Jigsaw • 119 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Reflection
  1. Breast cancer awareness and diagnosis can lead to a sense of vulnerability and community.
  2. Serious illness brings a loss of innocence but also clarity on life's big questions.
  3. Experiencing cancer can make one more aware of the beauty and transience of life.

Discerning the Season

Come Aside • 98 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflection
  1. Humility is key to developing other attributes and character qualities in our lives.
  2. Take time to intentionally reflect on the treasures gained during challenging seasons.
  3. Embrace the idea of growth through devotion to the Lord and His Church for a season of increase.

The past meets now

J ROBERT CLARK - MAKES • 58 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Reflection
  1. Ruins hold stories of the past and remind us of the impermanence of creations.
  2. Route 66 serves as a testament to how human-made structures fade into ruins over time.
  3. Exploring ruins can be a deep reflection on the passage of time and the eventual decay of all things.

July 21, 2025 (Monday)

Letters from an American • 51 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Reflection
  1. Taking breaks is important for mental health. Stepping away from daily stresses can help refresh your mind.
  2. Nature can provide a great escape from routine. Enjoying the outdoors can lift your spirits and offer new perspectives.
  3. Capturing moments through photos can help share experiences. It allows others to enjoy the beauty and peace you find in nature.

Dissonance

Rocket Philosophy by Ian • 98 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Reflection
  1. Travel for self-cultivation, not for how it makes you look to others
  2. Embrace uncertainty while traveling to avoid a wasted experience
  3. Ride the flow of inspiration and rest when needed for natural energy

Ideas I Keep Coming Back To

Creative Destruction • 11 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
📚 Literature Reflection
  1. Reflecting on life's moments can bring joy and perspective. It's nice to share and revisit things that matter to us.
  2. Writing can help explore complex ideas, like how we view the world or cope with emotions. It can provide deeper understanding.
  3. Feedback from others is valuable. It helps improve our thoughts and writing, making it more meaningful for everyone.

Timeless or Tired? A Critical Examination of Sowell’s ‘Social Justice Fallacies’

Karlstack • 351 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Reflection
  1. The book 'Social Justice Fallacies' by Thomas Sowell, although comprehensive and persuasive, lacks the fresh spark of originality and can feel repetitive in a world well-versed in equity vs. equality debates.
  2. Thomas Sowell's writing style in the book is simple, direct, and ideal for introducing high school students or older adults to cultural issues.
  3. Sowell's book weaves together a tapestry of anecdotes on various topics but is criticized for being disconnected from contemporary social justice dynamics and may not align with readers' expectations on addressing present-day issues.

Good Bones

Notes in the Margins • 59 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Reflection
  1. Reflecting on past experiences is crucial before making plans for the future
  2. Sometimes big changes lead to unexpected self-discoveries and shifts in identity
  3. Unraveling limiting beliefs can reveal one's true self and strengths

What are you letting go of in the New Year?

Men Yell at Me • 133 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Reflection
  1. Think about what you want to leave behind as the New Year starts. It's a chance to reset and focus on what matters.
  2. Taking breaks and enjoying downtime is important for well-being. Don't feel bad about resting and recharging your energy.
  3. Reflecting on the past can help guide your future. Use your experiences to decide what changes to make in the coming year.

The Icy Hand of Death

Into the Hedge • 59 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Reflection
  1. The difference between dormant and dead is a matter of degrees.
  2. Death's icy hand struggles to reach deep enough to pull lingering life out of the fig's roots.
  3. Moving the fig to a new location with less death's grip can be a compassionate act with underlying motivations.

What Is Love?

Weekly Wisdom • 39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflection
  1. Love has many different meanings and can be interpreted in various ways across different cultures and languages.
  2. The song 'What Is Love' by Haddaway delves into the complexities of love and relationships, hinting at themes of vulnerability and repeating patterns of hurt.
  3. Love can be seen as a mode of being rather than just an emotion, encompassing a wide range of feelings within the context of relationships.

Short Thoughts on Obscurity

Autoscriptorium • 79 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Reflection
  1. Thoughts and ideas can be obscure and difficult to grasp, forming erratic shapes and trailing away like comet's furze.
  2. Accumulating new habits can dilute old ones and lead to personal growth and realization.
  3. Sometimes, our own thoughts and feelings can be unclear, requiring us to analyze objective data like our physical reactions and routines.

Not Quite Old, Not Quite Young

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Reflection
  1. The author reflects on turning 40 and shares insights on aging and life experiences.
  2. Celebrating milestones with friends and engaging in self-reflection can bring joy and growth.
  3. The author contemplates societal views on youth and aging, emphasizing the importance of relationships and enjoying life.